BPH

[yarslew]

I had PVP and TURP combination Friday, overnight stay, and release Saturday a.m. Hospital orders say not to take long car trips, and no driving. I don't personally see any difference in riding and driving, so wondering why I cannot drive short distances. Can't ride my riding mower, or drive my golf cart, I suppose. I know about the bouncing, but just don't understand why no driving if riding is OK.

[Planetoid]

I suppose a professional would discuss issues of post anesthesia reactions, blood loss, and pain meds that could all effect your driving (and other) reactions for a few days. Anything from a sudden headache to loss of vision to loss of conciousness to a sudden muscle spasm that could put you (and others) in danger. Part of these suggestions is sound medical advice, and part is undoubtedly a liability issue for the hospital; ultimately, you will have to make your own decisions based upon how you are feeling and what meds you might be on post-op.

I had a PVP with a spinal, and drove home about 24 hours later. I live in a very rural area, so I really had no other transportation options. I drove carefully and got home safely, but somehow felt I had dodged a bullet. As I said earlier, while the ultimate decision is the patient's, so are the consequences if things go wrong.

As for the no long car trips, remember that you are having surgery, even if it seems quick and minor, and you will be experiencing significant trauma to your body. There are post-surgery and post-anesthesia issues, such as blood clots and muscle weakness or spasms, which can be agrivated by prolonged sitting, whether you are the vehicle operator or just a passenger. I think you will find that due to urinary issues, you probably won't want to be far from a toilet for at least a few days anyway, so that may be a mute point. Be cautious and give yourself time to heal.

[yarslew]

Thanks for your thoughts. I had wondered if part of the issue might be the liability factor. I am 3 plus days now from the surgery, and have had no negatives. Bleeding stopped within 24 hours, and urinary function is normal; at least, it is what I read is normal for a 65+ year old. No pain or pills, and yet I know I have a lot of healing to do in there. Not driving for 2 weeks, though, seems like overkill since riding is allowed. When I had knee replacement I could drive when I felt like it, if I was not taking pain meds. Same with shoulder surgery. So, I don't think I'm a danger to anyone or to myself if I drive 15-30 minutes. But, my doc is a really well-respected urologist and so I'll listen to him. I just wanted someone else's insight.

[Planetoid]

Good to hear your bleeding has stopped already; mine lasted just over three weeks, with blood in urine at the beginning of each flow, sometimes more & sometimes less, but always present. No pain until the bleeding stopped. I'm more than 12 wks post-op now and still occasionally have some discomfort and urge-incon issues; am told alot of that has to do with the problems I was having before surgery. At least I'm off all those meds!

Didn't realize you had been told not to drive for two weeks. If I was told that, it didn't register. After a couple days around the house, I went back to my regular routine, minus heavy lifting and such, including going back to work (office job). Again, we are all different.

[renegade_7]

yarslew, I am considering the PVP or Turp, depending on which is recommended. You stayed overnight in the hospital and left the next day. Was your catheter removed before you left the hospital or did you have to return a few days later? I guess what I am wanting to know is, how long the catheter usually stays in for TURP? For PVP?

[yarslew]

My catheter was removed early the next morning, with surgery being over around 5 p.m. the previous day. That removal was for me the most painful part of the whole ordeal. As soon as I demonstrated the ability to void into a urinal, I was cleared to go home. PVP was all that was originally planned, but I had some growth that was not removable with that, so the TURP had to be used also. I am now 3 weeks post op, and have severe urges more frequently than ever, most of the time with a minimal amount of urine. Every time I stand up after sitting, I MUST go..hurriedly. Doc says all is normal and will correct in time. My brother had the PVP and went home right after the procedure with no catheter, and had burning for only a couple of days...which my doc says is very fortunate. My brother had been telling me to have the PVP, which he said was "a piece of cake." From what I read he is unusual. My doc says burning is usually worse for PVP than TURP. The no-driving regimen given me was not to prevent my damaging something in there, I found out, but "just in case" I had a severe pain, or other event, that made me lose concentration and have a wreck. I don't feel great, but am doing anything I want to do, and the flow is great. Looking forward to better and better days.

[renegade_7]

Thanks, gives me something to think about.

[gott1936]

Planetoid and Renegade_7 , how old are both of you? The reason I ask is because some studies have shown that those over 70 gain no substantial extended life benefits from any prostate surgical intervention. Am I incorrect?

[renegade_7]

I am 52.

[Planetoid]

[quote="gott1936"]Planetoid and Renegade_7 , how old are both of you? The reason I ask is because some studies have shown that those over 70 gain no substantial extended life benefits from any prostate surgical intervention. Am I incorrect?[/quote]

Early 50s also. Your statement sounds like it is aimed more at surgery for prostate cancer, e.g. a radical prostetectomy (RP), than BPH related surgeries which can relieve strictures and thus increase urine flow/ease, reduce/eliminate bladder spasms, and reduce/eliminate incontinence. Urine retention can also be a factor in damage to the bladder, ureters, and kidneys.