Newly incontinent, question

 

I'm new to this forum, a lot of great information, much needed. I had the catheter removed about 2 weeks ago.I have a question about urine leakage when active, like a lot of others I have pretty good control when sitting or sleeping, but when I'm up and moving around the leakage is pretty steady. I seem to have it in my head that I should avoid activity so as to not "encourage" my bladder to leak. I'm sure this is a wrong headed notion, and I want to do things, but just want to make sure I'm not impeding progress by being too active. I sympathize strongly with so many of you who have a lot more serious problems . I feel blessed that my cancer has been removed. I've had 4 surgeries on my leg in the last 18 months to correct a deformity from a previous fracture, but that was duck soup compared with this serious issue of my cancer. My Dad died of prostate cancer in 1984 at the age of 64, my urologist told me that if he could have been treated with today's medical resources he probably would have survived his cancer. Let's all feel lucky were living in these times.

Bill b.

I calculate you are ONLY 4 or 5  weeks out from surgery.
I believe you should stay active and learn your kegel routines.
Wear pads and drink less before & while active and re-hydrate before & while resting. 
Getting a full bladder while resting and then standing over the toilette and coughing while kegeling will focus your exercise efforts like a laser beam!

Most gain continence between weeks 12 and 16.  Some sooner (immediately!) and some never.
Your control while resting/reclined is a VERY good sign.

For my fight & tips against incontinence, you can click on the link in my signature.
There are many other helpful threads found posted in an index in the Helpful Links thread at the top of the page.

(Aside: My nephew recently moved to Florida to work for the Feds -  testing municipal effluent/water for pharmaceuticals......)

You have found both friends and a good source here.

C^Cedar
ICTHUS!

Post Da-Vinci on 25 Feb 08
Catheter Out on 5 March 2008

Definitely concur
Dont back up, make forward progress, just remember the word "Kegel"

       Hey ~ Bill & Loved Ones,   We’re glad you found all of us!!!       I know we can “all” make “ Your Journey” smoother ~ just by being here for you!    Thank you for reaching out!!!     You’ve just made your own journey a lot smoother.   There are a lot of Helping Hands here… and just by reaching out like you did ~ you will have a much easier time.   We’ve been where you are now…. Knowing you aren’t alone… makes a big difference in psyche and spirit.   We will always be here for you… This is truly a great forum!!! ~ You have joined! You are now part our forum family ~ a group of wonderful individuals who are so willing to share their journey with you!   Please take time to follow the link in your Welcome Message above… it will help to ease some of the unknowns…   It helps “all of us” ~ to help you ~ if we know where you are on your path. Thank you for your "signature".... Please stay with us and take our hand when you need it!   Keep posting.... OKAY!!         KNOWLEDGE IS POWER... and POWER conquers fear     YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS… YOU HAVE OPTIONS… ~ and ~ Your decision will be the right decision for you!!!     Buddy & I invite you to visit our personal thread “Our Journey”… listed in our signature below. Hoping our experience can help you over at least one stepping-stone on your journey.   http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/Stepping-StonestoHealingWell.jpg   Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you continue to move forward in your search for answers… Stay Close! In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy   P.S.  We agree with Bob.... Kegels was and is a huge part of our recovery ~ we feel strongly about this...  our routine is posted in  "Our Journey" listed in our signature below.  :)

Hi Bill,
Everyone is right, kegels is the key word. Patience is one too. Don't expect miracles, it will take time. It helped me to note and concentrate on any progress, no matter how small. I am now 14 months post surgery, and still wear an ultra thin pad (for confidence mostly). I still feel the occasional drip, and suspect I will for a while yet. Many on this forum have had much quicker results....everybody heals at a different rate. Good Luck!
Best,
Mike