Hi all,
Well Im down to my last 7 days before surgery 16 jan. All is going ok so far. I am going through the " its time" anxiety so feeling a little jumpy nervous SCARED :) and apprensive. My Doctor visits have improved and the team has finally started communicating with me and being a little more encouraging. Im still gleason 7 4/3 but all seems to be on one side of the gland so surgical prospects and candidate situation is looking more encouraging. Have got a good report ( one more to go ) from my cardiology docters saying my heart attack last year is not going to be a major concern. Still a "moderate" risk but they say not to dwell on it. I like it when they say dont dwell on it as it just makes me think harder and harder all the bad things that can happen :) I want to thank you all that have responded to me in the past... Pray for me if your religeous and wish me will if your not. I will check in a few more times to see what is going on with people here.. Ill make contact as soon as i can after surgery to let all know you didnt get rid of me that easy :)
Good luck God bless and keep the faith.

You will definitely be in my prayers that day and the days leading to your surgery. Remember, many of us have been in the same position you're in now and with the Good Lords help have made it through. Please keep us posted. Take Care & God Bless.

Thanks Agetter for your response. Hope you are doing well and thanks for your prayers. God bless and keep you in his grace.

Can Totally Relate To The Anxiety You And Yours Are Experiencing At This Time. It Was Just 17 Months Ago That My Husband I And Were Going Thru The Same Thing. His Gleason Was Also A 7 4/3. Things Are Going Great For Us And We Have No Regrets As To His Decision To Have Surgery. Keep A Positive Attitude! You Will Be In Our Thoughts And Prayers On Your Surgery Date.

Thank you for your response and prayers... The suspense and anxiety are probabably worse than it will acutally be. But it seems like the more positive you get the more negative you think :) Im working on it... Wife says she will help me with a baseball bat :) any way thanks for response. A little encouragement always goes a long way.

Best wishes to you as you prepare for, undergo, and recover from your surgery. My husband tried to stay busy as his day approached, to keep his mind off things. He didn't have much post op pain. Hope you don't either.

You are in our prayers.
Lilacs :angel:

Thank you Lilac, ... 2 days to go... Nervous but resigned... Finally at the point I just want it over and the beast gone... Hope all is well with your husband
:)

Well tomorrow I start the pre surgery plan... Guess I can afford a few lost meal :) Good thing I like jello.. Not to anxious to drink the bottle of whatever it is they gave me and for sure dont like a enema but will get past that. I hope to be able to sleep the final night arrrghhh. Had the condemened mans last meal today at red lobster... Total stuffed my self and am bloated like a goat now.... Thanks to all you my new found brothers for your help and suupport and you to wives / partners for your encouragement and support. I will start a new Post after the surgery is over and hopefully be able to begin to help others with my post op de breifing and encourgment. God bless you all and keep your fingers crossed tue the 16th for me..
your pc brother in arms.... Quote from the movie independance day " I will not go quietly into the night with out a fight ... " GONNA BEAT THE BEAST

Went through it 51/2 years ago and came through great at age 69. Today alls well witn undetectable PSA, and no side effects from day one. Never needed pads and ED was temporary and no longer an issue.
Pre-oprative is natural and I found that Zanex totally relieved my anxiety whenever it came up. Even took one on morning of surgery with anaesthesiologist's knowledge and aproval. You'll come through fine and we wish you all the best.
Bob

Thanks for the encouragement jmprbob... Im 12 hours away and watching the clock like when I got out of the army :) I havent felt this much anxiety since my kids were born.. Ill be ok just wish Id quit thinking about the negative possibilites and look forward to getting it over with. Hope they give me somthing when I get in to settle me down before the operation. Not sure my blood pressure pills are going to work on this :) God bless you and glad you have had good results and still doing well....

Good luck tomorrow. just remember many of us have been through it and have done ok!
Prayers are with you...
Ken in CA

Boy you all arent going to belive this... Went through all the pre surgery day preps enamas starvation etc :( and guess what.... San Antonio is hit with the worse ice and sleet in many many years... Got up called the hospital to see what time I should report as weather was bad. They said they would call me back in few mins. Got the return call surgery cancer cancelled due to no doctor available :). I dont know whether to be glad sad or what... Any way dont know next date will let you all know... I think San Antonio needs to buy a few ice and snow trucks :) Well I got to run going ot have a nice cup of coffee and a omelet.... Good day God bless

Yea, I live in Canyon Lake and heard that surgeries were to be cancelled. We've been iced in all day and I couldn't go to work. I sing in a group that is to have a concert at First Baptist in George West on Thursday night, and they're saying that is still on unless there is some change on Wednesday. Sorry to hear that the surgery had to be put off, but I'm sure you enjoyed the omelet!! doj

Roger that Doj, the omelet was great :)
I sort of feel like a prisoner on temp Relief... I almost bought some land on canyon lake. Beautiful place go boating there now and then... Hope the sing goes on for you ....
God bless

Yes, I've lived here for 10 years now, and love it. It's sure a mess when it's icy, though, with all the hills. WHen will you be talking to your doctor to reschedule? Are we talking a few days, or longer? I hope it's soon so you can get it over with and get on the road to recovery.
The "sing" is still on... they said there's just no way to know who would be attending so that makes it difficult to cancel, unless there's a change for worse in the weather, and it looks like the worst is over.
doj

Just up the road from you, too. :wave: (Near G'town)....sending prayers to you and hope that your surgery goes great and you get back on your feet in no time.:bouncing:

Surger Is rescheduled for next tuesday 23rd... Yeah i want to get it over the aprehension and anxiety i think is a lot to bear... And having to do all the prep stuff again UGH!!!. We got nailed with the ice big time out here too. We are also in the hilly part between SA and Jourdonton... Thanks for the prayers and consern Doj... Maybe we can look back and have a good laugh some day.... God Bless

Thanks Bdavis932 Well looks like we all got a little commuinty going here for pc personns. :) Probably all the mexican food we eat... Kidding of course.. I just want to get it over.. .Thanks for responding... God bless

Fear of the unknown is the worst, IMO.
Good luck w/ your sugery.

Greetings! Well, tomorrow is the big day for you. I do hope that all will go well. They're forecasting rain most of the day, but that's better than the ice last week! Let us know how the surgery went for you, and know that my prayers are with you.
doj

A very kind surgeon said, "Try not to worry. Come surgery day, all the patient has to do is show up... I'll take it from there, and remember.... I don't work alone; the Big Guy Upstairs always comes with me." - We thought those were comforting words. I hope you do too.

Best wishes and prayers,
Lilacs & Lillies

Thanks Bdavis932 Well looks like we all got a little commuinty going here for pc personns. :) Probably all the mexican food we eat... Kidding of course.. I just want to get it over.. .Thanks for responding... God bless


I'll be sending prayers ups for you tomorrow. Check in when you can to give us an update.

wow. I dont belive what I just did... This is not a good day. I got shook up and cancelled my surgery.. Excuses 1. Fear 2. Didnt feel physically ready. 3 For sure not mentaly ready, 4. Got all depressed and didnt want to go in a negative mood. Now I sort of feel I messed up. I have really let this get to me. Dont know why all of a sudden i got the big fear factor going. I am going to reschedule and have them wait a couple of weeks to let me get my head around what is happening. I just all of a sudden feel VERY uncomfortable with the surgery. It is the best ( only ) solution to my PC. But the suspense is tearing me apart. Full of stupid questions and fears. I am not ready to die and dont think the surgery will do me in but still not convinced. Ive read a lot of surgical reports and it seems like Im going to go through hades when I come out of the surgery. Maybe its just my imagination I dont know. I can handle a fair amount of pain but I dont handle pain meds very well. They make me sick. If its not too personal would like to hear ( good or bad ) some of you alls surgery experiences. Mostly all I hear is the agony of the catheter stories... If that is all I have to deal with I can probably handle that part. How really bad is the after surgery part. The days in the hospital and after you get home. THis part really bothers me. Like I said I can handle fair amout of pain but not sure on long time basis. I apologize to all for turning into such a cry baby but even I dont know why all of a sudden I panicked... Thanks for your support and contineing prayers.... Scared stiff in Poteet.....
god bless you all

Well, I'm sorry to hear that you became fearful, but that's certainly understandable. No surgery is without risk, and having had heart problems probably contributed to your worry that you might not make it through the surgery, but I feel certain your physicians would not have wanted to proceed if there were a strong possibility of a catastrophic outcome. I'm sure your physician and surgeon will understand and talk with you.

As for the surgery itself...I was quite comfortable though "groggy" immediately afterward. As you mentioned, the catheter was never comfortable, and caused some painful times, but they gave me medication that helped relieve those pains, and pretty soon it wasn't painful, just not comfortable. The day following the surgery, when I had to get up for the first time, was difficult, but that goes with any type of procedure. I was weak, but by the 4th day when I was able to go home, it was considerably less painful. Just takes time. My urologist would not let me have any food for nearly 3 days because he knew that I would likely get sick from it. He made sure my bowels were working again before he let me eat, so I was a bit hungry after the second day! All in all, as I look back, it was not an unbearable experience, so I encourage you to go ahead with it. You might get a minister from your church to pray with you and give you counsel and encouragement, and certainly friends from your church will be supportive. I know that meant a lot to me. Just know that God can bring you through it all! doj

WHOA, BIG BOY!! DON'T LET FEAR CHASE YOU OUT OF THE CORRAL!!
The very morning I had surgery in mid-2003, I told my wife that I'd change my mind for a little of nothing. Sure glad I didn't. The pain was minimal, except for some nausea caused by me being allergic to the anesthesia. On day 5, as I prepared to go home, I asked my doc what should I do about the pain they'd kept under control with the IV that had been in my arm all week. He informed me that I had not had any paid medication since Tuesday, the day after surgery! A friend of mine had volunteered to pray in the Hospital Chapel for me to be pain free during the entire time of the operation. It worked. Also, the catheter was unhandy, but I didn't find it painful. Not pleasant either, but mostly an aggravation. Didn't even hurt when it was removed. My two grandsons thought it was neat that grandaddy could pee without getting out of bed. I was not as impressed. While still using the catheter, tornado weather was expected the next morning. I thought what a sight it would be for me to have to hobble into the bathroom closet if a tornado was sighted. Sure enough, the next morning at 5:30 A.M., the sirens began to blare out their warning. Then I wondered if one hit and took me out, what kind of expression would be on the guy's face who found me with a rubber tube running up inside me....wondering if the tornado blew it up there, or....what. Anyway, the Pain is overrated; the Catheter is more of an aggravation than a pain, and in a year from now, you'll have this as a memory. If you continue to put it off, it'll still be with you. I'll be praying for you to have the strength and the good health to breeze through this with flying colors!! GOD BLESS!:) :) :) :)

If you are concerned about your hospital stay, get a walkman and some CDs- they will help you relax while there. At home, find a comfortable spot to relax and sleep. My husband is one of the poor guys who had a tough recovery, but now, 2 years later, he is so glad he did the surgery. He does not have cancer any more! Even in the midst of the trying times, we had some special times - friends supporting us, quiet lunches together, lots of games of crib, even feeling really close to each other while in the emergency room. The big guy upstairs really is watching.--L.

I can understand your fear. You're correct to take time with the decision. But once you've reached a decision, stick to it. You can go around and around playing the what-if game. That makes it even harder on yourself. It sounds like you're having the conventional open surgery. Is that right? I had the minimally invasive robotic that's becoming more and more the norm for PC surgery. Out of the hospital the next day, certainly not feeling 100% but very happy to be home. Catheter for me at first was a real bother. Not really painful just very aggravating. Learned to live with it and adjusted well after a few days. Removed 10 days after the surgery. During recovery pain meds were at a bare minimal. Just never really needed them. That's one of the beauties of the robotic surgery. I've almost always found, no matter what I'm facing that reality is never as bad as my own fears/anxiety. God Bless and keep us informed.

Yeah im sort of feeling stupid about it now :)
Oh well wife said if she has to handcuff me and drag me im going to the next one.... I dont know what got into me the heart attack last year was much worse than this and I got through it with not second toughts or fears. I blame it more on pre surgery deprssion now but got busy got my mind of it and feeling much more positive toward it now... Thanks for your post it helps God bless you

oh by the way thanks to you adgetter2, liane, specialdee, and Doj you all have been very encourageing to me May you all be blessed... I will do as the cable guys says and GIDDERDONE
:) god bless

The best of luck to you.

You are in my prayers.

If I need surgery, I am sure I will have the same anxiety:blob_fire You have very much helped me to get over that potential anxiety with your posts on this site.

Thank you.

Just wondered how you are doing clayduport, and if you rescheduled your surgery.-L.

hello clayduport,

We're on pins and needles...

So how'd you do?

I apologize for the long lapse in posting. Ive been through a bit lately but Now it is on again for turesday 20th March. 48 hours to go.... Thank yhou liane, tony, specialdee, doj for being true to me and sticking around during my long lapse. Im not as nervous as I have been in the pastl. I guess im finally resolved to getting on the other side of the operation. I have learned that research is the best thing to do, HOWEVER, be careful as information overload can be harmful to the state of mind. I think Id have been fine if I hadnt learned some things. The old adage some things are best left alone applies to researching cancer for sure :) . Surger is still the best option and im am still fearful and nervouse but I guess that is normal when your facing life decisioins. The mind is a killer if you let youself get idle and lose the positive thought process. That is what happened to me. I did about a month now feeling sorry for myself and regretting just getting it done. Hope the cancer has been slow and not used the time to do more damage to me. I will post as soon as i get out of hospital and let you know if how it went. My wife will post if I am unable. I plan to write a nice long narrative to of the experience for others who are facing this dilema in hopes they wont make the same mistakes I did.... If you are in the scared and feeling sorry phase now like I was you just have to bite the bullet stand up against all negaive feelings and fight it through. Yes its scary yes its a total mind bender but if you do nothing you will not have a chance at all. Make sure your comfortable with the people doing the operatioin. Doesnt mean you have to be buddies but at least know they will do the best they can. If you are not getting the information you need get on thier case and make them talk to you... The old adage the squeaky wheel gets the grease is true in this case too. I love you guys and gals that have bore this out with me to this point and hope we will never forget each other..... God bless you all and if you believe in God pray for me tuesday.... Thanks

Sorry I missed you in my repost... I apprecieate your response to me and hope all is well and you breeze throught the process... It is a total mind over matter thing as i have learned and will hopefully be there if you need me too.
thanks for your post.

I wish you good luck. Make sure you use it as much as possible before surgery.
Good Lucl

Hello clayduport;

Just wanted to say that I found out that I was positive for PC on 10/27/2006. I've followed your journey and, from an emotional standpoint, it is very similar to mine. My emotions ran the entire range! Like you, I wanted it out! I don't recall having any real consideration about any other treatment except surgery. I just want to help you ease you mind a bit. I had surgery on 1/30/2007. It was not a great big deal. The biopsy back in November was much more painful for me. Others may say the biopsy was a cake walk. Good for them! Not for me. I had pain for almost a week after the biopsy. After the da Vinci procedure I spent 48 hours in hospital. Not painful, mostly uncomfortable with two IV's, a drain tube in my chest, staples at five incision locations in my belly, a catheter and a device on both lower legs to massage them in case blood clots became a problem. After 48 hours I left hospital and went home. The catheter was cumbersome but not terrible. After the catheter was removed, I leaked urine. Had to wear pads. Started with 3 per day. After two weeks I got down to 2 per day. Now I'm down to 1 pad per day and maybe 2 if I'm not careful with coffee. Had my 1st post-op PSA readout last week and it was good. My uro said, "See you in three months for another PSA readout." All in all, it was a pretty good ride! All signs say the PC is gone for now. I have some issues with incontinence and ED but I see them as just nusances and not all that bad. Like you, my wife is understanding and is mostly glad the main problem is past us. I just have a strong feeling that you will cruise through this just like me. Soon you'll be on the other side of surgery and well into recovery and say, "That wasn't such a big deal!" My advice, don't try to out-think the problem. Take one day at a time and do the best you can for that particular day. Let tomorrow worry about itself while you focus on the NOW of you journey. Best wishes! By the way, I spent some time in San Antonio back when my son was graduating USAF boot camp at Lackland AFB. I loved that part of the country. Folks so friendly! We were there in August and it was hot but much different than the hot we experience in the northeast. Hot in San Antonio is a dry hot. Much more comfortable than our humid hot! Anyway, that's all for now. Keep us posted with your progress.

Glad your doing well Tony. I think the worst part now is the starvation and enema and anxiety . im 10 hours away and cant sleep :) and every comercial on tv is food :) I think im slowy getting past the terror stage and ready to just get it over with... I will post as soon as possible. Hopefully by the weekend. Thanks for your response. God bless and my you continue to recover and get this mess behind you

Well everyone down to the last 10 hours. Resolved to get it done. Starving Butt sore from enema have eaten probably a case of popsicles and 10 lbs of jello. Worse part is every comercial on televison is food. The anxiety is either wearing off or im getting used to it. I just want it past now. I cant applaud those of you enough that have bore this out with me. It is a shame we had to form support and friendships around somthing as nasty as this disease. But I hope to be of help to others like you all have been for me. But for tonight im the old Sleepless In Poteet ( my first post thread) but encouraged and hopeful thanks to you all. My wife will post as soon as possible for results of my day on the table. I have come to see in al of the post that there is no perfect surgery. BUT there is life after surgery. So I wet my pants for a while and have to practice alternative sex at least ill be alive to enjoy my granson and family. Im already blessed with a understanding wife and good friends and a great church. I just wish I was deserving of the blessing Ive had. God bless you all and I hope to post soon.

It's a speed bump! That's all...

Just a speed bump!

Relax!

Praying for you,

Clayduport,
Can't believe I missed your post about your surgery date! Found out just today. I hope and pray everything went well. Recovery has it's ups and downs, but hang in there, we've been there and are pulling for you. Keep us posted. Gid Bless.

Clay asked me to let everyone know how he's doing. You'll be pleased to know everything went very well, and he's doing great. Been very sleepy most of today but he was back in a room before 12 noon, his surgeon told us that if he is able to eat and has been walking tomorrow he may get to come home tomorrow afternoon, which is unbelievable,while he's been awake he's been laughing and joking with the staff all day.As I left him tonight he is starving but very tired, he cant wait to get some real food, I think he's a little bit fed up of Jello and hospital broth dosen't appeal to him either.

He'll be back on here with all of you as soon as he can, maybe tomorrow if all goes well and he can sit on this chair ( i just realised it's a little bit on the hard side ) maybe I'll let him use mine for a while.

Mr. & Mrs. Clay,

Great news for both of you! We're so happy to hear that everything went well. Now he will be moving on to the post-op issues but it's so great to be over on the other side! We look forward to hearing about Clay's progress. God bless and keep posting...

Thats GREAT!!!!! So glad all went well !!!!! My hubby goes April 2nd for his suregery ~~~ So I just read him your post ~~ Best to you both
GiGi

this will be rather short as i dont feel real well but made it home. Still a llittle nauseous at times. Mostly due to pain killers i think. Had fever spike to 100.7 but was told i wasnt drinking enought fluids so drank 16 oz ice water and feel better... Was very surprised at how well it went for me :) Pain is moderate but bearable. They tell me to try to cough about 10 times per hour but wow it feels like your exploding :( but am getting throunh it. SO toney gi go of 2 adgetter and all thanks for being patient with me. will pos tomorrow after i have some real food and rest and if i missed any one forgive me Mind is not real clear at pressent. Will start my post op post as soon as i can....
God bless you all

ill remember him gi gi and hope all goes as smooth for him... :) God bless

Clayduport,
Well, you made it!! Glad to hear everything went well. Great to be home isn't it?! Yes, you don't feel all that great at times, but just being home is good therapy. Stay in touch with your uro w/recovery questions, there's always something you think of that wasn't covered before you left the hosp.
Keep us posted too. God Bless.

need to delete this post... not going to start new thread/// so ignore this :)

My experience:
Reported to the hospital at about 0530 am. Was escorted to a exam room where I met two nice nurses all ready to get me shaved and dressed up. :)
whooo hooo nice shave from pubic to belly button. I bet that is going to itch.
the dressed me up in a nice open back gown.. Ill never understand thost things. Butt out in the breeze. Started a IV heplock and bottle of the standard saline fluid drip. Let me say good bye to my family a carted me off to a surgical holding area. Got my visti by the hospital chaplain and laid around till 0730. A real nice lady came in and stated she was a nurse anestieologist < i know i cant spell it. She advised me of the risks of surgery and had me sign the consent form. I almost chickened out but she assured me all was going to be ok so i signed it. Then my surgeom showed up and checked that I had signed the consent. He talked with me for about 15 mins expaining what he hoped to do in the surger. save nerves get it all in one swipe and was going to go ahead and remove all lymph nodes since i was a gleason 7 for extra security. After he left I laid back and considered running out of the hospital.. small insecurity attack but got past it. The nice nurse lady came back and asked if she could give me somthing to help me calm down a little. I aggreed. She injected somthing in the IV and I got drowsy but did not fall asleep. She and the doctor talked to each other and asked me the run of questions like did i have diabetes etc which we had discussed earlier but they sait it was just to verify. They then moved me into a small room outside the OR where the doctor dissapeared and the nurse anethiesiologist chattted a little longer with me and i felt a little woozy so i told her i was getting nervous and felt a little giddy. She said : " I know it will pass in asecond. Next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Woke up to some one talking to me and asking me questions.. Not sure what he was asking but I guess I answered them all correct as he left me along. Sort of hazy for a while kept falling asleep and waking up for about 20 mins or so.When i finally started getting a grip on reality I noticed I felt a little nauseous but dont remeber feeling any pain. I was glad as the nasea passed pretty quick and I felt fine. Really i felt great. They took me to my room and my family was all there. A nurse came in and said she was giving me a shot for pain. I told her I didnt need it as i wasnt having any pain. She told me they had given me a epidural in surgery along with the general and i need the shot cause in a few mins he epi would be wearing off. She was right. PAIN hit about 5 mns later. I admit it wasnt all that bad but it was pain. At first it was jjust a dull ache and the climbed th 1 to 10 scale to about 5. moderate. I was relieved as I expected it to be much worse. But the shot she gave me made it tolorable. I began to feel around and found the zipper on my stomach and found the dreaded catheter in place too. Couldnt move around to much as it felt a lot nice just laying still. The nurse came back and handed me a little plastic bottle with a black ball iin the middle and a long blow up stem. Said i would need to inhale not breath in it till the little black ball was centered... looked easy but it wasnt. lungs hurt by time ball reached the middle and then guess what OUCH OH MY GOSH as i let the air out got a major cough. Pleme etc all sorts of stuff but nothing to feeling my guts blown out of my body. I thought my stomach had blown up. THEN not BEFORE got a llittle hard pillow and was told to hold it against my stomach when time came to cough. Advised to do it at least 10 times over the next hour and she left.
I did it twice :) it hurt too much even with pillow. She came back a end of hour ant took the littel bottle away... Of course I lied about doing 10 HEH HEH HEH ") And that pretty well ended the surgical process. Was sore but able to sit up and not too long later could stand. It to some work first time to be able to stad straight, but once i got down it was better each time i tried. finally was walking all ove the place. Doctot came to visit and we noticed i had no bloood in urine. They though that was great. And was amazed at my abliity to get up and walk around. Yes slow and a litte slumped but walking i mean really walking. that ended the day. Didnt sleep well that night but next day all still looked good. They were real happy to hear me fart. Embbarrased me but they thougt it was great news. IT was soo good that they decided i could go home that night. I was giddy with happy. I guess I was one of the lucky ones For all those facing this i hope it goes a well for you too. BUT this was MY expiereince and will probably not be the same for you. We all have different pain levles and healing ability so just hope and pray it goes wel for you all too....
wont have post operation results for at least a week or on my appointment date of april 4 to get foley and staples out. Ok guys thats it wish i could say more but glad it is over. just hoping for good labs now. Doctors said allwas accomlishe in surgery and never budles and al lin good order. Prostate felt good and and he was pretty certain it was all contained. Hope so.
god bless you all for you help advise and time spent on a big chicken like me

sorry for all the typos and mispellling but i have to admit im still a little tired and sore now so couldny concentrate well And feeling too lazy to go edit it..

Welcome to the other side!

Now, like us LRP veterans, you've got a whole new set of issues but the hard part is hopefully behind you.

Great job!

Glad eveything is going well.

Was the surgery open or robotic?

Sween76 > It was full open surgery complete removal of prostate and lymph nodes as well. The did the lymphectomy as a precaution due to me being a 7 with 4 - 3. Maybe overkill but figured it was best. Sore now but doing ok

Just curious. Its 3 days past and doing ok... Any one know about the average time before pain sort of goes away. I seem better today but still find it hard to stand up straight normal speed. Takes me about 20 to 30 seconds to get fully stood up due to pain. I do punch through and once up it is ok. Also get a lot of cold sweats is this normal. Not feeling sick but just get the sudden sweats.

getting around good now. a little concerned about above questions. Pain is still a moderate factor but just using regulear strengty tylonol and it keeps eh edge off on it. Have had a rollorcoaster fever from 99.4 to 100.8 but never hit the 101 level they said to call in if i got that high. Last two temp checks were 99.9 and now 98.9 but feel like it is a litte higher again at prsent but havnt checked. No one told me about fever before i left so running sort of blind here. They only said call them if i got a fever of 101 or more. No blood in urine bag unless i do a lot of walking and then only mild discoloration. Power hydrating to help with bladder and urine. drinking about 6 large glasses of water a day. Oh learned a neat trick when it come to coughing or sneezing.

get you a regular bath towel fold it in half length wise twice till its about 15 or so inches wide. roll it up till it is nice an tight and tape it so it doesnt unroll. when ou feel the urge to cough or sneeze sit down place it in your lap up tight a gaint belly ( surgical area) lean as far forward against it holding it between our belly and legs forward till it is good an tight. May feel a little pain and that is ok. Then do your thing cough sneeze etc. It cuts the pain down about 75 % if done right. Not much help when you get a sneak up sneeze or cough but if you have time really makes a difference.
ok for now will update more as i go on with recovery

Oh yes somthing really strange... my blood pressure is 127 to 131 over 80 to 78 with out my blood pressure medicine .. :) wonder if prostate cancer can effect blood pressure. HMMMM any way later everone :) :)
God bless

Yeah tony whole new world now. But so far at least i dont have to fear the answer :)

I can only speak about my robotic LRP and not the open procedure that you had...

Most of my pain was in my belly from the incisions but it wasn't terrible. The first week was hard for me because the five incisions were still new and tender with the staples and glue. I'd say, in my case, it got better with each new day. For me, in about a week pain was not a serious issue any longer.

Cold sweats might be because your temp is higher than normal. Be careful to watch your temps because that is a sign of infection. Yes, lots of fluids! LOTS! It flushes out any infection that may occur in the urinary tract.

I used a pillow when I needed to cough or sneeze in the first few days. I didn't need it after a week or so.

As far as BP, I'm on meds (Lisinopril) for BP so my BP stays pretty steady.

Best wishes...

Clayduport - just wanted to check in with congratulations! I read your post about waiting to be moved into the OR, and it reminded me so much of how I felt the morning I underwent RRP. Similar feelings on waking up, later discovering nausea, but mine wouldn't go away. No fever that I recall. The doctor was also delighted with my first BM, as he said it sure would be difficult to have to strain. I had my wife take a picture of my staples and emailed it to all my friends for sympathy. Didn't work as well as I'd hoped!! The lower part of the picture cut off just in time. One respondent said that was "way too much information"! I thought they oughta know what I'd been through. Glad to hear you've got that behind you now, and things will get better with time. Hang in, and we'll continue to say a prayer for your recovery to be quick and complete. Sounds like your well on your way.

Thanks for the post specialdee... Yeah lots of new and strange things happening. Had a old fashioned upset stomach yesterday. Had a dry heave session. Talk about pain control NONE even pillow ( we call it a teddy bear ) didnt work much for that. I survived it but was really weakend by it. It is past now though. Have noticed a strange thing with my left leg. I can walk normal and so on but if Im lying down can not lift it straigth up or move it to the right. Im going to have to ask doctor monday and see if somthing my have been damaged or if nerves are messed up due tosurgery and all the moving around of things down there. Feeling is ok but do some times have the leg asleep feeling in on or both legs. Nausea is still a problem but just push past. BM Gas etc all workinf fair. Still dont want ot eat a lot but small meals seem to help. Bigges fears at present is the wierd BP being normal with out meds. some time accelerated heart rate, and the leg problem. Guess we never know what is going to happen next. BUT im alive :)
Thank for your note/post
if any one else reading this has had strange things after surgery like the leg not functioning fully or long term nausea would like to know.
Swelling seems to be slow but going down some < forgot to mention above.
God Bless you all

well tony looks to me like robotic has many of the same sensations as rp. Dont know if id like to have 5 surgical sites... But Im proud of all of us that get past the surgery. Hopefully thins will take a giant leap forward after i get rid of the leash ( catheter ). God bless you tony

Hello clayduport;

Yes, holes in your belly are still holes in your belly and they hurt! Whether it's five small ones or one big one. They will hurt for a little while. Get's better in time.

You'll get tired of the catheter (if you aren't already). Once that's out you'll have much more freedom. My cath was in for 14 days. I hope you don't do 14 days! That's way too long!

Giant leap forward? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?

More like baby steps. Some days are good and some aren't so good. I'm coming up on 8 weeks post-op and I still get pretty tired in the afternoons.

Enough of that for now...

Let's not talk about things too far down the line. You'll have plenty of time to deal with post-op issues. For now...

Let's savor your present victory!!!!

Congratulations!

Still praying for your continued recovery.

Best wishes!:wave:

On Friday, before my surgery the following Monday, I asked my uro what he did to treat nausea. He said there should not be any because no area that would cause nausea would be involved. After being moved to ICU for the remaining first 24 hours, heaving started, much to my dismay. I had to be given phenegran every four hours for the next three days for nausea and didn't get to come home until Friday. BP changes?? A little over a month after surgery, my BP began to rise for no explainable reason. I was already taking meds for it, and my family doc just increased the level of meds and it worked out fine. Also, after having no pain at all for the first couple of weeks, I developed a big pain in my left side, which left after a day or so; then a bigger pain started in my right side and stayed with me about a week. My uro had told me that "all kinds of green monsters would be attacking me for awhile" as a result of the surgery, and he was right. It's been almost 4 years now, and almost all of the "Green Monsters" have disappeared. Better times are coming!!! And, soon!!

Sounds like your doctor didnt want to tell you :( My problem with nausea started up after the surgery and I called my doctor as it came and went. He told me some nausea is to be expected as the surgery is a very serious operation and lots of things getting pushed around and when you start to recover the body is in a stage where you should expect some nausea. He gave me some meds like pepcid and so on and they seem to help but as he stated the body has just undrgone some pretty seriouos stuff not to panic as it will pass in time. It seems to be getting better as I go along. I onl had one bout where I actuall wanted to throw up and did a hard dry heave but not vomit. Pain was excruciating but now all seems to be much better. The surprise about losing partial movement of my leg is still open. He is going to examine me this week but again says he has seen it in some cases as lots of nerves down there can become irrateed being moved around etc. Says in 90 percent of the times he as seen it , it does reslove itself. He only knows of one case he has delt with that was permenant but said that patient already had severe nerve damage from a previous accident. He said he want to check me as I have had severe sciatic never probs in past and he says i could be having a flare up triggered by the surgery but wont say till he examines me.

Oh yeah am savoring each moment of recovery. Just being a big baby i guess. My doctor as i said in post to specialde reminded me of just how serioust the surgery is to the body and it will take some time for it to revover. He was pretty good at making me feel that most and most likely all this will pass. As of for the leash ( catheter ) it has beem more inconvein and mildy painfull at times but have accepted it as a part of the trials we all must suffer. Sort of getting used to it now. Let see surgery was on 20 march follow up 4 april. darn looks like two weeks for me too :) But if I am cured it will be worth it. Oh he did say I may ( other than incontenence and ED ) have minor quirks and pains as much a a year after recovery. Some people are lucky and in 6 weeks doing fine some never get it all back. Again he says this is due to the trauma the surgery does the body as well as the mind. Encouraged me to just keep moving forward and my favorite saying ( suck it up) and ill be surprised in 6 months at the difference from where you are now. HE gave me hope as he said the protrate appeared very normal on physical exam not tacky sticky and he couldnt see any any sign by sight of any cancer cells outside the capsule. BUT said to be patient nothing is for sure till the pathology reports are in. He explained that is why he took my lymph nodes as Im gleaon 7 4/3 and if ther was any escape to the lymph that problem is already dealt with. :) Made me feel a little more secure to see his confidence.

Hi Clay Thanks so much for continuing to post ~~ Reading thru them helped me to add a few more questions to my list for the Dr after my husbands surgery~~ I am glad you are doing better and so glad the surgery part is finally over for you~~Sorry to hear about the pain and dry heave's~~Will check back on you~~In the meantime here's to a speedy recovery~~ GiGi

Hoping for the best for your husband. Hope is all well for him at present. It seems like recovery is getting better. 1 step forward 1 back but at least its steady :) Please do keep me informed. God Bless

Now 7 days post op... : Looking better. Still have a problem with nausea but saw doctor today. She told me it is not really common to see nausea this long after surgery but as I have a sensitive stomach wait a few more. On the leg not being fully functional she was confused on it. Stated it is very rare due to there is no cutting done in the area where that legs nerves are. She may set up a neurology apt for a check up. BUT states its not the first time this complication has occured with people like me that have sciatica. It may be a sciatic attack. If it has not gotten any better by the 4th ( my cath and staples + lab report day) she will get me a neuro consult. Im getting a lot more confident as each day passes. Every one is right that it is a rough road but just dont give up positive attitude. Im learning that more each day. On the swollen testicles she found a little heat rash on the side of my legs. SO thiers the answer to that :) .
God bless you all and thans for all you have meant to me.

Yup! It's all about attitude, and a healthy sense of humor!

I'm 8 weeks post-op today and so far I would not have done it different.

Saw my doctor today and he says I still have stress incontinence. He defines stress incontinence as leaking small amounts of urine when sneezing, coughing, exercising or otherwise putting the pelvic floor under stress.

I went to see him to get a note to return to work. Instead, he gave me a referral to go see a professional physical therapist to help me focus better on pelvic floor exercises. He's concerned about my leakage while doing the type of heavy physical work that I do. He said I should try to be 100 percent before returning to any type of heavy physical labor. Says having stress incontinence is not being 100 percent. LOL!

I thought that was "kegal" exercises? Whatever?

Anyway...

Great job clayduport! We could not be happier that you are progressing so well in your journey.

Hi Clay Sorry to hear you are still dealing with the nausea~~ thats rough~~But glad you are making stirde's~~ I was telling Tony in another post , that we got back all test's result's yesterday ( MRI ,ultra sound,bone can and the cystoscopy) and all were good!!!!! So now we get ready for all the prep Sunday AND I am definitely keeping the TV off ( NO FOOD commercials!!!!) LOL LOL we have had a few laugh's here over some thing's BUT like Tony say's attitude and a sense of humor help's!!!!!!
Tony Glad to hear for the most part you did well with your post op!!!
Stay well Guy's and I will pop in before the surgery ~~ GiGi

HA HA On the tv food comercials. It seems like everthin I looked at on prep day had somthing to do with food. I bet I ate 10 lbs of those little jello cups and maby a dozen popsicles. I cheated and snuck in 1 cracker and it was sooo good :) Had severe stomach cramps walking by the cookier jar too. :) kidding of course. Is March 2nd his day ?. Will say a prayer for him. Tony is v very accurate on attitude. If I had not had such a negative doomday attitude I been dont with this 8 weeks ago. I got so down that I cancelled the operation that was schediuled for Jan 20th. Really kicking myself now. If I had just sucked it up I be probably enjoying things now and past all this mess.
Give him lots of attention on prep day as he will be hungry anxoius probably a little scared and ignore any emotional moments. As it got late the night before surgery I noticed I felt very irratable and just not in a good social mood. Tell him to TRY to get as much sleep as his system will allow before the surgery. I wasnt too succesfull on the sleep. Only got about 2 hours. And wish i had had more as it think recovery was slow not only to the effects of anesthisa but due to lack of natural sleep the night before. Wishing you both the best and fastest. GOD bless you both. Will be thinking of him and you as you are a big part of his recovery too.

Thank's Clay ~~I am all ready for tomorrow~~~ we have plan's to keep hubby busy till he has to start the prep!!!!! Monday is the big day and we bothe know he is going to be fine!!!! BUT I will keep you informed!!! We have to be at the hospital at 5:30~~~ GiGi

My thought and prayers go with you both. God bless and comfort your husband and you as well. Im sitting here thinking that the day befor was the worst part for me. Hope you husband had a good " last supper " ) < its what I called the meal before liquid diet :) not intended to sound doomsday :) as it will be the last decent meal till he gets out of the hospital refers to hospital food. Hopefully he will suffer little. Be ready for a few changes in his attitude as when it all sinks in it can be a little depressing. I was fortunate in having a wife that understands a few " Man Things : :) And you also need to take few deep breathing spells over next few days. Hope and prayers are with you.

Hey Clay ~Thanks for all the kind word's !!!~~~We are still managing a few laugh's here ~~ down to the tail end ~~ have to be up by 4 so we will be off to bed soon!!!!! After 35 yrs of marriage this is just another bump in the road!!!~~~ I will try and jump on here at some point tom.and let you and Tony know how it all went!!! You stay well yourself!!!! GiGi

Well, clayduport, you've called something to my attention that may explain a problem that started with me a little over a month after my surgery. I began having severe burning in the front part of my legs (above the knees) after standing for a while. My doctor sent me to a lab where nerve conductance tests were done, and he finally diagnosed it as spinal stenosis. He said if I were younger, he recommend an operation. (Was 66 at the time.) He prescribed Neurontin. It didn't help much. Found a chiropractor who did help, but I wondered then, and especially after hearing your story, if the surgery had anything to do with it, especially since I'd never had that problem before.

Hi specialdee, Like you i didnt have this problem before the sugery. And of course the doctor didnt say she did it either :) So far all she has stated is that during the operation several muscles and nerves get moved around due the small area they have to work and bruising and some degree of shock can occur but will usually pass. I bought into her excuse , for now, but not going to rule surgery out. Have met a another person at hospital that has the same story we have ... not before but after surgery. He has been post op for a year now and still has the dead sensation when standing. Im 58 he is 65. He said it is not as bad now as at first but is very active in jogging and works on his feet too so that may be why it has slowed down but not gone. Any way hope it passes for us all... This darn disease is way more than we are told isnt it.
take care God bless

After surgery you might want to hold off on laughter for a few days. :) I had a sign on my bed that that said you are welcome to visit but hold all jokes please. It is good to laugh as I feel humor is a good recovery tool. Just make sure he as a pillow, teddy bear or somting to press against his stomach and lean in to it. Hope all is well and went well.

waiting holding breath to see how he did

Well it's Sunday April 1, Im feeling much better now still have minor bouts of catheter pain and discomfort. It comes out and surgical staples Wed the 4th... Cant wait. A little anxious as I get post op pathology report... Doctor wont give me a clue :( I think I lied back on the post somewhere when I said the catheter wasnt that bad. :) I just hadnt waited long enough to see how nasty it is. I wont miss it when they take it out. Trying to shut some of my friends catheter removal stories out. Like one said he had to have stitches in his mouth for biteing his tongue in half. Dont you love people like that. Yes it has made me anxious but I dont care get it out. SO worst things facing me in next week is getting used to diapers, No sex yet, and getting stitches in my tongue :) Yeah Im trying to get a a lighter perspective . The incontenance thing worries me but in worse case Im still alive. This board has been so helpful to me and I cant thank all of you that have posted and gotten me to this point enough. Have been a little scatter brained this week and blame it on drug withdrawel from meds. :) Will post again after I get catheter out and final report on path.... Pray for good results.

God bless you all

Whew hit the 2 week post op today. Its wasnt a perfect 2 weeks but no major problems. Tomorrow the catheter comes out. I got some great friends trying to scare the crap out of me but I dont care I want it gone. Nervous about post op pathology. My numbers going in were gleason 7 4/3 T1c so not great. Hope post op will be good. Doctor seemed to feel confident but of course wont give you any hope. Guess they want to get in that last two weeks of initial anxiety. Must sell prozac on the side :) Not looking forward to diapers etc. But at least it is somthing I can fight with out medical intervention. Getting sort of tired of Doctor games and people building me up and then not telling me the whole story. For those reading this considering radical removal or davinci surgery really push them for info on the post op complications. If I had known a little more I might not have had the couple of panic attacks just to find out that it was normal. :) Over all at this point in recovery I have learned the mind can really play on you just like it did befor surgery. It has taught me to be calm and not panic at each strange pain, seeing blood clots, sensations in back stomach legs etc as most are normal.
Kept the tele nurse busy first couple of days :) . But over all not disappointed in treatment. But for now just looking forward to getting the Leash off... <<< catheter. Will realy enjoy some freedom with out it.

Had post op apointment today. Catheter and staples removed. Been 2 hours after appointment . HMMMM still dry just a few drops... This is not normal is it. Before cath came out always had a little dribble going on. Now Nothing. No urge to urinate no feeling of need to go ( a little worried ) Ok on with the rest My Gleason of 7 4/3 remained the same tumor 60 % of prostrate volume,
seminial vesicle clear lymph node clear Positive margin of resection right apex. Doctor said they suspected the positive margin where the urethia tube connected to the prostate so the took a little extra and lab said bladder neck margin excision no evidence of malignancy. Ok I dont know what it all means but Am I Cured... DRUMMM ROOLLLLLL .... NO ! At least not for now will have to do a series of psa tests before dr will say cured. :( :( . I guess I had my hopes up too hign so feeling a little down right now. Oh well if all else it has bought me some time. Doctors told me not feel that way and not to dwell on the subject as they feel really good that im cured but pathology will have to declare me so. It will be a year of follow up psa's and if it is good then im cured. or if not they will recomend radiation next. Good part is it is not mestazied < sp and lymph seminal vessels nerve bundles all are in good order.


BUT for now im concerened why im not doing anyting after catheter was taken out. No pee Not wet no urge to pee.... Is there a dead time from cath removal till it all kicks back in ?

Oh by the way the cath removal was not bad at all.. Littel uncomfortabel but not painful just wierd :). So at least one thing was cool :)

I agree that over all the cath was the worst part. later friends

God bless you all