FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SURGERY:

"Will I have pain?"
    -Pain after surgery is normal and decreases over time.

" What Pain medication will I have?"
    -Pain medication is available to you. It will not completely relieve your pain, but should allow you to increase your activity.  It is important that you tell your nurse when the pain medication is not working.  Pain medication is given to you in different ways:

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) :
This is a machine that allows you to give pain medication to your self through your intravenous(IV) line by pushing a button.
Your nurse may give you IV pain medication as needed.
Epidural Catheter
Medication is given through a small tube placed in your back during surgery by the anesthesiologist.
Shots (intramuscular injection)
These are given as needed by the nurse.
Oral medication (pills)
Once you begin eating you will receive pain pills. You will go home with this kind of medication.

"When will I be getting up?"
    -You will sit up in bed the evening of surgery assisted by the nursing staff.
    -You will get up to a chair and walk a short distance with help at least three times a day the day following your surgery.

"What tubes will I have?"
You may have all or some of the following:

Intravenous lines (I.V.), to provide fluids until you are able to eat and drink
Oxygen tubes in your  nose until your blood oxygen level is normal
Epidural catheter, for pain control
Urinary catheter, placed into your bladder during surgery, to drain the urine from your bladder. This helps the physician/nurse monitor kidney function. The catheter remains in place for two to three weeks. at home).
Small drains such as Jackson Pratt tube (JP) or penrose drain may be placed during surgery to remove extra fluid from the area operated on. They are usually removed before you go home.

"Will I be able to eat right away after surgery?"
Your diet will start with ice chips and progress to clear liquids. After you tolerate this well, your diet will be progressed as your doctor prescribes.
You may return to your normal diet as soon as you can tolerate it, usually by the second or third day after surgery. Because of the raw surface from your surgery, alcohol, spicy foods and drinks with caffeine may cause some irritation or sense of the need to urinate despite the fact that the catheter is emptying the bladder. If these foods do not bother you, however, there is no reason to avoid them in moderation. More important is the need to keep your urine flowing freely, so drink plenty of fluids during the day (8 - 10 glasses). The type of fluids (except alcohol) is not as important as the amount. Water is best, but juices, coffee, tea, and soda are all acceptable. An American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet will be provided for patients with diabetes. If needed, our dietitian will give you information about your diet so that you can continue it at home.

"How can I speed my recovery?"
Caring for your Lungs
    -It is important after your surgery and anesthesia to exercise your lungs
    -Your nurse will listen to your lungs and instruct you in your deep breathing exercises. Use a pillow to splint your incision (the nursing staff will show you how to do this). Breathe as deeply as possible, 10 times every hour while you are awake. This will help to fully expand your lungs.
    -You may get a breathing exerciser, called an "Incentive Spirometer" (IS). You will receive instructions on how to use it properly.
    -Smoking is not allowed during your hospital stay. Information and support will be provided to smokers to help you manage without cigarettes during your hospital stay, and get started on a smoking-cessation program.

Promoting Circulation
    -It is important to wiggle your toes and bend your ankles up and down frequently whilein bed. This is called calf pumping. You should continue to do this at home until your activity level is normal .
    -Avoid crossing your legs at the knees or ankles.
    -Your doctor may order elastic anti-embolism stockings. Together with calf  pumping, these will assist the return of blood flow from the legs and reduce chance of     blood clots forming.

"What will my incision(s) be like?"
    -Your incision(s) will probably be closed with metal staples. These will be removed at your doctor's office.
    -The bandage on your incision is often removed one to two days following surgery. It is not unusual to have some oozing of clear or bloody fluid from your incision. Your nurse will keep your incision clean and dry. A light bandage may be applied to control oozing. Your nurse will show you how to apply it at home, if necessary.
    -If you have a bandage over your incision, your nurse will cover it with plastic wrap when you shower.

"Will I have difficulty with bowel movements?"
The rectum and the prostate are next to each other. Any very large and hard stools that require straining to pass can cause bleeding. You will be given stool softeners but these are not laxatives. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild laxative if needed and call your doctor if you are having problems. Milk of magnesia, 2 - 3 tablespoons, or Dulcolax suppositories may be used.
Pain medication and decreased activity may lead to constipation. To prevent constipation:
    -Keep active, take walks as instructed by your doctor.
    -Drink plenty of fluids.
    -Eat high fiber foods such as bran, raw fruits and vegetables.

"Will I be impotent?"
-For men who have had a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, the nerves that control the flow of blood into and out of the penis may be cut or removed. These nerves do not control the sensation to the penis, nor are they responsible for the orgasm that occurs with sexual intercourse. Only the firmness of the penis is affected.
-If nerve sparing was attempted during your procedure, the return of erections could take as long as six to 18 months. Partial erections may return earlier and may be a sign of subsequent complete return of function, although not a guarantee. Ask your doctor about other options for treatment.

"How do I check out of the hospital?"
-Discharge time is 11 a.m., or earlier if you are ready. Your discharge medications and instructions will be given and explained to you by your nurse.
-You will arrange a post-operative check-up with your surgeon after discharge.

"When can I drive?"
-Ask your surgeon when you can drive again. (Usually three weeks or so after surgery)
-Pain medications cause drowsiness and slow responses. (Driving too soon may also harm your incision).

"Can I shower or bathe?"
-Yes. You may shower or bathe two days post surgery.

"When can I resume normal activity?"
-Your energy level will be low for the first few weeks after surgery and return to normal in one to two months.
-Gradually increasing your activity is essential to your recovery.
-Activity restrictions for up to six weeks after surgery are:
- lifting anything over ten pounds   
- pushing / pulling heavy objects (e.g., vacuuming).
- strenuous exercise; limit stair climbing.

"How will I care for my catheter at home?"
-Your catheter is very important to allow healing of the bladder and the urethra.
-You may use either leg bags or overnight bags. Drain the bag before it gets too full.
-The tip of the penis may get sore from the catheter rubbing. Use plain soap and water to wash this area daily and more often as needed.

"When can I return to work?"
-It varies, depending on how physical your job is. If your job involves heavy lifting or long hours of physical exertion (e.g. nursing), a minimum of six weeks at home is required. If your job involves minimal exertion (e.g. physician), you may return sooner. Follow your doctor's instructions.

"What about the discoloration of the scrotum, penis and abdomen?"
-Don't worry about the scrotal skin getting dark for the first week after surgery. It is normal and represents the blood in the tissues finding the lowest spot of gravity to come to a rest. Like a black eye and it all goes away.