Pondering ‘How Long Off Work After Prostate Surgery’? Before you undergo the procedure, your physician will walk you through the surgery, outlining potential risks and side effects. They might propose a cystoscopy test for a comprehensive view. Once home, even with a catheter, the majority of patients can anticipate a normal urination routine. Though some may face occasional leakage, bathroom visits should largely be uncomplicated. Should urinary incontinence arise, a follow-up is recommended within a few weeks. Integrating prostate vitamin supplements can further support post-operative recovery and urinary wellness.
One week after surgery
In the aftermath of prostate surgery, it can be daunting. You may experience shock, deep sadness, anxiety and anger – these feelings should all be discussed with friends and family members as soon as possible to address them properly. Also be sure to get enough rest.
After surgery, for the first two weeks you may require a urinary catheter (Foley) to drain urine from your bladder. While having this catheter may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, it will help prevent urinary tract infections and bladder spasms which cause cramping sensations in your lower abdomen or bladder area – although over time these spasms typically decrease.
After one to fourteen days, depending on how well you feel and the type of job you perform. Also, visit your doctor to have the Foley catheter removed as well as to receive a PSA blood test.
Your doctor can use a PSA test to get an idea of whether the cancer has been completely removed during surgery and determine if any additional treatment options may be necessary. Your PSA level should drop to less than 0.1 ng/ml three or four months post-prostate removal surgery; in rare instances where this does not happen, other options should be explored as soon as possible.
Two weeks after surgery
After surgery, a catheter will likely be left in your bladder to drain urine out while your prostate heals – both robot and open surgeries use this approach. To ensure optimal healing results from either approach, avoid activities which increase blood flow to your pelvic region such as long periods of sitting or lying down as these activities could increase risk of blood clot formation and lead to additional issues postoperatively.
Your doctor may suggest performing a cystoscopy test using a visual scope to examine your urethra and bladder (cystoscopy). This quick procedure allows them to quickly check the size and spread of prostate growth outside its original site.
Once your doctor has removed your catheter, you can resume normal daily activities such as showering and walking up stairs. When washing with mild soap to avoid infections on surgical sites it’s advisable not to rub but pat – rather pat instead rubbing. Shower whenever desired at home while taking precautionary steps prior to entering baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs until after your catheter has been taken out.
Be mindful that it may take several months before you regain full bladder control and erections following prostatectomy, so speaking to family, friends, counsellors or support groups for guidance may be useful. Prostate Cancer UK also provides one-to-one support services.
Three weeks after surgery
After your procedure, your doctor may advise resting for several weeks and refraining from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several days before surgery. He also may advise stopping certain medications that increase risk of bleeding such as blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen). You should bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take regularly along with you to the hospital.
Your time in recovery or on a ward will start off by being monitored closely, with nurses providing painkillers to take home with you; be sure to ask the nurse how often and when to take them. If any symptoms change significantly or worsen rapidly, please reach out as soon as possible for advice from their team.
Once discharged from the hospital, it’s advisable to arrange for someone from your family or circle of friends to drive you home. After your operation has taken place, it is wise to stay at home for one or two days following your catheter removal before bathing again. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids after it has been removed to avoid bloody urine.
Men typically return to work within several weeks following surgery; the duration will depend on their type of job. It is essential to follow your physician’s advice and employ common sense when considering when returning back to work; recovery takes time.
Four weeks after surgery
Now that your drips and drains have cleared away, eating and getting around have improved significantly, and any heavy lifting has stopped being an issue, it may be beneficial to increase physical activity but avoid anything which places strain on abdominal or perineal muscles, including sit-ups, vigorous cardiovascular exercise or upright bicycling for six weeks or so.
Follow-up appointments will allow us to monitor your recovery and address any difficulties that may arise, as well as discuss any side effects such as erectile dysfunction or urinary leakage that you’re experiencing.
A radical prostatectomy entails extracting your prostate gland along with some nearby lymph nodes in order to minimize cancerous spread. If the surgeon detects cancer cells have spread elsewhere near your bladder, they may also perform additional surgery and remove additional lymph nodes as part of this procedure.
Most patients leave surgery with a catheter still in place until instructed by their doctor to remove it. You will also need to practice regular kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, which may help decrease urinary leakage (incontinence) post surgery.
As it can take several months for the external sphincter muscle to assume complete responsibility for bladder control, and full urinary control up to one year, wearing a pad during that period may be beneficial.
