Posted 3/7/2011 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Well, what do you know, it's already been 18 months since my Da Vinci, though at times it seems lime many years ago. I don't have breaking news to report, as I did in the first few months, but would like to reassure those who go through surgery that it's just as the doctors say (for most of us). The worst side effects are felt soon after the surgery, and things gradually,but constantly, improve with time.
Looking back, any pain or discomfort episodes were mostly gone after one month, and completely gone after 3. The catheter was the worst, not for pain per se but for discomfort, but that is a vague memory now. I was lucky about never needing pads, but what small leaking I had improved through the first 6 months. Today I still have a bit of leakage, but only when I make a mistake and laugh or push down too hard without first tightening my kegel muscles. It's so second nature now that I don't evemthink about it.
OK, about sex ;). As you know, I'm on trimix. I don't care what anyone tells you, if you are like 90% of us, this surgery will leave you unable to get a natural erection for a very long time. Now, without getting into details, there are ways around that but I'll leave that to the imagination. For me, I went on Trimix after 5 or 6 months and it was difficult at first because of the ache. I was told by others on this site and by my doctors to have patience, adjust the level and give it time. That is correct! Even though I occasionally have a natural erection in the morning, it only lasts for a minute or two. What I've found, though, is that the Trimix continues to work even better. I don't have nearly the ache I did at first, and the sections from Trimix almost feel natural -- actually, better than natural given my age ;). Forget spontaneous sex with my wife, but substitute nicely planned occasions that are even better than before the surgery.
Note I didn't mention Prostate Cancer. The best thing is that, with time, the periodic PSAs don't produce anxiety and, if it comes back, I will deal with it then. My last PSA was 0 and I'm due for another one at the end if this month but hey, I have a lot of golf to play between now and then.
May God bless all of you on this board, whom I consider my brothers in the battle against this awful disease. If not for this board I would have had a much worst struggle. May your experience of recovery be as good or better than mine.