Newbie here, Previously diagnosed with BPH in 2017 by our family GP Dr because of nocturia – usually 2x / night increasing to 4-5x this year. Prescription for Flomax (0.4mg to start, 0.8mg now). Watched PSA over that time and when it spiked from 2 to 7, he referred me to Urologist who performed a biopsy followed by bone scan and an MRI. Result was Gleason 7 (4+3) on left and mid cores, none of the other 6. Bone scan clear and the MRI verified PIRADS 5 on left and center with no pelvic lymphadenopathy. Currently scheduled to do Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy with Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy – ERAS on March 28 (sorry if some of the acronyms aren’t correct).
I’m 78 years old, 140 pounds, retired and active physically – skiing, mountain biking, hiking with daily exercise. Urologist told me he normally wouldn’t do radical removal on someone my age, but he said due to the fact that I had “little visceral fat” and in good shape physically, he would recommend this route. Also had several consultations with Radiologist who also supported this surgery. So at this point, I feel confident in following this path in spite of about a (30%?) chance of incontinence, ED, or other complications. I’ve been doing Kegel and abdominal exercises under direction of a PT. I’ve never had any issues with bladder infections or leakage in the past.
For anyone willing to share their experience following the surgery plan, can you help me understand the progression (good or bad) post-surgery? How long after the catheter removal before you were able to regain urinary control? If you were doing Kegel exercises, do you use the same muscles to control your flow? How did you know if you were performing the Kegels correctly?
If there is another thread that has information on actual experiences post-surgery, please let me know. Thank you so much!