RARP scheduled, what to expect for day to day life recovery

Here's a response I made a while back, much on it is valid for your question: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1292044/

For the catheter, I found having sanitizing wipes for keeping the tip of my penis very clean to prevent any problems as well as lubricating the catheter with some medical grade lubricant helped keep things more comfortable. In fact, the only discomfort was the 2 seconds they removed it, other than just the annoyance of having one in.

I also found breakaway pants to be absolutely fantastic for this period of time!

Survivor - what type of wipes you used ? If you have the link it would be great : ) ! Thanks in advance < 3

You can find them at CVS where they have bandaids.

Thanks Topf : ).
Are they just regular antiseptic wipes with alcohol ? Ones that you use for cuts and scrapes ?

I thought that there might be something gentler for that area.

Several comments, speaking both as a former surgeon and prostatectomy patient:

1. Don't try to be a hero. Recovery is not a competitive sport. Being pain-free with improving continence does not mean you should return to normal levels of activity. There is lots of internal healing and re-arranging going on that you can't see or feel. Don't spend your body's energy resources on trying to resume your previous life ASAP. You've earned, and need, all the time off work your doctor prescribes. If retired, don't be embarrassed by daily 40-60 minute naps.

2. Keep an eye on those skin incisions. They'll start out red, swollen and tender, showing the body is sending healing fluid and cells to the fight. Also building new blood vessels to help the healing process. My key point: that's an indicator of what's happening internally in the surgical site. Over time the redness will fade, showing the repair internally is also completing.

3. Having advised caution, I also endorse GRADUAL return to previous levels of activity. My own experience @ age 74...walked daily after leaving hospital, also did prescribed physical therapy. Started swimming in three weeks. Began run/walking after 4 weeks, running a 5K in 30 minutes by 6.5 weeks. Hopped on an indoor bike after ten weeks, outside after twelve. But it took fully a year to return to previous levels of fitness.

Several comments, speaking both as a former surgeon and prostatectomy patient:

1. Don't try to be a hero. Recovery is not a competitive sport. Being pain-free with improving continence does not mean you should return to normal levels of activity. There is lots of internal healing and re-arranging going on that you can't see or feel. Don't spend your body's energy resources on trying to resume your previous life ASAP. You've earned, and need, all the time off work your doctor prescribes. If retired, don't be embarrassed by daily 40-60 minute naps.

2. Keep an eye on those skin incisions. They'll start out red, swollen and tender, showing the body is sending healing fluid and cells to the fight. Also building new blood vessels to help the healing process. My key point: that's an indicator of what's happening internally in the surgical site. Over time the redness will fade, showing the repair internally is also completing.

3. Having advised caution, I also endorse GRADUAL return to previous levels of activity. My own experience @ age 74...walked daily after leaving hospital, also did prescribed physical therapy. Started swimming in three weeks. Began run/walking after 4 weeks, running a 5K in 30 minutes by 6.5 weeks. Hopped on an indoor bike after ten weeks, outside after twelve. But it took fully a year to return to previous levels of fitness.

71 had RARP in January. What has been stated so far is goo0 Lots of variance in results. I have significant incontinence despite nerve-sparing. It might be helpful to get with a pt that specializes in males and pelvic floor issues and start the training one or two months prior to the surgery. this is now a standard protocol for many urologists. If you never get incontinence then that is great. However, there is research to support that pelvic floor muscle rehab (Kegels) connect to improved efficacy if started prior to surgery.. it is like buying insurance if it turns out you did not need then all the better

i wish you good luck

I read yesterday how it is possible to overdo kegel training with adverse effects. Any comments on this?