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I can squarely disagree that a blanket statement of guaranteed incontinence and ED is accurate. I had RARP almost four weeks, ago, had an erection within hours of leaving the OR and all but a couple nerves were spared, and I've had "wood" multiple times a day since, even on demand. I also have not had a single drop of incontinence.
I realize that dodging both bullets is pretty rare, as 85% of men have some form of incontinence - be it a single day or years on end, and about the same percentage have some form of ED as well - but neither of these are guaranteed.
Everyone's results will vary and the surgeons skill is absolutely a factor in saving the nerves, without any doubt - and saving the nerves gives you the chance to not have or to overcome ED. Incontinence, in many cases, can be corrected via pelvic floor work or even with surgical options such as slings and artificial sphincters.
I'm sorry that your experience was on the bad side of the equation, but it's not the guaranteed outcome for all people.
Replies to "I can squarely disagree that a blanket statement of guaranteed incontinence and ED is accurate. I..."
I have to agree that without nerves, all the pelvic floor exercises and penile rehabilitation exercises are useless. Look, muscles - all of them including the involuntary ones in the heart, intestines, lungs, etc are innervated - they REQUIRE transmission of impulses from nerve fibers for the muscle to function…PERIOD.
No nerves, NO muscular activity. Just think Christopher Reeve and you get it.
You can prep for surgery all you want, doing all kinds of pelvic gymnastics…If those nerves are removed or damaged beyond their ability to recover, you will be impotent, incontinent or both. I’d rather have a very lucky surgeon than a good one, and if you can get both you hit the freakin lottery.
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You have most of your nerves!! Without those I stand by my statement. Without all or most of those nerves pelvic floor work is useless. Slings? artificial sphincters? For myself I have no interest in becoming a zombie. I still say without those nerves you will leak and have ED. "All but a couple nerves aere spared" You are VERY lucky and very far from no nerves at all as i am.
SW