From Ben. I think the same way, I will contact them to find out what we will do for the appointment. Anyway, I will go at least one time for the future follow up.
Nate here. I absolutely understand the sense of panic. Had some of that myself. Philip and this forum helped ease that for me. Too bad more men don’t discover this thread. Anyway, glad you are making progress. I’m doing better it seems after almost one week. My men’s padded underwear was dry when I woke this morning. Can’t wait until I am free if the drips and occasional squirts. I think that’s gonna be later for me for all the aforementioned reasons. My return visit is the day before yours. Otherwise I would have said maybe we could meet. I’m scheduled with the PA. I’m actually looking forward to it because I want to hear from her how she thinks I’m doing and what she anticipates going forward. I understand how the distance, cost etc would be a deterrent for you. But I doubt you can replace that meeting and her expertise/insight. At this point for me it’s all about relieving the anxiety over my progress. I have a two 1/2 hour drive there and back and don’t really look forward to it but I just have to know what she thinks. Hey Philip, what questions should I cover in that meeting. Any suggestions?
Nate here. To Ben and Philip. I thought I responded this morning early but I don’t guess it went through. My follow up is the day before yours. I have a 2 1/2 hour drive and my appointment is at 9:30 am CST. So not thrilled about a drive that early but I would be wondering what the PA thought about my progress if I didn’t go. I have questions and it’s just easier face to face. Plus I need to know how I compare on the fluid challenge vs their expectation and other similar patients. My wife’s fear is that if I don’t attend and something does go wrong I will really regret not having the check-up. I know a two hour drive doesn’t compare to the price of a flight and hotel. Given the reviews I’ve read on the PA, is outstanding. It might be money well spent. Are to put a price on piece of mind. I hope you can make it. Too bad our appointments are not on same day. Would like to meet you.
It’s Ben here. to Philip and Nate
Today is my sixth day after HoLEP procedure that was done in Venderbilt Health with Dr. Miller and Dr. Leah Chisholm, (Dr. Miller’s assistant). So far everything was quite as expected. My urine blood is much reduced. By the time I am writing to you, the urine is almost cleared. I was told that don’t be surprised for blood come and go, but over the time it will be better and better.
I live in New Jersey and had to fly there to do the surgery. Dr. Miller arranged my schedule very efficiently. I started to contact her on 11/17/2022, and got her respond quickly, then she connected me with her coordinator, scheduler, anesthesiologist, and nurses. They initially scheduled me for 1/17/23 consultation and reserved procedure for 1/19/23. After they got all my medical information, we confirmed the schedule. I fly to Nashville on 1/16, had Doctor consultation on 1/17, and had surgery on 1/19, catheter removed on 1/20, fly back to New Jersey. The trip was just made tight efficient.
First day I checked in at 8:15, the surgery performed between 9:30 and 11:30, discharged by 1:00 pm.
The first 3-4 days the urine color were quite red, then from yesterday it became much lighter, and today, it’s almost cleared. I didn’t take any pain release medicine, only took few days of stool softener.
Just 15 minutes ago, Dr. Miller called me, to follow up what I have been, and told me the pathology result is benign. I was told my prostate size was about 90-100 ml, the remove about 60 grams, about 2/3. I don’t know how much other people had removed. She said in her past 17 years of experience, she didn’t really see patient come back to redo the surgery. Hope I will be no worry for rest of my life for this issue. Expect the best.
She said, in next two weeks, I may experience more burning feelings, I will see, we have 3 to 6 month to see the whole result. I will update you guys.
I am just about to send above message out and saw yours. I asked Dr. Miller about the follow up meeting with her PA, she said she would give me the discretion of choose where to get the follow up done, if I want to just go to my local doctor to do what she require things done, I can do it that way, and send information back to her. The appointment is made routinely, as normal PO requirement. I am thinking to wait for a while and see, if I have some concerns and want to see Dr. Miller for a consultation, then I would ask them to schedule a day with the time when Dr. Miller is available, otherwise, only for the routine PA's work, I may just go to my doctor here in New Jersey, since my trip need to fly. If you plan to go, you can reschedule the date that Dr. Miller is available.
Today is my sixth day after HoLEP procedure that was done in Venderbilt Health with Dr. Miller and Dr. Leah Chisholm, (Dr. Miller’s assistant). So far everything was quite as expected. My urine blood is much reduced. By the time I am writing to you, the urine is almost cleared. I was told that don’t be surprised for blood come and go, but over the time it will be better and better.
I live in New Jersey and had to fly there to do the surgery. Dr. Miller arranged my schedule very efficiently. I started to contact her on 11/17/2022, and got her respond quickly, then she connected me with her coordinator, scheduler, anesthesiologist, and nurses. They initially scheduled me for 1/17/23 consultation and reserved procedure for 1/19/23. After they got all my medical information, we confirmed the schedule. I fly to Nashville on 1/16, had Doctor consultation on 1/17, and had surgery on 1/19, catheter removed on 1/20, fly back to New Jersey. The trip was just made tight efficient.
First day I checked in at 8:15, the surgery performed between 9:30 and 11:30, discharged by 1:00 pm.
The first 3-4 days the urine color were quite red, then from yesterday it became much lighter, and today, it’s almost cleared. I didn’t take any pain release medicine, only took few days of stool softener.
Just 15 minutes ago, Dr. Miller called me, to follow up what I have been, and told me the pathology result is benign. I was told my prostate size was about 90-100 ml, the remove about 60 grams, about 2/3. I don’t know how much other people had removed. She said in her past 17 years of experience, she didn’t really see patient come back to redo the surgery. Hope I will be no worry for rest of my life for this issue. Expect the best.
She said, in next two weeks, I may experience more burning feelings, I will see, we have 3 to 6 month to see the whole result. I will update you guys.
I am just about to send above message out and saw yours. I asked Dr. Miller about the follow up meeting with her PA, she said she would give me the discretion of choose where to get the follow up done, if I want to just go to my local doctor to do what she require things done, I can do it that way, and send information back to her. The appointment is made routinely, as normal PO requirement. I am thinking to wait for a while and see, if I have some concerns and want to see Dr. Miller for a consultation, then I would ask them to schedule a day with the time when Dr. Miller is available, otherwise, only for the routine PA's work, I may just go to my doctor here in New Jersey, since my trip need to fly. If you plan to go, you can reschedule the date that Dr. Miller is available.
Contributor
149 posts
Nate & Ben: Questions to cover in the post-op meeting: 1) Any questions regarding concerns about your individual post-op situation & progress. 2) What your flow rate is and what the normal range is. 3) Your pathology report regarding the tissue removed if you don't already know. 4) When you can resume desired activities such as sports, heavy lifting, sex, etc.. 5) What to do about any problems that you might be experiencing. 6) 1 year follow up appointment. 7) Is a redo possible if some years down the road you redevelop reduced output and/or retention (I am particularly interested in that answer so please let me know what you learn). 8) What to expect during sexual activity in case you don't already know. First thing during the visit you will perform the flow rate test so be sure to drink water before you go. They may also digitally palpate your prostate in order to evaluate it. Aside from that the visit is a very casual chat time where they give you time to ask questions. Also, if you haven't signed up for the Vanderbilt portal you should. It provides you with access opportunity to ask the doctor questions down the road, check lab result, and schedule appointments.
From Ben. Thank you Philip, you are just like at least a half doctor, you gave us a lot helps, I really appreciated. I did signed up the portal. I can read most information from there, and can communicate with doctor there. I will not bother Dr. Miller very often, I will wrap up my concerns and questions, and my recovery progress, once for a while, and message her. Hope Nate know it too.
Ben: Hope all goes well with the recovery. I haven’t heard on my pathology report. Maybe today. Keep in touch when you can
Philip: Thanks for everything and the list of questions. My visit with the PA is 2/27. Will let y’all know how it goes. Day 7 for me post-op. Don’t know y’all’s ages. I’m 67. Not as easy to bounce back as it once was. My only problem today is some discomfort with urination and nagging nausea. The pyridium they gave me I’ve taken only twice. Both times I think it is the nausea culprit. I looked at other well know Hospitals discharge sheets for HoLEP and they recommended No Carbonated drinks. So I’m laying off cokes and caffeine. See it it improves with water only. Thanks again.
Philip: Thanks for everything and the list of questions. My visit with the PA is 2/27. Will let y’all know how it goes. Day 7 for me post-op. Don’t know y’all’s ages. I’m 67. Not as easy to bounce back as it once was. My only problem today is some discomfort with urination and nagging nausea. The pyridium they gave me I’ve taken only twice. Both times I think it is the nausea culprit. I looked at other well know Hospitals discharge sheets for HoLEP and they recommended No Carbonated drinks. So I’m laying off cokes and caffeine. See it it improves with water only. Thanks again.
Contributor
149 posts
Yes nausea can be a side effect of pyridium. Also, make sure you are not constipated (backed up).
There are many foods that can cause urinary tract irritation (Google knows everything). And sodas & caffeine are just two to them. I found pepper to have a big influence on my system. If you are cutting out Cokes and caffeine be aware that you may experience a headache as your body adjusts.
Enough plain water is not very exciting but it solves a lot of problems.
Best of luck to you, Philip
Nate, (Philip too), I will be turning to 67 the end of this month, I am same age as you are. I have very light color in my urine now, I am starting reduce water intake from today to avoid frequent urinating during the night.
Little bit leak sometimes, control and hold urine better than first few days. I didn't take any prescribed and over the counter medicines that I got when I was discharged, except 3 days of Docusate Sod (Stool softener). I am the person very resist to any medicine unless I really need to take. The big reason I do the surgery was not to take medicine continually. I am feeling better over previous days. Hope you will do the same as I do.
For the appointment, I know Dr. Miller is meet her patients every Tuesday, if you stay a night there, you will mostly be able to see her if you need to or the PA think you need to. Or if you are lucky enough, you probably see her on Monday too after your follow up with PA. You can try to find it out.
Little bit leak sometimes, control and hold urine better than first few days. I didn't take any prescribed and over the counter medicines that I got when I was discharged, except 3 days of Docusate Sod (Stool softener). I am the person very resist to any medicine unless I really need to take. The big reason I do the surgery was not to take medicine continually. I am feeling better over previous days. Hope you will do the same as I do.
For the appointment, I know Dr. Miller is meet her patients every Tuesday, if you stay a night there, you will mostly be able to see her if you need to or the PA think you need to. Or if you are lucky enough, you probably see her on Monday too after your follow up with PA. You can try to find it out.
Philip, thank you for all those valuable information. I am learning the Kagel exercises, as my situation, how long and how much I should do every day? Are you still doing it now? I think I should make it one of my daily activities, right? Thanks
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149 posts
You should do multipe repititions several times a day at this stage of the game. You can vary the frequency and length of time that you hold it. As with any exercise don't overdo it in the beginning. Let your body talk to you. You can link them to some sort of repetitive activity that you do several times a day so that you don't forget. Also, while voiding (urinating) you can stop and start your flow a couple times each time you void --- I think that is one of the best methods of the exercise. And yes, I still do them everyday as I have found that I have better control when I do them.
First off - it is Griffith Batstone not Richard.
I had a procedure with Dr Batstone and I can attest that he is an excellent surgeon. My prostate was in the 175cc size. I got discharged that day and his office suggested that I get a hotel room for a night as I had a bag on to collect fluid - I then saw his assistants two days later and the bag was removed and it has been clear sailing ever since. There was a period in incontinence and I wore pads to soak up the flow but it was not for long and it was minimal. I am very very pleased with the outcome of the HOLEP procedure and with Dr Batstone
Phil K
I had a procedure with Dr Batstone and I can attest that he is an excellent surgeon. My prostate was in the 175cc size. I got discharged that day and his office suggested that I get a hotel room for a night as I had a bag on to collect fluid - I then saw his assistants two days later and the bag was removed and it has been clear sailing ever since. There was a period in incontinence and I wore pads to soak up the flow but it was not for long and it was minimal. I am very very pleased with the outcome of the HOLEP procedure and with Dr Batstone
Phil K
Philip and Ben and/or any other HoLEP patients. I’m 11 days post surgery and thought maybe the blood in urine was basically over. But, this morning voided a clot as big as a quarter. Came out in one piece. Took me by surprise. You guys experience this over a week post-op? This is Nate
I did see some small pieces come out once for a while, the most clots or debris I saw was 1/22, the third day after surgery. After that day, I saw some small ones, until the day before yesterday. It might be consider as normal, as long as no other symptoms. You may see the clots again, but I think it should be less and less. If there are still some loss pieces in there, they will come out, they are not supposed to stay there, if they don't come out, they may block you urethral.
I mean the loose pieces