Posted 6/17/2007 6:10 PM (GMT -7)
On April 16th I had robotic surgery to remove my prostate at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Dr. Mani Menon was the surgeon. The results of this surgery and follow-up blood tests so far indicate that I am cancer free. The first week with the catheter in was difficult, but I stayed with my wife in the apartments on the hospital grounds until my catheter was removed. I wanted to be close by in case any complications developed. Fortunately none did. During that week I did a lot of walking and felt better and was able to do more every day.
I wore the pads for 2 - 3 weeks, and did the kegel exercises as prescribed. I stopped using the pads as leakage became minimal - only a few drops here and there when laughing, coughing, sneezing or passing gas. Today, two months later, I am almost completely continent and making progress with erectile function issues. I take cialis every day and self-inject another medication, V#4 (PAP/PHEN), twice a week. So far this has resulted in some sustained enlargement, but no sustainable erections. I'm confident I will continue to make progress.
Even though there are many outstanding hospitals and excellent doctors in my home state of Massachusetts, I am extremely glad that I chose Dr. Menon. In my opinion, he lived up to his outstanding reputation and has almost a spiritual quality about him that is difficult to describe. For those who are anticipating surgery, after having done considerable research, I strongly believe that robotic surgery is superior to traditional open surgery. The care that I received from the entire staff was outstanding at Henry Ford.
I was extremely anxious before surgery, especially regarding general anesthesia. I am saying this because I want to encourage those of you who feel the same way. I got through it, and so will you.
God Bless,
Modog
Combined Gleason Score: 7
Primary Gleason Grade: 3
Secondary Gleason Grade: 4