After Prostate Surgery
Given that a prostate surgery is considered a major one, it is only natural to expect that the patient will feel the wear and tear in his body afterwards. For this reason, one has to give the body time to adjust and recover. Most importantly, the patient has to be very vocal about his concerns, aches, and worries especially after prostate surgery so that his doctor would know if he is, indeed, on the road to recovery.
Being the most common of cancers in men, prostate cancer is still regarded with much wariness, though a lot less than it once was. Now accepted as a cancer that is here to stay for the meantime, men are now more receptive to learning more about it. This is so they will be able to deal with it during, and if, the time came that they do get the disease. For this reason, there is now a growth in health campaigns letting the public know about antioxidants andcancer-fighting food and supplements.
This is especially important to take note of, as most of the body’s initial and continued recovery will also depend on what nutrients are going in. Add to that the medication that a patient takes home with him after prostate surgery and we know that we are not all that in the clear yet. For starters, a patient can expect to wake up with a catheter into the bladder to clear out urine from the urethra.
The doctor will give instructions on how the patient should move to avoid blood clots. This is especially important after prostate surgery as blood clots can prove deadly at this point. Blood clots forming would mean that the patient is not moving around enough, which is something that definitely needs to be done at this stage. His legs should receive the prescribed amount of movement, and should he still be having clots, it’s best to be honest with the doctor about it so that he can give blood thinners.
Aside from this, a patient will also be provided with support stockings. This is something that has to be continuously worn. He should also expect some pain even after coming home from the hospital, and this is not something to keep quiet about. A prescription for pain medication will be given, and it is fully expected for the patient to take pain relievers after prostate surgery.
As with usual treatments regarding surgery, some side effects are unavoidable. The first ones to expect would be incontinence and impotence. Given the latest advances in treatments, however, it is expected that the patient can improve vastly given enough time and patience. While there can be a lot of unease over incontinence, there is quick relief in absorbent products widely available in the market, as well as the growing following for Kegel exercises to regain bladder control.
More than ever, given that the body is recovering, in no other time than now is it appropriate to emphasize the importance of consistency in terms of proper diet, rest, recovery, and eventually, exercise – right after prostate surgery. For the most part, a lot of emphasis is given in making the right choices. This cannot happen fully, however, without first ensuring that these choices are informed ones. The aftercare that will commence after prostate surgery must be equally informed so that a full recovery can push through.
Prostate Tip #1
As men age, they should think about prostate problem prevention since men in their fifties have a higher risk of developing an enlarged prostate or even cancer. It takes less money to prevent a disease from happening rather than treating it.
Prostate Tip #2
It will be in your best interests to get a prostate screening annually from your physician once you reach age 45 to determine if you have any problems with your prostate. This will also help your physician detect any cancer while it is still in its early stages.