Patient Stories - John P, 53

My name is John and I am 53 years old. Having been diagnosed in April, I made a conscious decision to improve my general fitness and diet in the belief that if I was to undergo an operation, the healthier I was the quicker the recovery would be.

Everyone is nervous, apprehensive and to be truthful frightened of the thought of having an operation. But apart from a small anxiety attack lasting all of a minute the night before it is surprising how calm I was in the time leading up to the operation. On the morning I was admitted for the operation, having settled into my room accompanied by my wife and son. It was very reassuring how friendly and professional the staff were throughout my stay.

The time finally arrived to dress myself in gown and white tights ready to walk down to theatre, not before the last run to the toilet. The walk actually helps to keep you relaxed and on arrival following introductions to the team you hop onto the bed ready to be prepped.

On awaking in what must have been the recovery room the first words the nurse said to me were "How are you? Are you in any discomfort or pain " No, I wasn't I felt fine. My wife and son were allowed to visit me and after a few hours I was taken back to my room. Throughout the first night I was attached to a monitoring machine, I had a drip in the back of my hand, a drain in my stomach and a catheter. I don't think I slept much due mainly to the regular checks and visits from the nurse. I could not believe that I was in no discomfort whatsoever.

Very early the next morning, I had a cup of tea and sat up in bed, which was followed by a visit from Mr. Eden to check on my well being. At 8:30am I stood at the bathroom sink and had a wash and shave and could not believe how good I felt. Mid-morning the drip was removed and for lunch I had soup and jelly. Throughout the day I emptied my catheter bag and monitored my fluid intake, keeping fairly mobile within my room.

On the second day, my drain was removed. I did not feel a thing. After lunch I had my first walk around the hospital corridors and down the stairs to the main entrance for some fresh air. By early evening I had had several walks in the car park, all very slow and deliberate. I was very conscious not to overstretch myself. The problem I had was that I felt so well and had to keep reminding myself it was less than 48 hours since surgery. By 10:00am the next morning I was showered and ready to leave. A week later I returned to the clinic for the catheter to be removed. Once again, another anticlimax: it was out before I knew it!

It is hard to believe, but at no time following the operation did I suffer any pain. At the most my stomach was a little tender to touch and if I sat in the same position for too long I had a little ache somewhere inside and above my backside.

It is now 3 weeks since the operation. I have not yet had an erection but have felt sexually aroused on several occasions. It is early days yet and I realize that I will still be healing inside. The 5 small incisions in my lower stomach are all healing well and have never given me any concern whatsoever. I have full bladder control. I have consistently done the pelvic floor exercises 3 times a day and will continue to do so.