O Happy Day - they took my catheter away!

Today, my 8th day post surgery, my catheter was removed. A number of people on this board had described the process well, so I knew what to expect. There was no real pain, just a little stinging when the saline solution was put in. The whole process was over in a matter of seconds. I had taken with me a selection of Depends, pads, etc., and it was suggested to me that I use the pads instead of the Depends. I used the pad and only had a small amount of leakage on the 2-hour trip home. In fairness, I had already started limiting liquids somewhat to get beyond this initial phase without the catheter. In the few hours that I have been home, I have had some leakage, but I have been able to hold most of the urine and release it at the proper time. The urine stream (pattern) is not what I have been used to, so I have already had to clean the floor next to the toilet.

I should have opened with this. The really good news is that the path report showed the cancer contained and margins clear. I forgot to get a copy of the report and am now getting a copy sent to me. I will add the specifics to my signature soon.

My surgeon doesn't recommend Kegels at this time. He wants me to see what I can accomplish naturally for the first 3 weeks. He doesn't think exercising the muscles where all of the work was just done is a good idea. He did indicate that the Kegels might be recommended in the future, if needed.

My surgeon says that he likes to take an aggressive approach with ED. I am to take 100mg of Viagara every other date to start. I have an appointment to meet with the pump rep next week to start the acquisition process. It will probably take a few weeks to get the pump, so I haven't been given any use instructions.

Once again, I would like to thank everyone that has contributed their experiences to this board. This site has helped me tremendously in my journey, and I hope that my posts might help someone else.

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Walter

Age 58
10/06 - 1st PSA ever - 4.6
11/06 - PSA retake - 5.3
12/06 - Biopsy, 12 cores - negative
7/07 - PSA - 9.0
7/07 - PSA 13.8 (after 10 days antibiotics)
8/07 - Biopsy, 12 cores, 1 positive @1%; Gleason 3+3=6
9/17/07 - Bone scan - negative
9/18/07 - CT scan - negative
10/12/07 - John Hopkins recheck of biopsy slides Gleason 3+3=6
Da Vinci surgery performed 11/29/07 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta

Good news to hear Triker.  I'm counting the hours until my cath is gone.  Keep us/me posted on your progress.  From previous conversation I know my surgeon wants the kegels to start as soon as the catheter is gone.  Then again, my cath will have been in 14 days vs your 7. 

Again congrats

RTR

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Diagnosed 9/07

Gleason 6  3+3

First PSA 4.1

2nd PSA 3.6

stage T1C

age 46

daVinci performed 11/28/07

@ Univ of Ala Bham (UAB)

Hi Walter,

Great news on getting that cath out and on your path report!    

Now you can settle into the remaining recovery and rehab process.  I was interested that your doc didn't recommend Kegels for the first three weeks.  My surgeon started me right away, but protecting that area during healing makes sense as well.  I like to hear about these varied approaches to rehab.

Keep us posted.

All the best,

Idaho

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"Idaho" ~ Barry

 

Da Vinci Surgery July 31, 2007… 54 on surgery day
PSA 4.3  Gleason 3+3=6  T2a  Confined to Prostate

1st PSA 0.04 (undetectable) 9/11/2007

My web site: http://pca-info.blogspot.com

You answered your own question Walt. Your bladder appears to have an intact signal. See how it goes...or not in this case. Sorry for the pun. Congrats on such good control thus far.

Swim

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