Incontinence after 14 months

  I had my surgery 14 months ago, went for bio feedback 10 months ago, and the first half of the day i can remain dry, i do limit my intake of fluids to 1/2 cup of decaf coffee and one 12 oz bottle of water through out the day. By 3:00 or 4:00 i start with a minor leak for the rest of the day. My uro said it can take up to 18 months and be happy you are cancer free, and i am, but just wondering if anyone did regain full continence after a year + months. Thanks in advance for any feedback and like i said i know this is a very minor issue.

Hey Jake,

At 11 months that is my pattern too. Except I start leaking about 2-3 hours after I get up.
So far the only person I know who suddenly got dry after a year was "pa69" . If I recall it happened at 15 months.

Do you keep track of how much you leak by weighing your daily pads? It is helpful for tracking your improvement. I do it daily (but I'm a mental case). A weekly check is sufficient.

Like you, I also control my liquid intake throughout the day. Since I am dry at night I drink a full 12-16 oz before bed. I figure as long as my pee is the right color I am hydrated enough.

I am still improving but very slowly.
I'll be watching this question with interest to see if anyone else jumps in.

Jeff

Jake:

I, too, an an unwilling member of the incontinent club.  I am 16 mos. past robotic surgery, and am totally incontinent. Unlike you, I do not attempt to limit my intake of fluids. I live and play tennis and golf in the heat of SW Florida, and such fluid restriction would not be an advisable strategy. In fact, I consume large amount of fluids daily (mostly water - good; too many sugary sodas - not so healthy, but tasty).

Sporadically, I do keep a voiding diary. I beleive that it does have some limited value. However, what goes in must come out. Since I consume more fluids than many, my output will be much higher. When keeping the diary, I do not attempt to weigh my diapers or pads (I use belted undergarments, without the belt, as my pads, worn inside my diapers).  But, on the days when I do wear my AFEX condom catheter, I do get precise output readings.

BTW, I do like your attitude of mentally minimizing our incontinence problem. I try to do the same by continually thinking of those who are in a worse position. It helps me to cope, and inspires me to search for a solution.

As I have said in prior posts, I currently am lokking for the "magic bullet" for my incontinence solution. The first clinical trials in the USA (Beaumont Hosp. in Royal Oak, MI. and Vanderbilt Univ. in Nashville, TN.) currently are in progress using autologous muscle-derived stem cells to cure or ease urinary incontinence. These clinical trials currently are for females only. When these clinical trials turn to the next phase (for post-prostatectomy males), I hope to enroll. I am crossing my fingers for late 2010 or early 2011.

RHC Jr.

Worried Guy:

There is no mention in my hospital records or the records from the Dr.'s office of any removal of any portion of my sphincter.  Moreover, in our discussions, the impression was left with me that the operation was unremarkable.  BTW, I am sure that you are aware that no portion of the sphincter need be removed to have incontinence.  Trauma to the structure from the operation is sufficient.

Of course I will update this board with respect to my findings on the MDSC clinical trials.  I thank everyone who previosly shared info with me on this board. 

I don't know whether the procedure truly will be a "magic bullet", but I am hopeful.  The published results to date for women look good.  Moreover, the procedure clearly is much less invasive than the implantation of an AUS.

RHC Jr.

To RHC Jr.

Did the electrical stim & bio feedback help you in any way?
It is not available here but I am trying electrical stim without feedback anyway. There has been no big improvement yet.
I am 9 months post RRP surgery & my continence hope is diminishing.

Thanks,
Bob

To my knowledge, prior to the prostectemy, we have 3 sphincters, one at the bladder neck, 1 somewehre inside the prostate it self and the last on in the pelvic area. Woman only have 1 in the pelvic area and women do leak more than men, pads are not just for menstruation After the surgery we are like our better half with just the pelvic one. This is why the Kegals are so important. I did kegals prior to surgery and have a strong group of core/pelvic muscles from years of running. I was continent as soon as the catheter came out. A lot has to do with the surgeon also. I say all this to to give you hope, that with kegals and getting used to using that pelvic sphincter, I believe you will improve. exerecising the core will help also. I know you will leak as you start exercise, but you should begin. There has to be a reason, other than luck why some men have this problem and and others don't. Don't get me wrong I think luck plays a big part in PCA, ie, placement of the tumor, gleason score, though I am a firm believer that gleasons do migrate higher the longer you have pca. But consistant exercise is key to continence,IMNSHO and it is never to late to start, caveat, get doctors approval. Good luck

My father quit using pads around the two year mark. It was pretty incredible how all of a sudden things just seemed to "dry up". He will have an occasional leak every now and then, but he is very active and does not limit his fluid intake. Don't lose faith, there have been a number of men that have thrown out the pads after 14 months. Best wishes!

To:  Spacer

The electrical stimulation and biofeedback was of no discernible value to me.

To:  Knotreel

My AFEX system generally works fine for me while seated.  But, since it works by gravity feed, the collection bag always must be lower than your penis.  In addition, your penis generally should be pointed "south"; so leaning back in a rocker usually is a bad option.

To:  Logoslidat

I performed kegels prior to my robotic surgery, and I was diligent about performing my kegels post operation.  I also consider myself to be an athlete, and currently play lots of tennis and golf.  However, for me, the kegels were to no avail.  I still perform a limited amount of kegels on a regular basis, even though my urologist thinks that is too late to be of any benefit.

Gene214, KW, Salty Clark and others all have written very nice reviews about their AUS implantations and experiences; some over 2 years.  Maybe an AUS will be in my future.  For the moment, I will continue to pursue the "magic bullet".

RHC Jr.