Going under the scalpel of a surgeon for the first time.

The very first time an Urologist recommended a  preventive surgery for my  enlarged prostrate problem was in 2007. After delaying the decision  for 14years I decided to go under the scalpel of a surgeon  as a solution to the problem  which was bothering me beyond endurance limits for the last few months Fortunately since it was a TURP  procedure  done under local anesthesia, I was discharged the day after the surgery, with a catheter and the accompanying  plastic bag to clear the accumulated urine discharged without my knowledge. I had to endure the ordeal for five days before the catheter and the bag were removed and I could walk  free. 

When I thought the treatment was over and that I could look forward to complete recovery from my problem in a few days, the doctor threw a bombshell at me. He recommended that in order to ensure a long term solution to my problem I will have to undergo another  procedure for the next 30 days. It involved  gently inserting a 15 inches long plastic tube (Use & throw catheter)  once a day into my urethra and remove  it gently after it discharges the accumulated urine in  my bladder. An assistant   in his clinic taught me  the procedure. When I was not sure of my ability to go through the procedure on my own the doctor told me in no  uncertain terms that I will have to do it if I have to avoid an emergency situation at a future date. Though it was a simple procedure lasting not more than a minute, I was worried that  I may hurt myself while performing it .

 So for the first  few days  I requested my son to standby  in the room adjacent to the toilet  while I  was going through the procedure in case I made a mistake and he had to rush me to the clinic. Fortunately over the next few days I mastered the procedure without the need for  moral support. As I am  writing this piece I have successfully gone through the procedure for 30 days and am walking free from  all  the issues for which I underwent the surgery.

The surgeon who performed the surgery is a well known Urologist in the most popular five star hospital  in the city specialising in Robotic surgery. When  I told him that while I was very keen that he should perform the surgery, I was apprehensive about getting it done In the five star hospital  in which  he was practicing because of my family`s bad experience with the hospital. He smiled and  as a special case  agreed to perform the surgery  at the good old Seethapathy Clinic and Hospital on Royapettah High Road, Mylapore.  From the time I checked into the hospital to the time I was discharged 36 hours later, I had the most pleasant experience in the hospital.  Right from the nursing staff to the housekeeping assistants every one was caring and efficient. Though it lacked the ambience of a five star hospital  I felt at home and not intimidated. I owe a special thanks to the surgeon and the hospital management for making this possible.

Throughout my life I have tried to avoid going  under the scalpel of a surgeon  for various health issues like stone in the kidney, Glaucoma, Fissure and so on but got cured  by using alternate therapies  with the divine grace of my favourite Lord Venkatachalapathy. This is the first time  that I have undergone  a proper surgery. I hope that this is the last time I will have to see the masked face of a surgeon in an operation theatre.