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9 months post RALP..still incontinent

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Posted 9/27/2017 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
It will be 9 months on 10-10 that I had my prostate removed. I was told all the nerves were spared and doc felt I would recover quickly.

Nothing has really changed much from when I got the catheter out. Dry at night, leak all day. Still go thru 5-7 pads per day, maybe more on a bad day. Still do two sets of kegals everyday, went to seven sessions with a PT who specializes in incontinence, and still don't seem to get anywhere.

I go back to urologist in a few weeks. His MO so far is " be patient" and " this is not a life sentence."

At this point, I want to get on with my life. Only golfed once this summer because I leaked so bad. Can't enjoy a few cocktails because that turns the hose on full. Wish I did not have to plan on bringing extra clothes everytime I go somewhere.

Should I pursue other options with doc at this appointment? Would they even consider a AUS or sling this early? Does insurance cover it? Do you recommend just continue being patient?
Posted 9/27/2017 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I would give it the year and then have your urinary flow dynamics checked out... Then look at the AMS 800... It was a life style changer for me. Wish I had gone in a few years earlier.

pasayten
Posted 9/27/2017 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Give it a bit more time. Then start the conversation with the URO about the AUS.
Posted 9/27/2017 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I will be 5 months post RALP on 10/1 and I am in the same boat. Dry overnight and leak all day. BUT now I can pee in the toilet during the day whereas before everything just leaked into my pad. I too am doing 2 sets of Kegels a day and hope for continued progress. It's a marathon not a 5K.
Posted 9/28/2017 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Tmichael - I got the AUS at nine months, but the decision had to be made a couple months earlier.

It was necessary so that I could proceed with adjuvant radiation within one year post-RP. It takes several months to heal and must be fully healed before radiation could commence. Plus there is about a 25% chance that the surgery will require a revision surgery, so it became a very complicated timeline.

This was after two months of PT with Kegel training and biofeedback. My Uro and RO said after 9-10 months the continence recovery becomes much slower, but could continue to improve for 18 months. I too was going thru a dozen Depends a day and often used condom caths with a leg bag for convenience.

As for the sling, I haven't heard anyone who had good luck with it. I think it's not intended for guys who have had RP surgery because the urethra has been shortened. Just my observation. I do know one guy who got a double sling and eventually he went with the AUS because the sling didn't work for him.
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