Partner getting surgery next week - any tips from those who have been there?

Hi Springtail. I was diagnosed last July and had op in September. I was petrified leading up to the op. I really found however that the operation and stay of two days in hospital was nowhere as bad as i feared. No real pain afterwards, just discomfort. The worst thing was the catheter, which made me very sore. I was given some anesthetic gel which helped  greatly. I would suggest your partner asks for something like this before any soreness has a chance to grab hold. I closed my eyes when my nurse removed the catheter after a week. I was expecting pain but there was none at all. I didn't even know it had been pulled out. I was walking outside for a couple of miles as soon as the catheter came out. Driving within two to three weeks.and felt as though I was really back to pre-op condition within six weeks. Everyone is different though. I found incontinence and ED a real blow. Even though I knew it would likely happen it really did hit me hard mentally. Thes,e have improved over the months and mentally I now except them for what they are. My own thoughts are that recovery from these will be a long process. I would suggest your partner does pelvic floor exercises from now until the op and then carry on with these once the catheter is removed. I have cut out alcohol and caffiene as it is said these can cause irritation. I have no idea whether it is the case though. I found a plastic urine bottle a great help to me in the early days. Hopefully your partner has and will continue to receive the care and treatment I received. That will make his journey easier and less streeful. Wish him the best.

Thanks, Static. That's very useful. He is similar in that the life changing aspect of ED had him very miserable for a while. But I think he now wants to get it done with and is being more pragmatic. I'll get him to ask for the gel. All the best for your recovery.

I have just joined site and having removal this Saturday. I have been ok, but as I enter this week I feel a little more apprehensive. I am just 60 and got diagnosed (no symptoms) in February following a psa of 6.5, (my brother has stage four). I have researched and got as much information as possible, I know that’s not for everyone. The hardest thing for me was telling my wife, daughter and son. I am fairly fit and been going to the gym to give myself the best chance of recovery (lost nearly a stone). Reading these stories of dealing with cancer really helps and I have tried to get the word out to others to get checked! To all on this journey I wish you well x

I was diagnosed end of 2022 with pc and robotic surgery was due in March 2023 I went in for surgery but had a allergic reaction to something and had an anaphylactic episode I spent two days in itc and no surgery took place I have now had allergy testing done and found out I was allergic to penicillin I am now waiting for a new date for surgery hope all goes well for you when time comes for op 

All the best for Saturday. Partner is also 'young' at 62 and symptomless. However, a contact of his has said that he feels like he has a lot more energy after having had the surgery and so it may be that there are symptoms like tiredness that are not thought about but could be due to the pc.

Sorry you had to go through that as well. All the best for the next date.

I hope to get my recovery done as soon as possible. I've heard so many different stories. 

I am happy to share thoughts.

My wife has joined a women only group to help her. 

Good luck  

Best wishes for the surgery and recovery. I was discharged after one night in hospital with pain killers. Decided not to take any, just paracetamols as I didn't want to become addicted to the stronger ones prescribed. It was the wrong move on my part as after a strong ticking off from my wife (retired nurse) I took the prescribed painkillers with great relief. I found the catheter really uncomfortable and was relieved after nearly two weeks when it was removed. I was not allowed to leave outpatients until I had peed and to achieve this I had to drink lots of water. After removal my bladder didn't function initially very well leaking a lot on the journey home, I did have a large pad on but was glad to get home to the toilet, however the journey took over 1 hour. The leakage has decreased but not entirely.

Many thanks for heads up. I have found listening to different stories helpful in preparation and hints for recovery. My daughter came up with a good one; to cut my toe nails before operation.

How long before you felt back to full strength? This seems to vary the most.

I want to remain confident and will do as my wife says! 

Take care 

It took around 3 months to get back to near normal. I am 67 and returned to the gym twice per week. PSA results are all very good, now, being checked every 6 months. Generally have good days but the odd one when I think has it really gone away. Joined a local Prostate Cancer group which meets monthly and I found beneficial but it may not be for everyone. It made me realise I wasn't alone and group members understand the various issues etc.