Recent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

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I'm 3 weeks since surgery and had first meeting with physical therapist recently for incontinence. I feel like my level of incontinence is moderate and every passing day it seems to be getting better. Part of my surgery included an urethal suspension. I am going through 3 Depends on average each day. I'm 52 and in pretty good shape. Seems like I'm on a good track but would be curious to hear from anyone on what to expect as far as recovery timeline.

In addition, I've been prescribed daily 5mg tadalafil and using a vacuum pump for ED. Does anybody know typically how long to regain control of erections and active sex life?

Thanks!

 

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@Markus,

At about your same age I started to develop ED. (I am now 73.) No surgeries or other causes were identified. I suspect it was caused by the many other conditions that I developed since about 1995 and the meds I have to take for them. I also suspect the anesthesia from many surgeries, unrelated to urinary problems. It may have been caused by bicycle riding too. No way to know.

Early on, I too was prescribed a vacuum. I tried it for a while, but it was very uncomfortable and awkward to use. Ultimately I just gave up and threw it away.

Later came urgency and frequency. That has been improved with minimal surgical procedures and more meds. I even lost an eye due to a retina detachment. Ultimaely, I took disability in 2006.

I thank my Lord Jesus for giving me a very wonderful and faithful wife. She has stood by my bedside through it all.

I pray that things get better for you.

Meza

 

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@Markus sounds like you are doing well if you can see improvement after only 3 weeks. I hope that the improvement continues, cheers Phil

 

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Thanks @physlink and @MezaJarJarBinks

 

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Hello Markus
I had the radical prostatectomy in August, 2017 and initially I was at about four pads a day. But at present time I am about six pads a day. I was also scheduled for the Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) on two occasions but chickened out both times. I have a long history of bladder cancer and just don’t think the AUS would be right for me. I am 72 and afraid of going into old age and experiencing mechanical failure too often. But I am also hopeful there will improvements with the Sling or some other kind of magical breakthrough in the future. Wishing you all the best, Markus.

 

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Hi Markus,

Do well on your recovery! Did your urologist give you a range on erectile function recovery? Mine said 2 months to 2 years. Medical literature says out to 3 years for some men. Your age should help, too.

I'm 65 and had an open radical prostatectomy when I was 60. This was with unilateral nerve sparing vs. bilateral so I anticipated that erections could be an issue. After 4.5 years, I have total ED and moderate incontinence. I use 2 - 4 Depends during the day and wear a diaper at night. This hasn't been a defeat or loss as I feel better than ever at having dealt effectively with prostate cancer. With time, I've certainly gotten used to my lack of urinary control. A loving wife of 35 years has also been a huge help.

This is just to point out that whatever the outcome in terms of 'side effects' leaving cancer behind and moving ahead with life is a great motivator.

John

 

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@jdtat Thanks John. Well said. My doc told me 3-4 months on the ED. As I said, I’m only 3 weeks removed from surgery so I’ll continue to follow his direction on recovery and hope for the best.

 

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@MrPhil54 thank you