Because of the raw surface inside your prostate and the irritating effects of urine, you may expect frequency of urination and/or urgency (a stronger desire to urinate) and perhaps even more getting up at night. This will usually resolve or improve slowly over the healing period. You may see some blood in your urine on and off over the first six weeks. Do not be alarmed, even if the urine was clear for a while. While blood is visibly present, you should stay at rest and drink a lot of fluids until clearing occurs.

Diet
When you are discharged to home you may return to your normal diet immediately. Alcohol, spicy foods and drinks with caffeine or cranberries may cause some irritation or frequency and should be used in moderation. To keep your urine flowing freely and to avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids during the day (eight to 10 glasses).

Wound
Your incision is sealed from outside bacteria within three days of surgery. Nonetheless, you should protect it from dirt and soiling for the first 10 days or so. The incision will be tender for the first week and the edges should NOT be pulled apart. The steri-strips should be left on for at least 10-14 days, if possible. If a NEW area of redness or swelling occurs, please let us know.

Activity
Your physical activity is to be restricted, especially during the first two weeks. During this time use the following guidelines:
a. No lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 10 pounds).
b. No driving a car and limit long car rides.
c. No strenuous exercise; limit stair climbing to minimum.
d. No sexual intercourse until OK'd by one of your doctors.
e. No severe straining during bowel movements -- take a laxative, if necessary.

Bowels
It is important to keep your bowels regular during the postoperative period. The rectum and the prostate are next to each other and any very large and hard stools that require straining can cause bleeding. You will usually be given stool softeners, but these are not laxatives. A bowel movement every other day is reasonable. Use a mild laxative, if needed (two to three tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia or two Dulcolax tablets for example), and call if you are having problems.

Medication
You should resume your pre-surgery medication unless told not to. In addition, you will often be given an antibiotic (to prevent infection) and stool softeners. These should be taken as prescribed until they are finished, unless you are having an unusual reaction to one of the drugs.

Problems you should report to us
a. Fevers over 100.5 Fahrenheit
b. Heavy bleeding, or clots (See above notes on blood in urine.)
c. Inability to urinate
d. Drug reactions (hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
e. Severe burning or pain with urination that does not improve

Follow-up
You will need a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress. Call for this appointment at the above number when you get home or from the phone in your hospital room before leaving. The first appointment will usually be about seven to 14 days after your surgery.

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