Post Radical Prostatectomy Incontinence
Tomorrow I will be 5 weeks post Radical Prostatectomy. For the weeks and months leading up to the surgery I was eager to get to this point. The cancer is out - I can move on with my life. Then reality came calling.
During my initial visits with my Urologist Incontinence (and ED) was certainly discussed. But, given my internal urgency to 'get this out of me' the post surgery situation never really sunk in. So I don't think I was fully prepared - especially mentally - for dealing with my reality. Having to think about every move I make - do I have pads/pullups with me - is there a bathroom close. And now, just returning to work, I have to navigate meetings, non-private bathrooms (for changing if necessary), and of course the fear that everyone can see (though my clothing) what I have to do to just work a full day. And to think that this may last as much as a year is a bit much on my psyche.
Don't get my wrong - of course I'm glad that (pending my first follow up PSA) that the cancer has been delt with. But I'm prideful and control freak. Which is not a great combination when both of these have taken a huge hit.
Hi
I think a lot of our members can relate to what you are going through and I hope they comment on this thread to let you know their personal experience with this. In the meantime, I am hoping this article can help you with tips: https://prostatecancer.net/living-coping/incontinence. Jill (Team Member) 
: Having been through the same surgery, rest assured you are not alone with the after-effects of the procedure. I was told that 10 Kegel exercises done 4 times a day should help. Apparently, if they are overdone, it can create more of an issue due to tired muscles.
Men in my support group have seen a progression to dry in a few days, weeks or months. Some have taken 6 to 12 months. We are all different and react accordingly. One suggestion that was made in the group for those who had leaking issues was to wear a combination of pull-up + a pad to increase e absorption.
I first began to notice improvement when I woke up in the AM with a dry overnight pad. Over a period of 5 months, my daytime "dry time" continued to extend and improve. If you do not see progress in a few months, speak to your surgeon regarding next steps. Hang in there. Dennis (ProstateCancer.net TEAM)Thank you for the feedback and the suggestion.
3 years post RRP.Stress incontinence No erection.Can have orgasm but get “Golden Shower” with extreme pain.No intimacy for over 10 years since wife died.Guess I’m lucky that I have no need for an erection.BTW just turned 72.
: We all make different life choices after treatment. After my wife passed, I never presumed I would be getting married again, but I will this Sep, and I will be 82 when it happens.
At one point, I spoke to a urologist and discovered that a penile implant could help with both urine leakage and erections. Following surgery, I experienced pain due to peonies and learned that relief was possible. I am glad you are doing well and enjoying the young age of 72. 😀 Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Going for a lift in Feb supposed to help the incontinence and maybe an implant later on.I have an neurological issue with the nerve bundles between my legs.I can walk but not sit.Have an implant(DRG)Dorsal Root Ganglion)does allow me to sit long enough to eat.I tell people the pain is like sitting on a baseball bat that is covered with razor blades and is on fire.This kept me from doing the pelvic exercises.Anyone that has a understanding partner should feel blessed.
laying down or walking is only thing that helps. I walk 2.5 miles every morning between 5-6.This issue is what got my cancer diagnosis discovered.Going on 5 years now.Pain never goes below 5/10.It can be in the testicles,anus or in between and sometimes all the above.Hope the sling will at least get me dryer and maybe when the Dr does the slit he can see any nerve damage. I am glad to hear you can sleep well and you are so active. I wish you were not in so much pain, that must be so uncomfortable. I hope the doctor can help you! Jill (Team Member)
