Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy

Here is a followup re: incontinence after my radical prostatectomy.

Gleason: 3+4 before the operation
Date of surgery by incision: November 02, 2021
Became continent: mid-February, 2022 (happy about it)
First PSA after operation: March 8, 2022, PSA value: <0.02
Comment from Urologist: continue checking PSA every three month in the first year; outlook looks good

Post Edited (SteveF) : 4/16/2022 11:33:47 AM (GMT-6)

It’s been 3 weeks since my Radical Prostate removal. I’m very happy with the level of my incontinence. The only leakage I’m experiencing is when I laugh or strain when I’m not prepared. I usually replace my pad once per day and that’s only from a very small amount leakage. Going to start not using a pad at night to see how it goes.

Have you tried the shields? Relative to a pad, a shield is miniscule, but it works for your current state.

Thank you! I try them.

Hey guys, As a new wrinkle to consider if you develop urgency or frequency long after your surgery, a UTI is something to consider. I got a urine test back after going to the doctor 2 months post surgery that was positive for Klebsiella, a bacteria usually associated with surgery or catheters. Once I took antibiotic( bactrim) all the symptoms I attributed to my surgery went away. Don't self diagnose! GO SEE YOUR DOC.

I had leakage after my RALP, and fortunately it subsided after 8 months of diligently doing kegels with the help of a PT. One thing that really helped the PT inform me on which muscles to activate was when he used an ultrasound while I was doing the exercises, which allowed me to find the right layer of muscles in my lower abs to activate. (Apparently those lower ab muscles are connected to the sphincter muscle and indicate that is is being activated.) Anyhow, while reading Reader's Digest the other day, I saw an ad for women with leakage, and a pair of shorts that use electrodes to train/activate the correct muscles, to be worn 30 minutes a day. I went to the web site to see if they make a product for men, and they apparently do. If you do a web search for something like "pelvic clinically proven device incontinence men", you should find it. Not sure if it works or if there are other similar devices, but for those desperate to find a solution, it might be worth checking out.

I had my RP in February 2021 and was dry at night after about 2-3 months. For the daytime, it's a different story. For the most part, I am dry and I quit wearing pads about 3-4 months after surgery. I seem to have some very sudden urgency and may drip just a bit if I can't get to a bathroom. For this reason, I switched to the following underwear;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b01naxevqm/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=utf8&psc=1

I usually only wear it when I know that I might have trouble finding or getting to a bathroom right away. This means when I am traveling or when I'm at work and might not be able to get away from the desk soon enough. I can get by with regular boxer-style briefs on the weekend and when I know I won't be far from a bathroom.