Supplies recommendations post prostatectomy

First of all, welcome to our group and the Forum. Like you I’m a prostate cancer patient and I can’t give medical advice; I just share information on what I’ve learned through my own experience.

You sound like you’re in good physical shape, which typically means a return to continence fairly quickly. I stocked up on adult disposable diapers and pads after my RP. Only needed the diapers for 48 hours after the catheter came out. I think I wore a diaper for an additional day or two just in case. Since then, I just use an underwear liner that’s available for sale through Amazon. The brand is TENU. I stocked up on the overnight pads, which is major overkill. In the beginning, I used 2 to 3 pads a day and within a couple weeks I was down to one pad a day. Four months after my RP I could use a lightweight pad, but since I have the super absorbent ones, I’m using them up. They do a great job in case you get a little leak, are odor free and there’s no bulge in your pants that would tip anyone off that incontinence is an issue.

One piece of advice that was given to me that I’ll share with you is start doing Keagle exercises as soon as possible before your surgery and then continue them to build up your pelvic sphincter muscles. You’re going to do great. Don’t hesitate to ask more questions.

Good luck on your journey with PCa.

Agree whole heartedly with starting Kegels exercises before surgery if possible.

Strong recommendation to see a Physical Therapist for instructructions, and some PTs focus on pelvic function recovery.

I was only able to fit in 1 session pre-op and it helped more than I can express.

Kegels are not difficult, but having some direction helped me try to focus on tightening certain muscles getting up and down after surgery (no Kegels while catheter in place).

Best wishes for a good outcome.

Good morning - my husband is scheduled for an RP in June. The advice you gave is very helpful. If I may ask, what type of underwear do you use with the pads? My husband currently uses a moisture wicking boxer style. (he is active and works out and hikes regularly). He also has a stack of the "tidy whities" from years ago that fit snugger.
I am interested in knowing what type of men's underwear works better with the pads.
Thanks for your advice and sharing your information.

Hi! Great question! I’m an active guy like your husband. I’m wearing boxer briefs, minor made by Hanes, but I’m sure that there are other good brands. They have all the support of briefs with the added comfort of traditional boxers. The ones I use are moisture wicking.

You are awesome for participation in the forum and being on the journey with your husband. I wish you both the best for success. Don’t hesitate to ask more questions. I am the number of other patients are here to share our experience and hopefully provide some helpful ideas.

Hi Julia
I am one of the unfortunate 5% who suffer from permanent incontinence issues. After a RP in 2018 I began using the KC Depend Incontinence Underwear for Men so I have no need for briefs or underwear. I use the KC Maximum Guard pad; both purchased from Amazon. I am still fairly active at age 82 and still golf, ski and play squash. I generally use one pad per day but on a active day I will use 2 pads. I considered surgery to install the AUS device but found the concept somewhat distasteful. I do my kegels regularly but my Urologist indicated that after performing a cystoscopy 15 months after my surgery that my external sphincter muscle was on the short side and was not up to the task. I did suffer recurrence but after SRT in 2022, the good news is that my PSA continues to remain at < .008

Good questions and good advice/thoughts above.
I started with some advance info as my wife had MS that made her incontinent for some years.
My RALP left me totally incontinent that I dealt with for over a year using Depends for Men (but a local store brand was the same or better at less cost than even Amazon).
I'd also use an 'overnight' pad inside the diaper brief and change it usually 5 to 7 times a day.
Finally I got an AUS and it's fantastic. Though I need to 'scooch' my jeans down a bit so I can use both hands (one to aim, other to activate AUS) I can stand up to a public urinal and "pee like a man" again.

Short summary is what I told my neighbor when he recently had a prostatectomy: buy like one bag of diapers and one bag of overnight pads at first. This got him through the first week or so after the catheter was out and he knew pretty well what he needed longer term. Luckily he regained continence in a couple weeks and now needs little or no added protection.
You're a great path so keep up the good work. Kegels, study the facts, be brave, ask (More) questions, and fight like crazy.
And blessings for you on this unwanted journey.

Thank you for sharing this information and providing your advice. I wish you all the best on your journey ahead.

Thank you for sharing this advice. I have started doing Kegels twice a day. All the best to you!

Thank you all so much for your advice. It’s so great to have the support.

All the suggestions made here are great. One thing I would add - a washable sheet protector (it’s about 3’X3’ and completely washable). You can get it at CVS or any major pharmacy.
After graduating from diapers and then to pads, after a few months I was completely continent and happy….and then it happened - the out of nowhere wake up at 2 in the morning soaking wet in urine scene. I wanted to scream.
Had to wake up my wife, strip the bed, throw out the $400 Tempurpedic mattress topper, etc. Thank God we had a waterproof mattress cover or else the $5K latex mattress would have been pitched too! It was a real emotional setback for me.
I got the protector pad the next day and it has since saved my butt a few more times. I finally figured out that if I ate a very gassy meal - beans usually (which I love) my sphincters must get confused and allow the floodgates to open, letting out both gas - and urine. And I did my Kegels religiously!
Sorry, lots of TMI on this site but that’s what we’re here for.
Anyway, just my 2 cents since I sleep completely unafraid now even though it hardly ever happens. Best to you!