Advance Sling surgery Tuesday

Hello Billy Bob. So far I'm staying dry without any quick kegals or clinching. I am also very physically active but won't be testing that for awhile. I see my urologist on the 25th of August and will be discussing when I can give sex a try. Wow, I know the DAMPER ejaculating pee causes. Really helps ruin the experience with you and your partner. When I get the OK to test it out, I'll let you know. I'm for some reason hopeful. Billy Bob I'll keep posting progress every few days and don't hesitate to shoot a question or email. You certainly sound like you are in much better shape than a lot of our brothers with our problem. John

John, thanks for the updates. Seems you are right on schedule with the healing process. I went to my urologist last week, results of cysto scope showed nothing out of the ordinary. Asked about urodynamics testing, he said we do not do that here. I guess in a small town options are limited. He said based on what I told him about my leakage, pad usage, weight of pads per day, he said I would be a candidate for the Advance sling. I think so also, only problem he has only done maybe 10 but has 100% success with all surgeries, he does the robotic for prostate removal, so I guess he knows what he is doing as a surgeon. I am still a little apprehensive with his experience level. I don't want to go to a distant facility come home and have a problem like retention and need a catheter. The doctor tells me it is a straight forward operation and the tech support from American Med Systems will be in the surgery room. I am thinking about it and have an appointment first of Oct. then I'll make a decision.
With your sling do you feel that you have to apply more pressure to produce a flow or does it just flow out? I remember reading about another poster Compiler I think, and he said it took over 2 minutes to void his bladder.
Keep the updates coming, Thanks, Bob

Hello Bob. I'm glad and very hopeful you'll be dry soon. I have not had any significant problems in voiding even though my stream stars a little slower and flows a little slower. This just is not even a nuisance since I'm still dry and still have not used a pad in over 3 weeks. Today, I held back from peeing until my bladder felt like it was going to burst, this wasn't intentional but a bathroom was not available. When I did pee I measured it, 16 ounces. Most of the time I will void between 6-10 ounces. My surgery was in my hometown which made me feel comfortable knowing I could get in to see my urologist or one of his associates easily if any problems such as inability to void occurred. My urologist has done lots of slings and says virtually everyone experiences major improvement with about 75% being completely dry, so far I consider myself in the completely dry category. Yea. The only issue I've experienced is irritation of the perineum incision. I've gone back to my urologist twice to have him take a look and he wasn't concerned. He, as a precaution , put me on antibiotics for 10 days. I still have a little soreness in that area but am told that's pretty normal. My urologist wanted both the urodynamics test and the cystoscopy and also thought I was a good candidate. As for the procedure, my primary care physician also said it was a pretty straight forward procedure. I did still meet with two urologist specializing in incontinence. One was the top Incontinence urologist at John Hopkins and was recommended by Dr. Partin who studied under Patrick Walsh of JHU and ultimately replaced him. I still selected a urologist in my hometown, Richmond, Va. He was quite experienced and just seemed to be very up on all procedures. I also liked that he was optimistic but didn't over promise results. It probably won't make a lot of difference but I was comforted with his experience. I'm still drinking my caffeinated coffee and have enjoyed a few beers without any problems. Next Thursday I will go in for my one month check up. So far and even though it's still early, I'm pretty happy. It is really nice not having to discard a plastic bag full of pads and depends. I still have a bunch of unused pads and depends and will toss them away soon. I hope this long post answers some of your questions. I'll keep posting and feel free to shoot me any questions. John

John, just thought I would post an inquiry as to your condition post sling. After some serious thinking I have decided to look for another urologist that has more experience in the advance sling surgery. I have found one in the neighboring city that I like. He only takes referrals, so I am trying to get my primary physician to help me do this. Hope you are doing well...Bob

Today I had my 6 week check up since my Advance Sling surgery. The Sling is working very well and I've been pad free since my surgery. Over the last few weeks, I've indulged in several beers on a few occasions and I'm drinking my 24 ounce coffee with caffeine each morning and have no problems. A couple of days ago, I went to the gym and spent an hour on a treadmill at 4mph wearing my gym shorts without a pad and no problem. No leaks at all and was pleased that I went to the restroom directly after getting off the treadmill and urinated. My only issue is my incision in the perinium area partially opened 18 days ago and is somewhat uncomfortable as this is a difficult healing area. My urologist examined it today and said it is healing nicely and should be completely healed in about two more weeks. According to my urologist, this isn't that uncommon and has no effect on the success of my sling. My stream is steady but not real fast. Not that big of a deal. I also, like others with the sling, find I need to make sure I've discharged all my urine when peeing otherwise a few drops will still come out. My urologist says this is quite normal and should improve. Not a big deal. I've followed all my urologist instructions to the letter and am very pleased at this point. Good luck to anyone else considering the Advance Sling and I'm glad to share more if you have questions.
John

Hello Bob. I think you are doing the right thing going for experience. My urologist looks young but in his words 'I do a lot of these". Oh, no leaking at all during sex just need to work on strength of erection which didn't really matter since there was such a DAMPER on sex, meaning not a lot of desire to try with the old fire hose..haha. Please keep me posted. My best wishes and good luck.

John

Hello Bob. Last question first. With sex I had very heavy leakage especially when ejaculating. Now, I don't experience any leaking during sex or when I orgasm. Stay hopeful on this one. My biggest issue has been the healing of the incision in the perineum area that split open. It is almost healed and not causing any issues. My urologist has not been concerned at all with it other than watching for infection. He said it would heal in 6 weeks but total healing appears to be around 8 weeks for me, everyone heals at different rates. I have just started back to lifting weights but am staying at about half the weight I use to lift. I didn't start any weight lifting until I was 90 days from surgery. Oh, other than cardio, I am not doing any lower body exercise. I am doing daily brisk walking between 5-10 miles per day usually in 3-5 mile increments on a treadmill between 3.8-4.5 MPH. I don't do anything if there is any discomfort. For the first 8 weeks, I absolutely keep lifting of any kind to no more than 10 lbs. I keep walking to 1-3 Miles a day at about 2.5-3mph daily. In regard to a donut, I bought a expensive seat on Amazon designed for use after prostate surgery. It was ok once I got positioned on it but it maybe what caused my incision to open sliding into it getting into my car. I then bought a blowup donut and it was not only much cheaper but was easy to position on and more effective. I'd try the blowup donut and test it out. I'm still not wearing any depends or pads. Biggest issue is making sure I totally void when urinating. I actually have to kinda pull and shake my penis well. Worst case, I'll hurry and a few drops will come out. Not even enough to spot my pants. Worried Guy posted in a thread a technique where you push in on the perineum area with your fingers to force any urine left out. I have not been able to try this since my incision is not 100% healed but think it is probably effective. I would do the advance sling procedure over in a heartbeat. I consider myself 100% cured. Oh, just got Ultra sensitive PSA test and I remain undectactable. I see my Urlogist for a follow up next Friday and will post an update. I am so glad you've got a very experienced urologist and hope you get the same results I have gotten. My urologist also gave me the 80-90% chance of improvement. I think he wanted to be optimistic but not over promise. Ask me any other questions as l am pleased to share my experience. Please keep me posted. The best of luck to you. John

Hello Bob,
First let me wish you the best of luck and I'm sure you're going to have a great outcome. Please update me on how the procedure goes. As for me, no real setbacks at all. My surgery was on June 26th and that was the last day I wore a pad or depends. My urologist on my last appointment about 2 1/2 weeks ago declared me fully healed and said "just go live your life as you won't ". I ran a 5k last week with one of my grandsons and felt great with not even a hint of leakage. I'm at the gym 4-5 days a week and lifting weights and cardio. What I still deal with is a few drops of leakage after I pee sometimes. It is never enough to come close to causing a spot on my pants. My urologist says this will improve but it's not a biggie at all. Sex is much better and I do not experience any leakage or ejaculation of urine, this before the sling was a big problem. Recommendations: 1) be prepared to have difficulty urinating when the catheter is removed. I was only able to void a few drops which immediately triggered fear and panic. I left the urologist's office with instructions to come back in 5 hours and try again. My wife and I got on the elevator to the lobby of the medical building and I needed to dash to the bathroom. Victory. 2) My biggest problem was my incision in the perineum area came open at about 2 weeks which added another 6 weeks to it's healing. This had no effect on the sling but was painful and worrisome. I think it happened getting into the car trying to position myself on an expensive donut type seat I bought. By the way, the donut seat did not give me any additional comfort. 3) Follow your urologist 's lifting instructions completely and maybe add a couple extra weeks for healing. 4) Be very aware of any movements that can stress the advance sling i.e.; bending, spreading your legs apart, reaching up, getting out of bed.
Bob, please feel free to contact me with any questions, either with a post or email. So far, this is a big positive life changer for me. I'm trying to keep a mindset not worrying about setbacks but enjoying that I'm dry now. Again, good luck and I anxiously wait to hear that you are thrilled with your outcome. One more thought, this is surgery so remember it takes time for your body to heal but it will, don't let that worry you.
John

Bob that's great news. Your initial few days are just what I experienced. I'm on vacation in Vegas and didn't even bring pads, just in case, for the trip. Keep me posted.i love my boxers. Haha

John

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Bob, how's the recovery going? I believe you are at two weeks since your surgery. I'm 5 months since my advance sling surgery and have still not worn a pad. My biggest challenge now is getting those last few drops out after voiding. Any comments from others having the advance sling? Again, Happy Thanksgiving and my prayers and thoughts are out there for all struggling with PC. God Bless.
John

Hello Bob,
Your progress sounds outstanding. I usually pee between180-320ml during the day. I have urinated as much as 480ml which I believe is about the max of my bladder. I have returned to all my normal activities including a pretty aggressive workout program. I also usually start my day out with a 24 ounce coffee and on a few occasions have enjoyed several adult beverages. No leaking. I find I do need to make sure I completely empty my bladder out or I'll have a few drops left over, never enough to show any spots. Life is so much better. No trying to buy my pads and depends without bumping into someone I know. Bob, go live your new dry life and enjoy it to the max. Let's stay in touch and feel free to check with me to compare notes.

Best Regards,
John