So far so good.

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Here is my journey so far .
After contracting a UTI my prostate readings shot up , doctor sent me to an uroligist who did a manual check and promptly sent me for MRI ,and shortly after he did a biopsy. Then he broke the news to me . You have cancer. Our world fell apart . French surgeons are not known for their bedside manner , he told us the options & his recommendations and sat there waiting for a decision !
The best option was to have it removed so on August 8 , 2 months after first exam I was in hospital being prepped for surgery .After the opp I was kept in for 10 days until the catheter was removed .The nurses in the constant observation ward were above and beyond anything I could have expected ,their care of me was brilliant.
Then I was discharged & things began to fall apart .
I expected incontinance , but not tropical rain !
Anyway we got sorted after a couple of VERY traumatic days & now we are manageing ok. Night times are mostly dry , usually with a couple of toilet trips , & sitting is pretty good to . As I gathered from reading here & on other sites walking is a problem , but the pads keep the worst at bay .
A physio told me to start Kegel exercises a month before surgury & to keep them up .We are due back for consultation on Sept 20 so fingers crossed for that .
On a lighter note the information sheet I was given before admittance said the opperation would be done by lapiscopry surgery , so it came as a hell of a supprise to find a wound from pubis bone to navel . I must remember to ask him about that !

 

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Cessac,

I can tell by your posting that you have a good attitude and sense of humor.

Both of those traits will serve you well in the days ahead.

Doing Kegels and working with a physio are very important at this stage of your recovery. I wouldn’t discourage you from taking walks. Activities that stimulate the pelvic floor and walking is one of them will help in regaining continence.

Each of us recover at a different rate, but a good attitude and a sense of humor make the journey much more tolerable.

Good luck.

Greensleeves

 

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As Greensleeves mentioned, attitude has a great deal to do with recovery any time, but with the journey you are on a good attitude and sense of humor will serve you well. Best of luck. And I would certainly be interested to know why the change in surgical procedure was made.

 

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Sounds like your journey is similar to many of us here. So welcome! Yes, keep doing kegels and walking and I hope the leaking will diminish soon. I'm 2.5 months after catheter removal and still leaking way too much for my liking, but the pads help.

 

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All this seems to be good news. Keep up your sense of humor as it will serve you well. Cancer is a tough pill to swollow. I know, I have Leukemia and have been in remission for about 12 years now. Good luck to you on your voyage. You are an inspiration to us all. Thanks for sharing your story.

 

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@cessac:

May you be blessed and guided by the Lord's love. When my physical ailments started - I was in denial. And I physically and emotionally hurt myself because I could not handle living in a body that I wish I was not in.

What I would encourage you to do - is continue to stay positive, focused, and on this message board were you are surrounded by others including myself who suffer from bladder issues and will assist you in your life experiences.

The NAFC has been a blessing for myself in that regard; in terms of keeping positive people in my life. If it wasn't for the NAFC, and healthcare workers whom I have been hospitalized for mental health for -

I probably would be dead due to the actions of others.

But I am still here - thank God. Working on getting assistance and help for peer support and being independent.

If you need anything, we are here.

Blessings In Christ,
Honeeecombs

 

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You are on a journey that so many of us are taking. Tomorrow will be 4 months since my RP, and my symptoms are still quite similar to yours. I've learned to when I need just a pad, or wear a Depends, and how often I need to change. (Every 6 holes while golfing). But lately, I have noticed a little more control. So that is encouraging. Plus my 3 month PSA result was 0.01, so that was a relief.
I'm thankful for this forum, and all the positive energy everyone gives out. Good luck my brethren..

 

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Your post-surgery situation seems to be on tract to full recovery. Just be patient. My surgery experience was much different. In the States they use the DaVinci operating system to robotically remove the
prostate. I had to report to the hospital at 5:30 am the day of my operation. I was operated on at 7:30 am and discharged from the hospital at 3:30 pm with a catheter which I had for a week. My doctor told me to start a walking regime everyday which I started the next day.

We are very fortunate to have the surgical resources we have today. I have a friend who had his prostate removed about 15 years ago and it was major surgery (cut through the abdomen) with a long recovery period.

 

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Cessac, it's great news your PSA is undetectable. Like others have said the issue of incontinence is a challenge. I am 5 months post op and I have some signs of progress. As of the last 3 weeks I am dry at night, although still wear a light pad just for reassurance at this stage. I am much better when seated, working on the laptop or having a more sedentary day. I find mornings best but as the day progresses I leak more. If I am away for a day I use the Conveen external catheter which gives me great freedom and I can use pads at home when washing and changing are easier. It can be tough mentally at times but a positive attitude and a determination to get out with life helps. I was very stressed at 3 months because I had a friend who was basically continent by that stage and I was showing little improvement. The guys on this forum are really helpful in sharing their journey and helping you get through the tough times. I was all set to go for the artificial sphinter operation but others said to be patient and as a consequence I am showing some slight improvement. Of course I cannot predict longer term how things will pan out and another procedure may be considered. I wish you continued improvement over the next period of time

 

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Had the staples out a few days ago . All 29 of them , I reckon I would have set off airport security .Not too painful , but looking at the scar I wont be wearing my Mankini any time soon .Nurse comes every day to give me blood thinners & change the dressing. There is a bit not healed but she isnt worried.

Well thats up to date now I'll keep you posted.