Hidden

I had to Google your two medical terms... And am wondering if one of us is confused.

Lymphedema
A condition that results in swelling of the leg or arm. It occurs due to blockage in the lymphatic system which is part of the immune system.

CHF
Chronic Heart Failure

But I can relate to the hidden condition. I didn't have radiation but between getting old and my belly fat increasing, finding the little guy has it's days.

Many surgery men say they experience a shortening due to the resection and shortening of the urethra. I have never heard that about radiation. I used two types of radiation and have experienced no change.

Which doc is blaming radiation? The radiation oncologist or the surgeon?

Better question, what is being done about it? As to CHF, is that confirmed and is he being treated? As to lymphadema, it is common when many lymph nodes are excised to check for cancer spread. How many of his were sampled? My wife has severe chronic lymphadenopathy in her right arm as all the armpit nodes were taken in row different breast cancer surgeries.

RP surgery removes about 2 inches of the urethra. While there are many fanciful speculations (AKA red herrings) as to howcome the penis then sucks up into the body cavity - 'disappears' - Occam's Razor says that the removal of those 2 inches is the cause. I got that from RARP as did many others here.

RARP = robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

Many men report significant shortening, as did I. Your husband is not alone.

Mister Pudge entered my life almost eight years ago.
I've always blamed him on the surgery.
I mean, when they take the prostate they remove an inch to an inch and a half of urethra.
Which causes the plumbing to pull back.
That and lack of motivation to use Mr Pudge due to use of ADT pretty much sealed his fate.

digger1948 said...
This was definitely not explained thoroughly if at all when side effects were discussed. Thanks for responding.

Surgeons don't often- seems to me- bring these side effects up pre-op. I don't know why your radiation guy would be blaming the radiation, when it is a well known complication of surgery. At least, well known to those of us who have had surgery. Though I'm sure radiation can add to any problems, or have it's own set of problems.

In addition to the section of urethra which is cut out, if normal erections are not soon restored- or at least any erection even if caused by pills or injections- lack of blood flow to the penis very often results in shrinkage, atrophy. An inch or 2 is not uncommon. I think if more surgeons spelled this out pre op, along with other problems common from surgery, at least when other options are available, there would be a whole lot less surgery. Again, assuming other options were available. And they usually are.

Truth!

Thanks for your response.

My urologist treats a condition noted as Hidden Penis. Result of weight gain and mass associated with ADT. Just info.

Buried Penis.