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10 days post op and feeling good

Posted , 5 users are following.

miketytus
miketytus

I had a laparoscopic prostate removal (robotic assisted) on the 24th of April. I am truly amazed at the speed of my recovery. I had the privilege of being a Guys hospital London under Declan Cahill. The operation went as planned and was discharged the following day. I had nerve sparing surgery on one side of the prostate. My Gleason was 3+4 and a T2. I am a reasonable fit 55 year old.

The catheter was removed after a week along with my clips. During the catheter period had several mild erections which was exciting but also a bit frightening. Now it is removed me erections are more regular and getting stronger. No sexual relations yet don't feel confident enough for that.

The incontinence is getting better. I have control during the night and only mild leaking during the day. I continue with my pelvic floor exercises.

I believe My progress todate is down to two things. The great surgical team a Guys and my fitness programme leading up to my operation. Knowing that an operation was the likeley outcome and already attending the gym 3 time a week for general fitness doing a 30 minute are aerobic session with some weights. I asked my gym what exercises would be best leading up to the operation. I was advised to do some interval training which I did on a exercise bike building up to a 30 minute session follows by some work on a hand bike 10 minutes and 5 minutes on the treadmill ( don't like running.) These are all low impact. I combined then with some general weights and stretches to finish. As my stomach muscle area was the site of the operation I tried to strengthen my core as much as I could.

I would stress I am not a fitnes addict just do some general exercise to keep,me fit for my work as a surveyor.

Having read so much on the side effects. I was prepare for a uphill battle. The hill currently does not seem that big. Thank you to all at Guys.

For those of us who have benefitted from robotic surgery we need to fly the flag for this procedure so that it is available to everyone throughout the country. Whilst more expensive than a conventional operation the speed of recovery puts much less strain on our national health service therefore making it a cheaper alternative in the long rum.

1 like, 32 replies

32 Replies

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  • Mimanilata
    Mimanilata miketytus

    Posted

    Hi Mike,

    thank you very much for taking the time to respond with so much information. Clearly your research and persistence enabled you to be referred to the surgeon of your choice.  My husband has had his initial consultation with our local consultant, whom we like very much and we are confirming next week if going ahead with robotic surgery with him (and his team). However, we do not know how many operations he has performed, or his success rate etc and have not as yet managed to find anything on the internet. 

    We now realise there are some very skilled and experienced surgeons working in other regions/hospitals. We are interested to see that your request for a different surgeon came via your GP to Mr Cahill - is this correct? Appreciate your thoughts..... Thanks. 

    • miketytus
      miketytus Mimanilata

      Posted

      Morning

      I having read up  on the referral process, if you wish to get to a particular consultant. You need a referral to that hospital rather than the consultant in the first instance. As I understand it, it is your NHS right to have treatment is a hospital of your choice. If possible you doctor should use Choose and Book' if not a letter referral is possible. Not all doctors will make this referral as the local CCG may not allow it. It is this area I am trying to get to the bottom of as it conflicts with your NHS rights.

      I was Mr cahil's 1,000 protectomy at Guys hospital. I am sure there are many very good surgeons around the country and it is up to you both to find the consultant you are happy with. 

      When I get to the bottom  of the referral system I will post it here.

      all the best. 

       

    • Mimanilata
      Mimanilata miketytus

      Posted

      Hello again. Reading back we are extremely grateful for your written support. My husband had his op last week in Bristol which went as well as can be expected at this point in time. No problem being referred there. He will be having his stitches (staples) out later this week and catheter out a few days later. It's still early days but he is walking gently each day and totally has his appetite back! Hope you continue to recover fully. Very best wishes. 

      Delighted to hear your PSA was zero

    • miketytus
      miketytus Mimanilata

      Posted

      Its good to hear the op went well. Let us know how things progress

      All the best

      Mike

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