Just had robotic surgery

I'm 8 weeks post op now friend. My recovery was fairly uneventful. I was pretty continent as soon as the catheter came out. A little weeping occasionally but sleeping without a pad within 2 weeks. Around the house I'll not usually wear a pad but I use the lidl/ Aldi pads at £1.20 for 10 when at work or out. More for confidence though. 

I find I may be more likely to leak on Viagra days but this settles as the day goes on. I was prescribed a vacuum pump. ED is my main side effect. I use the pump for exercise and it is gradually enabling a semblance of an erection. This is early days as it can take a year or 2 if it returns at all. I am though cancer free at this point and the operation a success. 

The advice from everyone on the group is to get mobile, walking regularly, I didn't drink alcohol for 4 weeks after the operation, and kegal exercises when the catheter is removed. Lots of them. 

I had to show I could void properly when the catheter was removed. The first attempt I hadn't hung on enough and only passed 60ml. I think it had to be over 100! Second time was ok and my bladder emptied ok. It was also a pleasant surprise for it to empty like a bath tap for the first time in ages! Good luck in your journey pal. The group is amazing for support and advice. 

Hello Dml3366 and welcome plus I wish you well for a speedy recovery.

My husband has not had a Prostatectomy but to get the ball rolling I have attached a link to JohnyBoy who has documented his journey from the day of the surgery which might help.

 Post Surgery 

There is another thread specifically on Robotic surgery by WifeWinnie .

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/prostate-cancer-forum/f/new-here-say-hello/275719/robotic-surgery?pifragment-13906=1

I am sure others will be along soon but please feel free to join in any of the conversations and come back if you have any questions.

Hi Dml3366

welcome to the forum. Everyone is so kind and helpful here feel free to ask any question. 
it’s been almost 4 years since my Prostatectomy. My catheter was removed after 10 days on my birthday as it happens.  A great relief I might add. Hope it was for you. My advice use the pads and plenty of walking and pelvic exersises.  I’m now fine continent wise only wear a small pad for long walks 5 miles plus or if I’m on a night out. I find that stress, alcohol and tiredness doesn’t help. But we have to have some fun don’t we. 
Something to be aware of which frightened me at the time is my nether regions really swelled up significantly, a call back to the hospital put my mind at rest and went back down after about a week. I had a lot of lymph nodes removed too so that was partly the reason I think  

Same as ras1961 I was prescribed a vacuum pump for ED with the advice of ‘use it or lose it’ from my oncology nurse. It really is important you follow the advice as much as possible and use it as much as possible. It’s not the sexiest thing to use and there are other options so don’t be afraid to ask for something else if you can’t get on with it. 
I wish you a speedy recovery

As I said earlier this is a great forum, keep in touch. 

Hi Dml3366, I am 6 months post Prostatectomy, click on my photo and read my profile as I have been using it as a diary.  And as others have said keep doing the pelvic floor exercises. I recommend downloading the NHS Squeeze app.

Thank you for your reply, I have got the squeezy app, today I've got incredible pain when passing water and having to use pain relief. Catheter is still in and I'm not emptying my bladder as normal. I would be grateful if you could send me the link to your journey. 

Thanks

Duncan

Hi Duncan.

You can read Psticks journey by clicking on the picture next to his name in the post above yours.

With regards to the pain, I know it is counterintuitive but try to drink more water. I would also phone up your nurse contact and ask for advice about not emptying your bladder.

All the best.