Recovering from surgery

Hi Nigel welcome along here and hope you’re comfortable following your surgery.

Unfortunately for you, you’ve found yourself in the same position as me 6 months ago but through the other side of surgery somewhat quicker.

i discovered there maybe an issue in February 24, had the biopsy in March, confirmed as cancer in April and had my op on July 5th, but declared cancer free in September albeit with 6 monthly PSA blood tests from now on in.

I ran a post surgery diary on here from about 2 hours after I woke up for a little while then with the occasional follow up thereafter, you may find some of it interesting (or not) but it’s written as i experienced it, it’s not fluffed out to make things look better or worse but some of it is served with a slice of humour where i could.

Anyway if you decide to read it, here it is and if you have any questions at all, no matter how small or insignificant you think it it is, please just ask away.

Apologies but I’ve not yet learned how to provide a small link to this.

John

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/prostate-cancer-forum/f/diagnosis-and-treatment/279754/post-surgery?pifragment-13906=5#pifragment-13906=1

Hi Nigel, sorry to find you here but you'll discover a very supportive group of men and women. 

I had my prostate removed about 16 months ago and can fully empathise with your feelings lack of mental well-being.  Mine was in two stages and the first, associated with the after effects of the General Anaesthetic, lasted about 3 weeks but it did go so hang on in there.  When the catheter came out I was given all the usual reassurances about urinary incontinence being a temporary phenomenon in the vast majority of cases.  Well, it turned out I was in that very small minority.  3 months ago I had an artificial urinary sphincter and my life has got back to normal now.  But in that intervening period I was miserable.  I was supported by my wife and good friends.  After getting the all-clear (PSA less than 0.01) after a few months I could see the positive side that I was still alive and cancer free.  I was able to laugh at my situation and that helped friends to be able to help me and laugh with me.  I do hope you feel better soon and rebound to a positive mental attitude.  Being active and getting back to the things you love doing is so important.  Keep in touch.

Hello Nigel (Rod the Mod) 

It's great to "meet" you again - i am so pleased you have found our little corner of the community. When I read your post I picked up on this:

Rod the Mod said:

but also the effect it has on your mental health.

1 in 2 people with cancer struggle with mental health so can I link you to the following:

* Here at Macmillan we offer free Free BUPA Counselling, just click on the link for details.

* We can offer you a Macmillan Buddy to contact you once a week to discuss your cancer and anything else on your mind, link: Macmillan Buddy Scheme.

* There is also our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) - They are a great set of people who will be able to offer further support.

I hope you find the above helps, if I can do anything for you please don't hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks for sharing.  Sounds like your surgery journey was very rapid.  I'm booked in for my operation on 22 January and am hoping the current NHS pressures do not jeopardise this 

I'm doing my squeazy exercises in the hope it makes the post surgery experience more tolerable.

I was planning to retire this spring and had plans for lots of European journeys this year but felt I should put these on hold as I wasn't convinced I could do travel without a high degree of bladder control.

Sending you good vibes.

Hi Templebob, I went on holiday with little bladder control and only issue was the number of pads I needed to pack.  Holiday is a great way to re-engage with reality and restore some sort of normality - pads are just another item to plan for.  Good luck.