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Is HoLep recovery worth the procedure?
I had Holep with a Dr. in Boise-Urologist Austen Slade. Today makes 10 days post surgery. I’m 51 in general good health, no allergies or underlying issues. My BPH was at its max , complete blockage. Prostate and Median Lobe. I could not no. 1 and a catheter was being recommended indefinitely. A cystoscope exam with my surgeon showed I was one of few patients with this condition that can be treated with possibly preserving all / most sexual functions. That being said. Here is my experience ( so far)
My outcome doesn’t represent all outcomes as different patients have different experiences and health risks. Post procedure, my catheter was removed in less than 14 hours, with the ability to use the restroom after a supervised test run by 5 am the next morning.
Since I showed no signs of distress, coherent, no fever , or pain (slight discomfort ,yes) it started off really good. After several drs discussed my progress I was released.
Follow up calls were daily for a few days.
Day 2-4 surprisingly , urine remained clear. Also most bathroom trips , occasional light blood and a sting that subsides quickly especially with ibuprofen.
Today is day 5 , some blood today in the evening , dismal sting , but zero pain since after surgery. Completely mobile.
Day 10 only thing left is a numb feeling in the area treated. My bathroom health is 100 percent restored. If there’s any irrepressible symptoms or damage. It’s too soon to know.
It appears to function but I’m avoiding any excitement for 4 weeks.
As of now, Not straining or lifting anything heavy. Drinking loads of Water for first week to keep flushing. Resting is also important.
Wishing you all future patients a speedy recovery and may your pathology test be negative as well.
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Day 37
I can say it’s like I didn’t have surgery.
I’m lifting light weights. I sometimes go twice a few minutes apart but the second visit is what most guy leak out. I’m still in control but I do rush as it seems urgent to void the last little bit. My bladder is empty regardless for hours.
Yoga and exercising is helping.
Still drinking 30-40 ounces of water
No caffeine 6 days a week limited sugar -Less Red Meat
No more super hot showers
Congratulations, my friend, for these marvelous outcomes. Of course you have been blessed. Wish you the best in the future
No Sh%t ! Although I’m being as positive as possible, I worry that some kind of a side effect is just late. But if anyone is considering the HOLEP in my individual case it was 100% a success I plan to now dedicate and volunteer time to share my experience and help others who are going through BPH The sooner you address it the better is my advice to anyone who starting to experience it
I made a search at ChatGPT and asked - What HOLEP surgeons can do to avoid dysuria after the surgery - And the answer was very technical, like avoid laser at high temperatures, gently handling of the laser to avoid bladder and urethra irritation, and other interesting things. But I´m very afraid to discuss it to the surgeon that willmakemy surgery. Maybe he can find me a little arrogant, trying to "teach" him.
oh no, not at all. I think your doctor unless he’s been a jerk already or are you find him to be pre-arrogant I think he would probably want to know what you have researched.
The surgeon I saw was not only wonderful. He took further studies in a fellowship in this field, which is why I think his level of work is so high. I don’t know who you’re seeing or their history. I’m sure it’s a good track record. But if you are looking into going to the best person possible I’ve ever read up on an experienced. It’s the guy I saw him Boise, Idaho. In my eyes, he’s a miracle worker.
Ask your doctor how many procedures he has done. For Holep he should say at least a couple hundred, my doctor said 1500 when I asked him. Your doctor will determine the outcome of your procedure. I'm 81 years old and had complete blockage for 13 months. I had no pain after procedure. I have not taken any pain relievers at all.
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3 ReactionsYour words gave me hope that I can be blessed too. Thank you for share your wonderful experience
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3 ReactionsDay 50
Improvement continues with the fact drinking 30 oz of water is now a lifetime commitment. I get sudden urges to go but no incontinence thankfully. No leaks to report. No retro or RE.
Please excuse me, but as far as I know, medical papers about HOLEP suggest you have to take 2 or 3 liters of water during HOLEP healing time. Is 30oz of water too little to accelerate HOLEP healing time? If possible can you explain which body movements your doctor do not allow to make, like bending too much? How could you change your clothes without bending?
Currently I’m drinking 30oz a day plus juice. Upon discharge it was 28oz a day another 28 or more through bedtime. Also strict No soda , coffee, or sugar drinks for as long as you can.
As for mobility, I can’t explain my advanced recovery. I did not suffer any issues with bending over or standing up. Even my urologist and staff were skeptical when I insisted my catheter be removed as soon as I saw no blood in my bag 8 hours after surgery. I went on my own immediately and it’s been successful out of the gate. The sting or burn only lasted a few days for a few minutes. No internal pain in my experience. I was allowed to fly home 2 days later but for safety I stayed 3 more days until my pathology test came back negative. As for changing my clothes , I step on the cuff and do my best pulling standing up bending my knee. I had a harder time sitting since my bladder was full for 5 years.