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One Week After Prostatectomy

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Oct 22 9:47am | Replies (15)

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@retireditguy

I'm 70 and had NS RALP at Mayo Phoenix in late June 2024. My recovery experience was a lot like yours; very little pain, hated the catheter, minimal leakage after catheter came out. My surgeon did see me before the surgery, but I haven't seen him since. All my follow up after surgery has been with Mayo staff. However, they've all been great and I've had no issues requiring me to see the surgeon so I don't feel neglected. Also, the surgical report on their portal literally gave me the detailed blow by blow of the operation which was really detailed and specifically stated that no complications were encountered during surgery. Ditto on the pathology report of the prostrate; very detailed. I'm no medical professional, but here's a couple things I'd like to share about my first 3 months so far. First, I strictly followed their order about not lifting more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks and I'd recommend you follow whatever instructions they gave you. For me it was difficult to take it easy as I felt so good, and I literally felt better day by day. After 6 weeks I started back lifting light weights at the gym. I'm not a bicyclist, but when I started using a few of the machines I felt a pain in my perinium when I (carelessly) dropped down on their small bicycle-like seat. That was a surprise, but I've since then I've read from others on this site that area can stay sensitive for a lot longer than the 6 weeks. So be aware of this and be careful. As far as continence, I've been doing really well. I resumed my kegals some time after the catheter came out (I don't really remember exactly when) and while I don't know for sure, I think they help. I did have a few minor accidents during the first 3 months as I figured a few things out. For example, early on I almost had an accident because my flow starts so much quicker than before that I hadn't realized I really need to be ready before I start to relax at the urinal. Also, after I went back to the gym I did have some leakage while working out, especially if I was pushing. That's gotten a lot better as time has gone by. I don't need to wear a pad, but I still sleep with a pad under the sheet "just in case". But every week I feel more confident about that. But even so, I have had a few "surprise" leakage events during the first 3 months. Nothing major, just a very small amount, but there have been a few minor accidents with a little leakage. But I think that's all part of figuring out that things are a bit different. But every month I gain more confidence and control so, practically speaking, I consider myself fully continent even though it's still a bit of a work in progress. The sexual function has been improving much more slowly, but I do think it's getting better. From your post, it sounds like you doing better than me, so I really don't have too much to say. One thing I should probably mention is early on when my wife and I tried to have sex, it was much more likely there'd be some leakage. But as time goes by, that's really improved a lot. Not perfect, but less stressful than before. I guess it makes sense that trying to have sex is one of those times that will stress your ability to control leakage as you're still figuring out the new normal. I really didn't get any initial advice on the sexual aspect from the Mayo care team. I should have asked more questions early on. After 3 months, pretty much most things (other than sexual function) at back to normal. I'm still being careful at the gym on those small seats with my perinium as that's still sensitive. I suspect that'll take quite some time to fully recover. Of course my sexual recovery still has a long way to go, but it makes sense to me that'll take a lot longer and I'm still optimistic. I've very thankful because I was lucky enough to find it early and had the opportunity to go to a recognized cancer center of excellence. Other than the sexual function, practically speaking I'm fully recovered. I feel great, and have resumed all my normal daily activities (eg. the gym, hiking, etc). And even coming up on 4 months, things are still improving and I'm feeling more normal (albeit more slowly) week by week. As I said above I'm not a medical professional but I'm happy to share my experiences on this journey none of chose. Best wishes with your recovery and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

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Replies to "I'm 70 and had NS RALP at Mayo Phoenix in late June 2024. My recovery experience..."

A couple brief thoughts:

At 3 months post RALP I still had occasional leakeage and could not go more than two hours without using the bathroom. I made some limited progress and at four months post RALP I started eight weeks of pelvic floor therapy. It was covered by Medicare. I don’t have leaks anymore, I can now go up to five hours without having to use the bathroom and I’ve seen positive evidence that erections are improving.

Regarding return of sexual function I’ve re-learned that sex isn’t the cornerstone of intimacy, or the foundation either. Until nerves heal, which might take a while, it’s not just important but actually vital that we men who have gone through prostatectomy sit with, cuddle, gently and show positive non-sexual attention to our partners until the “train gets back on the tracks.” If you wait until the day when you’re good to go again, your relationship might have suffered irreparable harm in the interim.

Don’t wait until it’s too late!