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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 6/22/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Members,

It has been close to 11 weeks since surgery and my recovery is consistant with many of the stories I have heard here. Almost dry (1 mini pad/day) and seemingly getting better. No action in the other plumbing arena yet. Here is my issue: I have been an avid cyclist for many years and also a spinning instructor at our YMCA. Cycling has been my favorite activity for a long time and when I received my Dx, I was ultra concerned that it would mean no more 2-wheeling. Now I am looking forward to the possibility of getting back on the bike and getting back in shape. Query: is there a risk to my nerve bundles recovering from surgery or any other factors that would preclude or prevent me from riding that I should be aware of? I can find a seat and posture to make sure that weight is on my pelvic "sit bones" but I am still concerned about vibration, etc.

Any advice?

TeddyG

 

Posted 6/22/2009 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
As a 20 year cyclist we have to recognize that our Doctors have very little experience with such a rare group. There are seats available which are wide and put little stress on where the prostate was. But since we have no prostate I think that the issue is, will we impede healing given our new internal configuration. I have decided to wait about 4 months and then start back up on my original equipment. I don't know if I am right, but that is what i want from life.
Posted 6/22/2009 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
I'm also an avid cyclist. A friend had robotic surgery in February and is back to riding as much as ever. He rides a regular road bike, a tandem road bike, and a mountain bike.

I haven't decided on treatment yet but my secret weapon is my recumbent bicycle. I tell everyone it's like sitting on a lawn chair while cycling.
Posted 6/22/2009 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Specialized even has a program where you measure your sitbones and choose the appropriate saddle that fits just right -

Thudbuster had seat posts that help take out road vibration

Aluminum frame bikes will tend to carry more vibration then ti or steel bikes - that is why many aluminum bikes have carbon fiber inserts and forks.

Remember the weight should be split in a triangle - hands / feet and *** if your hands are sore your bike fit is incorrect - if your *** is sore even though you have been riding lots - too much weight is going there or you need a different saddle - feet same thing.
Posted 6/23/2009 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
TeddyG

You will note I also ride quite a lot. I was back on my road bike at 42 days post surgery, no change in bike equipment. Other than the first week (read experience below!), I have had no issues. I've had a several rides of 100+ miles . . . and many times with long back to back rides.

I've noticed no difference sprinting or climbing (in fact, one could argue we are now lighter!), no difference in stamina . . . no difference in anything.

The "only" trouble I had was the first week:

I got on the bike, somewhat tentatively . . . rode a bit, over a few bumps in the road . . . and felt the funniest vibrations, nothing hurt; just funny. This continued every time I encountered a rough section of road. After about one week, the vibrations subsided.

I have concluded that we are a bit like a box of cereal, where "some settling may occur!" Once the organs found their new homes, all was well.

The only advice I have for you, for what it is worth is; get back on your bike, you'll be fine.

Cheers!
Rich
Posted 6/23/2009 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
I've been using my road bike on a trainer for about 3 months. So far all feels pretty much ok. I'm taking the bike out to ride with a friend tomorrow afternoon. We are hoping to ride about 50 miles. Needless to say I'm feeling a little apprehensive.

Good luck to all,
Bob
Posted 6/24/2009 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Fellow Riders,

Thanks for the input. Did you discuss riding with the docs and have you had any issues related to nerves healing? Delay in ED recovery?

I miss my Specialized Roubaix and don't see the doc until 3 mos. from surgery.

As I tell my riding friends, "I do not want another scalpel any where near the geography that was previously visited again!"

TeddyG

Posted 6/24/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I did speak with my doc before I began to ride. He is the one who told me to wait "42 days."

Now riding about 300+ miles/week with no trouble.

As I mentioned, I changed nothing on the bike, or the way I ride. I think we all just "expect" things to be different, and expect trouble when there simply is none.

I wish you the best . . . Don't be worried . . . don't hesitate.

Cheers,
Rich
Posted 6/25/2009 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
I just got the catheter out yesterday and just found this forum. I really appreciate all the input on this subject which is one that I have been worried about since deciding to have surgery. I am not ready to get on the bike yet but will let you know how it goes. Riding has been a big part of my life and I don't want to lose it.
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