Post prostate removal

After spending many hours pre surgery on this site reading the many posts about prosate cancer and prostate removal i thought i would share my story.

After gleeson score of 12 and cancer located within left lobe i had da vinci surgery 3 weeks ago.

Surgery a bit of a non event was on par with the mri guided biopsy and was out next day at lunchtime and home with newly fitted catheter and a decant supply of pain relief.

I was tender but not in pain and to be honest the catheter did not cause to many problems but would urge people to drink lots of fluids and i did use vaseline on tip to stop any friction. Was out and about within 4-5 days short walks and rested well but still no real pain!!

Week 2 desperate to get catheter out as fed up with the not driving bit nothing else causing any problems.

CATHETER OUT!! was out in a flash no pain(breif discomfort) in my head this was when i would find out what the score was with continence and erection issues and was kinda expecting the worse and had anxioud drive home with the wife with a urgency to be near a toilet and had a few dribbles here and there using 2 medium tenna pads for first 5 days and doing my kegal excercises as often as possible.

Within 7 days of having catheter out now mainly having stress incontinence but finding it more easy to clench muscles before standing sitting and no leaks! 

Had a few issues with feeling the constant urge to go toilet but followed some good advice on here and gradually built up the time inbetween going as bladder shrinks for a short time post surgery, some days better than others but i am positive with how quick things are getting better.

I think its a case of not expecting things to be normal but as good as you can get them.

As for erections have had a few earl signs of improvement and feel things improving so feel there is hope.

I feel postive and thankful to the help i have had from all the hospital staff and other people who via this forum sharred their stories.

I know its differant for everyone and early days for me but i guess for those who are  pre surgery i would have to say its so much better than thought it would be and i have no regrets having the sugery.

Age 47 

  • Hi Paddycov,

    Thank you for sharing your story with us. I'm so glad everything went ok and your recovery is going well so far. It's great that the posts and advice you read on the forum have been able to help you in your recovery too. I'm sure others who are in pre-surgery stage will really appreciate reading about your experience and those who have been in a similar situation will post soon too.

    Do come back and keep us updated on your progress and feel free to explore the forum and chat to others who may be in need of your positivity. It's great to have you as part of the Cancer Chat community :)

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Well its week 4 post surgery and in no pain and wounds have healed on the outside and i am feeling positive that things are going well.

    Using 1 tenna sheild light during day and 1 at night and getting the hang of standing sitting etc without the odd dribble.

    Have the occasional dribble due to bending etc but  happy with where things are at the min.

    My wife is amazed at my recovery and i should have dragged it out a bit as she now has a long list of jobs to do whilst off work.

     

    I feel ok and yes taking it easy but out and about and trying to keep positive ahead of 6 week check where i will get results of node biopsies and psa levels.

    For anyone that is out there who wants any advice or support please feel free to contact me.

    I am not a nurse but have worked for the NHS for 22 years and like yourselves had more questions than answers when i started this journey and hope that there may be someone who is out there that could do with hearing a good news story.