Long term issues after RALP

I mostly just lurk around here but I thought I'd post my observations. It's 6 years since my RALP and I consider myself to be a very lucky man. My PSA is virtually undetectable. I have just a little stress incontinence which is very manageable. With low doses of meds (and sometimes without) I don't have ED issues.
I have had bowel issues related to the surgery. My theory(which has not been disputed by surgeons) is that a portion of my bowel was de-enervated by the close position of the prostate to the distal bowel. This has changed my bowel habits without getting into details. SInce the RALP, I have had recurrent hemorrhoids and have had four hernia surgeries which all involved herniated bowel segments.
The most ironic part is that the use of PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, etc) causes relaxation of blood vessels which in turn can (IMHO) exacerbate the hemorhoids . This can become a real nuisance.
These are all little problems that don't take over my life. Even though it may sound like I am complaining, I am not. I just want to let some of the newer members of the "club" know that life goes on and you can, with a little bit of luck and a little bit of attitude, get on with your new normal.

Scooterdu said...

I have had bowel issues related to the surgery. My theory(which has not been disputed by surgeons) is that a portion of my bowel was de-enervated by the close position of the prostate to the distal bowel. This has changed my bowel habits without getting into details.

I've had problems on and off since surgery as well, with me it's constipation. I can't be certain it was the surgery, but I think it was, and like you maybe nerves were impacted. It just feels that way. I have a loss of motility at times where nothing wants to move. I'm almost certain I've got a zone where the nerves that assist in movement were impacted (pun intended).

Re: constipation: ask your Dr about Metamucil.

Also, did you hear about the constipated mathematician? He worked it out with a pencil.

Metamucil is definitely my friend. I can't say that I have bowel issues from the surgery...but who knows? Another key thing, at least for me, along with the metamucil is to keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, all day, really does make the going great.

Scooterdu said...
I've had problems on and off since surgery as well, with me it's constipation. I can't be certain it was the surgery, but I think it was, and like you maybe nerves were impacted. It just feels that way. I have a loss of motility at times where nothing wants to move. I'm almost certain I've got a zone where the nerves that assist in movement were impacted (pun intended).

Try a daily Probiotic. It worked for me.