Hey bud, Definitely neuropathy, but good luck finding an answer!
After my RARP, also at age 64, I lost my ability to have a normal BM. NOT constipation, but a disconnect between the urgency felt for needing to defecate and the ability to do so.
The surgeon ‘never heard of such a thing’ and the GI doc said he found nothing unusual after my colonoscopy.
Well, what was he gonna see? A nerve with a sign on it saying ‘here I am’? I have searched, Googled, etc for 6 yrs and I finally did find a reference on an IBS website.
The condition is called ‘anismus’ - basically a pelvic nerve dysfunction usually called by trauma or PREVIOUS PELVIC SURGERY! Hmmm…do you think a RARP qualifies for this?? I sure do…
Anyway, no one is going to be able to pinpoint the exact problem unless you go to a neurologist who specializes in GU dysfunction. They can slap electrodes on you and see if they can mimic that sensation you are feeling.
Once they do, they can possibly isolate that nerve bundle and either ablate it or inject it with steroid. Not easy to do, however…biofeedback or electrostimulation can also help.
On the brighter side, traumatized nerves can always heal but they do it at a much slower rate than other tissues. This can always happen… Best of luck in your search!
Phil