Incontinence

By PattyT

1 min read

My husband had robotic surgery to remove his prostate 4 months ago. Since he had his catheter removed he’s had zero bladder control.

Physical therapy for incontinence

He sees a PT and does exercises to strengthen his pelvic floor but nothing seems to help. His urologist seems baffled. My husband is in good shape and is not overweight. The doctor insisted he was a perfect candidate for this surgery. He’s frustrated. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions they would be much appreciated.

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Rebecca Ironside, MSPT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="PattyT" user-id="4534579"/> Has he tried timed voiding? This means peeing at certain intervals each day. It also helps to sit down to pee. When leakage is this bothersome, some men benefit from penile clamps for a short duration. Has your PT discussed this with him? Becca Ironside, Moderator
PattyT Member
Hello Becca. He hasn’t tried that but I will tell him. He sees his PT on Friday, I will have her ask her about that. So frustrating! Thank you so much.
1. PattyT Member
 <inline-mention username="Terry5586" user-id="4580378"/> Hi Terry, Unfortunately, not any change yet. She’s very good and seems to be hopeful about him gaining control back. Hope your doing better. You’re early in your healing journey. I’m sure all will be well.
2. Terry5586 Member
 <inline-mention username="PattyT" user-id="4534579"/> keeping my fingers crossed for your husband on his recovery.
Rebecca Ironside, MSPT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="PattyT" user-id="4534579"/> It is incredibly frustrating! Keep me posted on how things progress...and I know they will! Becca Ironside, Moderator
PattyT Member
Thank you Becca
Dan Franke Moderator & Contributor
PattyT. 14 years later and stoill dribble at times. Leakage does improve with time. DanF, moderator, <a href='https://prostate-cancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>prostate-cancer.net</a>,
1. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 The prostate is both a gland and muscle and once removed men lose that extra control. While I am dry and have been for years I can leak if i stop doing Kegel exercises. And yes I still do them
PattyT Member
Thank you Dan. He’s working hard to improve it. I’m hopeful with time it will get better.
1. SamuelTaylor Community Admin
 Please keep us posted on how he's doing, <inline-mention username="PattyT" user-id="4534579"/>. If you have any questions or concerns, we are always here for support. -Samuel, Team Member
Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
Be good to find out how often he does his Kegel in a day - Many times the over use of the pelvic floor muscles can have the opposite effect - Tired muscles can not work well and the more you do the worse it can get
RobL Member
My surgeon told me that I should be doing Kegels 4 times each day with 25 - 30 reps each time. Is that enough or too much? I am using Kegel Trainer by Olson Apps.
1. Terry5586 Member
 <inline-mention username="Dennis Golden" user-id="3259730"/> Thanks Dennis. I was doing 3 sets of 30. Going to PT in a few days. I just want make sure I am doing the correct thing.
2. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 4 sets of 10 contractions was the protocol I followed and that worked well for me. Was advised to have a lot of patience as the healing from this major surgery just takes time. Good luck keep us posted. 😀
PattyT Member
My husband is going to be starting to work with a new PT in March. I’m hoping that trying something new will help 🤞
1. SamuelTaylor Community Admin
 Wishing you both the best, <inline-mention username="PattyT" user-id="4534579"/>! Keep us posted on how you're doing. -Samuel, Team Member
PattyT Member
Thank you so much. I will.
PattyT Member
I haven’t posted in awhile. Unfortunately, things really haven’t improved. My husband has been seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist as well as having acupuncture treatments. He really hasn’t seen much change. He’s close to 8 months post surgery. He’s seen his urologist but hasn’t had many answers from him. He’s working so hard exercising, kegels, breathing techniques, timed voiding and walking but really hasn’t seen much change. If anyone has any new suggestions please let me know. Thank you for you continued support.
mulligan Member
Not trying to be funny here, but Penile Clamps are about as good as Wooden Teeth. He might at least explore the idea of an AUS or a Sling if everything else fails.
PattyT Member
He has tried the clamp. We’re hoping he doesn’t have to go through another surgery.
Terry5586 Member
Hello, After surgery I was using 6 pads per day. With my pelvic floor therapist I am down to 2.5 pads per day. The exercises have been pretty effective but I seem to be stuck at the 2.5 pads per day. I am hoping to decrease the pad usage with time.