Recovery for prostate cancer surgery?
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I had my robotic prostatectomy surgery October 2005 in Detroit with Dr. Mennon. I am 48 years old, very good health, exercise regularly. My Gleason score was 6 and they were able to execute nerve-sparing procedures. If you "must" have your prostate removed, the Robotic method is the way to go unless there has been a new development in the last year that I do not know about.
Henry Ford Hospital has a very informative website to give you all the information you need. There is another good facility in Columbus, Ohio. OSU – Both links are listed below
The surgery was a piece of cake, six small cuts on my stomach, which healed quickly. I had a lot of pain in my shoulders from the gas, which they pump into me during surgery. Not everyone has this, but it took about 2 days for mine to go away.
I had a catheter for 10 days, which was not fun, but after getting used to the routine empties and cleanings, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I then had to use a heavy continence pad and progressed to a smaller pad as time went on (2-months). After 2 weeks I was feeling very good. Actually, one day after the catheter came out, I went back to my normal activities except exercise. No lifting.
I was very worried about holding my water and began to wonder if I would ever be normal again. This is something you cannot rush! After two months, I was able to wear a very thin pad, which was only in case of an accident. After 3 months and up to today (8 months later), I am in complete control. If I am doing heavy lifting or stretch backwards with a full bladder, there have been a few times that I lost a dribble up to a teaspoon but have always been able to suppress it. Common sense says, do not drink a lot before going to bed, especially in the beginning.
Now lets talk about the number one concern for most men. Erectile Dysfunction. I’ll be honest, nothing down there so far.
Going into the ninth month, I have tried Viagra and there is still nothing, not even the start of something. I am very discouraged at this point. My wife keeps telling me it will get better. The doctors say a year but I think it's going to be longer. Remember, I was very discouraged about holding my water but "it did get better". I am very hopeful the erection will be the same. I have started research for alternative methods just in case, but I'm not ready to pursue them for quite awhile. It is tough to find someone to talk about this and be honest. Even Dr. Mennon and his team avoided the issue.
I was asked, "Would I do it again"? My answer: Did I have a choice? I wanted the cancer out of me. If it had went to the bone or elsewhere, things would have been much worse.
Prior to surgery, I remember my emotions running wild. To keep it short and without detail, even suicide was seriously considered. Man, I am glad I never pulled a stupid stunt like that. I really believe such a thought has entered all minds of men in this situation even if only for a minute. HEY DON'T DO IT. I kept telling myself, in a few months this will all be behind me. I was right! Life is great. I have a beautiful wife who loves me very much and I hope to be a grandpa in the future.
To think I was willing to throw all that away, how foolish.
I know this is somewhat crude, but lets not beat around the bush and tell it like it is. I wish someone had told me this prior to surgery to keep me from doing something stupid. Thank God I didn't.
Life is good and I will deal with my one problem as time permits.
I am very hopeful all will be normal again. If not, I have found there are many remedies to alter my problem.
Good luck men, May God give you Strength.
http://www.henryfordhealth.org/body.cfm?.
http://medicine.osu.edu/news/article.cfm.
Other Answers:
MY FATHER WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED AS WELL. HE HAS SURGERY THIS MONTH. HIS DOCTOR IS QUITE CONFIDENT THAT ALL WILL BE OK. THEY CAUGHT THE CANCER IN TIME AND WITH THE SURGERY, MY DAD SHOULD COME OUT OF EVERYTHING JUST FINE. NOW IF THE CANCER IS NEVER FOUND OR IF IT IS AND NOTHING IS EVER DONE ABOUT IT THEN OF COURSE THE PROGNOSIS WOULD BE POOR. MY FATHER IS HAVING SOME KIND OF ROBOTIC SURGERY. HE GOES TO A SUPPORT GROUP AND IS THE TYPE OF PERSON WHO CHECKS AND RECHECKS EACH OPTION AT LEAST 20 TIMES BEFORE HE DECIDES. THIS SURGERY WAS DONE TO SOME OF THE PEOPLE IN HIS GROUP AND THEY TOLD MY FATHER THAT THEY WOULDN'T HAVE HAD IT ANY OTHER WAY. DONT WORRY; YOUR FATHER WILL DO FINE.
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