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Staff member
Hello All,
I've been reading and learning here for the last 5 months or so. So, I think it's time to introduce myself and tell my story up till now. I'm a 66yo formally very active guy(Not any more). Last September (2022) my urologist noticed my PSA numbers were climbing. So, first the Digital exam. She said she felt a rough spot on my prostate and that it was probably the first signs of cancer. This was followed up with a CT Scan (nothing found) and then a Prostate Biopsy(not a fun test by the way)But that came back as having 2 samples show positive. Then the discussion about possible treatments.
Everyone must pick what they think is right for themselves. I chose the Radicle Proctectomy(RP). Everyone that has gone thru this procedure is painfully aware. Promises made, Surgery, Catheter, incontinence, Pain, Healing, Etc.
So, after 5 months of dealing with all of this, my doctors telling me that I'm healing and doing great, keep doing the Kegels.
I finally go for my 5 month check up, where I complain about the continued complete incontinence, depression, and so forth, only to be told that "yea, that happens sometimes". What? I thought that total incontinence hardly ever happens. "Yes, that's true but, it has happened to you" So now what? I ask. Well, you go home and learn to live with it or we can recommend a Urinary Reconstructionist for you to talk about installing an Artificial Urinary Sphincter.
Appointment is next month. Do I want an AUS? More surgery, more pain, more healing, will it work?
I'm starting to think that I should have just let the cancer take me. At least I would have had a couple more good years. Now I'm just miserable and depressed. I can work at a snails pace and have to take plenty of breaks to change pads. No more shooting, teaching, and coaching at shooting competitions. And, I think my wife, kids, and friends are starting to avoid me. They just feel sorry and don't want to talk about it. Maybe I remind them of their possible futures.
Thanks for reading, if you made it this far, and I'll try to get back to you all and let you all know how this all works out.
Jim
I've been reading and learning here for the last 5 months or so. So, I think it's time to introduce myself and tell my story up till now. I'm a 66yo formally very active guy(Not any more). Last September (2022) my urologist noticed my PSA numbers were climbing. So, first the Digital exam. She said she felt a rough spot on my prostate and that it was probably the first signs of cancer. This was followed up with a CT Scan (nothing found) and then a Prostate Biopsy(not a fun test by the way)But that came back as having 2 samples show positive. Then the discussion about possible treatments.
Everyone must pick what they think is right for themselves. I chose the Radicle Proctectomy(RP). Everyone that has gone thru this procedure is painfully aware. Promises made, Surgery, Catheter, incontinence, Pain, Healing, Etc.
So, after 5 months of dealing with all of this, my doctors telling me that I'm healing and doing great, keep doing the Kegels.
I finally go for my 5 month check up, where I complain about the continued complete incontinence, depression, and so forth, only to be told that "yea, that happens sometimes". What? I thought that total incontinence hardly ever happens. "Yes, that's true but, it has happened to you" So now what? I ask. Well, you go home and learn to live with it or we can recommend a Urinary Reconstructionist for you to talk about installing an Artificial Urinary Sphincter.
Appointment is next month. Do I want an AUS? More surgery, more pain, more healing, will it work?
I'm starting to think that I should have just let the cancer take me. At least I would have had a couple more good years. Now I'm just miserable and depressed. I can work at a snails pace and have to take plenty of breaks to change pads. No more shooting, teaching, and coaching at shooting competitions. And, I think my wife, kids, and friends are starting to avoid me. They just feel sorry and don't want to talk about it. Maybe I remind them of their possible futures.
Thanks for reading, if you made it this far, and I'll try to get back to you all and let you all know how this all works out.
Jim