Status Update Report

I only joined this wonderful site a few months ago and received comfort from the great people on here.

I'm travelling well (literally and metaphorically!) right now but I try to take nothing for granted.

Briefly

Had RP (Da Vinci) three months ago (tech details are in the signature part below) and got on a plane with my wife four weeks later to start seven months slow travelling through Asia, Middle East and Europe.


After the initial set backs with retention in the first three weeks and having been shown how to self-catheter I boarded my flight with my pads and folding catheter on Dec 15. Haven't needed to self catheter since then and I hope to declare full continence very shortly. For the last few weeks have only had 'squirts' later in the day. I am not wearing pads but carry a light one if I'm going out for the whole day or travelling.

Full erection has not returned but have started to notice increased tumescence over the last few weeks so hope springs (!) eternal. Based on my research and a urologist who specialises in ED I have just commenced daily low dosage Viagra (25mg) which will do for a month and then review.

In my case it was clear that my urologist who I believe is a good surgeon was not interested in ED issues so I found another.

I'd also stress starting pelvic floor exercises (Kegel) as soon as you suspect you may have to have surgery or radiation. Try to find a phsyiotherapist who specialises in this so that you do them properly. Mine is a relatively young woman who deals with both males and females and has been of tremendous help to me.

Finally, I think exercise if you can manage it is really important. I'm a swimmer so try to keep the laps up while travelling and if not plenty of walking.

So far so good but as I say its one day at a time.

I hope this may encourage those who still have their treatment ahead or are coming out of it.

Good luck all you good people,

Sounds like a great trip. I'm glad your recovery didn't stop you, and I hope your healing continues. You might want to use Viagra on demand instead of daily based on recent evidence. You can still pump and "work it" every day.

Nightly sildenafil use after radical prostatectomy has adverse effects on urinary convalescence: Results from a randomized trial of nightly vs on-demand dosing regimens

- Allen

Great report.

Keep it going,
Andrew

Michael, Allen, James, Andrew

Thank you for the encouragement. I wish you even more of the same.

I tend not to come here every day as I feel I need to focus outwards for the sake of my partner etc but I will keep in touch and hope to offer encouragement to those doing it tougher than i have been fortunate to do so far.

All the best

Hugh