Hi all
Hope you're all doing OK 
My husband had his radical prostatectomy last Tuesday, came home on Wednesday which was good as the care on the ward wasn't great. Surgeon said all went really well which was a relief - it took around 3 hours. We had an additional worry that his pulmonary fibrosis would be an issue during / after the op with chest infections etc, but all is well and good which is a big relief.
He found he had a huge amount of pain in his shoulders and chest from the gas during the op, worked it's way out over a couple of days though so that was good.
Catheter should be coming out on Friday, he has an appointment at Urology but they said to expect it to be half a day and bring a packed lunch! I think they are going to scan his bladder after the catheter has been removed to make sure he's not retaining anything when he goes. He can't wait for it to come out because he's finding it really uncomfortable. But there is a chance they'll put one back in for another couple of weeks if he isn't emptying completely.
We've not had any information really when he left the ward - they didn't even give him a sick note. Didn't tell him how long to leave his compression stockings on either. Anyway, I digress. I've since been re-reading the info we got when he was first diagnosed and it mentions about the incontinence service and how he will get some pads. We've not heard or had anything, so I;ve tried to call them a couple of times but I get in a queue telling me I'm 3rd, 2nd and then 1st and then eventually get a message saying call could not be completed at this time and it cuts me off. Very frustrating, but I'll try again later. So I'm off to the supermarket later to get some pads and pants ready for Friday.
I've read Huffies post - thank you it was brilliant. Does anyone have any recommendations for brands and which work better? I've been looking at Tena, but I've also been on various incontinence websites. I'm trying to figure out which are best value, work best etc - money's a bit tight, so I don't want to be buying something that's rubbish and have to throw them out. I know everyone's different and find different things work better for them and it will be trial and error, but I'm interested in what you wouldn't touch with a barge pole. Finding it all a bit overwhelming to be honest!
Vicky
Alwayshope thank you for your reply and the link to the support pack! I've bought waterproof mattress and duvet covers already so at least I've sorted that bit. And thanks for the advice on being assertive, I will be thanks again
Hello VickyM
Thank you very much for the update.
If you have ANY issues with the hospital, please contact their PALS (Patient Advisory & Liaison Service) - the address and phone number should be on the web page. They should be able to resolve the issues of poor care and unanswered telephones.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Fantastic - thanks so much Dave, gives me an idea of what to get now, thank you for sharing that info
Hi EmmaW I hope he gets his date soon. Everything up to being admitted on the ward post surgery was really good. We are in Nottingham. If you want to ask me anything specifica at any point, drop me a message - I don't know much and am muddling through but I can give our particular experience if that helps in anyway
Hello EmmaW
There is this video which is given as a presentation to people at UCLH (University College of London Hospital) who are about to undergo surgery. I found it very informative and I am on the HT/RT route.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5451F1350c0
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
