Three years on after Da Vinci Surgery technique

[Fred Barnes]

It is now just over three years since my radical prostate surgery
using the Da Vinci Robot technique. I am now having six monthly blood
tests and check ups to monitor my progress. So far all blood tests
have had a result of PSA under 0.01 and I have returned to normal
life. These tests will continue for another two years as a normal
part of the programme. I feel that the decision to have the 'Da
Vinci' surgery was the correct choice in my case.

I would like to suggest some pointers for anyone making the same
decision in the future.

After the intial shock of the diagnosis it is important to become
focussed and determined to succeed with the surgery and the
aftermath. Listen to the advice given by the consultant(s) and their
team and remember that 'YOU' have to make the effort to succeed.

Prior to the surgery find out as much information as possible and
ensure that your immediate family understand what is going to happen.
Buy the 'baggy' joggers, an oversize pair of trousers and the other
items before the surgery. Clear your diary for a few weeks after the
date of the surgery.

Post surgery when you are back at home is probably the next 'low
point'. This is the time when 'YOU' must be focussed on returning to
normal and the support of your family is paramount. In the early
stage make sure that you are in close 'range' to the toilet and it is
always available. When you are ready do the 'Pelvic Floor Exercises'
and don't give up. (I still do those exercises now). Again when
ready do some short walks (bottom of the garden and back and later
outside the home) to slowly increase your strength. I was frustrated
by getting to the 'dry' stage which took nearly six weeks in my case.
I returned to normal work after seven weeks.

Best of luck, you can do it.

This is only my experience and is not intended to replace professional
medical advice.

F. Barnes

[marcl...@gmail.com]

Hi Mr Barnes,
Thank you for your comments which will help others. Robotic
prostatectomy has hastened the time to recovery of complete continence
and return to work compared to previous techniques. In the past when
open surgery was performed by less experienced or skilled people, it
took much longer!!!
Regards
Marc Laniado