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First, thanks to Terry and everyone who contributes to this site ... it has been my biggest source of info and encouragement throughout this ordeal. Anyway, my question is about recovery. I had the robotic surgery on February 11th, '09. I feel I came through with flying colors ... no pain, little discomfort, hardly any incontinence and firm erection w/Levitra at two weeks. I guess I'm just wondering when everything else goes back to normal. Do you ever feel as you did before the surgery? I'm now at three weeks post and still don't feel quite right. It's hard to explain, but sometimes things feel "mixed up" in my abdomen. Turning over at night is sometimes uncomfortable, feel some minor cramping after voiding bladder, area around perineum uncomfortable when sitting, etc.. Can I assume this is all normal? I'm not complaining, just want to get back to normal .... working (I'm a house painter), playing softball, fishing, etc.. When have others actually felt they were able to do anything they did prior to surgery? I guess I'm getting bored .... can I assume this is normal also? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx Again to all!
As you know I can’t tell you anything from my personal experience of surgery, but I can say two things that I think are relevant:
1. You have had major surgery and it takes time to recover physically from that. Before the advent of robotic surgery, and the modern methods of open surgery, it was not that unusual for men to spend up to two or three weeks in hospital after a prostatectomy – yet here you are, three weeks after yours wondering why you feel a bit crook! The lack of outward evidence doesn't mean that there isn't a great deal of stitch and make good on the inside.
2. There are tremendous psychological issues to deal with after the diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening disease and a major surgery. When I ran a support group in South Africa we designated volunteers to hold the hands of newly diagnosed men, but would not accept anyone for this task who wasn’t at least two years down the road. We reckoned that it took at least that long for all the fear, anger, sorrow, etc to dissipate.
Of course we are all different, physically and mentally, but no matter how tough you may think you are, be aware that there are issues that may ambush you but know that life will go on and even if it isn’t quite the same as it was before experience, it will still be great.
As a wall hanging given to me says:
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we might as well dance
John,
It's great that you are doing so well this soon after surgery. You still have some healing to go. I didn't feel right for months after my DaVinci. I remember quite a bit of perineal pain, particularly after trying to have an orgasm. A CAT scan showed fluid in that area. It took months to get past that pain. It's been almost two years for me and I still feel some discomfort in that spot. Look on the bright side: you are continent and you get erections. What more can a guy want? (smiles knowingly) Most of us here aren't that lucky even after years of recovery.
I just went to your website. I take it you're the one with the walrus moustache. Good luck with your recovery and with your business.
I envy your " successes "!! As far as things not feeling " right " I hear you loud and clear. Had my surgery Feb 17 and I feel very different. Right now I am 100% ED and maybe 85% continent. But you are correct on the sitting and rolling over..everything feels different. Hopefully as time moves on our bodies will adjust. Good luck!
