Da Vinci Prostatectomy

1 view

Skip to first unread message

PSK

unread,

Dec 20, 2008, 1:42:02 PM12/20/08

to windsor...@googlegroups.com

16.10.2008

MY ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

Dear Mr. Karim,

May I thank you once again for dispatching my cancerous prostate so quickly and efficiently. Although it is only 12 days since the operation, I can confidently say that even just having had the catheter removed and my bladder working normally again, I feel as if I’ve never had any surgery at all. All dressings have been removed revealing minimal scaring – just a few blisters left from previous dressings.

Although only having a relatively low PSA reading initially, it was obviously quite a shock as further tests revealed the true situation, but the calm practical way we talked through it (with yourself and Dr. Richard Brown) led to not a complete fear of the unknown as I arrived at hospital 2 hours before the operation. It was great to see you and the anaesthetist prior to “going down” as it made me feel almost part of the team with a common object and my own role to play (actually I was terrified never having had an operation before !) After talking to the anaesthetist near the theatre, I continued my conversation with you prior, as I thought, to the operation. In fact, it was done, finished and I was in recovery feeling perfectly normal – wide awake with no pain, sickness or any other reported post op symptoms.

Back in the ward, I continued to feel elated (anaesthetic high ?) and wanted to “prove” myself by walking up and down the ward, which I continued to do during my two day stay. Although there was no pain, I was feeling muscle constriction just below my ribs (where the wounds were) when breathing deeply and when I coughed it felt like I was being stabbed. This sensation only lasted about 36 hours and by the time I left hospital late on day 3 the offending muscles were already beginning to “loosen up” and by day 5 I had completed a ¾ mile walk around the Jubilee Channel.

What I didn’t realise so much in hospital was the importance of expelling the carbon dioxide gas used in the operation – preferably without eating too much before hand (now recommend this) so there was a debate on whether I should have a Sunday Lunch or not. I did, and didn’t get rid of the gas until the morning of day 3. Whether this was my fault or nature’s way I shall never know, but it was a good lunch !

After a week or so my muscles have continued to strengthen and by exercising and rest I’m quickly getting back to normal and looking forward to a round of golf next week. So once again, many thanks for offering me the Da Vinci procedure which has obviously cut recovery time by weeks and given me the peace of mind that the cancer has been removed although routine testing will continue.