Two steps forward, one back!

[evianers]

We thought we were getting on so well. Radical prostatectomy 6 weeks ago, so over the weekend, we started changing around all the carpets. Now, for those who know just how heavy carpets can be, perhaps we shouldn't have done this [stupid really], lugging them up and down steps. Upshot is that there was blood in the urine again yesterday. That will teach us a lesson. Body's reaction I suppose.

[termietermite]

Oh dear. When the doc' says don't lift heavy stuff - they normally mean it!! I'm sure it will turn out to be no more than over-stressing recent scar tissue. Let's hope so.

[evianers]

Well, today we were at the hospital, some 7 weeks after the operation. The results from the post-operative laboratory tests showed that the cancer was contained within the prostate itself, and had not breached the membrane - really good news. So apart from a small urinerary infection needing antibiotics, there should not really be any more need for the 'extraneous equipment' and we only look forwards from now on. To those undergoing similar surgery, remain positive! A positive attitude helps tremendously. Do the pelvic floor exercises, try to "re-educate" the sphincter and there is no reason why you should not do well. Bon courage! Anyone needing help or advice from the benefit of our experiences, please do not hesitate to contact us either on the forum or in private.

[francis]

Good news indeed!

Best wishes for a bright future in a beautiful part of the world.

[pennycsf]

Super news, Evianers, for you both!!! Do keep looking in here, your experience will undoubtedly be very valuable to others and do keep us up to date with progress.

All best wishes
Penny

[evianers]

Many thanks again everyone, and especially to the moderators of the website, for their continuing support and understanding.
In case anyone else finds themselves in this unenviable situation, a few words regarding the aftermath.
Upon retraction of the in situ catheter, portable "equipment" had to be worn day and night, with an extention during the nighttime. Because it was sometimes difficult to understand the French jargon, we looked up all there was to know regarding post-operative care on the internet. Monsieur Evian had it firmly implanted in his little head that the portable equipment had to be worn "up to 90 days". After some badgering from Madame Evian and more than a gentle hint from our GP, we have now done without it after only 45 days, which is very pleasing, albeit that there are the occasional "accidents" [nothing the washing machine cannot sort out] especially when coughing and sneezing. I mention this in the hope that it might help others not to become too fixated on numbers, either from well-meaning doctors, or from the invincible Google!