Newbe with incontinence problems

My introduction,

My name is Jim. I am 64 years old, and retired from the armed forces.

In 2003, my wife of 40 years passed away after a horrific 2 year battle with Mesothelioma, the cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

In June, 2006, I remarried, to a cancer widow, a wonderful lady I want to spend the rest of my life with. Unfortunately, our honeymoon stage was cut very short and our relationship has gone through a rollercoaster of emotion and depression, mostly mine.

In August 2006, only 2 months after marriage, I was diagnosed with cancer. PSA - 7.5, physical examination, and 8 point biopsy, all positive. (Sorry, I don’t know all the technical terms.) Prior to the diagnoses I was in good physical condition with no health problems. I had no symptoms of prostate problems what-so-ever.

I elected radical prostatectomy. The procedure was successfully performed in November 2007.

I had a series of post op complications, the worst of which was urinary tract infection. The infections continued, occurring every couple of months, for over 2 years. I finally got in for cystoscopy about 2 months ago. I had excessive scar tissue, so my urinary tract was dilated. I have not had infection since.

I was very fortunate that I quickly regained the ability to get an full erection, (some drug assistance here), orgasms and meaningful sex. However, continuing incontinence has been an embarrassing and demeaning plague that has taken its’ toll on our love making. It remains a very aggravating, embarrassing, and demeaning problem. I only have control when I am directly concentrating on it. If I lose concentration, like during sex, or many other circumstances, I lose control.

The urologist suggested that it was very unlikely that my incontinence problem would further improve at this stage. I had done keegles until it made my sick and sore. He suggested treatment with an anticholinergic, or an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS).

I am about to start a regime of Detrol’ LA, an anticholinergic. However, my research describes it’s use is for Over Active Bladder (OAB). I don’t believe my incontinence is caused by OAB.

Does anyone have knowledge of anticholinergics.

Research into the AUS frightens me. I would like to hear the pros and cons from those of you who have first hand experience, (No pun intended).

When I was diagnosed, I was shocked to learn that there were many men I knew who had dealt with prostate cancer. Reaching out to those who really know the issues must be satisfying and more effective than the clinical advice and support from the professionals who have never been here.

I am here and looking forward to discussing prostate issues with you.

Sincerely

Jim

Thanks Les,
I was very active in a forum similar to this one as a caregiver when my first wife was sick. I always found the discussions comforting and supportive.
I don't understand the terminology but it looks like you've fought quite a battle. about 6 months post op? How are you doing?

Jim

Hi Jim,

I had an AUS fitted 9 months ago.  Like you, I keegled until I went mad and made no difference whatever.  Tried the clamps, used condom catheters for a while, and eventually had the AUS installed 18 months after my PCA operation.  At that point I was using 8 pads a day an no improvement.

The AUS is GREAT!.  Operation as hassle free, 3 days in hospital, no foley catheter, 6 weeks with condom catheter afterwards while it all healed (or pads if you prefer), and then the deviced is activated.  I wear a small panty liner to catch drips.  These occur mostly because I don't follow the instructions to not put the penis away for around 45-60 seconds after urinating as it takes this time for the valve to shut firmly after urinating.  I also get some drips if I sneeze, or bend awkwardly.  I have an active life, including running marathons.

I strongly urge you to consider it positively.

Berb

Greetings, Jim.  Welcome to this forum. I can't give you any input on the AUS although there are several guys here who have had it and seem to be very pleased with it.  I wanted to give you a little input on the Detrol LA.  My doc gave it to me because I was having to get up several times a night.  I told him that I had hoped that not having a prostate would cut down on the number of trips to the bathroom at night.  It took awhile, but it finally seems to be working.  I rarely get up more than once and will on occasion go the whole night without having to get up.  I don't know what effect it might have on general incontinence issues, but if he thinks it might be worth a try, I'd give it a try.  David

    Jim,  With the problems you described I would look into the AUS.  It has changed my "post op" life.  I fought the leaking for two years.  I know there can be problems with any surgery and device but if you find a Doctor that does the AUS on a almost daily basis I'm sure you will be fine.  I will not say it is perfect.  I still use a light women's liner to catch a few drips and dribbles each day.  In the evenings around the house I do not need a liner at all.  There is no leaking during intercourse either.

    If you ever wish to talk please contact me at the e-mail address on the HW profile. 

    Good Luck,  KW