Update / Questions

Hubby went to the Dr. today and we were both overjoyed and disappointed.  First of all the first PSA was 0 which is wonderful news .  But then we moved on to the questions about incontenence and ED, which did not go well in my opinion.  He said, " the use of at least 3 pads per day at this point (RP 8/27/08) is quite normal and that ED is going to be a problem and we will not know where we stand until four years from now".  I asked about viagra or other drugs for my Honey and he said they would not work (you should know most nerves were spared) and prescribed nothing!

My concern is this shouldn't my Honey be on some form of rehabilitation at this point?  The Dr's lack of concern/regard for this part of recovery deeply concerns me.  Shouldn't rehab begin as soon as possible and be ongoing instead of just saying, "well your'e cancer free right now, let's wait four years and see where we are at?"  My Honey is 56 and I am 43. It seems a little untimely in that I thought if you don't use it you will loose it.  The Dr. was great as a diagnostic surgeon but we are thinking we should see someone who specializes in the side affects from RP,  any thoughts?

Thanks!

Well..I will tell you what my urologist/surgeon said to me...give it three months and then we will look into some solutions if not improving by then...not four years. What your doc said is unacceptable in my opinion. I would be looking to another uroligist for a second opinion about the ED issue. You both are quite young and don't need to accept this.

Take charge and get some solutions started as soon as possible. You are only a couple of months out from surgery and could benefit from some form of therapy. And I believe the term "Use it or Lose it" is correctly stated.

Good news on the PSA - I received my "O" a week or so ago following my 9-10-08 prostate removal.  about the pads:  I wish I used just 3 per day. I'm an active person and back to work full-time and I use 6-8 a day 9 (I might be changing more frequently than some other folks, for comfort reasons at work).  My Urologist told me most of his patients don't see much improvement until the period of 3 to 6 months post-surgery.  He urged me to continue with the Kegel exercises.

about the ED issue:  I'm taking Cialis and MUSE three times weekly (starting about 3-weeks post-surgery) at the direction of my Urologist and I've seen some improvement, though not sufficient to have intercourse. Orgasm is possible, assisted.  I'm a very patient person, and for me, personally, the ED isn't a particular concern (as to whether it's a month, or a year from now that I regain better ability).  

Regarding the 4-year comment from the Urologist:  Given what I've learned about post-surgery practices, that reaction (of your husband's Urologist) does seem odd.  But those of us reading your comments arent privvy to all of the information about your husband's cancer, the surgery and overall treatment post-op.  Why not raise the question during your next visit, or, if it makes you/him more comfortable, telephone the Physicians' Assistant (or nurse if he doesn't have a PA) in the days ahead and ask for a clarification of the remark.  Could be there was some sort of miscommunication.  I'd also discuss the matter with my primary care physician, to learn of his opinon to see if he would support a change in Urologists.  I don't make any medical decisions without first consulting my primary care physician - whom I expect to assist me in managing my healthcare.

Mavica

Regarding the "healing process" comment of SHU93: My Urologist said the same thing, that he was prescribing the Cialis / MUSE not, primarily, for ED but to aid in the healing process. Maybe the "healing process" in one and the same, but I've read a lot of literature on the post-op period in the case of prostate removal and most of it - maybe all of it - makes reference to some sort of stiumlant medication starting soon after surgery.

I would look for another Doctor. I was put on Viagra therapy when the cath came out also.
Good Luck,
KW