Experience post prostatectomy
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I had a Radical P in 2017
The first 12 months is a slow process and different for everyone and depends on how much damage was none to the spinter valve where prostate and bladder were joined . I got down to 30ml a day in 18 months and zero at night . I couldn’t take viagra due to eyesight issues so I had a penile implant for erections . This surgery put me back to base 1 and I’m still leaking up to 90ml when I walk . Zero at night and sitting . The implant has been a success but I have to weigh up the benefits of returned incontinence as supposed to good sex . This whole prostate situation is hit and miss and a” box of chocolates “ so to speak
The first 12 months is a slow process and different for everyone and depends on how much damage was none to the spinter valve where prostate and bladder were joined . I got down to 30ml a day in 18 months and zero at night . I couldn’t take viagra due to eyesight issues so I had a penile implant for erections . This surgery put me back to base 1 and I’m still leaking up to 90ml when I walk . Zero at night and sitting . The implant has been a success but I have to weigh up the benefits of returned incontinence as supposed to good sex . This whole prostate situation is hit and miss and a” box of chocolates “ so to speak
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HunterB, stay with the positive advice you’ve gotten here. Give yourself time and don’t give up. Stats from docs about continence are extremely questionable - 80-90% continence - REALLY,! It’s false expectations and adds to our self-doubt. I’ve had four different urologists in the 8 years since RP and now at 78 years. How are stats arrived at. Patients and urologists move, die, etc., so how can their statistical positions be relied upon. A very few urologists have advised men to start interventions like kegels, viagra, vacuums, pads etc. before surgery to anticipate and strengthen one’s post surgical situation. Too many, like myself, were/will be given false expectations. The primary thing is no rise in PSA or <0.1. Eventually you’ll leak less. Keep walking as much as possible helping pelvic floor as well. I’ve progressed over my years since the loss of the sphincter. The aggravation remains of pads, leakage and ED, but I’m as active as an old guy can be at 157#, 5’11, doing power yoga & weight machines at gym 3x/wk. That’s not to mention xeriscaping on off exercise days in the desert. Don’t make any hasty decisions about AUS, sling etc. Guys here have had mixed results, needing reinstalling, neurogenic bladders, infections, continued pads, etc, while some have had helpful reductions in leakage. Keep your spirits up and use your allies here. Best!
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I think stryder is so right in his comments and an inspiration in that he does not allow the problem from enabling him to live a full and active life. I have so many neighbours and friends who have had bladder cancer or bowel cancer and managing stoma bags, others who have had breast cancer and mastectomy and one work colleague who had a leg removed because of cancer high up in his groin. I have had to realise that cancer treatments have often significant side effects and people have to manage them and I am no different. Being honest, recognising that we needed treatment, dealing with the anxiety or depression that can accompany a cancer diagnosis including the aftermath of treatment can all be part of the journey. ED which is a particular side effect that prostate cancer treatment often causes and according to a research paper I read recently both the RP and RT routes have similar outcomes 5 years down the line. But with determination you find ways to be intimate with your loved one. As a number have commented there is no knowing when you take this journey where you will end up. For some a bump in the road, but for others longer term issues to manage. The determination to live life to the full is so important for our health and well being despite the side effects of the treatment. I have four great kids, a lovely wife, three amazing grand kids and I am valuing my time with them. I play the bagpipes which puts a lot of pressure on the abdomen ( so conveen and leg bag are necessary for that one). As a retired school principal I have for the last year helped out in a small school as acting Principal two days per week due to the death at 20 of the Principal's son. Since my cancer diagnosis we have refurbished an old Irish cottage for Airbnb and I help my son on his organic small holding, driving the tractor, mini digger etc. Yes I have to manage the incontinence but the overall point I am making like Stryder is the need to life as full a life as possible and to be determined to overcome the challenges that the treatment has caused. In the early days it is an emotional challenge for sure but you will prevail
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You need to give it time. If you could see a video of what they did to you, you might better understand why you leak. All I can say it IT GETS BETTER WITH TIME. Stay positive and do your kegels.
I bought a kegel hard device that helped me big time. i was doing manual kegels 3 times a day, 4 months before my op and a year after and now I just just the device. Oh and give up caffine if you haven't already. I'm 16 months in.
No pads for me now and running, walking is no problem.
Learning to empty your bladder also might help.
Please give your body time to heal.
Take care everyone.
I bought a kegel hard device that helped me big time. i was doing manual kegels 3 times a day, 4 months before my op and a year after and now I just just the device. Oh and give up caffine if you haven't already. I'm 16 months in.
No pads for me now and running, walking is no problem.
Learning to empty your bladder also might help.
Please give your body time to heal.
Take care everyone.
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Hi - I’m 68yrs old and keep fit and active- walking, cycling, golf and skiing. I had a radical prostatectomy 5 weeks ago by robotic surgery and Retsius Sparing technique. The Catheter was removed 3 weeks ago. The first 10 days following Catheter removal my incontinence was grim and quite depressing. At night and sitting wasn’t bad and improved quite quickly, it was bad during the day when I moved around. I’ve been doing sets of pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) 3 times a day and this is starting to pay off. It’s very gradual, like going to the gym, you don’t see results overnight. I’m now 3 weeks since catheter removal and I’m dry at night and usually not bad until lunchtime. I do get some leakage when I’m active in the afternoons but it’s manageable.The improvement is very slow but over time the PFEs are making a difference. You end up doing them all the time, not just the 3 times a day sessions, but when you get up out of a chair or when you bend down to pick something up or swing a golf club. So, by keeping up with the PFEs I’m hoping that, within the next few months, I’ll overcome my incontinence, that’s the plan anyway.
Dave from Scotland
Dave from Scotland
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Sounds like you are doing great. I have a 6" scar up my belly from surgery 8 weeks ago, were they cut through the abdominal muscles to take out my prostate. I've been totally incontinent (8-10 diapers per day). I've only in the last few days seen some improvement at night, so I see that as a big step.
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@RickB. Reality is that you may not improve considerably for some time. It took me about 5 months to improve adequately for me to feel I had could control the leakage adequately with pads for me to tackle any tasks. Everyone is different though. Hopefully you will have improved a fair amount by the time you return to work. So options of which I was aware are pads, external catheter and also clamps. I was fortunate as I work primarily from home and was able to get by with just pads and a collection bottle for use as I stood up (in private). Clamps were discussed in quite some length just after I had my op in Sept 22. May be worth your while doing searches for these discussions.
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Flaco said:
Flaco said:
It will take a bit longer yet Flaco. Be a bit more patient. It's sheer hell but gets better.
Been there done that.
One day you'll realise, hey, it's getting better.
I was well warned about the Kegels and did it every day 3 times a day for 4 months before my operation and still do them.
Prostate cancer sucks but we have to push on.
Stay positive.
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I’m curious about recovery, continence or even near total resulting from straight surgical cut through abdomen vs RP. Or is it as matter of surgeon skills? Does open surgery protect the sphincter better than robotic?
I had RP 6 years ago at 70 and was at 1-2/day depending upon activity, but in last several months have increased 3-4. I have remained extremely active doing things many 30 years old can’t. But the leakage is trying. Considering PROACT procedure.
I had RP 6 years ago at 70 and was at 1-2/day depending upon activity, but in last several months have increased 3-4. I have remained extremely active doing things many 30 years old can’t. But the leakage is trying. Considering PROACT procedure.
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