Plumbing Issues

Good day all - a belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy and Healthier New Year to all.

I have a few questions about "plumbing issues". Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

I had RP surgery approx 6 weeks ago. After the catheter was removed, I had bladder spams and ended up with the catheter back in for 10 days to help repair a tear / hole in the bladder. Since the catheter was removed the second time, I feel like I am making great progress and feel good (for the most part).

What I am finding is that I am having to get used to all the different plumbing feelings / urges / pains. Can you help give me an idea of what is "normal" and what may be a sign of a bigger issue that I should pursue?

1) Urination - I still have bladder spasms whenever I drain my bladder. They only last a couple of minutes and are tolerable - just very uncomfortable for a minute or two.

2) Walking / Standing - I have been trying to walk as much as possible. But when I walk or stand for in excess of an hour, I find that the area between my testicles and my rectum hurts. It feels almost as though every thing has sunk to the bottom and it is kind of an achy, pressure pain and it will go away if I sit for a while.

3) Bowel movements - I have been on stool softeners since my surgery Nov 8th. In the last week, when I have a bowel movement, I feel like i really have to strain to go. When I do go, the movements are for lack of a better term, flat. I am concerned that I may have internal hemmeroids from the straining and that is compounding issues. Is there a good remedy for internal roids?

4) ED - I have read a lot on here about people that have had RP using robotics and ED issues. Is there anyone on here that has had RP surgery - non nerve sparring, and regained ED function? Have you had good results with drugs? pumps? shots?

Thank you all for any assistance. They really should have a manual that they give you after surgery to tell you what is "normal" and what is not. I feel foolish calling the Dr for every pain or quirk.

Have a great day,

Mark

Mark,

#2 is very normal. For me it felt empty and very sore right there. It gets better with time.

#3 probably still swollen up in there. Potty problems are not unusual. Proctofoam might help.

Yeah buddy, 6 weeeks is where you really start to get real tired of it. It gets better by two months. The difference was suprising to me.

Keep up the faith and best of luck to you.

 

Mark,
on #4, I had none nerve sparing also and at almost 2 years since surgery I have no natural erection although I can get half an erections with simulation. Both the pump and trimix injections work for intercourse. If I use viagra on an empty stomach I feel a little of blood rushing in but not enough for sex.

Hello Mark,

There have been some good responses to your questions. Since we are at about the same phase, I thought I'd contribute my two cents. I experienced different aches, pains and sensations, some similar to yours. Others not so similar. As the weeks go by, things have become more normal. As you posted, walking and standing cause some complications, but unless your doctor has told you different, walking is good therapy. I found the more I walk the faster these anomalous feelings dissipate.

Two positive things of note are having a much better stream and bowel regularity is almost like a clock (wasn't at first).

Bottom line, patience is important and has been my biggest challenge. I am thankful the progress I've made in 6-8 weeks, but realize it's an ongoing process.