Hi Tim & Kathy,
We went back to Indy yesterday for a follow-up appointment. Today is 7 weeks since the surgery. Dr. Koch thinks that Shawn is doing great and is pleased with his recovery so far. As you probably read in my messages to Donald, Shawn has no problems during the day, no pad needed at all, but nights are still a struggle. Although, Shawn is emptying his bladder much faster than he was just a week or two ago, so the night time interruption is shorter and Shawn is not having trouble getting back to sleep. I am happy to report that we have NOT had to go to separate beds; he is hearing the alarm much faster and all around, everyone is getting more sleep!
We will not see Dr. Koch again until August. He will have a CT scan then. Dr. Koch said not to be alarmed, just routine; I guess we may as well get used to that!
Shawn has not had as much success with his nerve sparing as you did. Dr. Koch said not to freak out about it because sometimes it takes up to two years to regain the ability to get an erection. I think Shawn hearing Dr. Koch say 2 years freaked him out more than anything! Dr. Koch asked Shawn if he was getting anxious about it (he is) and if so he could prescribe something that may or may not help. He gave him some samples of Viagra & something else, can't remember the name, same kind of thing though. He also gave him a penile injection sample, although Shawn is a little leary about injecting himself. I bet before it is all said & done, he will try it.
It is very encouraging to have a great Dr. like Dr. Koch. He is so thorough. He told Shawn that if this doesn't work, to let him know & we will try something else. And if that doesn't work, we will try yet again, something else. Maybe even just alter the amount of medicine. I think that by Dr. Koch telling Shawn that, he (shawn) can relax a little bit, knowing that this is not the end of the road.
One thing I have been wondering about your recovery...I know that you are doing a lot of exercise, walking,watching your diet etc. Did your Dr. recommend that you do that because of the neobladder or is that just for your own, personal well being?
Shawn does a lot of walking at work because he works in a restaurant & there is a lot of running around. We take our baby on walks around the neighborhood and play basketball with my nephews and such, but Shawn doesn't do any regular exercise. I remember you said you were trying to drop some weight, so maybe that is your reasoning. Shawn isn't loosing weight anymore, but he is so darn skinny, weighing in at a whopping 151 lbs. Dr. Koch said as long as he isn't losing, he is OK. I asked Koch if Shawn should be doing any regular exercise and he said he should "do what he feels like doing." Just curious as to if you feel the excercise is a necessary, life-long component to having a healthy neobladder. Any thoughts?
I hope all is well with you both. Talk to you soon. Steph