Hi Fred,

I had my RRP on Mar 13 and was in hospital until Mar 18 and went home
with a catheter in place, to be removed next Monday, Mar 29, all going
according to plan.

You'll feel pretty knocked about for a few days after you get home and
need to rest more than anything.  A recliner is a useful thing to havce,
we rented one for a couple of weeks.  Also a supply of Depends or
similar will probably be required.

A chair next to the bed (turned round) is useful too not only as a
bedside table but as a support to help you out of bed.  Rest a lot, walk
when you can, relax, watch TV, rest.  Don't try lifting stuff either,
leave that to others.  Oh, and did I mention rest?

I wish you a sucessful surgery and apeedy recovery.

Dave
Age 52
Dx Jan T2a, Gleason 5, PSA 10.8
RRP Mar 13

Fred,

Please take a look at the "Pre RP and Post RP shopping list" on the Phoenix
5 website http://www.phoenix5.org/Basics/treatsides/RPsuggestsJoe.html.
It's been posted here periodically, but I can't remember where it is.

I had my RP on 3-8-04 and came home 2 days later, and yes your Puma will
miss you and no doubt be angry with you for your absence. Perhaps a tuna
bribe will assuage the anger

In preparation I found Peggy Duddleston's "Prepare for surgery, Heal Faster"
book and relaxation tape to be most helpful in getting my mind ready for the
ordeal.  I found that I did not need any pain meds past the first night and
though uncomfortable at times, and tired - still, the surgery and recovery
have been not all that difficult.  I have come to look forward to and enjoy
daily naps and I truly need them and find that they help.

I have been most fortunate on the continence side of things, having been
bone dry since the Foley was removed Wednesday (2 days ago).  I believe that
having focused on controlling  my urination pre-op, i.e. starting stopping
mid stream on most trips to the bathroom helped me focus on and the control
mechanisms that deliver continence.  I believe your surgeon can help you
better understand what muscles to use.

There is a wealth of information and support here and please keep us updated
on your progress.  Your numbers look good too and should have a great go at
beating this disease.

Tony in Tucson

    I hope you're using a very experienced guy that does at least 100 of
these a year.  I can't believe any insurance will cover a weeks hospital
stay just for the inconvenience of a catheder? I, like most here that had
RP, was home in 2 days. Good luck with your surgery Fred!

My PCa was diagnosed by the DRE, no other symptoms.  I had robotic RP
Dec 15th, 2003 and went home the next day.  Had the catheter for 7
days.  I agree, the recliner is wonderful. I spent almost the whole
week in the recliner, reading.  Keep an extra pillow handy for a cough
or sneeze.  These are painful without the extra abdominal support.  I
did not use Depends, but the large pads for men.  Kind of like an
extra large kotex.  As the leakage reduced I then went with the womens
overnight pads with wings.
Good luck with your surgery!

MrBill

age 48
Gleason 6 (3+3)
T2a
PSA 1.4

I was in the hospital from DEC 15 to DEC 23 and was constantly tired when I
went home, but otherwise fairly fit.  I think a good recliner is a must.
Someone recommended a straightback chair next to the bed and I think that's
a good idea.  Maybe a bucket by the side of the bed to throw your bag in.
Otherwise, you'll be up to moving about for meds and to and from bed, but
not for making meals.

Fred, I'm more worried about the cat than you!  We have one here, not
Brumese, just a alley cat, she's a good companion.

I hope everything goes good for you, I have great confidence it will.  
When you get home take it easy for a while, let your body dictate what
you do.  No need to rush anything.  After you feel up to it then try to
get out and walk a bit.  Be sure to ask questions, someone here will try
to answer as best we can.  Many here have had the same operation and
experence.

Here's wishing you a quick recovery.

Dale J.

7-8 days?!? Forget about PCa - you will probably die of boredom!

Bill Denton
RP 2/12/02
Memphis

Best of luck with your surgery and subsequent recovery, Fred!
This thing is beatable.... hang onto that thought!
Please keep us posted on how things go for you!
Take care,
MikeH