Heavy Pad Usage

[Archives1]

I'm 5 weeks post prostatectomy and beginning to sense I use far more pads then others on this site. During the day I can go through about 12 full pads. My Urologist wants me to drink 120oz of water daily,which is often a challenge. I try to drink at least 90oz and supplement it with about 10oz of coffee (half decaf). Everytime I stand up I fill a pad. At this time I can only hold back a limited amount before I get to the bathroom. The rest voids in the pad. Any suggestions?

 

[Archives1]

I’m in the same boat. I’m 7 weeks post. I use more pads than you. I have to use an overnight bladder control pad inside of a “Depends”, then wear waterproof underwear over that. I need to change pads or Depends at least 10-15 times a day. The waterproof underwear have been a lifesaver to keep from having to wash my clothes. I can post a link if you’re interested.
I see a lot of people on here talk about just “leaks”. I wonder how many are experiencing “floods” like we seem to do. I leak all day and night, but then as soon as I try to stand, my bladder empties like a bucket. Doesn’t matter how hard I squeeze to try to stop it. It’s like driving 90mph down the freeway and find you have no brakes when trying to stop.

 

[Archives1]

Like yourself, I too have a hard time holding back the urge on many days with the type of incontinence I suffer from. It’s called Urge - but different from those who suffer from rp surgery.

I would recommend a line of underwear from the Tranqulity brand which i have used, or Northshore GoSupreme underwear instead of pads.

Underwear typically absorb more than pads - if I was out and about more I would probably wear protective underwear - however im typically home most of the time so on days where I’m suffering the most - I’ll just wear an overnight brief as I am alone.

 

[Archives1]

When I was 5 weeks post op I had the same problem. I kept a hand held urinal beside my chair. I would insert my penis in the urinal and then stand up every 20 minutes or so. This will cut back on pad usage. When walking around gotta live with it. You will probably start to get some control after 3 to 4 months. I currently have the Chinese flu and I leak every time I cough and I am going through Bunch of pads.

 

[Archives1]

You’re extremely early in the game. How old are you? 120oz is a lot. What interventions are you trying, PT, diet, drink,etc. I believe the younger you are, the odds are better for healing. I was 70 and 6 years later still leaking 2/day, while exercising rigorously, i.e.,3/wk gym weights and power yoga, along with constant xeriscaping. Exercise is definitely optimal and distance walking is the best.

 

[Archives1]

Flooding is normal so soon after surgery. Some do more than others but we all do it! You will begin to notice some improvement after 2-3 months but more noticeable improvement will be slow, incremental and and take multiple months. The important thing is to do kegel and other abdominal exercises that are prescribed when working with a physical therapist!

 

[Archives1]

Tired...,
It's too early to know what your final outcome will be; trust me, it won't be worse. On the other hand, if you'd like to manage the leakage while you recover, you should try our external aid (that we literally received patent notification on today) that will control the leakage while the internal recovery process continues. Unfortunately, it is not available for sale, but you could join our many volunteer testers and find relief temporarily until our product is actually for sale. We are about ramp up our search for an industry partner/licensee that will take it to market. Our prototypes have a limited cycle life, though we could talk about extended usage if you desire. If you'd like info on our product, pls send an email to amhelp@comcast.net, after which I will be able forward details. Best wishes. Fynlee

 

[Archives1]

I had a catheter post-RP for 8 miserable days. When that came out, I had no control, although I could stop my flow if I squeezed. Beside myself, I went to the physical therapist who gave me a series of kegels. I did these religiously and they helped. My flow rate (measured by weighing my pads and tracking the result) went steadily down. I was drinking only about 60-80 ounces/day with decaf coffee. By 4 months, I was down to about an ounce of leakage per day, and converted back to caffeinated coffee. However, after 4.5 months, my PSA returned to detectable, and I started 40 sessions of “salvage radiation.” The docs warned me that this would not help. Still, at 6 months post-RP, I was down to as little as .1 ounces of leakage/day!!! Sadly, the radiation damaged my bladder and gave me a stricture at the bladder neck. By 14 months post-RP, I was now leaking 40+ ounces/day. I did more physical therapy, and then did Botox treatment. At 2.5 years, I opted for the AUS, which has proven to be near miraculous. Each of us responds differently. Each of us requires individualized treatment. Stay strong.

 

[Archives1]

Thank you all for you support. I'm 65 and do my kegels daily (I finally settled in to a routine). I also walk over a mile each day. I wear the Northshore Go Supreme pullups as a backup, I add the pad in the pull ups, and can usually get away with changing the pullups maybe once or twice per day. The pads are far easier to change then the pullups. At night I wear the same, but with a couple Northshore pads. I usually have one flood about 2-3 hours after I go to bed. Most of the time I can get away with just changing the pads and going back to bed. I continue to have some leakage after that, but nothing like the first flood.

 

[Archives1]

You are right about where most of us were at that point so don’t be alarmed especially when drinking that amount of water. It gets a little bit better each month that passes and you will eventually cut down your water consumption. Keep doing the Kegel pelvic floor exercises but be prepared for a long process. I’m 10 months post RP and still go through 5-7 pads a day. Get started with a pelvic floor PT as soon as you can. It helps. I gave up on Kegels at one point because I got discouraged with my process. My PT said it happens to many of their patients. I’m back to doing them along with PT and it seems to be helping so I have to stay the course as you should do the same. It can be a long road to dryness and I’m being told up to 18 months for us older guys. Sometimes never in which case I’ll the AUS surgery. Be patient and work hard at your Kegels. I tell myself everyday at least I’m alive and breathing and for that I’m grateful.

 

[Archives1]

Tired...
Given the amount of water intake suggested by your doctor, I suggest you read up on the effects of drinking too much; there is risk to that scenario. Obviously, any person drinking that much is going to have a need for excessive voiding. Also, eating well and sleeping well are key to good health. Can't do much for your eating habits, but the aid I spoke to earlier will allow you a good night's sleep. Best wishes.