My husband is about to have the TURP proceedure. The urologist said the laser proceedure would not work for him as his prostate is too large. Feedback from any of you men who have had the proceedure would be appreciated. Also, are there any negative effects or long lasting negative effects? Thanks!
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Lenny, How was the recovery? What type of anesthesia was used? Was it successful for you? My husband appreciates any information/encouragement you can give. He was sure he was going to have laser surgery, but the Dr. said the prostate was too large. Only TURP would give him a lasting success. He doesn't know any men who had TURP. All had the laser. Any advice is welcome. Hope you are well. Thanks!
The recovery period is going to be 4 months - your doctor will tell you 6 weeks, but nobody I have talked to really recovered till that 4 month period. They leave out a lot of issues that you will experience. It is usually an overnight stay with a catheter for 3 to 5 days, then he will have frequency and urgency for a period of time and some leakage for a few weeks. This is all normal. I passed scabs after about 3 weeks, but not everyone has any trouble with this. again, this is a normal thing - the area that is carved scabs up just like any cut, but there is only one way for the scabs to come out. Everything is scary during the recovery period only because you don't know what to expect.
Are there any bladder issues right now?
He needs not to do any lifting (over 5 lbs ) for at least 6 weeks - no straining and that includes a bowl movement. Take a stool softener or something to make moving your bowls easier. He will have a period when he won't know if he has to pee or poop. It sounds funny, but the nerves that control both are where they do the TURP so it messes you up for a short time. I don't want to scare him - it is surgery and it takes some time to get the nerves to settle down.
How old is he? The younger you are, the longer it takes for the nerves in that area to settle down.
He will be under General anesthesia - won't feel a thing and usually you aren't in much pain afterwords. The best advise I can give is to just take it easy and let things heal. Try to move around a little - seems like scar tissue forms more when you are too inactive. A short walk around the house and just keep a positive attitude and don't rush things. They will give you Pyridium for the burning when you urinate - it helps big time so use it. The burning lasts for a short time, but will decrease as the time passes.
If you give me a history of what he was feeling as far as discomfort, I'll be more able to let you know what to expect.
Drink plenty of liquids - if he has bladder issues, stay away from anything that is acidic - soda, juices and other citrus items. Water is best to flush out the bladder and not to irritate the area.
I discovered that I had IC after a year of not understanding why I wasn't feeling better so I would recommend treating the recovery like IC and eat a good diet and stay away from the spicy foods.
Like I said - give me some history and I'll be better able to help you out.
What is his PSA test reading? I won't go into any other areas till you give me some more information and when is the surgery scheduled?
Lenny, Thank you for your detailed letter. My husband's PSA level was under 2. He is 62 years old. His problem is that he gets up at least 5 times per night. He had numerous tests over the last 4 years. Prostate volume, uro dynamics testing and scoping. All pointed to a very enlarged prostate. His Dr. advises the Turp procedure and told him that he would be released the next day without a cather. Does this seem logical to you? He has also taken Flomax for years and Avodart with no great results. He is basically having the Turp to relieve his night time bathroom visits. He is sitting next to me watching me type and he appreciates your advice and comments. This will be his first surgical procedure.
The hardest part is the wait! Based on your description, I think this will be a quick procedure. If he doesn't have any bladder issues, it will be a quick recovery as compared to the normal TURP recovery. If his flow is good, I'm not understanding the surgery. IC is interstitial cystitis - bladder inflammation. He would know if he has bladder issues - pain and pressure and lots of frequency.
You are right - no catheter after a TURP has not happened to anyone who I know had the TURP. Either he is planning a quick snip or is doing the bladder neck incision instead. Anyway, it sounds like there isn't much of an obstruction. I am surprised that the Avodart didn't shrink the prostate. If what you say is going to happen - I don't see much of a recuperating period.
Tell me about the flow volume - that is the test that says it all. I have talked to lots of guys who had the TURP and everyone of us had the catheter for at least 3 days - that gives the area a chance to heal before the urine contacts the cuttings. Well, there doesen't seem to be anything for him to be concerned about - should be a quick and easy procedure. I would be interested in hearing what takes place after the surgery - post the news after the surgery so we can keep up with the procedure.
You all have a nice Holiday and tell your husband that the worry beforehand is much worse than the actual procedure. Time to take the valium and relax a little!
BTW - his PSA is great and really low for an enlarged prostate. This sounds more like a bladder neck procedure than an actual TURP.
Lenny
Good Morning Lenny, Thank you for taking the time, especially in this busy holiday season, to give your advice. We do not have the current reports on my husband's urinary dynamics. But from copies of other reports (over 20 mts. old) we read that his prostate was 4.7cm.X 4.0cm. X 6.2cm. The volume of the prostate is approximately 66cc (now it is 78) . There was also focal calcification seen in the prostate. Attention to the urinary bladder shows no evidence of intraluminal defect or thickening of the bladder wall. Pre void volume of the urinary bladder is 615cc. The post void volume is 302cc. Of course all this info is from almost 2 years ago. His bladder is definitely retaining urine. His stream is weak and he gets up all night long. He is still planning to have the surgery on Jan.5. He doesn't know exactly what will be done, but he said the Dr. is going to cut the prostate all around. She said "Prostiva" would only be a temporary fix for his problem, and that is why she (the urologist) has opted for the old surgery.
Thanks, and have a great day!
All the things you stated are good. You're right - enlarged prostate seems to be the issue and the thin bladder wall indicates no blockage or at least not a long one. Retaining urine is one of the classic diagnoses and this will fix that. I see a pretty easy go for the recuperating period. I'll guess and say six weeks because there are no bladder issues to contend with. He will have burning for a while after the surgery and most of the other issues I talked about, but he should progress really quickly so I don't see any issues that he has to worry about. I still don't see him leaving without a catheter, but everyone is different and all the doctors do things a little different. Tell him to relax - it will go fast and things will heal quickly. Still stress the part about not straining for a few weeks - that keeps the area from bleeding and helps with the scabbing!
Have a nice holiday and this will fix him up for the New Year!
If you have any questions just ask away!
Lenny, The TURP proceedure is over. the Dr. said it went well. She (his urologist was a female) said the prostate was large but it was more the configuration that was impeading the uretha. she was surprised that this deformity did not show up on any of the tests previously performed. The took the cath out after 24 hours and as soon as he started to urinate 200 cc he was discharged. Yes, he went home without a cath. He is urinating pretty much diluted blood. Little burning and tingling. He is a little concerned that it is taking time for him to get the stream started. Once started he pees OK. The nurse said this is OK. Any comments or questions from you. We appreciate your input.
Been waiting to hear from you all. I'm happy all went well. The reason for the catheter is to help with the bleeding and swelling. It takes a few days for the swelling to go down so he'll have a few days of burning and a slow start to his stream, but once things start healing, he'll have a much better time. This is a bigger surgery than they make it out to be and it will take some time for the nerves and all the working parts to start working better.
If he has a lot of burning, get some Pyridium - it works great. Also, he is in the young group so it takes some time for the nerves in that area to settle down. Keep posting on the progress and if you have any questions or concerns. I won't say too much right now - don't want to put any more stress on him, but as the healing process goes on he'll have questions.
Time to take some Valium and chill out for a few weeks!
Oh, being nervous causes the stream to start slow also. There are two valves that have to open for the urine to flow and one is in the prostate right where they cut. The Doctors tend to not tell you a whole lot about the recovery - guess you need to have gone through it to know
Good Morning Lenny, Everything was going well but had a sudden set back last night. Could not urinate, severe pain in stomach with swelling. Called Dr. and told to come right in. they had to put in cath and drain 950cc of urine. Left cath in till Friday. What do you recommend to take for the spasms? Any other surprises I should know about. The doctors don't tell you much of anything. They don't even want me taking the pyridium. I have stopped that for now. All I am taking is Cipro and Tylenol with Codine. Thank you so much for your advice.
Well, was a bit surprised about the blockage, but that is what the catheter is for. There is a lot of swelling and the urine passing over an open wound isn't so good either. It is best for a 3 or 4 day use of the catheter - eliminates a lot of what you just went through. You are right - they really don't tell you much. I'm surprised about the pyridium, but you won't need it till the catheter comes out. Now, I want you to try and relax and not let the anxiety take over. This whole situation is a mind thing. It affects us all the same way - afraid of not being able to pass water. Even after 18 months, I have that fear now and then. This takes a big mental toll on you so all that you are feeling is normal even if the doctors don't agree. I know the catheter is a pain in the butt, but necessary right now. A Little discomfort for a few days will pay you back big time!
Any questions or if you just want to vent - feel free. That is what this board is all about - getting help and information from people who have gone through it.
The spasms should subside, but they have medication to help with that. The key to all of this is trying to relax and let the healing progress. I know, easier said than done. I take Valium when I feel on edge - a small dose 2.5 MG. It just relaxes the pelvic muscles and it really helps when you need it and it is so small a dose you don't have to worry about addiction. If you think you need some just ask the good old Dr. for a prescription and the generic is really cheap ( less than $2.00).
Stay in touch and I'll keep checking on you!
Hello Lenny, Went to the Dr. this morning. She removed the cath. She didn't know why I retained urine so fast the other night??? Perhaps it was a little clot. And perhaps they should have sent me home from the hospital with a cath??? She removed the cath today. She wouldn't give me Valium. Said not to take Flomax anymore. Said I could take pyridium. Came home and wow! what a change in urine output. The flow is much stronger. Also passed two slim pieces of, I guess, the prostate. Hope these things passing will not cause a blockage. Feeling better and I will try and stay calm. Thank you so much, friend, for your advice and comments. Richie
Sounds like you are passing blood clots right now. When I had the catheter in, I noticed lots of clots passing for the Four days I had it in. In the next 3 weeks you may or may not pass scabs from the procedure. Nothing to be alarmed about. If you do, you will notice the scabs and kind of feel them coming out. I had one big one that stopped my flow for an instant and then it was shot out like a bullet. As this time aproaches, drink plenty of fluids so you will have a good stream! Good luck and if you have any questions, ask away!
I see clear sailing from here on out and YES you should have had the catheter in for a few days to eliminate what you just went through. I don't know how much experience your doctor has with the TURP, but all the ones I talked to leave the catheter in for a few days! Seems to be the best policy to illiminate problems if you get my drift! You know - these doctors don't know everything especially when it comes to having the procedure done to them!
I want to reply to your message. I recently had a TURP. My operation was on 11/3/2008. I had the leaser procedure. I had went threw the medicaion and I did not have much success. I was still having the BPH problem and at times it was like I had taken nothing. I too tried to find people who had the operation to talk too, but could not find any, but I was told that it was a popular operation. It does have it risk however you may hear some of them in my story. I did find out one thing, recovery is different for every person.
However, there are some common points. There is no short recovery time.
I have also had some problems as well, because I did no understand the nature of the healing process and recovery. So I made some mistakes.
The cathera was inserted after my operation and I had it for about 3 to 4 day. it was removed and I underestimated recovery and my self. I was mowing the yard and continued all my activtives as before. Bad mistake.
I even decided to have sex with the wife .. I found out I still could get it up and I could still ejaculate. Again, a big misake. I started bleeding. After all of this took place. The bleeding was profuse.. I was catherized several time as result of bleeding issues. I was in the emergency room at least 3-4 time because I could not pee. I was blocked. There is nothing more painful than a guy that is trying to pee and can not go. That is something you do not forget at all. Try to avoid this condition ...not good..
The early stage of my recovery had to do with post operative bleeding. I would bleed at least 2-3 times per day. The frist time it happen it scared the Sh..t out of me. To look down in the bowel and see nothing but blood. I would have a bleeding episode at least 2 time a day. I would be pushing out clots when they did not get stuck in the ureathra. It was very frightening to me.
I found out that the bleeding is part of the healing process of the surgery.
It is threw this process that the scabs is formed for healing. My doctor informed me of that process of was surprised. The scab is formed from living blood tissue.
I have come to find that it is true.
I'm in the scab stage I just stated to form scab. I know because the bleeding has stopped. Mine are still very hard. I'm gald Im at that stage I thought I was going to bleed to death in the bleeding staged. I have what I call a post operative BPH condition because of the scab. Therefore, my urination is like I have full blown BPH.. But his is temporary until the clots and scabs are passed in the last stage of recovery. I have had glimpse of that and my stream is as strong as a 18 year old male. That will come back.
In the bleeding stage water is important keep would body wateredd to flushed and prevent blockages. At times I would be up during the night when I stared bleeding drinking water. You never know when it going to start. and it will often stop as suddenly as it started. You have to ride it out. I would contact my doctor during those time and they would assure me that all was going according to plan. I got sick of hearing that...
By the way nothing was the way they said it was in the little brochure they gave me. Someone needs to rewrite that. It's not factual. I have found that there are stages to recovery that are common to all of us. You do not hear people talk about that.. Why????
It helps to know that others are going threw this and made it.
There are things you need to watch out for in th bleeding stage.
Do not pick up heavy stuff .. no matter what
No sex.....
Drink water are you wukk stop up and they will have ti catherized you again. Try to avoid that if you can because the cathera impacts the prostate and porlonged healing in my case.
You do not have to flood your self with water..but when you are bleeding you need enough to push out clots, and they mat be good sized. They can even stop up a cathrea.
If you are cloting that is good. If your blood is runing continiously see doctor for advice. You need to clot that is what stops it sooner are latter.
No sodas, salty foords, or acid drink.. Just plan water will do. Be careful of herbs and some vitiams they too can make you bleed. Try to get your nurtrition from the food you eat.
No asprin, mortirn, or blood thinners, they make you bleed like a stuffed pig.
Take it easy keep your sprit up, walk when bleeding it help to bring clots down and out and relax That is what you want..
There is so much I have learn on my own I could go on and on I will write again later.. Im tired now.
Remember that each person experience has a personlized cut to it but there are things your will be able to idenify with. Keep it simple, do not panic, do not be afarid to consult your doctor when your are not sure, do not be afarid to go to the ER if you have to...
Remember also your body has experineced a trama and it wants to recover as bad as you do.. Help it
God Bless ...
The Following User Says Thank You to seacapp For This Useful Post: Kooklet (04-26-2011)
You really went through a rough time. You hit it all right on the head. The no straining and not lifting for at least 3 weeks is an important issue. Sounds like you learned the hard way about most of this. I didn't push it for the 6 weeks they recommend and that helped with the bleeding. I do disagree with you about the catheter - I'm under the impression that the 3 or four days that the catheter is in helps stop the bleeding and allows the area to heal faster because no urine is passing over the wound and when it is dry, it scabs up faster. Now, I could be totally wrong on this, but that is what everyone I had talked to also said. I followed the recovery schedule I found on the web and it was more true to the point than what the literature had said. You are right that everyone heals different and I planned my schedule on the longer heal time frame - better safe than sorry. I didn't bleed after the catheter was removed, but did have an anxious time passing the scabs. You tend to worry about a blockage - I think that is the one big fear we all go through. I was one of the people that had some bladder damage from the restricted flow for too long. Now, I ended up with chronic prostatitis and a case of IC. The bladder discomfort was part of my complaint from the beginning and doing the research on IC helped me figure out what was happening. Those that don't have bladder issues recover much faster than those with just a enlarged prostate. I also had cancer cells found in the Path so I had to deal with the big C issue, too. Fortunately my PSA score has been between 0.5 and 0.7 for the last 18 months and my prostate biopsy was negative so my doctor thinks he got the tumor when he did the TURP. These are all scary times when you go through this stuff. I still have the bladder (IC) issues, but I feel that not having the cancer issue hanging over me helps deal with all of this. You know once you have cancer you always have it, but you have to manage to deal with it.
I hope others read your post so they will know the things you shouldn't do after the surgery - you tell an important story for those that think this is a nothing operation and you are right about the recovery period. Everyone I talked to said 4 months for the cycle to end and that seems to be the benchmark for recovery. Some recover sooner, but most still have issues for that time period.
Yes I had a hard time of it... Because I like most men though this was a nothing operation... the literature on recovery is limited.. most men will not talk about it because it is consider a personnel area...When it come to men sometimes our pride kills us, unfortunately. The hospital wont tell you the hold truth because they feel they will lose money if they scare you off the operating table. Remember each operation is money is somebody's pocket.
I take four months as an average in terms of recovery. I will give myself more time. Remember everybody is different.. Lenny I have read stories in which the men was still recovering at 6 months and 1 year. So, that tell you a little about what is going on and how serious one should take their recovery..
I'm waiting until its all over before I make judgment as to what I have got and what I have lost. A lot will return as you progress so do not count your self out. Balder control can be regained with a little training. That something they do not tell you in the hospital.
Also I want to tell you, get yourself a toshie pillow, to set on it should be a donut or horse shoe type pillow to sit on. Why? The weight of the body on the prostate area after an operation can be very uncomfortable and cause some bleeding. You need something to raise your butt up a little off the seating area.
I'm in the scab stage, no more bleeding as of yet, and I'm experiencing post operative BPH because of the scabs. I can't wait for them to pass so I can pee a little better. I know if I force it I will start bleeding again. It is better that the scabs fall away naturally. I also know that the condition is temporary.
I was not told that I had cancer cells. It would not surprise me that I have a precondition for it with the BPH... When I consider my condition, I have to develop an attitude of gratitude.
At least I'm not in cancer treatment for this.. Your think this is uncomfortable!!! I have talk to some people who have been threw it, and I'm Ok with my condition.. It let you know things could be worst. You become grateful you have what you have. If you know what I mean.
I do not know about anyone else with this condition, but I pray a lot for the willingness to go threw this and come out Ok on the other side.
Doctors are good and we need them, but in my book the final say rest with a power greater than all of us..
Take care and keep posting... I check in from time to time...
God Bless....
The Following User Says Thank You to seacapp For This Useful Post: Kooklet (04-26-2011)
Lenny, Just keeping in touch. Going quite often especially at night. Thought I had the surgery to alleviate this. Sometimes the stream is strong and sometimes it is a trickle. What I really want to know, since I am an active walker, and exerciser is when can I get back to my program? Also is it safe to ride in a car at this time? My surgery was 1 week ago today. Thanks for all your input. It has been a big help. Richie
Re: Turp 
