Recovery prostratectomy: What should I expect? How long?

I had RP with a catheter for 10 days. I was able to return to work a few days after the catheter was out. Initially, I needed several pads per day but within about a month I had pretty complete urine control, but leaking a bit once and a while

Having a catheter is no big deal. You will learn fast how to take care of it. You get a night bag and a day bag. Drain leg bag often. As soon as your pain decreases do kinda what you can. No heavy lifting. 10 days is nothing. I had one for 25 days after ED visit and 6 days in hospital. 40 hyperbaric visits to stop bleeding. Radiation cystitis and radiation proctitis can happen after radiation. I have had way too many catheters. A catheter may slow him down but life goes on. Leave him alone. Good luck. Mayo library has many things to watch on catheter care.

Thanks for the info on the catheter, but that’s not our main concern. More wondering how long he will want someone at home to help with recovery from the surgery and how long before he will feel up to go back to work. We both need to plan for our workplace absence. I know exhaustion from the surgery and general anesthesia can take time. Just want a realistic timeline.

Meds from surgery should wear off next day. Drinking lots of water will help flush your system. Take colace or something to keep you moving. If you get plugged up it will hurt a lot. More water. Oral pain meds should be on day 2. Try not to do oxy or major stuff. Heating pad on your groin and tummy may help. If your testicle turn color and get very swollen ice will help. Sitting on a pillow helps. Drive when pain permits if not on meds. After many surgeries you get used to dwelling and pain. I would not sit around for long. Even a short walk to the mail box several times per day helps. It may take a while to get to 50%. Daily progress. Get a picker upper from Amazon to pick up things off the floor. Ok to leave him home alone. If working from home as soon as you can sit try it. You should go back to work. He needs to take care of himself and find his limit. It will get better every week.

I had mine in Aug 22 at 60 yo. I was off work 8 weeks but I worked in an electronics lab in person everyday with some lifting involved. He may be able to work from home after a couple of weeks if he has no issues with healing after surgery. I had zero issues myself including incontinence. But I never missed more than 2 days sick a year for 40 years at my job so I didn't feel bad about using my short term disability for the first time ever. Your husband shouldn't either. Take the 6 weeks and relax and get strong. I would recommend staying home with your husband for 2 weeks until he gets his cath out and let him have a few days to deal with any incontinence no matter how small. It is nice to have someone in the house to talk to and be around while you're trying to get your mobility back.

I had some for 4 days after surgery
Catheter out at 7 days
Keep on bowel softeners
Once I went off oxybutyn, per Dr order before catheter removal,
I got a bladder spasm so bad I called 911
But really , he can manage himself, walking, keep bowel movements, stomach will be bloated and bruised
Can only sleep on back
I moved from bed to recliner to couch
Will be up every 3 hours at night
Until 2.5 weeks post
My experience!!!!!

53 year old male

Just had my prostate removed on 3/30 - I am an office worker on a computer - So I was able to work from home the week after with the catheter , I needed an additional week with the catheter before removal was possible,

Pain was very manageable - nothing but Tylenol for a few days.

1 or 2 weeks is probably going to be fine.

I had RALP last August. I took about 4 weeks of Pelvic Floor PT prior to surgery and 4-6 more weeks after the surgery. I wore the diapers from when I got home until a few days after catheter removal. I had ZERO incontinence. While this does not relate directly to a return to work, but, to me, a return to work is more about when he is ready and being continent may help him considerably. Good Luck!

Will look into the PT thanks!

How long did it take to go from underwear to pads?