RARP scheduled: what to expect for recovery & day-to-day life?

Posted by 54fighting @54fighting, May 14 9:12am

My RARP surgery is scheduled for early August at Mayo in Rochester. Wondering what to expect for a recovery. I know the incontinence and ED issues will be there to deal with but what did everyone else experience with the day to day recovery. Things like work ( I have a desk job), longer car rides, air travel, golf, household chores. Just kinda back to normal other than the long term side effects? Just trying to get a picture in my head what the end of summer may look like.

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edinmaryland | @edinmaryland | May 30 3:14pm

I could not agree more (with Survivor5280)
Doing 40 a day and working on both short and long reps seems safe( I am just a patient like you and survivor). However,
1. from my own personal experience i have learned the hard way, that I really need to be very aware of the strain and overuse I can do to my pelvic floor muscles. I have done too many and experienced regression that very day that can last a day or two. Work on form and try to make sure you are relaxing and learn how to rest PFMs as well as activating them
2. from some of the literature and my PT who specializes in PFM for men, there are definite cases of men doing too many and causing damage.
I believe it/

jayhall | @jayhall | May 30 4:16pm

Since I recently had this all the suggestions here are helpful. I'll add

Pain, You will have pain around where the incisions for 2-3 days mine was not horrible and I managed on just muscle relaxers and some light pain killers.
Cath. Sleep with some lights on in the bedroom and bathroom. It will help you locate the collection bag in the middle of the night. I almost stepped in mine one night. It may take a few nights to get adjusted to having that tube draped around you etc. But once you find where it rests easily, you should be fine.
Mattress protection. Get the bigger size Depends brand of these, the small size is useless
Bathing. Showering with the Cath is a pain. Once you get the hang of it stick to that routine. Get some really good smelling soap.
Food. You may not be able to eat much the first few days. Don't rush to eat and take it slow.
Liquids. You will need to hydrate and often. I had sports drinks and fizzy flavored sodas. Drink lots, especially when you eat.
Lifting. Do not lift anything heavier than they tell you to. This is serious.
Bruising Swelling. Your scrotum will be swollen and tender. They will go over this. It can be alarming, but it will improve once the Cath is out. You incision sites will be bruised/tender.
Clothing. Give up on regular clothing, I spent my recoup time in a diaper and tee shirt. Wear your bathrobe over this.
Projects you have given yourself. I tried to do some reading and work on some projects. I gave up on both. I focused on TV and healing.

kjacko | @kjacko | May 31 7:53am

I had RP in November of 23. I did Kegels(on my own) religiously for 6 weeks prior to surgery. 10 quick periodically throughout the day. I was doing them while I had my catheter in for a couple of days(until I was informed not to do them with the catheter in!) After removal, I was instructed to do 10 quick and 10 with a 5 second hold. I did them every hour on the hour. Happy to report that I had ZERO incontinence issues! My urologist told me that I was one of the 10% who have no issues. Hoping you experience the same. Best wishes🙏. BTW, I was 71 at the time and in excellent health physically. I still work out daily. My surgeon said it made a huge difference.