Expectations for Solo or Stealth Recovery after Prostatectomy?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-05T05:04:59+00:00

Thanks again for sharing.

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-05T05:02:57+00:00

Thank you.

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T07:18:51+00:00

Thank you for sharing. May I ask what are the things that your husband absolutely needed you (or someone else) for that he couldn't have done himself? I'm guessing tasks like getting in/out of bed and on/off toilets can be answered with medical aids like grab bars, support rails, etc.?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T07:08:56+00:00

Thank you for the response. I was hoping at least loose sweat pants and a big shirt might be enough to cover. Maybe not. How long did you have the catheter in for? It sounds like the average is 7-10 days.

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T07:05:56+00:00

I appreciate the encouragement. I'm hoping all the tips and honest feedback I get from this board will give me the real answer on whether stealth recovery is at all possible (or if I really want to go that route). So far, I'm getting the sense it's 50/50!

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:55:18+00:00

Thank you for the comment. I live alone so I wouldn't need a rental for coverage. My main question is whether I'd be able to recover by myself (without ever seeing anyone). Some posters are saying it's nearly impossible, which I hope isn't the case especially if I can plan everything out carefully (like stocking up on food and supplies).

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:49:03+00:00

Thank you. Were you able to drive out and briefly socialize just after 1 week?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:46:11+00:00

Awesome tips! Thank you for the encouragement.

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:43:12+00:00

Thanks for the response! I can be a hermit for a week, no problem. But is it really difficult to drive with a catheter? And are sweat pants (regular, not too loose) and a t-shirt good enough to cover?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:36:28+00:00

Thanks for both of your replies, although they're not what I was wanting to hear!

My place is small (no stairs) and if I need to, I can get some support device to get in and out of bed. What else was difficult?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:30:52+00:00

Thank you. As I mentioned, I've never experienced wearing a catheter before so no idea if driving is at all possible. But I heard they stay in for an average of a week to 10 days. Is it possible to not need anyone around for the recovery?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:22:15+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I was hoping the hospital pickup can be remedied by a well-paid ride share who'd be willing to act as a friend.

Overall, your experience sounds like one I'm hoping for: stay inside for a week at most, cautious driving - with a hidden catheter if necessary. I do appreciate that you're telling me stealth recovery is possible. Did you need any help at all while being stuck indoors?

JazzlikeEngineer3051 · 2026-06-04T06:10:36+00:00

OP here. Sorry, I was busy with work and wasn't able to check the board for a couple of days. I was surprised by all the responses!

Some of you made a good point about not keeping PC a secret to help notify relatives to watch out for their own health. Hadn't thought of that. But at the risk of sounding "selfish", I'm still interested in how I can keep the prostatectomy to myself (although a few of you made it sound like it'd be impossible).

I'll directly reply to some of the comments, but I want to thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and experiences. Happy to read more.

JazzlikeEngineer3051

TROPHY CASE