Three months since prostatectomy

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@Hbrownlow Three months is way too optimistic to expect dramatic improvement. I'm eleven months out from surgery, and I'm still not fully continent. However, I have seen a lot of incremental improvement with time. My overall leakage is minimal, but I can't ignore it either. Which means I always have padding wherever I go and whatever I do, just in case. My leakage is strongest at the end of the day when I am at my most fatigued - which makes sense to me. I honestly don't know if I will ever be fully continent, but I no longer worry about it because I have adjusted my life to accommodate incontinence. Please give us updates on your progress. I feel certain in a few months from now, you will no longer be going through 6-7 pads a day.

 

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Thank you JoelCairo for your encouragement. At the start of this journey I said I would obviously like to be fully continent but could live with one or two light shields for the occasional drop. I guess I must just be patient and pray that things do improve as you describe over the next number of weeks/months

 

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@HBrownlow Try Conveen adhesive remover. It is very helpful when removing condom catheters.

 

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Thank you Dan. Have you used Conveens extensively?

 

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I have tried several brands and found that the Conveen works best for me. I use them about half the time and pads and pull-ups the the other half. I use the condoms mostly when at home as they can become loose when I get a surge when standing up after being seated for extended periods. I do like the dryness the condoms provide. I am 4 months post-op and starting to get a small amount of bladder control.

 

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I am just over the three months too and I think I might be seeing a little improvement too with a bit less in the pull ups/ pads. I have tried the Coloplast sheath at home but always have a pull up too just in case in comes off, although that hasn't happened the two times I've tried the sheath. It was good to get a respite from the heat/warmth/wetness of the pads. My only concern is that using the conveen too often might make you lazy about trying to achieve control and doing your pelvic floors

 

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Dan77. Just wondering if it is the Coloplast conveen you use. They have a measurement scale downloadable from their website, basically to measure circumference so that you get the right size and slippage should therefore be less likely.

 

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Yes I use the Coloplast Conveen Optima. I have only experienced slippage one time but that was enough to make me wary.

 

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I like the freedom from the heat and damp feeling of the pads/ pull ups. But like you I haven't the confidence to go out with just the conveen. Since I have only used this method a few times I think it takes time to learn how manage it well. Like you I have only used at home and even then the first couple of times I also put in a light pad

 

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Just got Covid. All the coughing isn't great for trying to regain control