Any tips on surgery recovery?

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Hi, I'm new here and new to the prostate cancer experience.

I'm scheduled to have a prostatectomy in the next few weeks and wondered if anyone, who has been through it, had any tips on recovery.

I'd be most grateful.

  • Great advice! I'm going to find it tough to sit and do nothing but, you're absolutely right, 'listen to your body'. ThanksThumbsup

  • Hi

    I had surgery just 4 weeks ago and to be honest physically it was a non event. I did accept Morphine three times in the immediately post op 24 hours but then didn't require any thing stronger than Paracetamol and even then I.only required that on three occasions  , and that was only because I ignored all adice about taking it easy.

    The catheter was a nuisance at worst but because I hadn't had undisturbed sleep for literally years it was a huge bonus not having to get up to the toilet

     The first night at home I had 8 hours blissful sleep

    My biggest issue was I never really acknowledged I had cancer and had had major surgery

     As a result my biggest problem was psychological and there were a few dark days when reality hit me but having my family there was a godsend.

    So take it easy, drink plenty, rest and talk to family and friends.

    Good luck with the op and don't run before you walk.

    Al985

  • I hear you, thanks for the advice. I know what you mean about those reality slaps, they hit hard. Thanks for taking the time to share, much appreciated. 

  • Day 5

    Another good one. Got told off by the missus for getting up with the twins and letting her have a sleep in Rofl 

    Went along to cubs rugby (4 year old son loves it), but watched from the sidelines instead of joining in as usual. 

    Texting family and here is definitely helping the mental health side of things.

    Had a massive downer 3 days before surgery, but wife and brother got me through it and concentrating on getting healthy again and talking about everything openly is keeping my head in a good place. 

    Sunshine is helping too Sun with face 

  • Amazing . And I’m glad your wife is strong and able to support you. 
    hugs to you both & twins 

    best wishes 

    Liz & OHxxx

  • What is the daily jab for?

  • It’s to stop blood clots. Don’t stress too much over it. It’s a bit daunting to start with but you get used to it. 

    10 days post op and I’m feeling pretty good, the hateful catheter notwithstanding. I’m sleeping quite well and can move around very easily. There are still worries about the longer term but myself and my family are staying positive.

    Again, best wishes to all. 

  • Day 6

    Back at work today. I sit in front of a computer all day, so all good and stopped me going stir crazy. Teams meetings standing up and pacing slowly back and forth, coding sitting down - good combination  

    Needed a few time outs to have a short lay down, but it worked well.

    Being busy and actually talking to people rather than being my normal stoic, quiet self is helping massively to stay upbeat and positive!

    Post op recovery is definitely not as hard work as I thought it might be. Just take it easy and be open with everyone around you (and yourself) about what you need Grin 

  • SO looking forward to catheter removal!

  • Hello  

    I had my indwelling catheter for 10 months - I got so used to it I was almost in tears when it went.

    * I got a decent 8 hours sleep everynight.

    * I could sit in the pub and not visit the toilet on a regular basis.

    * It kept me warm whilst watching football (well Oldham is a very high ground!!).

    Ah - Happy memories. (we won't mention regular leaky bags, bag changes, showers.etc....)

    Best wishes - Brian.

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