Supplies recommendations post prostatectomy

Posted by xirtam22 @xirtam22, May 28 7:43am

I was recently diagnosed with mid grade prostate cancer (Gleason 4+3). I was given option of either Proton Beam+Hormone treatment or nerve sparing prostatectomy. I’m leaning toward the later since I can use radiation in the future if I have recurrence.

I suspect there are previous discussions regarding product recommendations for incontinence post surgery? I will search again, but would appreciate any current recommendations. I’m an active 63 year old that enjoys hiking, biking, golfing and skiing. I realize biking will be on hold as I progress through recovery.

Thanks for your input!

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@heavyphil

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!

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Thank you for this suggestion which should provide some additional peace of mind. I wish you all the best on your journey.

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@juliafire

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.

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I'm 26 months post RP and also very active between mtn biking, golf and backcountry skiing. Hiking was my primary exercise after surgery and post op I wore Depends for almost 4 weeks then back to boxers(prefer loser) with pads w/sticky tape(brand agnostic) for a few more weeks until the leakage subsided. Good luck to your husband and you!

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@cancerfreekevin

I'm 26 months post RP and also very active between mtn biking, golf and backcountry skiing. Hiking was my primary exercise after surgery and post op I wore Depends for almost 4 weeks then back to boxers(prefer loser) with pads w/sticky tape(brand agnostic) for a few more weeks until the leakage subsided. Good luck to your husband and you!

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Thank you so much for sharing. We will be ordering some supplies before the surgery and this has really been helpful.

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