New Member - Surprises

On May 2, 2007 I had a radical prostatectomy. My doctor originally said my stay in the hospital would last 2 or 3 days. It ended up being for five. The next day after the surgery I had a stoke caused by a blockage in my left vertebral artery.  Other doctors said I dodged a "bullet" concerning the stroke. When the stroke occurred I was just lieing in the bed when suddenly I felt an annoying buzz in my left ear. Then immediately I felt my ear lobe begin tingling and going numb; it then went down the left side of my face, throat, shoulder and left arm to the finger tips. Fortunately, all of this subsided after a few hours, except for tingling in my finger tips. My urologist said he thought at first it was just the way I was positioned in surgery. However, after telling my nurse about my feelings she informed the doctor she thought something more serious was going on. Tests were ordered and indeed she was correct. I feel really blessed that I had a veteran nurse of 30 years who pursued this for me. I am now being treated with blood thinner - surgery not possible. A few days ago my blood pressure started bouncing around, so on a temporary time trial my primary-care doctor has put me on high blood pressure medicine.

For the last year and a half I have experienced several kidney stones which had to be removed by extraction or by lythotripsey treatments (around 10 hospital out-patient sessions). During one of these treatments I discovered I was a diabetic and in between another treatment I discovered I had ulcerated colitis. I feel all of the anti-boditics played a major role for the colitis by possibly killing off the good bacteria in my digestive system. Along with these aggrevations I also have to deal with polio and post polio syndrome and also have stinosis of my spine (neck).

Now, getting back to the Prostectomy, my primary doctor has been checking my PSA for several years. My number has never been over 1.2 until February of this year it jumped up to 4.0. Fortunately, I always ask for my blood work reports. I would suggest everyone do this. The doctor never said anything about this. It was when I got home and had turned to the last page I noticed it. It was not flagged, but I already knew that anything over 3.0 was considered suspicious. It just turns out I was scheduled to see my urologist to check the status of two kidney stones that are still onboard. He said he was glad I brought this report. He set up ultasound and biopsy session. The exam showed no irregularities. It turned out after the biopsy report I had cancer with a Gleason score of 7 (I think). Today I am dealing with incontinence. Hopefully, this will go away. I am doing the Kegel exercises. I wish I could exercise and take the 30 minute walks that are suggested, but the Post Polio Syndrome does not allow over-doing it. Today I am celebrating week 8 from my surgery and tomorrow I will celebrate, God willing, week 8 from the stroke.    

Just looking at me you would think I am a "picture of health". I am 58 years old, 5' 8" tall and weigh 170 pounds. I have never smoked nor have I ever even tasted liquor of any kind. Even with all of these aggravations I feel very fortunate that God has spared me. I hope to do more for Him.

Thanks for reading,

JL

I am... God should cut out my tongue for the complaining I have been dealing after reading your journey.  I have been through a few procedures, but nothing to compare waiting right now for a prostate biopsy report to come in.  And unfortunately I have all the bad habits you don't.  I just know there is a light at the end of your tunnel talking about this world, not the next and God will see you through all of these opticals... truly truly wish you the very best........... Richard

in the forest.... a beautiful bell hangs at the very top.... it only stops ringing.  When you come through the forests for your voice takes its place....   Richard

Again, Thanks for your input,

JL 

RRP 12/7/06. Nerves and nodes okay.

Pathological stage: T2B. Gleason 3+4. Cancer confined to prostate.

PSA on 1/3/07 - 0.04. 

PSA on 4/4/07 - 0.00  T level - 48  Restarted T therapy.

Next PSA on 7/18/07.

 "I have cancer but cancer does not have me."

JL:

You have certainly had a full plate and your positive outlook will aid in your recovery.  I can relate to the stroke after surgery.  Mine was the opposite - I had a slight heart attack with stent put in followed by rehab - had to delay my treatment and began the day after rehab ended.

As for a reply to each and every post - don't think it's necessary - a simple "thanks to all" would suffice.  We're not here for praise but to help and support.

Best of luck to you as you recoop.

Dutch

PSA 4.8      Gleason 3+3=6      Stage   T2b

Completed Proton Therapy @ Loma Linda - Aug 2001

Have had no side effects.

6yr PSA - 0.19

I mentioned in my original post that I am dealing with diabetes. I am happy to report my blood sugar is currently averaging in the low 120's. I so far have not been required to take any medications for it. To me it is nearly impossible to go by the strict dietary rules set for this illness. But I have been able to avoid soft drinks, cut down on breads, and deserts.

I noticed that ulcerative colitis is a very "Active Topic" here. I feel fortunate I went to the doctor early and only have to take a maintenace program of  4 pills a day. In the beginning I was passing substantial blood, but currently I have not noticed any more bleeding.  

When I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer I was very afraid. When I look back, I think the full body scan was the most frightening thing for me. There have been several members of my family that have had some form of cancer. I was extremely relieved when it came back negative.

 I will be seeing a cardiolgist on July 17th about the stroke I had. The neurosurgeion I saw said the stroke was most likely caused by a circulatory issue. The doctor I will be seeing is a D.O. doctor specializing in cardiology. Supposedly D.O.'s look at the whole body and not just one issue. I took my wife's doctor directory and asked him if he could recommend one (24 on the list). I was really surprised when he checked off four as being excellent and he even told me three (one an emphatic NO!) to stay away from. He of course told me not to mention this to anyone because of the possibility of slander. I assured him I would not divulge any of this conversation to anyone. I am glad he felt he could trust me. I wished in the beginning I had discovered this site, what a greater benefit it would have been.

Thanks everyone for your kindness,

JL

JL