Last week when I went to visit you for my 6 month follow up, I met a gentleman in the waiting room as he was getting ready to do his pre-op, and had the opportunity to share with him my experience with the robotic surgery.  He was very apprehensive (petrified), and I was able to answer some of his questions.  I believe that I helped him and his wife overcome some of their fears.  I hope my testimony may help someone else going through the process of prostate cancer surgery.

I am a 63 year old retired male with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and colitis, all under control.  I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on June 20, 2006 with a Gleason score of 7, and on July 27, 2006 Dr. Ornstein performed the robotic surgery. Although I was not a good candidate for the robotic surgery, since I have had 2 colon resections, Dr. Ornstein took the extra time needed to remove scar tissue from previous surgeries and continue with the robotic surgery.  I will always be indebted to Dr. Ornstein for him not taking the easy way out by performing the old fashioned open abdominal surgery, but instead he performed the robotic surgery which lasted over 6 hours.  He took the extra time to perform the less invasive procedure in order to alleviate my pain and suffering.

The first night at the hospital was awful.  The air conditioning was not working and the temperature was over 100.  The next morning they got me up, walked me down the hall several times and asked me to call my wife to pick me up to go home.  I was amazed, less than 24 hours after surgery, I was home and on my road to recovery.  The next few days were somewhat uncomfortable as I was unable to find a comfortable position to sleep due to the catheter, however, the pain level was very manageable.  I never took more than 2 occasional Tylenols.  On the 9th day his nurse Sarah removed my catheter.  Although I was extremely anxious and afraid, the catheter was removed pain free, in less than 10 seconds. 

For the first few days and nights, I had to use several urinary incontinent pads, but as the weeks progressed, I used less and less, and by the third month, I had total control of my bladder.  Less than a month after my surgery, with the help of Cialis I hit a major milestone by getting an erection and performing intercourse.  Being cancer free is, of course, the most important objective, but the fear of impotency was devastating to me.  As time passes, my erections and my ability to continue to have intercourse have improved and are now normal.  I continue to take Cialis.

It has now been 6 months since my surgery.  I have had 2 blood tests and my PSA is 0.  My scars are minimal and almost invisible, and my life is back to the way it was prior to surgery.

I believe all of my success is due to Dr. Ornstein’s expertise in the field of Robotic Surgery and his taking the extra time to listen to my specific needs and concerns.  I explained to him how important sex was in my life and still is after Prostate Cancer.

Thank you Dr. Ornstein

Luis Castaneda