← Return to Aggressive Bicycle Riding After Radical Prostatectomy

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Aggressive Bicycle Riding After Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Feb 9 10:41am | Replies (24)

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Profile picture for trusam1 @trusam1

At age 74 I had an RARP. I was/am a life-long cyclist in all varieties, including road racing, triathlon (Ironman), MTB racing (Xterra triathlons). Before the surgery I researched return to cycling, and found suggestions ranging from 5 to 12 weeks.

I am also a retired surgeon on the female reproductive tract (including bladder and urethra work). I talked to my surgeon and his mentor at the Fred Hutch/UW in Seattle. Both advised 12 weeks. I followed their advice and returned to my usual cycling routine and racing without difficulty (except for the agony of the time off the bike.)

My own thought is this: do not follow the advice of anyone except the surgeon who actually performed your work, after he has done your surgery. Only that person knows precisely what was done to your plumbing and what the risks might be. Remember that the urethra is cut out and re-attached and the area where that is done is just inside your perineum, where you sit on a saddle (the lower down your position, i.e., the more aero you are, the more pressure there). IMO, it was worth an extra 5-6 weeks of down time to ensure I had the least potential for something going wrong which would upset my ability to pee properly and might require further rehab or even surgery. Be patient and let your body do its work healing, and you'll be rewarded with decades more two-wheeling fun.

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Replies to "At age 74 I had an RARP. I was/am a life-long cyclist in all varieties, including..."

@trusam1 12 weeks it is, or whatever my surgeon suggests. Thank you for this extremely insightful info. I am dreading the surgery and possible / probable side effects, like I've never dreaded anything before in my life. Part of me literally wants to not take any action, and to allow this to play out on its own.