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incontinence following prostratectomy
Three and half months out from RARP (Jan 15, 2025) closer to three if going from date catheter removed (Jan 29, 2025) . I have seen some progress ( can sleep at night getting up once or twice and somewhat dry in the mornings, but that changes) . However stress incontinence persists, and I have periods of regression. I try to go for a walk (or two) every day. Doc advises to live my normal life and more or less deal with it. (if it does not get better in a year or so then consider other options). I am working with pelvic floor specialist pt.
I tried riding my exercise bike at one month out and then at three months out- after short workouts, incontinence is worse following both 'experiments' so i I have put that on hold.
I recently tried some gardening ( light digging,spreading mulch) incontinence gets worse and stays that way for a day or two or three. In addition to stress incontinence I experience leaking (leaking for a long time after urinating, leaking when laying down, leaking when I try to go to sleep. Doc tells me my sphincter is not closing. I am backing off any lifting and taking a day of rest however, this is very hard to sustain. Should I just not try much of anything.? I cannot work like I used to. I am not inclined to try a clamp ( I have heard on this list that they can fall off, sometimes they are painful, and I wonder if they really help)
I appreciate that everyone is different and it is hard to predict but waiting this out for possibly nine more months is hard if it turns out that way.
Anyone else have any tips for getting through this ordeal ( besides doing kegels)? especially anyone in their 70s
I am wondering about consulting with another urologist to see if there is anything that should be checked (blockage, obstruction)
Can anyone recommend someone that might specialize in incontinence following prostratectomy?
thanks much
incontinence sucks
I never had any incontinence whatsoever prior to this surgery so I do not believe it is age-related.
I have been warned not to try 'short cuts' such as the Emsella chair or stimulation devices as these have not proven effective and some have reported problems with these.
It may be that I have to wait it out and coming into month four might be early but these past 14-15-16 weeks have been very hard. especially when I hit setbacks. Any tips??
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I really am happy for you. I was told to do kegels a few weeks prior to surgery . I am also sure I was doing them incorrectly. I now go to see a pt who specializes in males and pelvic floor issues
thanks and congratulations
You are very welcome Edin : ) , am glad I was of some help < 3
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2 ReactionsTENA rates then I think from 1 to 4
they also sell an overnight pad which is the thickest
the thickest are best for overnight -in my experience only
However, if you read the book Ten Days to Continence, she advocates for thinner and thinner pads ( progressively) in an effort to push us to not rely on them so much.
it really depends on how much you are currently leaking. I go through 3-4-5 pads a day currently
I forgot to mention there is also a add on pad ( cant think what it is called now that you put on top of a pad and there are pullups if you are really worried about too much leakage either in public or while in bed
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2 Reactionseveryone on this board has been helpful to me
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1 ReactionI personally do not know what I would do without this forum and all of the wast knowledge and experience of veteran members who are always happy to share and to advise < 3 .