OOPs, it looks like I started a new topic so I'll begin again here responding to this topic.
My surgery was performed by Dr. Jessica Mandeville at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA on 10/7/14. I am home now home for 5 days and progressing. I am thankful for all of the posters and the information they provided. Later today or tomorrow I will follow up with a detailed description of the entire process adding my experience to that of others. Many similarities but some differences too.
Dr. Mandeville had a two year fellowship with the master, Lingeman, co-authored papers with him, created the youtube videos of a complete HOLEP, and has now done over a 150 of them in her 2+ years at Lahey. I was in the hands of Lahey Clinic for 25 hours. More later,
Jim
I am trying (without much success) to find out how long does it take for the incontinence to end. I had the holep 4 months by Dr. Lineman and still using 2-3 pads (guards) per day. Is this considered normal?
Hi Ohio Guy. It usually takes up to 4 months but here is a suggestion that helped me. Have you tried Pelvis Kegel Exercises. That really worked for me, There are yiutube videos other instructions but that didn't work for me. What did was meeting with a nurse in the Urology Dept (where my surgeon in Philly Dr. Das is) and she did a biofeedback session with me. I could see on the meter whhen I was doing the kegels right and when I wasn't. I had tow sessions with her (covered by Medicare I might add) and within a week or so my urgesx went away. Worth a shot - especially if you have coverge for the biofeedback sessions.
Thanks SteveinPhiladelphia I going to call my Doc. And check in about the biofeedback.
I found something which can give you the principle that I was trying to explain. One or two sessions with biofeedback should get you in shape sooner.
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Hi Jim , I am 4 days away from my 2nd anniversary of my HOLEP. It was truly life changing for me. My surgery was October 22. In January and July of that year, I was admitted to the ER to have a catheter . Flowmax was no longer working . From July 4 th to the date of my surgery, I experienced acute retention 70 times. I kept a detailed journal during this time. I was trained to self cath twice a day, and I would cath whenever necessary. I went nowhere without a catheter nearby. As I was sharing my experience with a close friend beginning to experience BPH, He remarked, I can`t imagine shoving a tube up my penis, My remark was You will do it and be very thankful you can! When my wife and I went to our consultation with Dr Lingeman His nurse finished by saying you can go home a decided if you are interested in having this surgery, Our response was NO, We Want it done as soon as possible. One difference I have noted with my surgery was a Urethrotomy . I had a small interior incision in my Urethra . In order to reduce the risk of strictures, this simple procedure was performed . It reduces the possibility of tissue damage .as the instuments are moved about. This does make my Urine stream considerably Larger and at times a little unpredictable. Nothing to be concerned about. HOLEP was such a positive for me I decided to stay on this site and encourage others going through the BPH issue. In any way possible. It`s the least I can do. All the best, just me
THANKS AGAIN STEVEINPHILLY, I BELIEVE I KNOW WHAT YOU WERE TELLING ME ABOUT THE KEGAL EXERCISES . I HAVE WATCHED THEM ON MY COMPUTER AND WILL GIVE THEM ANOTHER TRY. APPARENTLY WEB ADDRESSES ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THIS FORUM. THANKS
Hello.
Just found this website.
If you are looking for a place and Dr. for a HOLEP procedure, I can strongly recommend Dr. Humphreys at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.
He has done many of these and has done mine more than 3 years ago.
My experience has been ca 10 days of bloody urine after surgery. That was it. No leakage, improved sex life and no other symptoms.
Note that I am in my 70's.
GerhardO
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Welcome Gerhard. I seem to remember Dr. Humphreys being mentuioned here by others. Glad to hear yiur surgery was successful. Mine was also - here in Philly. Best decision I ever made!
Hi
In light of the considerably larger stream and also at times a little unpredictable as a result of your urethrotomy, would you recommend not having the urethrotomy? Also, I wasn't sure if you live in the Indianapolis area or traveled there for the surgery. If you traveled there, how many days after the day of your surgery did you wait to travel back home? Congratulations on a good result.
Thanks,
Jack
Hi Jack, I traveled 200 miles by car the next day after surgery . I had no problems. I slept most of the way. I was not to drive for a week after surgery. I had no choice in the matter when it came to the urethrotomy. My Urethra and meatus ,The opening was not quite large enough for the Resectoscope . No choice in the matter. I have not had any problems with it however. The urethrotomy also helps guard against future strictures that could develop as a result of tissue trauma in the urethra trying to bond . Strictures are not good! How are you doing? just me
Hi Just Me,
Thanks for explaining the reason in your case for the urethrotomy. I haven't had my surgery yet. I am a little concerned about the general anesthesia in that I have atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, carry about 70 pounds too much and I have to be off the blood thinner which I take due to a-fib for a number of days. I'm also 68. I have exercised fairly strenuously for 44 years, though, so I think that will help me. I wonder now if I will need a urethrotomy for the same reason you had one. The reason I mention this is that I have always found the cystoscope exams I've had to be fairly uncomfortable so I'm wondering if my urethra's opening was the reason for my discomfort. I think that is why I have put off surgery for my enlarged gland [163 grams] for many years. Now I have to have Holep since my bladder retains 700-800ml after a post void bladder ultrasound. I don't have currently have any other symptoms. The retainage is the only problem. Interventional radiologists are now doing prostatic artery embolizations as an alternative to normal prostate surgeries. The procedure shrinks the prostate, however, it is too early to tell if bladder retainage problems can be helped by this procedure enough to avoid surgery. Thanks for the information.
Also had Cisto but still needed urethrotomy when I had holep on 11/12/14 in order to make room for devices. Truly no pain since holep,a little burning ,blood and dripping. Urine flow strong which I think is causing the blood from the open incision of the urethra. Was advised its a slow process of healing the incision due to always being wet. Small price to pay for Shrinking the prostate to when I was 15(quote from Dr Lingeman). dr Lingeman,his staff and Methodist hospital deserves an A+++++++. Tip: don't overdue your activities too early, it will set you back in recovery. Follow Drs post op instruction. Keep u posted on recovery.
SgtSteve,
You are the first besides myself who had to have a Urethrotomy. In time you will experience some discomfort when you urinate. It lasted about 45 seconds and then it was over. I agree with you. Dr Lingeman `s staff and everyone at Methodist Hosp do deserve an A+. I am 2 years 1 month post HOLEP. I was remarking to my wife just today how thankful I am to Have the entire medical staff I had . Three years ago I was beginning to experience acute urinary retention. In an age when so mush is taken for granted , I wish to say I am Thankful for the ability to urinate ! That sounds foolish to some ,but to someone who suffered for nearly a year , It is not foolish!!!
just me