Post-Surgery: A Couple Of Tips To Get You Through The First 24-40 Hours

Recovering from prostatectomy surgery? Rest and limited movement during the initial recovery phase is crucial for smooth and successful healing.
Prostatectomy surgery, whether it's radical prostatectomy or another form, is a significant procedure that requires careful post-operative care. One of the key reasons why rest is essential during this time is to minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing.
Moving around too much immediately after surgery can increase the likelihood of bleeding, strain surgical incisions, and interfere with the body's ability to heal properly. Rest allows the body to conserve energy and allocate resources to the healing process, reducing stress on the surgical site and facilitating faster recovery.
Also, rest provides an opportunity for patients to monitor their condition closely and detect any potential complications early on. It's essential to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity limitations and gradually resume normal activities as advised.
Additionally, many patients have a blood drain in place after prostatectomy surgery to prevent fluid buildup and aid in the healing process. Your surgeon will determine when it's appropriate to remove the blood drain during your follow-up appointment. Until then, it's crucial to avoid excessive movement to prevent dislodging the drain or causing any complications.
By prioritizing rest and limited movement post-prostatectomy surgery, you can support your body's recovery process and improve the overall outcome of your surgery. Remember, your surgeon is your partner in this journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions about your recovery.
Stay informed, stay rested, and prioritize your well-being during this critical phase of recovery. Watch this video to learn more about why rest post-prostatectomy surgery is so important and how it can contribute to a smoother recovery journey.
Cheers, and wishing you great health. Tony
www.Maletenanc...

[@poetry_refit]

It's funny - I had my RP (radical prostatectomy) on 27th March in the mid afternoon. Came to not in the recovery room, but on the ride out of the operating room. Guess they determined I was OK as I was lucid so they just took me to my room. I felt absolutely fine - no lack of energy which I had been told to expect; no fatigue at all. Still, they wouldn't LET me up until the next morning. I was then put in a chair but got up immediately (I had the leg bag on from the catheter at this point) and walked about. The nurse said: 'You are a fast walker'. I am. I then did some pas de basque (a ballet move). He said that he'd never seen anyone do anything like that. They discharged me on my own and I met my friend downstairs. We took a cab back to my flat (not far). I had no substantial pain/discomfort. Something that had really worried me before was the fact that there are 65 stairs up to my flat (apartment). I was told I'd have to go up just a very few and then rest and that I would be exhausted by the time I got to the top. Indeed, I had rehearsed going very slowly up the stairs - one step at a time gingerly holding the railing - prior to the operation. As it was, I did that for about the first six stairs - but when I got to the first landing I said to my friend (who was behind me in case I wavered and fell) that 'this is ridiculous' and I flew up the stairs at my usual tempo. No exhaustion whatsoever. It is now seven weeks post op. Got my pathology back after three - (this is the UK sadly - not the US - and that's VERY fast within the NHS systems) - and happily there were no additional findings in terms of the cancer itself; it was confirmed I remained a T2 (i.e., all remained well within the confines of the prostate) and - most crucially - all surgical margins were clear. (This is the kind of report I'd have produced if I had written it myself. Happily I didn't have to.) This week I will get my first PSA test - and the results. I pray it will be - and shall remain - undetectable. If so - in my head - I'm simply - as long as I can - tick that 'cancer free' box once again - and feel deeply privileged to be able to do so. Thanks for your informative videos. I write this now only to say that some may not be tired at all. Everyone is different. That is, I assume, both the joy and mystery of the human condition; something I'm sure we ALL wonder at.

[@maletenance]

Hello Bruce, it was really nice to receive your message. Very well written too I might add and funny. The visual of the ballet move is something 💃 sorry there is no male ballet dancer emoji only this 🕺LOL! I must say you did very very well post-op...walking out on your own.....bounding up the stairs to your apartment.....impressive!! Or you have a high pain tolerance. Either way, from the sound of things you deserved a win! I am very happy to read there are no additional findings of cancer. Actually, that's the BIG WIN and yes if all those who have received a similar diagnosis could write their own results, that would definitely be what you received. As for the comparison between the UK NHS and the US....here is no walk in the park. If you have no insurance here, you're #@$&!!! I am very happy and humbled to have been a small part of your journey. It's the reason I started the channel....to offer some practical help where none was offered. I certainly don't have all the answers and everyone's experience is different as you say, however, to know the channel is a start for so many....well....it really makes me smile and it never gets old to know I'm doing a lil something for my fellow human. I wish you continued health and I have my fingers crossed for a great PSA. Keep me posted. Cheers, Tony

[@poetry_refit]

@@maletenance Oh, thanks so very much for your very kind reply. That was certainly totally unexpected and came as a delightful surprise. Hope all continues well for your good self, Tony. I was thinking this morning at how remarkably 'normal' I seem in and of my own person to feel. It seems remarkable given the relatively short time span. (I will have been catheter free for three weeks on Monday.) In this regard I feel so lucky. Bless you for all. The work you are doing I know is making a substantial difference for many - including myself. Bless you for ALL.

[@maletenance]

Thank you again for the kind words. Onward and upward.

[@nigelbrown2907]

Some useful information in your video. Just recovering from my HoLEP procedure now on day 14. Spent 2 days in hospital and discharged without a catheter. It was a wonderful feeling as had the catheter for 3.5 months before the operation. Now walking 6km with little discomfort. I have a smile back on my face. The one thing that no one in the hospital mentioned was the lack of bladder control straight after having the catheter removed. Luckily your advice had prepared me for this and i soon regained 99 percent control over the next few days. Once again thank you for taking time to make these videos.

[@maletenance]

Oh wow Nigel, so good to read that you're doing well. I could not be more proud and humbled that the videos helped you on your journey to recovery. I remember the joy of finally having the catheter removed, just like you, after 3.5 months.....AMAZING! I think for months after I regained my bladder control, I would look up and say " Thank you!" Cheers, and wishing you continued health. Tony

[@elaineen1]

I also had the same surgery. It is a God sent. I had a catheter for 10 months. Everything that could go wrong happened: clogged catheter, catheter falling out and numerous U.T.I. My procedure was an outpatient procedure. It was done in the a.m. and I was released in the afternoon. I was put under. I was sent home with the catheter and returned two days later for it's removal. How great it felt to urinate. It took me about two weeks to stop wearing diapers. Another two weeks to not wear them for bedtime. Glad it went well for you as it did for me.

[@maletenance]

@@elaineen1 So happy it worked out in the end....for both of us. It is a blessing to be able to urinate on your own.....simple pleasures. Wishing you continued health. Tony

[@elaineen1]

@@maletenance Thanks

[@maletenance]

@@elaineen1 You're so welcome. Wishing you great health. Tony

[@joethecomputerguy1]

What the heck are you supposed to do if you have no one to be with you those couple of days after surgery?

[@maletenance]

Thats a tough one. Possibly speak with the hospital support team and explain your situation and maybe they can provide a nurse to come and check on you? I only had my friend stick around for the first 24 (crucial) and I was good on my own after that. However, You will need someone to pick you up post-procedure or the hospital won't discharge you.