Post Radical Prostatectomy Issues

In March of 2012, I had a radical prostatectomy at the age of 53. All results on the organ removed indicated containment. Both of my comprehensive blood tests since indicate PSA of virtual zero. So it looks like I won't die of prostate cancer.

I knew going into the RP that should I beat the cancer, I would have two (2) other main issues: incontinence; and, sexual function challenges. With diligent Kegel exercises, the incontinence was conquered in short order (two months). The doctor says I should expect up to eighteen (18) months to recover sexual function. Sexual function remains an issue and I am nearing the end of the eighteen (18) month recovery period.

There are really three (3) main issues not two (2)...the third is mental. I am interested in the mental (and physical) aspects of others with my similar history. My energy is very low and I have lots of reasons why I am not working out enough...none of which seem logical of course. Mentally, I am very sharp and short when something does no go as planned, resulting in a down moment. I spend a lot of time thinking about this and trying to figure out the "why." Further, I was NOT even close to this before the RP.

So what's up with this? Maybe it is caused because: I am not working out; there is some chemical (low T) reason for this; or, the lack of sexual function is a MAJOR hit because I identified myself around that function (I am happily married by the way).

Any thoughts?

Greetings,
We are close timeline wise. Surgery in February of 2012--incontinence conquered in 3 weeks. Sexual function was nonexistent UNTIL I started exercising regularly again. I was big into bicycling before my surgery and when I finally found a noseless saddle I could use I started biking again along with plenty of walking. I was lucky in that I had plenty of time to do this as I had taken early retirement 8 months prior to my diagnosis. If you are someone who worked out prior to surgery and have now basically quit, that can really mess you up both physically and mentally. I can't sleep worth a darn if I don't work out and lack of sleep can make me quick to be annoyed by stupid little stuff. Everyone is different, but exercise has been a big part of my recovery.

Best wishes,
Tom

Hi,

You just need a little more time to realize, deep down, that you are going to be just fine. Then your mental processes will probably snap back to normal & you will be "yourself" again.

Regarding the sexual function, it indeed can take a number of YEARS before the nerves fully recover & reawaken from the trauma they suffer during surgery. I love to refer to that one post a few months ago where a guy had given up on recovering his sexual function by the time a few years had passed since his surgery.

He apparently was not even having a hint of any erections and had simply accepted that this part of his life would never return. Then he said that he awoke one morning with a solid erection & could not believe it. He dismissed it as a fluke and didn't think any more of it.

But later that day, erections suddenly began forming again and he was back to normal -- 3 years, 9 months after surgery! That is obviously an extreme example, but a valid one nonetheless. Even if a couple years pass, there is STILL every chance that function will suddenly return.

So, at 14 months, you probably have a lot to look forward to in that department. I am about 18 months post-op and am now starting to have erections that are "almost" solid enough for penetration. Not quite there yet, but still improving -- and that is without taking Cialis, etc.

So you should be just fine as time moves along.

Take care,
Chuck

Resident of Highland, Indiana just outside of Chicago, IL.
July 2011 local PSA lab reading 6.41 (from 4.1 in 2009). Mayo Clinic PSA Sept. 2011 was 5.7.
Local urologist DRE revealed significant BPH, but no lumps.
PCa Dx Aug. 2011 at age of 61.
Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma in 3 of 20 cores (one 5%, two 20%). T2C.
Gleason score 3+3=6.
CT of abdomen, bone scan both negative.
DaVinci prostatectomy 11/1/11 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), nerve sparing, age 62.
My surgeon was Dr. Matthew Tollefson, who I highly recommend.
Final pathology shows tumor confined to prostate.
5 lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, extraprostatic soft tissue all negative.
1.0 x 0.6 x 0.6 cm mass involving right posterior inferior,
right posterior apex & left mid posterior prostate.
Right posterior apex margin involved by tumor over a 0.2 cm length, doctor says this is insignificant.
Prostate 98.3 grams, tumor 2 grams. Prostate size 5.0 x 4.7 x 4.5 cm.
Abdominal drain removed the morning after surgery.
Catheter out in 7 days. No incontinence, occasional minor dripping.
Post-op exams 2/13/12, 9/10/12, PSA <0.1. PSA tests now annual.
Semi-firm erections now happening 14 months post-op & VERY slowly getting a bit stronger.

To All the Posters,

First, it surely makes me feel good that there are other like-experienced people to hear my words and share theirs. A heartfelt thank you to you all!

Second, your direct responses are appreciated...I need to get off of my prostate-less butt and start exercising!

Third, I guess I should update my footer with my specifics. These footers surely help to appreciate the poster!

Please hold me accountable!

Dan