Day 14 - Two weeks in review

Two weeks ago today I had just arrived at the hospital to check in for my prostatectomy. Seems like along time ago now bit I thought it would be a good time for a quick recap. 

The major thing I'm feeling is an immense sense of gratitude. So far I haven't been too badly affected by the procedure and I am very grateful for the factors that have affected that - 

• A good surgeon that I had access to and that I could afford
• A good hospital that delivered excellent aftercare 
• Catching the cancer early so it could be removed entirely within the prostate 
• Catching the cancer when I was young enough to be resilient in recovery 
• Being fit enough to aid in recovery 
• Being blessed with a wife who worked with me through the whole process 
• Being backed up by mates and colleagues

The first week with the catheter in was uncomfortable and at times scary, but most of the time I was just recuperating and had no pressure to do anything but rest. Looking back those days seem a bit like a blur. I wish I had been more pro-active with stool softeners though. 

When the catheter was out the internal pressure to 'recover well' started and I have succumbed to that a bit, but have largely stayed true to my recovery plan. I have pushed the boundaries of what I should be doing, but only slightly and always very carefully. 

I'm off all painkillers including paracetamol. The pain in my abdomen is slowly subsiding and now it just feels like I did push-ups instead of feeling I was punched in the stomach. The pain also moves around a bit with different parts hurting at different times. I can walk and move more confidently, but I still feel a pull from the belly wounds which slows me down when I stride too hard or bend too far. If I walk too far or stand for too long I get a general nagging ache in my abdomen which is a sign to lie down. I also have mildly cramping pelvic floor muscles.   

I do have pain in my penis when I urinate but that is a low level pain. It may be worth getting a urine test for a UTI - will follow up with my doc if it's still the case at the next appointment  (7th Feb). I'm also waking up with a slight headache most days. 

I also get twinging back and shoulder pains from previous injuries because I can't do the exercises and stretches that help fend them off. 

 

I'm using a pad a day with no problems. The urge to urinate can come quickly and I generally need to move when it happens, but I'm trying to hold off when I can as a form of bladder training. Most of the time any leaks happen either as I'm arriving at the toilet or (more commonly) because I can't seem to empty out my bladder entirely after urinating and there is a remaining dribble. I've slowly decreased the pad size and I'm trying out a shield instead of a pad today for the first time. Going OK so far but you need position yourself well after urinating.   

I always sleep in a level 2 or greater pad stuck on loose briefs that I wear under boxers. I get up two - three times a night to empty my bladder and have yet to have a nighttime accident, however I often dream that I have had done so which freaks me out. 

I've ordered a supply of pads online and have also ordered some underwear with sewn in protection. This is from incontinenceproducts.com.au , which is a small company which makes their own washable underwear by stitching absorbent pads into Bonds briefs and boxers. The aim is to move across to the washables when possible but still use pads if I'm out for the day and may need to replace them. I'm also hoping to sleep in a pair of padded boxers, which will hopefully be more comfortable.   

I'm still on the stool softeners as I find that even mild constipation leads to abdomen pain. It's a bit of a balancing act to get it right but I err on the side of soft. Again the ability to go to the toilet as required is helpful for this. 

I have had mild feelings in my penis when I curl up into my wife but nothing significant as yet. I wish I had discussed this with my doctor when I had the catheter out as I'm keen to get this part of the rehab underway as quickly as possible. 

It's been useful to have written the pre-surgery plan, as when I look back on what I thought would happen it helps me realise how well I'm doing - and also to keep the aspirations in check.  

Physically I'm on the mend but I'm acutely aware of what my physio called 'the danger zone' - two to three weeks in when you feel better but you're still vulnerable. So I'm still restricting lifting to around 2kg max and being careful when I lift anything off centre. The kettlebells and burpees are tempting but I'm holding off. I do need to be careful about snacking too much during the day as something to do. 

Mentally I'm at around 80%. I can focus, problem solve and get things done but I get tired when I do. I'm bored and I'm spending a lot of time doomscrolling so I need to bring some focussed areas into my life. It's actually easier to both focus and to relax when I'm home alone. I'll probably start work in a couple of days but limit it to responding to queries & minor admin, no major projects. Part of me begrudges that and is enjoying the sloth life.

I haven't driven yet but think that I could with no major problems. I'm holding off because there's no real need - I can't go shopping as I can't carry more than a bag of sugar and a lite of milk without pushing the weight limit. It's tempting to test it out by driving out to pick up lunch but we have enough food to eat locally. 

In some ways it feels like it's almost over. But the doctor, my strength / general physio and my prostate specialist physio have all stressed a minimum 6-12 week recovery period with dire consequences if I overdo it too early. So the focus for the next week is to work on improving bladder control, to work a few hours a day at most, to continue to follow up on things that intrigue me and to remember that I'm still recovering!