Surgery

For me, surgery in Dec 2025 was not a big deal. Not really any pain. Just took ibuprofen for a few weeks, that's all I needed. Also, took it slow, no lifting for about 6 weeks. Catheter was annoying for sure, glad to get it out after 1 week, but again just take things slow and be patient. I did fine, most people did fine, odds are on your side. I am very glad I had it done.

It will be over before you know it. No big deal of pain. Talking from my husband's experience. All the best for your surgery! God Bless!

My Cath hurt for 2 full days but on the 3rd day it finally felt much better and I got used to it. I only felt pain in my bladder and it felt like i just had to pee a lot. They can give you some pain management pills and muscle relaxers. Once you get the hang of dealing with the cath it's more annoying than painful.

You will more than likely have to do a "void test" when they remove the Cath. Listen to the instructions and ask questions about what they want you to do. They will go slow removing it. It's not extremely painful just intense. After I got home from my cath removal I immediately threw away the bigger collection container. I said a lot of colorful language at the dumpster and throwing that thing away was very satisfying.

I hope your surgery goes well and please keep the forum updated post op! 🙂

I'm going to sound like a broken record:

At age 75, had a Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy at Fred Hutch Cancer Center (U. Wash. Medical Center). Woke up with 5 tiny (the side of a dime) bandages across my beltline, & no pain. Walked that evening in the hospital, no pain. Early the morning, they removed an IV & told me to get dressed & go home. I asked if I could have breakfast first. Walked out to my ride at the curb. Walked my usual 1.5 mile walk the next day, & drove the next day after that to a volunteer job, all with a drain bag & urine catheter under my clothes. All with no pain or meds for same. The catheter was actually convenient, because I could drain it without the need for privacy.

Seven days after the operation, I had a follow-up visit where the two tubes were removed. Before removing the catheter, the doctor poured saline solution INTO my bladder, & then removed the catheter. He then asked me to urinate into a beaker, where he measured that what he put it, came out. All without any pain or meds for same. I brought a pad to the party & wore it when I left, but I did not need it, as I was not incontinent.

Piece of cake.

I had to have a catheter for 14 days since I had my surgery in 2010. It was never a problem, A real convenience not to have to go pee for two weeks. The second week I went back to work full-time, and had the bag strapped around my leg. No one had any idea I had surgery.

You guys are making me feel a lot more comfortable... I appreeesh.

After my RARP in 2015, I was pretty apprehensive about the day the catheter was going to be yanked out. My urologist said I would feel a short sting. He was right, and it was over before I knew it. It was no big deal. Having a catheter for a couple of weeks was a hassle, but it wasn’t painful or anything like that. Just pace yourself through recovery, take it really easy those first couple of weeks, and allow your body to heal at its own pace.

Best wishes,
Mel

I had surgery 1/22 and totally empathize with the nerves. My surgery went remarkably well and there were no hiccups. There was a great deal of relief upon awakening post surgery. Catheter was a nuisance for certain. I only had it in 6 days and when the nurse took it out it was no big deal. The problem centers in the mind. The solution is keeping a grateful heart. I will pray for you and please keep us updated. We care!

HA - so was I! It’s all I thought about, forget the cancer!
I had to wear it for 2 weeks and it was really not bad at all…don’t worry.
Phil

The catheter not a big deal. You can clip the bag to the bedside for sleeping or lay it on the floor if your hose is long enough. I had one for couple of weeks but when it was removed i couldn't urinate so it was put back in. It had a shorter hose and i just strapped it to my leg and wore shorts for the summer but kept the part showing, covered with a stretchy cloth until it was removed. I then had to self catherize until everything worked normal. Still wasn't a big deal...it's a mindset thing!