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Incontinence and passing gas question

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Posted 2/11/2013 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
How much of a problem is it - relating to incotinence from RP - when you pass gas? Does one almost always drip a little or is everyone quite different in this regard?

Does the problem get better over time or is it a problem of sorts forever?

Anyone care to share any experiences? I've got IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and am interested in what I should expect following RP surgery both short and long term.

Thanks

Posted 2/11/2013 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately it is an issue.  The same nerves that control gas release control your only remaining urinary sphincter after surgery as your other sphincter goes out with the prostate.  Initially its a major problem. Its best to avoid gas producing foods.  When you have a sense of major gas then its best to sit on the toilet. Overtime you can find certain positions or contortions allow the gas to pass.  You can also hold the base of the penis if necessary when passing.

The good news is that it gets better as the incontinence improves.  I was off pads by 16 weeks but I must say that initiallty I was very wary of leaking.  Now at 9 months I really don't leak - even with passing gas.  Still have some urgency and frequency but this is improving as well.  Good luck.

 

Posted 2/11/2013 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
As an aside - my age and stats were almost like yours.  I will say that if you choose surgery be prepared for a tough physical and psychological year.  The incontinence is tough and its not likely you will have erections for a year.  I  was depressed.  But as the incontinence improved my mood was improved.  I am finally seeing life down below as well.  Now that I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I am feeling a little more comfortble with my decision.  I have 50% erections now -nothing for 6-7 months - if I can get to near normal by 18 months I will be thrilled. PSA neg at 9 months too.  Surgery is a long road to recovery - longer than I thought but you improve slowly and you have hope to improve further daily whereas the radiology options will leave you wondering about worsening sx overtime.  You have to decide how you want your SE - upfront or delayed.  Sucks either way really.
Posted 2/11/2013 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
i was continent from the start but at first when sneezing, doing certain exercises with heavy weights (flys), coughing or passing gas I would feel the potential to drip. I'd kegal or sometimes clench it a that moment. This got a lot better really quickly. Good luck.
Posted 2/11/2013 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It is nice to know there is hope as gas is a significant problem for me no matter what food I eat.

Do you have to make a conscious effort to not leak when passing gas? Just wondering about the early morning hours when one is half awake/ half asleep.

The surgeon I talked to said doing Kegels doesn't really help much as the remaining sphincter is an involuntary muscle and only time will make it better. I hope he is wrong in that regard....

Thanks again for your comments.
Posted 2/11/2013 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I mean doing a kegal right at that moment when you're passing gas.

One important thing to consider however is diet. I know that when I eat properly i barely pass gas. But go for Indian and it's game over.

yes, at first i made a conscious effort when int he gym doing heavy weights in some exercises, or when sneezing/farting etc. I was conscious about it even when i actually didn't need to be. It was mostly social anxiety I suppose. But we're all different in how we do right off the bat. What I think is pretty uniform, however, is continued improvements in the majority of cases.
Posted 2/11/2013 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
I was continent from week 3 with the exception of passing gas. At first I had to hold the gas and do it while sitting on a toilet to avoid the drips. While laying down it was never a problem only when standing or sitting. Now 19 months out it is not such a problem if my bladder is not full but any time I fart I have to think and concentrate so that the splinckter on the bladder doesn't open when the rectum splinckter opens and it can be controlled you just have to think about it more.

Terry

Posted 2/11/2013 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Time heals all wounds Mr. A!

I am rapidly approaching my 2 yr anniversary and the only time I dribble is when doing sit ups. ED has resolved itself as well.

Your stats similar to mine, and i can say with absolute certainty that not having to worry about radiation damage is a great relief for the future. If I were 70, no doubt about brachytherapy for me. If I were 80, AS would be perfect!

This disease would be so much simpler if there were but one medical intervention possible. The decision is a tough one, but pick one and don't look back.

Good luck!
Posted 2/11/2013 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Seems like every man has to work out his own situation.

Farting diesn't seem to be a big problem for me, it is just awkward positions. I also find that peeing relaxes my anal muscles, and I have more instances of leaving a smear in my pants.

Life goes on. Just need to compensate for those times, don't let it bother me, and get on down the road, or to the closest bathroom.

Post Edited (goodlife) : 2/11/2013 3:02:05 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/11/2013 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
i think kids nowadays call that "sharting"

Can't say I've had that issue :)
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