What to expect after prostate surgery: How bad is the incontinence?

I do construction work so it was a lot easier for me, I still used pads for a month just incase. I never had an issue except for minor leakage when moving twisting a certain way. Like everyone else said everybody is different. Im 66

I was 58.
67 now.

@buffalo1, checking in. How is recovery going? Incontinence, how are you handling that?

The topic of this discussion is a really good one. Now that you've completed surgery, what is something that you wished you had known that you'd like to share with guys preparing for surgery and worrying about incontinence?

It is hoped that after the prostatectomy of each patient, urinary continence can be restored in a very short time. Don't be like me. It's been almost two years since the operation. Now urinary incontinence has reached 80%, and I really realize that life is worse than death!

Do those Kegels! I did them religiously for three weeks before my surgery and daily after removal of my catheter, and am happy to say I had ZERO incontinence issues. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.🙏🤞

I hear you Peter! I had no real continence issues as far as the bladder goes. MY problem is an inability to have a bowel movement like a normal person since my surgery 5 yrs ago.
The surgeon NEVER heard of such a thing, the GI doc said he did see it at times but there was nothing to be done about it.
After 5 years of trying to pin it down I found it on an IBS website. I do NOT have IBS, but “anismus” - an inability to defecate similar to constipation but mostly caused BY INJURY, TRAUMA OR SURGERY TO THE PELVIC FLOOR!
Can’t you see your surgery being traumatic? Couldn’t nerves be damaged? I would encourage you to do different internet searches for “pelvic floor damage after surgery” or “bladder incontinence caused by pelvic floor injury”.
It will be very frustrating because you will find yourself in an infinite loop of prostate surgery/ kegel nonsense websites.
You already KNOW all that! There are tests that can be done (for the rectum) for constipation issues; I am sure there are tests for the bladder to ascertain what nerve(s) are in dysfunction.
If your pelvic floor muscles seem paralyzed they probably are and hopefully something can be done about it.
Phil

That is terrible - have you consulted with anyone on this?

Try to get referred to a urologist for an artificial urinary sphincter.
That's what I'm being assessed for in a couple of months.
Reported 90% success rate. Look it up online. Sounds like the solution for both of us.
Don't just accept your current position.

I had no constipation issues post-surgery - apart from the first few days.
I've pretty much given up on Kegels & holding out for an AUS.
Physio in a couple of weeks anyway, but don't know if that will help.

My bladder is fine - no incontinence even after salvage radiation.
I guess in your case the AUS is the answer since modern medicine has not yet figured out a way to rehabilitate or restore damaged nerves. Sensory and motor nerves, damaged beyond repair will one day be given new life without having to resort to crutches, wheelchairs, AUSes and other artificial means. Good luck on your bladder problem - please keep us posted. Best
Phil