48 Hours Away from RARP, needless to say nervous about it!
I’m a healthcare provider and knowing much clinically is the issue. I like to say “the curse of the nurse”. I’m not sure what I’m in for post op
but trying to trust all the professional hands and my God, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I have a perpetual knot in my stomach. I’ve been waiting since April learning other issues about my cardiac function so I had to do a series of tests before clearance.
Now I’m just tired of reading step by step details of the steps and I’m very grateful for this group, but it only takes the knot momentarily.
I am currently almost 71 years young and have an active life, where I enjoy and I’m not sure how this RARP will modify my lifestyle and if it will be temporary or permanent side effects. Thanks for listening.
God Bless
Michael Lyons, MBA, BSN, RN
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
I was "almost 71" a year ago when I had NS RARP. One year and 2 weeks later and I'm pretty much back to normal. Just some very mild ED, but mostly back to normal. Rather than repeat my comments, click on my name and you can see all my past comments to others on my journey. I won't say it was easy or fun, but right now life is good for me and I wish the same for you! Best wishes!
You will be able to continue your lifestyle the same way you do now. People won’t even know you have prostate cancer unless you tell them.
After surgery, the worst problems are erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
Most people have erectile dysfunction for a while at least, But there are things you can do to get around it.
Incontinence occurs for some people are not for others. Most people do get their control back, For me, I didn’t Have any problems after they took out the catheter.
I had my own consulting business and went back to work four days after the surgery. Went to three offices the fourth day, with a catheter bag strapped around my ankle ankle Then did that for the next 10 days.. none of my clients ever knew I had surgery or cancer.
It’s definitely not as bad as you are thinking.
My husband will have RARP next month and is also waiting for it since March. I definitely understand your "knot" and I just want to take this opportunity to wish you very successful surgery with ZERO side effects. May the cancer be gone completely and may you have super easy recovery :))) !
I always recommend these short videos.
Certainly helped me.
I just started this "journey" a month ago and have no experience with RARP. In fact, I haven't even seen a RO yet. That's later this afternoon. I just wanted to stop in and wish you well. In my experience, the professionals do tumors, God does stomach knots. Perhaps a little more conversation there may ease yours a bit.
Prayers up.
Of course you’re nervous - being in healthcare makes you only too aware of ‘adverse’ events and outcomes. As a dentist, I not only had many professional friends who would tell me tales of woe, but many patients as well. Don’t ask how many horror stories I had to hear about prostate biopsies before I had to have my own!! I was a basket case…
Same for the surgery - totally pinging off the walls pre-op but then totally calm, happy for it to be over in recovery.
Don’t project: Know that you are in capable, professional hands who do this procedure all the time.
Know that you will wake up on the other side of all the stress and anxiety. It will be a different role for you - a patient this time - and that will take some getting used to but it passes quickly.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in a few days. Best,
Phil
Had mine three weeks ago. The surgery itself and the first few days after were much easier thsn expected. I have now started the ling-term recovery to regain continence and erectile functions.
I had my RARP in May and the first 48 hours post op where the worst. The most pain I had other than the Cath was where they placed the main port to the right of my belly button. I never got over a 4 pain level wise so I did not need that many pain killers. Def take it easy while you are in the Hospital and drink all the fluids you can. The Cath was annoying for 2 full days but by the third day It felt somewhat "normal". Before surgery I was a nervous wreck for about 3 days so what you are experiencing is normal. My thoughts will be with you! Post as soon as you can Post Op and update us! May you recover quickly! 🙂
Second this as these nurses give very practical advice.
You've got this. I was under for 3.5 due to a "discovery". Gas leaching up to my diaphragm was my only issue. I was home in 24 hours. Sleep well.