Still leaking 5 yrs after surgery

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Good morning all. New to this group! It’s been 5 yrs since my prostate surgery and subsequent radiation treatments! I guess you would say I am a moderate leaker.I still need to wear depends. The pads just don’t cut it so I must wear the briefs. Has anyone had treatment for this or will it subside on its own. I’ve read many articles that say it should lessen a year after surgery but there seems to be no letting up.Been trying kegels for years but they don’t work either. Any help advice would be appreciated thanks
 
It has been over 3 years since my combined prostatectomy bladder diverticulotomy. I, also, still have to wear diapers. There are medications that can help, but they can come with side effects. You could also have an AUS implanted. It's a little complicated to explain, but it is basically a surgical procedure where a bulb is implanted that fills with urine. When it needs to empty, you push a button to release the urine. This is an oversimplification, so if anyone else can explain the procedure chime in. Due to my long history of poor bladder control, the diverticula, and retention, I chose not to have the surgery. There is also some risk with them. I'm 73 years old, and now going through a bunch of heart issues, so i'm trying to avoid any "choice surgeries" if possible. I have gotten used to wearing diapers...sort of. In my case, it is what it is. Hopefully, others in this group can offer some advice. Good luck.
 
27 here, in briefs at night due to bedwetting. Recently just started to trying using disposable diapers for protection rather than to continuously do laundry. I hear you man, and I resonate with the want and need to get back to underwear. I feel like my social life is going down the drain - or has been.

Things will get better, every night I start to get more accustomed to my life and its not as bad as when I first went and purchased briefs. I know you said you wear depends briefs - which are plastic backed..they sell more protective briefs that are cloth backed if it makes you feel more comfortable man.

Take care,
HC
 
Damp, how was the diverticulotomy surgery? Rough? Did it help? Would you do it again?
I am 72 and had total prostatectomy Feb 2020. Still leak but can function ok, but have developed pain in bladder 2 mo ago. Treated for uti, then it returns. Cystoscope showed an inflamed area that doc says can be infection that doesnt show up on culture or urinalysis. He doesnt think it's cancer and the washed cells look ok. But antibiotics havent helped this time so I will call him today.
Im with you, tired of and afraid of more surgery as I just developed afib
 
Doug, The removal of the diverticula was done at the same time as my prostatectomy, so the recovery was part of the healing process. I think if done separately it can be more problematic. When this whole process started with all the tests and invasive procedures, I was told my bladder was a "real mess". I'm not sure what he might by that except he did mention that I had quite a few of these diverticula. The one that was removed according to what my wife told me after the surgery was the size of a grapefruit. As far as if it helped, I'm not sure. I think so. I still retain more than I should, but not as much.
So far,my PSA has been undetectable which is great. The incontinence, however, is probably permanent. I can live with that. Cancer, not so much. I hope you can get some results for your issues.

Dennis
 
Doug: I never thought to ask the Doctors. I've had A-FIB for some years and take an anti-coagulant. Did anyone say there's a connection with incontinence?
 
I developed afib a while after sugery, so no connection, i just mentioned it because its a new problem that would make it risky for more surgery. Not sure when it showed up, but it was probably started when i did a 12 mile up/down 3200 ft hike in the smokies.i did it 41/2 mo post op. Heat, exertion, not prepping well for it may have brought it on. Then i did 3 kayak trips recently so I'm lucky i didnt stroke out. Eventually i was just tired all the time.
Damn, it's hard to get old, have limits set.
 
Welcome to our group, BobbyV! Unfortunately your leaking is probably permanent, unless you consider one of the surgical options available. But I think when you've had radiation it isn't advised to do additional surgery. Kegels do help is some situations, but if they were going to help you they would have already done so. So, probably not the answer you were looking for. I know accepting a permanent situation is tough, but it is generally manageable.
 
I had a AUS put in 2 months ago. Best thing I ever did. The surgery wasn't a big deal, overnight in the hospital.
Now I have my life back.
 
Hi BobbyV, you are far from alone as the other responses show. I too had a radical prostatectomy almost 5.5 years ago. I'm in Depends and wear a diaper at night. I've opted not to do the artificial sphincter surgery for a couple reasons of my own but I don't want to discourage others--some men feel it works great for them. Talk to your doctor.
Meanwhile, I don't find being moderately incontinent to be intolerable. For me, it has worsened a little bit with time. However, I was already a little incontinent before the prostate cancer diagnosis. The solution that has worked best for me is to stay padded enough not to soak everything. Thus, no 'accidents' though I pee in the Depends, etc. a lot.
 
This is good news. I am having an AUS put in next month and am very anxious. How painful was your surgery, really? How long did your recovery take and has it been hard for your learn how to use it? I am completely incontinent after having a prostatectomy 5 years ago.

Has anyone else had this surgery?
Thanks!
 
Hi lanejim
None of your concerns are an issue. Very little post op discomfort
two weeks of no heavy lifting and 4 weeks more before the AUS is activated. Learning curve is zero
 
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