Any Preparation Advice for an RPLND

[Davie]

In 10 days, I have my RPLND. I went for my pre-assessment today. It all seems pretty scary and I was told I'd be 24-48 hrs in ICU post-op, and seems like never ending number of tubes that will be protruding from most orifices.

I vaguely remember reading something about having a low fat diet post-surgey. Does this also apply pre-surgery? I asked the nurse at the hospital, and he said no special diet was required. But, since RPLNDs are done much more often in the US, I thought I check with you boys over there. Anything else that can help with my preparation?

Also, how long after the surgery is it typical to be discharged. I'm booked in for a week, but I've read of cases on this forum of someone who's been discharged after 4 days.

It sounds like the first 3-4 days post-op, until the tubes are out, is going to pretty grim.

An help to allay my fears is much appreciated.

Davie.

[Kev332]

Davie,

Hang in there buddy, you will do fine. THere are A LOT of Threads about information regarding pre and post RPLNDs. I'll do a search and see if i can find them...

Being in the ICU for 24-48 hours seems a little high in my opinion, but that just might be the way they do it over your way,,,, I think most are only in there for a couple hours till things are stable. Yes, people's stay in the hospital varies around 4-7 days I would say.. Depends on a few different things,,, your doctor, how you feel, etc... I was in the hospital for about 5 or 6 days I think.

Click HERE to read about preparation..

Click on THIS link to see another one of the threads I was talking about...

And THIS one too..

[Fish]

Davie:

Try to relax, I'm sure you'll do fine.

I had an NG (naso-gastric) tube, an IV, and a catheter. The catheter sounds painful, but it wasn't bad; the NG tube bothered me the most - gave me a bad sore throat.

I also had ekg wires, and was in ICU for 36 hours, but that was 18 years ago, things have likely improved. I spent 1 week in the hospital. You'll be medicated to the point, where the first couple days might be hard to remember. Plus in ICU you get more attention.

Best wishes.

[KRICKS]

You'll be fine

Davie, Best of luck with the surgery. I will share with you my experiences from a little over a month ago. I was put on a special diet for 48 hours prior to surgery. I forget what it was called but it was definitely low fat and high protien and nearly all liquid. I would recommend very soft foods for a few days before surgery, you will be glad when you are trying to get your bowels functioning again after surgery. Obviously you don't want to strain. You don't want anything in your system that will be hard to digest or difficult to move through your system after the surgery. I stayed away from red meats (steaks and burgers) and went with very light and soft meals for a few days prior to surgery.

I am a bit older (46) and I had a couple rather large tumors in delicate areas that needed to be removed. I had a bi-lateral non-nerve sparing RPLND. I was in surgery for 9 hours (more lengthy than typical). I was in ICU for 48 hours but most are in for several hours. I was in the hospital for a total of 7 days. I had a NG tube and a urinary catheter but no other drainage tubes. Lots of IVs too. I agree with Fish, the NG tube was the most difficult. It was kinda gross coming out as a lot of phlegm came out with the tube. Let it come out and try to get as much phlegm out as possible when they pull the tube out. I can also recommend that you do the breathing exercises as much as you can (over here they call it a tri-flow device that increases your lung capacity). It also helps you cough up more phlegm. Get as much out as you can even though the coughing kind of hurts. Hold your belly as you cough, it helps. It was no big deal having the catheter removed either, it was uncomfortable for about a half day as there was a slight burning sensation. Again, that passed rather quickly.

Regardless, despite the fact that this is a very intrusive surgery, I am doing very well. I must admit I was frightened but the closer the day came, the more I was eager to have it done. I had faith in my God, my doctors, my family and my friends. They all collaborated to pull me through! My family and I will say a prayer for you this evening as well. Best of luck and let us know about the happy ending.

[Davie]

Kev, Jim & Kevin,

I really do appreciate your response and the information you have sent.

I'm not looking forward to the surgery, but I am looking forward to getting the residual mass out. I wouldn't be human if I wasn't nervous about this level of surgery.

I don't know why I'll be in ICU for at least 24 hours, but can only guess it may be because I had bleomycin in my chemo regime, which I know has toxic effects at elevated oxygen concentrations.

Seems like the tubes are pretty standard. I will have a NG, IV and catheter, and I can't remember if it was one or two drain tubes. Also they will give me an epidural for pain relief. I will follow your advice on diet, pre and post surgery, even though I've currently not be advised by the local medical staff.

I was told I was unlikely to remember anything of the first 24 hours as I'll be heavily sedated, which seemed to be similar to your experiences. This sounds good to me. The less I know abou the first 24 hours post surgey, the better!!!

Since you've only had your RPLND recently, hope everthing's going well Kevin. I'll keep you up to date with how I get on.

Davie