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Post radical prostatectomy (RP) Challenges
Hello all, thanks for any input.
I had my RP 11 days ago. Had fairly severe bruising on my left side that seems to be diminishing. Initially it was thought that is was caused by my semi-violent wake-up from anesthesia. Doc gave me Bactrim antibiotic to diminish possibility of infection. Looks, like I am out of the woods on that, but nasty side effects, loss of appetite, constipation and insomnia. On day 7 went in for a systogram and ever since then I have had more/intermittent pain at Catheter site and abdominal area. Urine is flowing well, but is still pretty red. Slight leakage from catheter/penis when doing bowel movement. The results from Systogram was described as “significant leakage” from interior site. So was not able to have catheter removed. Scheduled for fluoroscopy imaging for this Monday. Is this too soon to repair significant leakage? Last night had significant leg cramping. It has been a challenge. Anyone else have a similar experience? I hope not. Thank you
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Because of COVID, they had moved to get people out of the hospital sooner. When I had RALP in 2/2021 I was actually released that day, leaving about 5 after a late morning surgery. When I was being wheeled out, though, the orderly was a bit fast?! and suddenly I had more vomit. He kept wheeling me out and I went home while he cleaned up.... Probably not the perfect protocol! Still I was glad to be recovering at home. My recliner was my best friend for quite a while.
Hmm, sounds fishy to me as well. I can understand your reluctance to do radiation without a clear objective. You are your best advocate, do what you feel is right in your heart and get another option. Best to you!
I have 6 friends who have gone through it. They all were in the hospital for some time and it
was very hard after the surgery and I am still recovering from Aug. 3rd. It is not like a tooth being pulled. You have 5 incisions on the outside but they cut and cut more inside. The pain was excruciating for over a week. I had a blood bag for 6 days and that is normal. I could not roll over on my left side until a few weeks ago at all. I was and am in tip top shape too working out 2 hours a day hard.
yikes - sorry to hear it was so rough!
So, I guess the take-away is to expect the unexpected? That 'maybe' a drive home is possible but just as likely not?
It took me 7 days in the hospital and 2 weeks at home with my wife doing everything for me. It tore me up good so one night and a recliner. That is going to be very, very hard on him.
Might want to try magnesium to help with constipation.
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1 ReactionMy surgeon works for Aurora in Grafton. None better.
Thanks Jim, good info! Glad to hear you are progressing well!
Good point about stopping - yes, forgot to mention we had planned on stopping every 1hr to walk regardless - didn't think about for 'bag emptying'
New paradigm.
Also, this thread inspired me to start w/Miralax a few days B4 to keep 'things moving' & reduce chance of constipation.
71 yo, RALP in January, overnight stay in hospital, catheter for 8 days. Gleason 4+3, cancer contained. I had a 30 minute drive home, so a hotel stay wasn’t necessary.
Based on my experience, if I faced your decision, I would drive home. An overnight stay in a hotel will not make a noticeable difference in your upcoming catheterization experience, other than perhaps being better rested.
As long as you are able to stop periodically and change or empty the bag you’ll be using, you should be fine. I found that I needed to change/empty my leg bag every 1 to 2 hours, and I had an absorbent pad on the car seat ( which wasn’t really needed). An overnight bag might last the entire trip.
I was most comfortable in a slight reclining position, and slept each night on an overstuffed chair with my feet resting on an ottoman until the catheter was removed.
10 months out from the surgery, and my recovery is progressing very well. PSA remains undetectable, continence has returned, and ED is slowly disappearing.
Get a spare leg bag with straps if the hospital doesn’t give you one. It’s nice to have a spare, dry set of straps after a shower.
Good luck with your upcoming surgery - read Dr. Patrick Walsh’s book (Surviving Prostate Cancer) if you haven’t already. I found that it provided more helpful information than I was given by my urologist and team.
Jim
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2 ReactionsOT but not - we are driving about 8hrs for our surgery on 12/19. We are scheduled for over-night in the hospital.
What I've read, with 'Cathy', a recliner will be more practical than a bed.
Our hotel does not have a recliner, but our van seats recline (sans footrest) & is pretty comfortable.
What is your thoughts on driving back vs staying a night at the hotel?