Any tips on surgery recovery?

1. You will be in some degree of pain post op. Take prescribed analgesia and do not try to be superman. You  will experience trapped wind and constipation but these will resolve. Do not force wind or bowel movement,. Your pelvic area has been through a lot allow it time to recover. Every day you will feel.that bit better. Di not lift anything heavier than a kettle for a few weeks and no bin lifting or heavy lifting of any type for 4-6 weeks. Do your pelvic floor exercises with a military discipline and give it time. Walk as much as much as your body body allows. You will be fine. 

Hi. I had a prostatectomy last Wednesday (26 Feb) through nerve sparing keyhole surgery. I was in hospital for one night and have been recovering at home since then. The discomfort around the incisions is quite severe to begin with but for me improved quite quickly.  For the first few days I took gentle walks around the house and garden but now just over a week later, I am able to walk easily up and down the street. They gave me codeine but I was concerned it might cause constipation so because I didn’t find the pain that bad, I’ve relied on paracetamol and now only take two paracetamol at bedtime. The daily jab is a bit nerve wracking to start with but I’m used to it now. The worst thing is the damn catheter. You constantly feel like you need a wee and I often fret that it isn’t filling up but the blockages clear after a while. I hate it and I can’t wait for next Thursday when the damn thing is due to come out. I hope that this is of value and wish you and all others on the same journey the very best. 

Day 3 for me now. Was quite sore this morning, but a couple of paracetamol did the job. Apart from one codeine at first at the hospital, I’ve been fine on paracetamol and haven’t had to add the optional ibuprofen. Tummy jab went easily again, the worry about it is way worse than the jab itself. Still waiting for bowel movement number 1. Passing wind is a joyous experience, never thought I would get so much elation from such a simple thing  Have to agree with Bairdy about the catheter. It’s really annoying. Not painful or anything, just really pesky and makes every sit down and stand up just that little bit more complicated. Luckily I’ve not had a blockage worry (yet), but am definitely looking forward to being tube and bag free next week. 

Edit: first bowel movement successful! I can only say you will be happy as anything when that happens. It’s worth the wait!  

Cheers Cliff, all good advice, thanks. I've given up the alcohol and caffeine and constantly squeezing. Hope your recovery is good!?

Mark

Great advice, much appreciated.

Ok, lots to get my head around, thanks for sharing your experience, hope all goes well for you.

Can't say I'm looking forward to joining the catheter club but thanks for the insight, good luck with it all.

Hi there, my husband is 4 days post radical prostatectomy and doing really well. He said the anxiety ahead of the surgery was far worse than the procedure itself and the first stages of recovery. His surgeon advised living life as normal prior to surgery, and then I did my research on a good diet high in protein and fibre for post op. He was told not to expect to open his bowels until 5-7 days post op, but has been opening them daily since 2 days after and I believe the diet is helping along with chugging 2-3 litres of water a day and avoiding caffeine. Peppermint tea has been his saviour for the post op gas relief. I'd recommend getting yourself a night stand for the night catheter bag (they're available on Amazon) as the hospital didn't supply one, but suggested laying the bag on the floor on a towel which he found uncomfortable as it tugged on the pipe. Other than that, paracetamol has kept any discomfort at bay. I hope all goes well for you!

Hello Betty (BettyG) 

Cracking, Honest and Helpful post, thank you. As someone who had an indwelling catheter for 10 months a little bit of extra advice:

BettyG said:

I'd recommend getting yourself a night stand for the night catheter bag

Great idea and with mine I added two very strong bulldog clips to hold the night bag in position - this after it "thumped onto the floor" almost full at 4.00am in the morning and woke us both up 3 morning in a row!!

Best wishes - Brian

Beware day 4! 

Had a really good night. Woke up really chipper. Had my first “proper” shower (rather than bed bath with flannel and wet wipes), changed my own compression stockings with no issues, second bowel movement, felt full of energy. An hour later my body said WTF, slow down!  no pain or issues, just listening to my body saying slow it down, I’m healing and need some quiet time. 

Enjoy the good feelings, but listen when you feel tired. 

Super happy how recovery is progressing. Wishing everyone here the same. And any positive in the negative needs to be grabbed firmly and celebrated  

Happy weekend to all