I would like to resurrect this thread some 🙂
prostratectomy Jan 15, 2025 catheter in for two weeks. I am now at the three month mark; or two and half month mark if this begins with catheter removal'
I have a few questions

1. I know everyone is different, I appreciate that there are many, many factors involved (age, skill of the surgeon, spread of the cancer and surgery.etc.etc) however, as a trend, what are most seeing in terms of gradual recovery/stages of continence recovery? I am doing better first thing in the morning then stress incontinence can take over the majority of my day (I cannot believe, I was told many go back to work two weeks following prostratectomy, I was leaking half the day. What kind of job could I have done?). The research shows great variability. Some men have no problems with incontinence, some have lifelong problems. It seems most do get better but with time. The research indicates 3-18 months for most males under 65 (I am 71) However, I have heard from a few that things can turn a corner around the three month period. I would love to learn more about other's experience here in terms of a timeline. Do I just need to hang in there for another 10-15 months? Long time, but if it is going to get better then I have to just wait it out.

2. Interventions: Kegels ( pelvic floor muscle and bladder retraining) are the foundational plan, paying close attention to doing both right, avoiding over-doing them and badly doing them. However, what else might help/be needed? I am on Gemtesa which could be helping. However, I have been approached with the possibility of the emsella chair and possible stimulation devices. My PT told me to avoid these, she has seen first hand disasters. I tend to believe her ( I trust her very much) . It is hard to believe that a muscle can be strengthened and re-programmed (two different animals) via some type of short cut like this. If I wanted my legs or arms to get stronger I may need to do more and more push up or curls every day. I can't imagine some device doing that for me. If I wanted to throw a ball straighter or juggle three balls, I can't see how some device can help me do that. Opinions?
3. Exercise has really been limited. I take a walk every day but that is about it. I tried riding my exercise bike a month out. I loved it, I felt like my old self, until everything went down the drain. After three days of only 30 minute work-outs ( I felt great) but stress incontinence tripled, I had trouble sleeping, my pelvic floor was rigid and sore. So I waited another month and tried it again, this time for only 20 minutes. Felt great again, then on day three, definite increase in stress incontinence. When I go for walks, stress incontinence kicks in after about 5 or 10 minutes. I wonder if I am better off limiting the walking- if I am pushing things too much or if I should continue walking and even using the exercise bike and consider 'threading a needle' In other words, the health, cardio and possible core benefits may catch up and help pelvic floor rehab or are these things detrimental and adversely affecting my progress? I can walk every day and plan on continuing doing so. I can wait another month and try the 'bike test' again. Any opinions and/or experience with this?

4. Any other advice suggestions in terms of getting through this period of time? If it boils down to really waiting it out, then I need to keep working on that. It is hard; I cannot work in public ( I do not want to be in front of others knowing I am leaking) When I have family over it makes things worse, just getting up and down, moving around especially after the morning activates stress incontinence. I know some get used to this. I know for some this is a way of life. But I sure do not want to get used to this.
I really appreciate everyone's feedback thanks