Why do I have bladder sensitivity years after prostate cancer treatment?
I am 4 years post-prostatectomy and 2 years post-radiation, and my bladder is still so sensitive that I need to urinate every 1-2 hours at night.
Share your advice and bladder sensitivity experiences.
Hi Wayneforte. Sorry you are continuing to have these bladder issues. Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences. In addition, I want to share with you a couple of articles on the topic. This one is from our contributor Len discusses his positive experience with a particular treatment: https://prostatecancer.net/living/implant-overactive-bladder/. This one from our editorial team also looks at this issue: https://prostatecancer.net/living-coping/incontinence/. Hoping you get some answers soon. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
Wayne, after I read your question, I was going to send you my article on the Interstim, which Richard already did. But it has been a lifesaver for me, both at night and when traveling. My bladder was somewhat overactive before I had my prostatectomy, but that went up after my prostatectomy, and then went into overdrive after my radiation. (Like you, my radiation was 2 years after the surgery.) Happy to say it was worth it as this Sunday, 6/14, will be the 5th anniversary of my last positive PSA. Our best to you!!!
... Good to hear your PSA is in good shape - Like you I also had radiation after surgery but my time line was 5 years later in early 2018. Also had the joy of taking a 6 month Lupron shot
So far so good here ( now that the Lupron is out of my system) and to date I only experienced a slight increase in an occasion dribble. I will say if I let up on the Kegel exercises I do see some additional issues. I was on a ZOOM call the other day with a number of prostate cancer patients and a urologist. The general agreement from all suggested that you really need to do Kegel exercises for life after treatment.
Additionally have also found is that some spices definitely some impact on urge response especially for me Asian foods.
Typical pattern for me is that I am up once in an evening. More if I drink too much H2O after 8 PM and of course alcohol after 7 PM does turn the spout on at night. ...Dennis (ProstateCancer.net Team)
When you stop and think about the advances in technology we are fortunate to live in a time where we have so many solutions. Not only are we seeing advances in prostate cancer treatments we are also fortunate to have access to an amazing assortment of medical devices that can control urine flow while others that can put some lift into our sex lives. 😀
...Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Hi Wayne, I'm usually up only once per night. I drink coffee in the morning but nothing caffeinated after noon and no sugary soft drinks at all. I even find that decaffeinated and herbal teas make my bladder overactive. I'm returning to a pelvic floor therapist for another look at reducing mild incontinence through kegeling and other exercises.
