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Posted 5/28/2008 12:09 PM (GMT -6)
OK guys, I need some advice. I am 3 1/2 weeks post op.

1. I still have butt pain. It feels like somebody just kicked me in the rectum as hard as they could. It is getting better. Just yesterday I drove the car for the first time because up until then I could not sit squarely on a seat. This will pass, but is 3+ weeks normal?

2. Dribbling. When the Dr pulled the cath out I demonstrated good control on the spot. I have been more or less dry laying down from the start, and about 80% dry sitting down. But standing up it is, dribble, dribble, dribble. I feel like I stay in a "keegel clench" so much that I might be adding to the butt pain. I have diaper rash on my member (using A&D ointment) so I am getting constant feedback from down there. The feedback makes it hard to determine if I can feel anything else down there. When I stand up, I always dribble a little. Sometimes it turns out that I really have to go and I have to catch myself, walk quickly to the bathroom and go - sometimes I dribble in the commode and sometimes it is a full stream. Very frustrating.

3. I am in a situation where I really feel compelled to return to work at least half days this Monday - the 4 week mark.  I am still using up 4-5 medium pads a day, so I am worried. Have you guys returned to work in such a state? I am a manager in an office so it is hard for me to do any real work from home.

Any advice? Recommendations? Or is this a "shut up and do it, you wimp" situation?

Thanks,

kcragman

Posted 5/28/2008 12:46 PM (GMT -6)
kcragman, You are about 10 days after me and I am experiencing the same symptons. The butt pain is starting to get a little better but I still have trouble sitting on a wood seat. A small rubber ring from CVS has helped considerably and you may want to take to work. Boudreaux's Butt Paste has also helped.

On the dribbling we are experiencing the same problems. I couldn't return to work full time so I'm doing 1/2 days but by noon I'm really bushed. Just got back from the Dr yesterday and they are now treating me for a bladder infection. Odor of urine and fatigue may be the result of that. From what the Dr said and I've heard from others on this board each of us heals at a different rate and for some I'm sorry to say very slowly.

No don't shut up, you'll find a lot of good information and support on this board from people that are experiencing the same symptoms and worse. Hang in there and keep in touch..
Posted 5/28/2008 1:04 PM (GMT -6)

Kcragman,

I know you'll hate to hear this again and again but be patient.  I am 8 weeks post op and experiencing the exact same symptoms of recovery.  I am getting almost dry at night and I am just today jumping for joy for I seem to be able to collect urine while standing and walking.  This seems to be a huge movement forward. 

Normal recovery seems to be where you leak less when sitting or sleeping on your back.  Leak more when walking, running, lifting, standing, sneezing and off gasing nono (you know what I mean).

I have heard on this site that a common recovery time with lots of walking and Kegels is 12 weeks,  14 weeks if no exercise regiment everyone is different.

As far as work goes.  I started full time 10 days after surgery,  tired but O.K..  You have to adjust to the pad use.  You will be going to the bathroom more often thats for sure. My office folks new I had surgery and dont ask any questions about my many trips.  You should put a personal kit together.  Put in it the things you need just in case.  I was very concerned of embarasment and privacy when I came back but so far no problem.  I placed extra pads all around. Cars, inside jacket pockets, suit cases, all commonly used bathrooms. 

One more thing,  as you recover you will learn that after sitting for a while you will need to go to the bathroom right away when you get up.  Do not get up and start a walking or standing activity for you will soak you pad in short time. Its not that you will loose complete control you will just leak out what has accumulated because that little valve is not tight yet.

This too will pass sooner than you think.  Keep a trustworthy eye on the problem and you will be fine.

Frank

Posted 5/28/2008 1:04 PM (GMT -6)
From personal experience,

1) For your bottom (pc term) , get a herriod donut to sit on. Your bottom will heal in time. The prostate is located next to you rectum and that whole area was abused during the surgery. If it's bleeding see you doctor.

2) For the dribbles, keep doing the keegels and walk as much as you can. If it's only a small amoung a leakage, use a women panty liner. Always carry a spare with you (they are really small and fit well in a pocket). My father in law (also a prostate cancer survivor) gave me the following advice about feeling the urger to urinate: Don't try an hold it for another 30 minute when you feel like you have to go, you only succeed in wetting your pants at the 15 minute mark. As you get us to being prostateless this urgency will fade.

Hope this helps.
Posted 5/28/2008 1:05 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks, wallypm.
My energy level is OK - not great. I know I could get thru 1/2 day, maybe even a full day if I have to. I'm just concerned about the pad situation.

Good luck with your bladder infection. I hope it clears up quickly for you.
kcragman
Posted 5/28/2008 1:35 PM (GMT -6)
kcragman,

I had rectal soreness for about 4 to 5 wks following surgery, there is a lot of inflammation in the area, the posterior wall of the prostate is actually shaved away from the rectum, that is why you shouldn't strain with a BM, the rectal wall is somewhat thinner in this area, not because any of it was removed but because it was actually supported or up against the prostate gland. It will subside as the area recovers, I noticed it getting better daily until I failed to notice it at all.

I had some stress incontinence when I would stand up or cough/sneeze, just remember to "squeeze" before doing something that could cause you to strain, it will become second nature do to so, I don't notice any leaking now, but I walk a lot and do Kegels to maintain pelvic floor muscle strength.

I went back to work (12 hr days) after 4 wks, but did notice a difference in stamina, overall just felt spent after a work day, probably took me 6 months before I actually felt like pre-surgery energy. This is a major surgery, and it really takes the wind out of your sails. Hang in there, it will get better.

Randy
Posted 5/28/2008 7:21 PM (GMT -6)
I never had the rectal pain or a rash, and I was expecting both. Perhaps the lack of rash is beause I changed pads more often? I'm not sure.

I use Prevail men's pads and a washable mesh ... what my wife calls a "man panty" that keeps the pad secure up against me. Tht way I can wear boxers over it and nobody would notice if they saw me with my pants down.

Are you sleeping on your back at night? That helps a lot.

I'm coming up on 7 weeks post-op and didn't really feel anything near "normal" until the 6-week mark.
Posted 5/28/2008 7:55 PM (GMT -6)
I'm 3 weeks out today from surgery and glad to see I am not alone.  At removal of catheter I was able to urinate what seemed to be pretty normally and thought I was doing great.  Things have gone downhill since then.

My issue is that I frequently feel an extreme urgency to go, rush to the bathroom but actually begin to go just as I get my pants undone, spraying the toilet, the floor, and anything else in proximity.  It's absolutely uncontrollable, but I pass only a small amount of urine.

I had gone off the diprovan prior to removal of cath, but in the last few days when I have to go I would pass a small amount of urine and then stand at the toilet in agony, feeling like I had a gallon of urine in the shaft and head of my penis.  I might dribble a little more and then finally the sensation would pass.  I started back on the diprovan, which seems to have stopped the after-urge, but I'm still having "twinges" in my urethra.

When I try to do kegels during stream, sometimes the flow will stop, but most often I can only ge it reduced to a slow dribble.  I'm going through 3-5 pads per day, and wake with a pretty wet pad each morning.  I was pretty bummed out standing in the adult diaper aisle of Wal-Mart trying to decide what "protection" I needed.

As previously posted, I am also having considerable rectal pain, as well as bleeding.  My body does not tolerate the material used for sutures and I had to have them removed because of infection.  In fact, I was re-admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics after turning septic.

Sorry to have made such a lengthy first post.  Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Posted 5/28/2008 8:29 PM (GMT -6)
I think the rectal pain is pretty normal for most of us. At first I thought it was from doing too many kegels. But after conferring with my Uro, I found out it was normal. It eventually went away in about 4 to 5 weeks. As far as the dribbling, you seem to be right on track. Your bladder is in the process of healing from the trauma and will stabilize in time. I wore the pull-ups from Walmart along with the pads for about 3 months. I am finally to the stage of 1 pad a day without the pull-ups. As my Uro told me, measure your progress in weeks, not days. Keep a daily log. When you look back a couple of months from now you will realize how far you have progressed. Good luck and don't despair. It's only a temporary inconvenience.
Posted 5/28/2008 8:51 PM (GMT -6)

Being a newby to you veterin wetters I appreciate knowing what lies ahead of me (I hope you can appreciate the humor). 

I must tell my story when the cathedar was pulled after injecting saline solution into my bladder - I assume this is a routine for all.  I had a fellow RP friend who told me that there was no way I would be able to hold it, so I was expecting the worst when the cathedar was pulled.  Ironically, I was surprised to hold it and it seemed as such normal.  In fact, I was so cavalier about it that leaving the doctors office for the long drive home (about 1.5 hrs) we stopped for a large drink at the McDonald's window and continued on.  Just before we came to our home my wife wanted something at the grocery - so we stopped.  When I got out of the car - stood-up! It was as though a fire hose had been opened.  I soaked down my pad, jeans, down to my socks.  Needless to say it was a humbling experience, and it looks like I have many more weeks of this awaiting me.  At least we can laugh at ourselves.

It does appear to me that when sitting or lying down I am mostly OK.  Standing up, and especially if I momentarily forget to tighten up down there - the leaking begins. 

I do hope you find relief for the south end problem - I also have nagging ache but apparently not as pronounced.  Hang in there.

RBinCountry - Jim

Age 61

Original data - pre-operation
PSA: 5.1
T1C clinical diagnosis, Needle biopsy - 10 cores, Gleason 7 = 3+4 in 1 core (40%), 7 cores Gleason 6 = 3+3 ranging from 5% to 12%
All scans negative
Lupron administered 4/9/2008 for 4 months (with idea I would undergo external beam radiation followed by seed implants). 

Had DeVinci Dr. Fagin in Austin on May 19th

Cathedar removed May 27th

Post operative - pathology

pT2c NX MX

Gleason 3+4 = 7

Margins - negative

Extraprostatic extension - negative

seminal vesicle invasion - uninvolved

Posted 5/29/2008 9:05 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks for all the great advice guys. It really helps to know that I am not alone in this. I think I have confirmed that practicing keegels has a negative impact on my bottom, (it is the same muscle group) but I am just going to load up on ibuprophen and keep on keeping on.

I wish good luck and dry shorts to everybody,
kcragman
Posted 6/1/2008 10:00 PM (GMT -6)

redface  

Hi All,

Has anyone had a flat out stoppage in BM without stool softener.

I am one month post op from radical prostecemy. The usual blood loss but no transfusion, catheter removed with no problems, just dribbles and more leaking the more I bend over and stand up. But all clearly getting better. Except:BM if I do not used a softener I get gas but no  poop.

It was nerve sparing but I'm not on any thing to help the erection along, so I got nothin there.

Just wondering if anyone has any additional on the poop stoppage.

PSA in March 5

Surgery April 9

Cancer contained with the prostate

No other treatment recommended

Speaking to my doctor in a fewe day to ask him about it.

Posted 6/1/2008 10:34 PM (GMT -6)
kcragman

I had some problems with butt pain and discovered it was from needing to have a bowel movement.  You may need to take some stool softner and see if it gives you some relief. When I had the problem it really hurt however when I had a bowel movement it would go away. I am a few days shy of 3 months post surgery and almost dry. I am getting very close. I try to watch what I drink although my Urologist told me I could drink anything just do it in moderation. I am still mainly drinking water and will continue  this until I am dry for a few weeks.

Posted 6/1/2008 10:36 PM (GMT -6)
kcragman -- Forget the Ibuprofen and take tylenol. You shouldn't be taking any blood-thinning meds. right now. Check with your doc on this.
Also, I had the butt ache for what felt like forever, but it went away after about seven weeks or so. After about four weeks you may get some other strange sensations from down there too. In my case (and other guy;s here) it sometimes felt like a little finger was poking its way around in the crotch area betwen my scrotum and lower back. Others feel a void where the prostate used to be. Give it time and remember, the operative word is PATIENCE.
You'll be fine.
Tom
Posted 6/2/2008 5:11 AM (GMT -6)
On the BM I have found also that I must stay on the stool softener or I'll have no luck on the BM.  Mentioned this to the Dr and he said by all means stay on the softeners but I'm wondering how long?? I too notice that after a BM the pain in the butt goes away. yeah
Posted 6/2/2008 5:47 AM (GMT -6)
i have not experienced the rectum pain you describe.  however, i do feel irritation when i am close to having a bm. after the catheter was removed i was able to stop and go.  i said this is easy.  i came home and took a 30 minute nap and woke up soaking wet.   i am currently ok during the day but wake up each morning with the depends soaking wet.  as for work, you may want to go in a half day first and see how it is going to work.  i went in a half day last friday to see if i could hold the stream.  i did a couple of trips to the bathroom to make sure i could hold it. also, took a lot of pads to put in my office.  to be on the safe side, i also took another pair of pants just in case... it was ok.  today is first full day at work so i am a little apprehensive.
Posted 6/2/2008 10:50 AM (GMT -6)
PianoMan: My doctor's office was the source for telling me to up my ibuprophen from 400 mgs to 600 mgs per dose. At 600 mgs I have been feeling much better. (I tolerate ibuprophen well - I know some people do not.) Wierd sensations later? I can't wait. Right now my penis peridocally hurts, burns, itches, and feels irritated in so many different ways that I think that is wierd enough. I've also read somewhere on this board that I have a 50% chance of experiencing clinical depression.

Rob2: Today is my first half day back at work. I am hanging in there, but I am burning through pads (drip, drip, drip). I thought about the extra pair of pants, but did not bring them in. I do not have your night time issue - but today is a BAD day for my rear end. Good grief.

General info on the rear end: When I had the catheter in I was taking stool softeners and I did all kinds of toilet bowl gymnastics to prevent from pushing - and was pretty successful. Once the catheter came out I stopped taking stool softeners and have been going normally. I probably push more than I should, but I have always achieved relative quick and easy results - even though most times it feels like I am pooping the proverbial brick. Gas appears to be a non-issue.

I don't think my rear end issue is related to BMs, but kegels seem to irritate the heck out of it. I'm walking a mile a day. I'm going to increase that and see what happens. And I will eventually get there!
Thanks for all of the advice,
kcragman
Posted 6/2/2008 3:49 PM (GMT -6)
i hope your days get better.  i haven't had much caffeine since surgery.  they say caffeine can make you go to the bathroom.  i don't think my bladder has been full since surgery.  i too will leak when i stand up.  also, i have to be careful passing gas.  if i push, i will have leakage issues.   also, i am pushing more with the bm's.  my first one was 4 days after surgery and i just sat there and let it happen.  the following week i sat on the toilet so long my feet fell asleep. i finally had to push and have pretty much been back to normal since then. 
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