My first few weeks of H2O

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I have just started the inconvenient journey of incontinence after a radical prostatectomy 4 weeks ago, I'm determined to beat this and would welcome tips from those that have been there. I live in New Zealand, I'm a fit 70 year old and hope my fitness and golf can help me through this.

 

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Get to PT soon. A good physical therapist can help a lot, but can help most if it's soon after surgery. Mine was delayed due to complications, and that had a bad effect.

 

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200 kegels a day. I break them up 50 at a time. I'm mostly dry now. One pull up at night just in case. Surgery was the 28th of April.

 

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It all depends on your individual situation. I was young and healthy and was the perfect candidate. I then required radiation, surgery for structures twice, hyperbaric chamber treatment for daily blood in my urine (2 1/2 yrs), laser treatment and many scopes. So much for less than 5% chance of complications.

The most important thing you can do is stay positive and hopeful. It sounds like you are. Don’t give in to depression. Find the best physical therapist possible that specifically deals with pelvic floor issues. Start PT early so you aren’t wasting time doing kegels wrong. Stay as active and read every post on this forum that applies to your situation. If your not getting answers that make sense from your urologist get a new one as soon as possible. Good luck. Stay positive.

 

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Yes, a good PT is essential! Be religious about the kegels and ask your pt about whether walking helps. The pace of your recovery is a complete unknown. It could be relatively quick (few months) or it could be a year or more. Be prepared for whatever it takes. All the best to you.

 

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Most cases resolve in 6 months or less, but could be longer. I’m 11 months out from surgery and still doing PT. I have improved very slowly, but I’m prepared to keep working at it. PT is really the only treatment, so get started on that with a PT trained in treating incontinence. Being fit is a big plus. Mental stamina, i.e. not getting too down and losing focus, is key. You’re only 4 weeks since surgery, very early. Good luck. BTW, I use a pad during the day and keep an extra in my back pocket so I’m really not limited in my day to day activities. Also, looking back at some of the threads on here will give you additional info.

 

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Welcome to the club, however frustrating it can be. When doing Kegels my PT told me to imagine trying to pick up a blueberry with you sphincter, not crush it. That little bit of advice really helped me. I am about 9 1/2 months past RP and use one pad a day if I sit behind my computer. Out on the projects it sometimes requires another. At home on weekends, maybe 2 or 3 (I'm building a fence around the property so it's quite strenuous). I stay mostly dry all night but wear the pullup because it is "mostly" dry. Recently got new information that I have cancer in my lymph nodes and tonsils so we'll see how that goes. My daughter the RN said it could not be a worse diagnosis. I will prove her wrong. Good luck with your journey through this process.

 

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Everything you’ve read above and compiled in the site library, will give you great pointers. Make sure you walk as much as possible at golf course-leave cart behind.

I’m 5.5 years past RP at 75, with <0.1 PSA, the most important stat to keep vigilant about. Still need 1-2 pads/day according to activity level, a significant factor, kegels, etc. Know that urologists define continence as 0-1/day, and as high as 2 depending upon numerous factors, i.e., age, weight, other health issues. I’m a doubter about complete continence without further surgical intervention. And even with 2 versions of AUS or sling surgery for anyone over 60-65, I believe urologists give false hope to male patients, possibly to lend encouragement. With surgery it’s also not a one-and-done to achieve total continence as replacements are necessary anywhere from 5-8 years.

I’m extremely active-just dug out a 7x8 hole to plant a 15’ tree in desert soil-uggh. Besides xeriscaping, I’m at gym for 2-3 hours 3xwk doing power yoga and weights. If and when heat abates, I’ll return to desert walking 4-6 miles/day.

 

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Hi bro, you sound like me when I had my RP 18 months ago. I was fit and determined to get past it as quick as possible. I got really upset that I was still leaking after 4 weeks. I needed and got a reset from my physio.

It happens quick to some and not to others. Read many posts and answers on this forum, you’ll quickly find that every single person is different in their experience and there are lots of recommended tools you may be able to use. You will also be humbled at how lucky you are and that whatever you may be going through some one on this site will be much worse off.

Listen to your trusted advisors, doctors, physio’s etc say. find a good physio that specialises in your issues. Try different things that you research or read about to find one or more that works for you. Eg.Some pads work for some but not others

You may be lucky and it will all be over soon, you are more likely on a journey of learning and coping with a big dose of acceptance of your lot. Stay positive, and trust your supports. Do your kegels even when you’ve had enough, they really work.

All the best moving forward.

 

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Thank you for all your supportive replies,I was doing research on how to cope with this add on to prostate cancer, quite a number of articles I read referenced this forum, I'm so glad I looked and signed up, I would never have thought there would be so many kind people who were willing to share and help others. It means so much to me, thank you for all the advice and the obvious importance of Kegels.
Kind regards
Paul Bell

 

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We have all been in the same place as you at this point in your like. God speed