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Incontinence & ED questions post-op

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Posted 4/3/2008 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
This is the first time that I have posted to any sites so yall bear with me.  I have learned alot of information regarding prostate cancer, options, procedures etc.  My boyfriend was diagnosed with prostate cancer and since had the robotic surgery with Dr. Smith at Vandy on 2/13/08.  He is having alot of problems with incontinence post-op (walking, etc.)  Seems to be dry at night and sitting.  Also urge incontinence and overflow incont.  is quite bad.  This problem seems to severely affecting his quality of life at 7 wks post-op.  He is due to return to construction work 4/21 and I am really worried about him.  Is this normal and how long to expect this problem?  Also, what should we expect regarding ED and starting relations again?

Biopsy 8/16/07--30% and 40% 6 of 10 cores --right Mid and Base-perineural involvement

PSA at 6/07:  4.5

Robotic Prostatectomy 2/13/08:

Final Path-  T2c at 5% involvement on left and right -- neg. margins and neg. lym nodes

 VIEW IMAGE!

Age Diagnosed-59 and age at surgery: 60

Posted 4/3/2008 7:10 PM (GMT 0)

Allouise,

Dr. Smith did my surgery in 2006.  I have found Dr. Smith to be extremely sensitive to the quality of life issues post op.  I would make an appointment and talk to him about the incontinence.  It does take time but if he is not having much improvement then Dr. Smith needs to know.  Dr. Smith's CNP is very good also and she will call you back.  You may have met her at the clinic.  Her name is Michelle. 

As to the ED I assume that Dr. Smith has placed your boy friend on a penile rehab program with Viagra.  It is important for your boy friend to follow the program.  If the ED does not respond then Dr. Smith will recommend intervention.  His first suggestion is injections.  It will be difficult for your boy friend to focus on the ED until the incontinence improves so make that apppointment and get to Vandy.

Tamu

Posted 4/4/2008 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
This is seeming very familiar.  (Dates of surgery, age, condition)  My husband's "progress" is similar.  He is 5 weeks off the the catheter and not so sure how much better things are.  I guess we all need to be patient.  I sense he's a bit discouraged and has been more sedentary than usual. Yup, he has the same dry state when sitting and at night, but worse as the day progresses.  Since he's in an office he's been back part time to full time for a few weeks and things have been fine.  I think he was hoping to be a lucky one. 
Posted 4/4/2008 1:30 AM (GMT 0)

I know it is easier said than done, but folks need to be patient.

I am 4 1/2 months past surgery and still require a fraction of a pad a day....about 1/2 pad the past couple of days because I am fighting allergies and coughing/sneezing quite often.

I had complications....a hernia...that set me back some...was fine while sitting and asleep after about 3 or 4 weeks.....but still dealing with 4 to 6 full pads a day for a while.

Once I got past my hernia surgery, I dropped to 2-3 pads a day, then to 1, where I have been for 6 weeks.

I HOPE to be completely dry soon, but all I can do is continue my kegels, keep a positive attitude, walk and do other light exercises often and hope for the best.

Good luck....hopefully things will begin to show more progress soon.

Posted 4/4/2008 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I am 9 weeks post op and experienced the same type of incontinence. I am dry at night, am okay with walking but any kind of stress, lifting etc makes me leak. My dr.said that this was part of the process. He advised me to be patient and measure my progress in weeks, not days. I know it is hard but I finally accepted it and things are better. As far as ED is concerned, that takes a little longer. There is a separate thread on ED on this forum. A lot of people have shared their experiences there and I think it would be helpful. I hope the rehab therapy includes a vacuum pump. You didn't mention it. Intercourse is possible at this stage with it. (We have) Patience in learning to use it is worthwhile. A word of caution however, use of a condom is recommended as I have sprayed some urine at times. I know this may seem frank to you but we are here to help share our experiences. Good luck. The incontinence is temporary. I would be concerned if it were the same seven months from now. It will get better. Just a thought.
Posted 4/4/2008 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Your BF is not even 8 weeks post op. He is doing fine, it seems to me. Good signs are that he is dry at night and when sitting. As things progress, he will be dry in the AM, then the afternoon. Dry in the evening is the hardest of all since that is when muscles tire. Also, remember sex is far more than intercourse. I hope your are continuing a fun, active sex life even if intercourse is not possible at this point. He needs to know that he can still satisfy you at this time - as much for his own emotional state as yours! ED usually starts to improve around 9-12 months. While we all hope to be one of the lucky few who sail through this with minimal side affects, the fact is, we need to be prepared to exercise a lot of patience when it comes to this healing. He can certainly still do construction work while wearing pads - lots of guys do. Glad you're here. this is the best place on the net for PCa help.
Paul
Posted 4/4/2008 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Allouise, Do not panic just yet! I am one of the FEW long term leakers here. 17 months post op and still having major leaking. I know how difficult it can be emotionally. I do not work heavy construction but I am in a manufacturing environment. I can understand his concerns.
As hard as it may seem...Life does go on "in Pads" Since surgery I have taken a work trip to Ohio. Went to the PGA in Tulsa. Painted the outside of my House. Going on a Alaskan Cruise this comming June. I will not lie. It is not always fun dealing with it. But it can be managed. I hope your man drys up soon. But if not, he will not be alone. The "leakers" here stick together. We will be here to listen.

Take Care, KW
Posted 4/4/2008 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Allouise, Almost forgot! Condoms can help with the leaking during your "funtime". Baths and showers are a good place to start. Your man will need this attention to help releive the stress and pressures of his leaking IF it continues past the normal time frames. BUT,,,,,do not rush back into action. Listen to your Dr. and take it easy.

KW
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