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Perineum Tenderness

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Posted 11/6/2006 3:13 PM (GMT -8)
I would like to hear from those men that have had a prostatectomy their experiences with perineum tenderness.  I had a Da Vinci last Wednesday and have done great.  The tenderness in my perineum has increased some each day since surgery and is now to the point where I cannot sit down while typing on the keyboard without a pillow underneath me.  The point of tenderness is primarily right behind my testicles obviously where the prostate was located.  I am okay when I sit back and their is no pressure on the perineum.  My surgeon's information says that this may last for 3 or 4 weeks.  It is not a concern just curious as to how long I will have to sit on this pillow.  Also, any of you have a problem with the tenderness while driving?

Tamu

Posted 11/6/2006 3:36 PM (GMT -8)
Curtis had is surgery over a month ago and is having the same pain you are talking about. He did a lot of straining one night when he had awful gas and has had problems with this since then.  He told the doctor and he said that it could last a couple of months...being tender in that spot.  He explained it that it was like sitting on a ball and Curtis agreed.  As for driving...he hasn't done any.  I've driven any where he's had to go.
Posted 11/6/2006 5:05 PM (GMT -8)
My husband had his surgery 3 weeks ago and still uses a pillow in certain situations.. I read somewhere that because of the location of the prostate in relation to the rectum, the rectal wall is actually now thinner and more prone to injury for 2-3 months after the surgery. So it's going to be sore for a while!

becky
Posted 11/6/2006 5:27 PM (GMT -8)
Becky,

Sounds like our husbands are pretty much at the same place in their recovery.  I know Curtis was really sore today til he could go to the bathroom, then it wasn't so painful so I'm sure you're right about the rectum being thinner.  I've heard that too.

Curtis uses a pillow for the chair at his computer and one in the car's passenger seat.  

Posted 11/6/2006 5:36 PM (GMT -8)

Tamu,

I wasn't tender during the week with the catheter; however, I was on pain pills until Friday. By Monday of the next week I had to call in to get a refill on the pain med due to the aching you described. I only used it sparingly for a few days and none after Wednesday. It seems there was just a flare up. I also bought a doughnut blowup seat cushion, which helps as well. After my first day back in the office (today - using the doughnut) I didn't have any discomfort. Not to say the area isn't a little tender and I'm not ready to ride a bike, but it's considerably better after only 2 weeks.

Posted 11/6/2006 6:01 PM (GMT -8)
Tamu and Becky,

Well it's good to know that he's not the only man having this problem...we were beginning to wonder if there was an infection or something, but it sounds pretty normal by what you two have said.

Thanks!!

Posted 11/6/2006 7:02 PM (GMT -8)
Yep, same here just insist on the soft soft seat.

Posted 11/6/2006 7:29 PM (GMT -8)
Yes, Ellen, their schedule is pretty close. My husband can't go back to work for 6 weeks - he's in construction and even his smaller equipment exceeds the amount he's allowed to lift. We borrowed a couple of recliners, put one in the living room for t.v. and one in the bedroom for sleep, and that's where he stayed the 2 weeks the catheter was in. We found that the recliner also helped with the arthritis in his neck, and back pain, which flairs up sometimes with his job. So I went on Craigslist and found a used double - seater recliner and got it so we can sit together comfortably. Even having a slight recline alleviates the pressure that causes the "ache". (I told him now he knows what it's like to have cramps).

He still uses a pillow at the dining room table. He went on a short roadtrip today (3-4 hours) with some men from our church for the night. He took his pillow with him, and of course they gave him the front seat that reclines. So we'll see how he does. I imagine it's going to take a little more out of him than he expects!

becky
Posted 11/6/2006 7:51 PM (GMT -8)

Hey Tamu:

I've been reading your daily diary.  Sounds like you are progressing rather nicely, as I anticipated!  The strength will increase each week.  I'm sure your dog will take good care of you during the walks.  Tell the Mrs. to stop worrying.  You will be jogging at the six week mark, just like me.

Guess the talk back home is how 'Bama lost to the Bulldogs.  Can't figure that one out yet either.

Re the perineum tenderness, I think you get the point from the previous posts.  It's pretty universal out there; you will have tenderness for three-four weeks, just as your urologist at Vandy stated in the written material you received.  Nothing to worry about.  I, too, sat on a pillow for a week or two when I started driving post-surgery.  The tenderness does goes away.  I promise.

Posted 11/6/2006 8:21 PM (GMT -8)
Becky,


How did Jeff do on his trip today? I imagine he's pretty sore tonight after that long in the car. I know Curtis would be.
Posted 11/6/2006 8:37 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Ellen,

He's not coming back until tomorrow. I really admire him - he took his backpack with extra clothes and depends and was so glad to be going on a "roadtrip" with 5 of the men from our church. They were driving over 3 hours, staying in a hotel, and going to a meeting tomorrow a.m. and then heading home after lunch. Jeff's very outgoing, and has been feeling disconnected, so emotionally it was good for him. But I have a feeling he's missing his recliner, and hotel beds aren't too comfortable. So he'll probably be exhausted tomorrow - althogh we got the viagra today, so I know he'll want to try it to see what happens! I will let you know how he manages. Fortunately all of the guys he's with are good friends and so supportive, although one of the older guys whose always joking about his own viagra made him a goody bag that said "Diaper Dan" on it. So I'm sure he's in for some ribbing.

becky
Posted 11/6/2006 8:42 PM (GMT -8)
Becky,
Oh I'm sure he is in for some ribbing. I hope he is good natured about that and enjoys his outing. We haven't been out of the house except when I take Curtis to the doctors or I go grocery shopping cause he's so uncomfortable in the car. Curtis is very outgoing and love visiting with people, but hasn't really felt like it since the surgery. I really would like to just get out and go to a movie again. LOL

We're retired so don't have to worry about going back to work in the future which is nice. He can take as long as he needs to to get over this.

Hope Jeff has a great time!!
Posted 11/7/2006 4:03 AM (GMT -8)
Becky, that's wonderful that your husband is out in the world again. it makes you realize that life does go on after PC.

Tamu, aren't you glad to hear that others have dealt with the tenderness, too, and that it will go away?

take care all, kat
Posted 11/7/2006 6:09 AM (GMT -8)
Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the replies. I now know what to expect and will keep a pillow with me. I was surprised that the tenderness really did not get bad enough for a pillow until the fourth day after surgery. Thank goodness that I am not having any constipation problems as that would be an issue with pain. I have not taken any of the pain medication that was provided as a couple of Tylenols seem to keep everything in check.

Tamu
Posted 11/7/2006 11:08 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Friends,

Just adding our experience.... We went out and bought 2 recliners and 2 donut pillows!! and to this day ~ 7 months post surgery ~ Buddy continues to leave it in the reclining mode. It really does take the pressure off. And we both continue to use our donut pillows.... he has added a softer pillow on top of the donut and uses it at the computer. The pain has been very minimal since surgery and I truly feel it was because of this. We have really enjoyed the recliners. I was happy to fine 2 small recliners.... for 2 small people…. for small space J I wanted one too!!!



2busymom.... I love the idea of a seat for two!!! smile



I guess time is the answer.... Take care….. Lee & her Buddy
Posted 11/8/2006 1:54 AM (GMT -8)
Well Jeff got back from his trip, and actually didn't do to badly. The worst times were when they went ot dinner and a movie, and he didn't want to take his pillow in. He was a bit sore from that, but all in all did pretty well. He took the teasing all in stride. I was surprised he told the guys about the Viagra the Dr. gave us, so of course that added to the ribbing.

becky
Posted 11/8/2006 8:02 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Everyone, Yea I had the tenderness too. Used the pillow still do 4 weeks tommorrow especially at computer. Has anyone been riding a bike. I would like to ride my exercise bike Schwinn Airdyne. I would probably use a big pillow. Shepla
Posted 11/8/2006 8:27 AM (GMT -8)
Speaking of bikes...

I had just bought a new one and even before the PC I wasn't comfortable on the seat. A local bike shop sells one that can support both cheeks and has an opening in the middle, which is where it hurt me. Post op this is looking real nice!
Posted 11/8/2006 1:36 PM (GMT -8)
Our Dr. gave us a list of things and when Jeff can and can't do them. Biking was not until 3-4 months after surgery, I'm assuming because the tissue in the rectum isn't healed for 2-3 months.

becky
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