greenacres- ?'s regarding Dr. F. in Austin

Kurt wants to know who removed your cath.  Was it Dr. F or his nurse?  We are strongly thinking about having cath removed back in OK.  We know we would miss out on face to face consult with Dr. F, however in booklet he sent us it says he is willing to do post consult via phone or internet.  Any thoughts would ba appreciated.  We talked to our Dr here today and he acted shocked that cath was to be removed 7 days following procedure.   Thanks, Courtney

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Kurt & Courtney

Hey Folks,

I had "open" surgery (RRP) and had the catheter out after 6 days with no problems at all. Catheter was a nuisance and nothing more. Doc pulled it out and I didn't even feel it.

Jim

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Age 72. Diagnosed 11/03/06. PSA 7.05. Stage T2B Gleason 3+3.

With our local doc it is 2-3 weeks. We keep hearing about nurses removing cath. Just wondering what goes on at Dr. F's in Austin. Does he do it, or a nurse?

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Kurt & Courtney

Hi, Kziz.

A nurse (male as it happened to be), removed the catheter in Dr. F's office. Seven days is typical with da Vinci. However, he doesn't take any chances as some on here will testify, there can be complications.

First, he sent us for an X-ray, just before the cath removal appointment. We took the film with us to his office. Dr. F. reviewed it and deemed all to be well. He told us that rarely is there any reason to leave the catheter in any longer than that.

If the post-op path report looks good, and all is well, you'd be in good hands with a home uro. His booklet explains so well all the post recovery steps and he (a nurse) can prescribe by phone the choice of viagra/cialis/etc. Dr. F. recommended getting on one of those for ED within a week or two following cath removal. He doesn't want you to "use" it; just get the blood flowing.

Please don't hesitate to ask any specifics about Dr. F/staff/hospital. I'm more than happy to help in any way.

I'm editing this. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure it was one of Dr. F's surgical techs who removed the cath.

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Husband age 65

Hi Courtney, Kurt,
A week to go for you and I wanted to let you know I feel great. My daVinci surgeon was excellent as yours will be as well. But aside from my uncertain things in the pathology the surgery was a minor event now. I walk good distances daily and have 99.9% control of my bladder. I cut the lawn today for additional excercise and will take an evening walk. I believe the walks help alot. They help me mentally and physically. I recommend that you do them asap after surgery. I did not walk long distances with the catheter, but I did walk frequently. Once the catheter came out I was walking a couple miles a day. Funny cause I never did that often before. But I do feel well and wish you will feel the same just a few weeks after. My third week "anniversary" isn't until Friday, but I cannot believe how well things are at least from the surgery.

Our Prayers and Love,
Tony & Ruth