incontinence following prostratectomy

Me, almost 70 year old, had partial NS RP 18 months ago.

I went to PT for pre-surgery PT to get my body ready. It helped. I still leaked a good deal.

Went to a PT who specialized in people recovering from an RP. She's amazing. I have gone from three pads a day to none except for the gym and that is much better. If you are in the Boston area, I am happy to give you her contact information.

I also removed bladder irritants from my diet and that was very helpful too.
https://www.brighamandwomens.org/assets/BWH/obgyn/pdfs/bladder-irritants.pdf
Also found that using a TENS unit 2-3 times a week helps too.

There's hope and I am very sorry you are going through this.

thanks dm
I have a few questions what is Nerve sparing partial RP? I am just curious
I am going to a PT that specializes in male post prostratectomy incontinence and I really like her. I did not know to go to a pt prior to my surgery (wish I had now)
I am in the Maryland -DC area
is the TENS unit you use a stimulator/pelvic floor handheld trainer?? My pt did not want me to use any of the trainers. She has run into guys that have had problems including set backs with them
However, she and I are working on getting a hand held biofeedback device ( it only does biofeedback no training programs) to make sure my form is good. The one I am looking at is $750.00 However if it will help me I will get it

I love the list you gave me. I knew about coffee, citrus fruit and alcohol. I have stopped all of these. I did not know apples could be a problem nor did I know about sourdough bread. I may have to change these /
I also did not know I could buy acid free coffee. I really miss coffee so I will check this out right away.
I really appreciate your help/ I have been trying to really take it easy but still go for a walk or two every day but I leak almost all the way.,

How long did it take for you to be almost continent following the surgery?
Thanks very, very much

Could you please share your age, if you do not mind ?

My husband is planning RP and surgeon said that results also depend of age. My husband is 69. Surgeon was not inclooding him in "advanced age", but I still wonder.

First off not a Dr, just an old guy who had surgery for prostate cancer.

When a person has a radical proctectomy, there are options. One is non nerve sparing where all of the nerves on the prostate are removed. The second opinion that I received from the Dr at Dana Farber was that he told me he'd only do non nerve sparing.

If they remove the all the nerves you will never have a natural erection again. Then its Trimix or an implant, is my understanding.

I chose the Beth Israel Hospital as they told me they could do nerve sparing but likely only partial. And that's what I have one set of nerves is intact and the other side only half the nerve bundle was saved. I do get nocturnal erections and can get a partial erection but not firm enough for intercourse. Then I rely on Trimix, which for me works well.

The TENS unit pads attach by my ankle. Your PT should be able to show you proper placement on your ankle. I purchased one at Amazon, the Auvon Rechargeable for $29.00, and it works well.

I also use bio-feedback but the unit is in my PT's office.

There's a decent book that helped me a bit -- https://www.ebay.com/p/246975819 "Life After Prostatectomy" .

And I was mostly continent after about 15 months.

Kegels 3-4 times a day, yes there's an app for that.

Good luck and please happy to answer any questions that may help you.

Again just my experience, everyone has different experiences.

I am 71 just had RARP in January
I tolerated the surgery well- and it went well. I think my surgeon would have liked me to leave the hospital the next day but I spent two days in the hospital ( day of surgery and the day following surgery) I was sort of beat, my shoulder really hurt ( they pump you up with gas (carbon dioxide I think) to make the surgery better so the gas gets trapped in your shoulders I also had seven holes in my abdomen and was tired and sore all over and had a catheter. I really needed the second day.
I am in reasonably good health however I have to keep reminding myself that as we age it really does take longer for things to heal.
If your husband's best bet is to get the prostrate removed I would not let being 69 get in the way
I am also happy to share anything else with you that I went through I wish you and your husband good luck

thanks again I do not understand what the TENS unit is. Is it a trainer for pelvic floor muscle rehab ( Kegels) ?
I am trying to get my own biofeedback handheld device the one I will likely get has an internal sensor (rectal probe) which my pt says is much better than electrodes on the skin. I know it is a lot of money but if it can help me get better sooner.

did you need to get the partial nerve sparing because the cancer was also outside of the prostrate?? thanks very much

Age 72-1/2. No real health issues, but just in average shape.
The only Dr. that made a passing comment on my age was the Anestheiologist who came in when I was being prepped for surgery and said "oh, you are one of the older guys we usually do these surgeries on". They proceed with no farther comment.

are there any 70 somethings that had prostratectomy and regained continence in less than 6 months or so?

how did you do with incontinence? did you have prostratectomy> thanks

Robotic Prostatectomy at Mayo/Phoenix 7 weeks ago. Catheter was removed on day 7 and had no incontinence.