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Posted 9/2/2006 9:45 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Everyone,
 
  Tom and I have two full weeks left to prepare for surgery. Time seems to be dragging, but at the same time it's hard to believe we only have two weeks left. I'm currently putting together my shopping list and wanted it run it by you. Please, Please, Please feel free to give suggestions and add to it as I have never been through this before and feel pretty clueless.
Most of this I have gotten from other posts and I have noticed a lot of others asking what to buy. Thought it might not be a bad idea to consolidate it to one thread. At least it will help me anyway.
 O.K, here's what I've got so far:
 
Baggy pants -carpenter style jeans, P.J.'s w/ a concealed rip up the side (buttons or Velcro -?does it matter which side?, loose work out pants.
 
Boxers- soft and loose
 
Baggy T-shirts- for sleeping and incision comfort
 
Small laundry basket - for the cath bag while in bed (thank you mama bluebird)
 
Couple of extra sets of bedding - just in case
 
Plastic sheet for under the mattress pad- just in case
 
Stool softener parifanaila - suggestions?
 
A good book- a distracting story to read to him in the hospital
 
Comfortable chair at home - reclining
 
Depends and pads- whats good for a man who plans to go back to work in three weeks?
 
Get scrips ahead of time- (thank you mama bluebird)
 
Catheter care- ??????????? Also, will they give us a leg bag and a regular bag? Is there a general preference on with leg to put it on or is that personal?
 
What else came in handy?
 
 
 
Kate
 
My Husband was Diagnosed 7/13/06
*52 yrs old
*7 Gleason
*11.? PSA
*T2b
*His father died of PC
*Negative Bone and CT scan

Posted 9/2/2006 10:18 AM (GMT -6)
Kate,
I'm also trying to set up a list of what we'll need for the surgery, but I see on your list scrips...what are they? I never saw that mentioned.
Thanks
Ellen
 
 
Curtis, 63,  was diagnosed Aug 21, 2006
T1C
Gleason 3+3=6, 3+4=7
PSA 4.10

Posted 9/2/2006 10:34 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Kate,

For comfort around the the house, (and modesty of the patient if that applies) a couple of cheapy light bathrobes. They are easy to get on and off, hide the tube/bag, and won't cause rubbing or binding of the cath. 3-5x T-Shirt optional as night shirt. This will make the access/maint. of cath./bag a whole lot easier. Make sure to ask for a larger night catheter bag if they don't offer it.

When it's time to return to work, and pads maybe necessary the Serenity Pads for Men work very well. In order to work they will require Jockey Shorts.

We didn't get a bed liner instead we used a green leaf bag on the top bed sheet they don't need to be washed; just through them away. On top of that for comfort and extra protection a folded large beach towel (much easier to change that a set of bedding). These are time and work saving items that you will only need for a short time.

If you have any questions; please ask.

Glen
 
ps. please forgive me for repeating some of these items, but I thought it would help.

Post Edited (spinbiscuit) : 9/2/2006 9:45:50 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/2/2006 12:37 PM (GMT -6)
Spinbiscuit,
 
Why do they keep editing your posts Glen?  You have such good ideas I hate to think we can't read everything you have to say.
Ellen
 
 
Curtis, 63,  was diagnosed Aug 21, 2006
T1C
Gleason 3+3=6, 3+4=7
PSA 4.10

Posted 9/2/2006 12:56 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Wicket,
when I said "scrips", I was referring to prescriptions. mama bluebird made that point in "Our Journey". I really hadn't thought of it before that, but it does make alot of since to try to get them all filled if at all possible prior to leaving the hospital.

Seems like I will also need to get ourselves completely hurricane ready before hand also. My father will be coming to fill the roll as live-in nanny, but I doubt he'll be much help with shutters.
Kate
 
My Husband was Diagnosed 7/13/06
*52 yrs old
*7 Gleason
*11.? PSA
*T2b
*His father died of PC
*Negative Bone and CT scan

Posted 9/2/2006 2:10 PM (GMT -6)
Hi, Wittler. Don't forget surgical gloves. It's just a lot easier to deal with the catheter and applying ointment and cleaning around the wound area, too.
 
The mindless reading (book) is for you. Husb. probably won't be interested the first 24 hours.
 
PJs with velcro tabs - I did both sides, just in case.
 
Regarding Catheter attachment:
-They didn't give husb. a choice on which leg. Turned out to be opposite from the side he sleeps on, but wasn't a problem.
 
Also, the leg tape is sort of butterfly shaped with a nylon strip in the middle. One side of the wing is the "female" (fuzzy) velco side. At the tip of the nylon strip is the "male" (wiry, prickly) side (much smaller). This wraps around the catheter and then presses together. The nylon strip is not that stable - ours broke completely off after first losing the "male" part. I would highly recommend finding a piece of "male" velcro strips to have handy. It saved us - I just cut a three-inch piece down the middle to make it thinner and wove it around the catheter tubing (just below where it branches out - there is a junction), then, pressed both ends onto the female wing. That held us until removal time. I know it's hard to picture, but you'll get it when you see the setup. Your husband will guard that tubing carefully, because if it gets yanked on (as in a heavy leg or overnight bag or even turning over in his sleep), that could be not fun.
Posted 9/2/2006 4:31 PM (GMT -6)
The cath straps can go on either leg and "should" be alternated if at all possible. Let comfort be a guide. The tube goes comfortably from the leg of a pair of boxer briefs to the penis. You'll see...not to much to adjust around.

-I do ike the glove idea. Check the local dollar store for cheapies!

-if the night stand is close to the bed and has a handle, the big bag hangs
from it real nice. As long as the bag hangs lower than the cath at night it
doesn't matter what it's put in. A dollar store trash can works well too. I love dollar stores for throw away items!!!!

-night shirts...men's are so neat and clean looking. The less my guy has to look "sick" the less he feels deibitated. Besides...a man's silk night shirt is sooooo um...metro-sexual...LOL! I love em personally.

-It's like any other surgery...seek comfort. A prostatectomy isn't the only game in town. It isn't the first surgery and won't be the last on earth so relax just a little. Yeah yeah...easy for me to say, right? Yep...sure is! Been there an done that and I promise it won't be nearly as rough as it sounds in here. It's frightening but survivable. If we set our minds on things being horrible and difficult then they will be just that. Set our minds on things being different for a short time...and that's exactly what we'll get.

A Foley cath is not a call to arms. It's a tool that helps a man void while a surgical site heals. It isn't permanent and it won't bite. Well, not hard anyway! Foley's are not much to be worried about as long as simple care instructions are followed. A quart of white vinegar and water is all that is necessary to keep the bags clean. If the hospital hasn't given an extra of each size..ask at least an hour before you leave.

Ask for a velcro leg strap and even for an extra to take home if one has not been provided.

Ask for tape if you believe you actually may need it.

Ask for a tube of anitbiotic ointment if one has not been provided.

Providing a tad of tug room under the leg cennection from tube to leg bag will provide a stop......keeps Mr. Winkie from getting his nose hairs pulled..ouchie!

A tad of ointment on the tip a couple of times a day keeps the tip from getting sore. If the bag turns dark red, not pink, not orange, not yellow and not clearish...dark red...call the Dr. for advise. If the flow stops, there will be a painful warning felt inside the bladder. A clot may have gotten stuck. call for advise.

Moving about does several things:

-Promote a tad of friction which makes soreness more tollerable than not moving around. We get more sore by doing nothing at all so get up and move unless there is a specific reason to remain bed ridden.
-keeps lungs clear and clots away
-moves the digestive track
-builds self confidence...... that this too shall pass!

Most insurance companies pay for a day visit from a nurse. If you need it, take it. If not...don't! My advise...take the security blanket if it's offered.
:>)
Posted 9/2/2006 8:06 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Wittler (Kate & Tom),  J

 

You have truly done well!!!  Your list will really help others along the way…  and thank you for your special thank you’s above J  It touched my heart!  I’ve answered a few of your questions and added a few things too... using our experience... 

 

Baggy Pants & Catheter:

We did use the leg closest to the floor for the attachment for the bag.  Buddy never got tangled up and it made it easier for me when I emptied the bag in the middle of the night. 

He walked and walked and walked...with his big catheter bag using the pants with the slit up the side...and never had any problems.

The hospital provided 2 bags (big and small) we kept the big one on at home and used the small one only for our doctor visits.

I’m a true believer that recovery time means recovery time.  Going out to eat or visit was not on our agenda.  We had no plans to venture out until the catheter was removed.  Even then we took it nice and slow. 

The bag was our friend from beginning to end.  I wish you the same!

Catheter Bag Holder:

Our plastic basket is 15” x 15” x 12” and it worked perfect!! The catheter bag hooked on the inside edge allowing for a stable environment and the bag remained lower than the catheter…  I now use the basket for my small laundry items. J Another positive reminder that we came through this!!

Good Book:

I took my “Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer”. I found the book helped me not be scared…. I did not read Chapter 12 because I truly feel that POSITIVE THINKING is a must!!!!  Why??  Because Prostate Cancer is CURABLE…. So ~ while I waited in the waiting room to hear from the nurse in the operating room….. (She called to let me know that surgery had begun and a second call on how things were going) I read.  At times I couldn’t see the page for the tears… but they are a part of this process and it really does help to shed them. 

Underwear:

After catheter is removed we had 2 items.  Depends Adjustable Underwear Sm/Med 28”/45” and Depend Guards for Men.  These really worked well for Buddy. He’s 5’9 160 lbs.  Very comfortable around the incision too!  I got the adjustable ones not knowing what to expect.  Figured I’d have them for easier access.  See the back of a package to help you decide which ones you’d like to have on hand.  I send special wishes that Tom won’t need them but for a few days and then for comfort only J 

Stool Softener:

Buddy was given a stool softener in the hospital and one was prescribed for home.  The prescription was Surfak 240mg 1 per day.  This just wasn’t enough!  The pharmacist suggested equate natural vegetable laxative so we did the prescription in the a.m. and the vege lax in the evening…. RELIEF J

Head Brace:  this is really a must!!!

I took 2 very soft ankle socks and stuffed them with soft material. The pillows in the hospital are really not very good.  I placed them on the sides of Buddy's head so when he slept his neck was not strained, as his head would roll to the side.  This really helped!! 

Special Helper!!!

I’ll do a new posting on this and add it to “OUR JOURNEY”  J

 

Looks to me like you are ready to go!!!! This will really help you in the long run having everything in place. 

 

Reminder:  Take care of you!! During this time…  Don’t hesitate to take your Klonopin….. Sleep is a healer for the mind and soul.  If you’re concerned about taking it every night and still need sleep… call your pharmacist and ask if taking Klonopin one night and something like Excedrin PM the next night.  You don’t want a reaction but you definitely need your sleep. 

 

Take care and know we are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.

Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

Posted 9/3/2006 11:03 PM (GMT -6)
We kept extra supplies in the car for outings. Toward the 2nd week he had a lot of leaking around the catheter.  Extra pads (my guy likes the Serenity brand), some flushable wipes,  large plastic jar with a screw top was always available for emptying his leg bag if no restroom was available. 
 
LW
 
 
Posted 9/4/2006 3:55 PM (GMT -6)
LW,
I had no idea there would be leaking around the catheter...Guess I'll have to get pads earlier than I thought.  I didn't expect he would need them til after the catheter came out.  Always learning something new in here alright!!
Ellen
 
 
Curtis, 63,  was diagnosed Aug 21, 2006
T1C
Gleason 3+3=6, 3+4=7
PSA 4.10

Posted 9/4/2006 8:53 PM (GMT -6)

Quotes from previous postings:

Wicket said...
I bought his book on the recommendation of some people in here.  I just started reading parts of it and it scared the heck out of me so put it away in a drawer.  I'd much rather  get my information from the men and their wives in here.

Thanks everyone!!

Wicket said...
LW,

I had no idea there would be leaking around the catheter...Guess I'll have to get pads earlier than I thought.  I didn't expect he would need them til after the catheter came out.  Always learning something new in here alright!!

 

Hi Ellen…

 

This is what I meant in a previous posting about info from your new book.

On page 232 Leakage around the catheter:

Urinary sediment:

Bleeding around the catheter:  Looks scary, but it’s pretty common….

 

If you know this stuff before it happens….. you will truly deal with it better.

 

I care about you and that’s why I’m concerned. 

Please know I care and I won’t say anymore about this topic…(I hope I can do this J )

In Friendship,

Lee

mama bluebird
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate
June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable 

Posted 9/4/2006 11:34 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks Bluebird. 
I just didn't realize that he would have to wear a pad plus the catheter in case it leaked.  Glad I did see that post.  I haven't read all that much in the book yet.
Ellen
 
 
Curtis, 63,  was diagnosed Aug 21, 2006
T1C
Gleason 3+3=6, 3+4=7
PSA 4.10

Posted 4/14/2007 7:02 PM (GMT -6)

Dear Friends,

 

I am popping this thread back to the top.  It has a great Title!!

It would be great if "YOU" added your list of supplies that helped you on your journey.

 

Each person (Newbies) can pull what he or she feels they need in order to make their journey smoother...  We've got it started above....  "Thanks Wittler!!!"  :-)  

 

Check out Wicket’s threads…. and see the growth and strength from this 9-4-2006 posting above.

 

                                             Knowledge is Power

and knowing what to expect ~ makes this journey so much smoother.

 

Continue to reach out!!!!  That’s why we are all here!!  Helping each other in so many “different” ways. 

 

Oldies…. Help Newbies ~ by adding your "Shopping List"....

Options, Options, Options.

I kinda like this word.

What worked for us ~ can/may work for “them”!

At least this gives them “options”

 

 

:) Lee & Buddy

mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina

Link to our personal journey…>>>     Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring 

April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day

RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision"

PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate

2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Posted 4/14/2007 7:20 PM (GMT -6)
I just posted this elsewhere, but this is a good thread for people to find the info. This was our list. Compiled from reading helpful posts from others here as well as this site that was helpful:

http://www.malecare.com/prostate_cancer_surgery_patient_hints.htm

CLOTHING

Bought a pair of tear off basketball warm-up type pants with the snaps on the side. Easy to get on and off with the snaps and can hang the big catheter on a snap down low when moving around. But since you are having your surgery in summer maybe big mesh basketball shorts?

*Robe and slippers (with good sole, to not slip on the tile) for hospital

Some tightie whities for post-catheter out. Holds pad in tighter. We aren't that point yet, but have them on hand.

PHARMACY
Asked our doc for prescriptions for post-op at pre-op appointment (as some suggested on here). Filled them prior to surgery so didn't have to deal with stopping at Walgreens on way home, etc. (He prescribed detrol LA for bladder spasms, percocet for pain, an antibiotic, and ambien for sleep).

Pre-op stuff: in our case magnesium citrate (laxative) and a couple of Fleet enemas. Also baby wipes for wiping sore butt from all the laxative action.

Post-op stuff:
* Stool softener.
* Electronic thermometer (already had)
* Bought some pads for after catheter is out (we bought serenity pads, but some recommend attends ... haven't tried any yet ... but there are some threads on this)
* Neopsorin with pain gel (good for putting around opening of catheter) ... they also gave us some in hospital, but didn't have the numbing stuff in it.
* Alcohol wipes for cleaning off catheter connections, cleaning tip of penis
* We bought one washable bed pad for post-surgery in case of leakage, blood, etc. Although we have used it, didn't really need it

OTHER
*Vinegar for cleaning and draining catheter (oh and a funnel is handy, even though wasn't on my pre-surgery list)
* We bought an extra velcro catheter strap (we got one from the hospital, but Ken liked using two to keep it from pulling)
*Ken also added a few inches to his leg catheter with 1/2" sterile tubing. So the tubing was extended beyond his ankle. He then tucked it up under one of the straps. Works well for draining.
* We stuck a plastic hanger in between the top mattress and bottom one, hung the big night bag from that over a plastic garbage pail. Also had several plastic garbage pails around in sitting/resting places to hang catheter on during day.

FOOD
*lots of liquids, buillion/broth, lemon ice, jello for pre-surgery liquid diet
*Lots of pudding, yogurt, ice cream, soup, etc for post-surgery diet

That is everything I can remember!

Tanya (and Ken)
Age: 63
Diagnosed: 10/30/06
PSA: 3.7 (up from 3.4 previous year)
Biopsy: 1/10 cancerous, 5% of one core, right apex.
Gleason: 3+3=6
Da Vinci: April 10, 2007
Path results: 1% of prostate involved. Very small tumors on both rght and left apex. Negative margins. Gleason 3+4=7.

Posted 4/15/2007 7:16 PM (GMT -6)
Kate: Be sure to discuss with your surgeon what to treat the incision(s) with after surgery. In my case, we thought Neosporin was the right thing, but it IS NOT.
I had the small Da Vinci incisions and they responded best to no topical treament -- just a daily shower and fresh air.
Ask the doc before applying any vaseline, salves etc.
Best to the both of you!

54 years old

PSA = First ever was 9.8 in late Oct. ‘06, two weeks later, 10.1

DRE: Negative

Biopsy results 11/22/06 (6 out of 8 cores positive), both lobes, Gleason 3+3 = 6

Da Vinci Robotic RP surgery, City of Hope, Jan 12, 2007

Post surgery pathology – Organ confined, Gleason still 6, margins clear.

First post-surgery PSA -- Undetectable, 2/20/07

 

“Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.”

George S. Patton

American Soldier and General

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