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Another incontinence questions, looking for similar experiences
My RP was about 3 months ago. I still have 0 control of urine when I'm standing/walking/moving, generally small amounts spurt out every minute or two (clearly it's not staying in the bladder). When I'm sitting, it generally doesn't leak out, and if I contract the pelvic floor on my way to the toilet, can usually empty fairly normally. At night it's kind of 1/2 and 1/2. When I wake (frequently) I'll get to the toilet and empty what's there, although if I sleep more soundly then it drains into the pad. Two months post op I had a pelvic scan as well as a cystoscopy, nothing abnormal has been revealed. During the cystoscopy the doctor had me tighten the external sphincter, which I did just fine. The PT guy also says that everything seems normal. I've been pulling up on the kegels since the catheter was removed post op. I've been doing various physical exercises for pelvic floor muscles, etc. So far nothing has made any difference to the issue. All the medical professionals are basically saying: "Hopefully it will improve." Any of you guys have a similar experience? Has anyone used one of those biofeedback gizmos with any success? I'm 67, fit, active, fairly slim.
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@jrs619
Hi, it varies tremendously, if I've been sitting a lot and getting to the toilet to evacuate properly, then fewer. If I'm working with clients (as a massage therapist) and standing/moving all day, then many. I don't want to smell, so change frequently. If I'm drinking a lot of water, then clearly more than on the days when I'm dehydrated. That's such a subjective benchmark, number of pads. I suppose that if they were all weighed, then that would make sense.
I'm also 67, and had RARP 15 months ago. I went through the same things you describe at the three month point, and am still experiencing leaks when I am active. Days when I sit at my desk most of the day, I don't leak much anymore, but active days I am needing to change a pad at least once and maybe twice. I do kegels three times a day. I can tell that I am VERY slowly getting better and have hope that I will someday be able to only wear a pad or padded brief without worry of having to change it during the day. So, I am about 12 months further than you post surgery, and still working on it, but still seeing progress. Good luck to you.
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1 ReactionI had RP in November 2024 and incontinence was a significant issue. I had physical therapy (over the phone but with exercises sent to me) and an Rx for Tolterodine and it made a big difference. Incontinence came back when I did radiation a year later, so it's back to kegels.
You are not alone. I had RP in early September 2025 and ended up with incontinence requiring 1 night pad and 2–3 day pads. I’ve been working with my second PT, who is very competent, on various pelvic floor exercises.
She used biofeedback to confirm I was tightening the right muscles and taught me not to do Kegels in isolation (for example, just lying down), but to coordinate them with day-to-day activities like sit-to-stand movements, walking, and going up or down stairs. She also taught me pelvic floor relaxation exercises so I don’t fatigue the muscles. My very experienced PT has taught me many techniques to better manage my incontinence—for example, quick contractions before getting up or sneezing, and longer holds for urge suppression.
However, despite being very diligent with exercises for about eight months, I have seen ZERO improvement in my incontinence. I’m getting frustrated and am seriously thinking about the possibility of getting an AUS, which both my surgeon and a specialist asked me to consider after realizing I had shown ZERO improvement at the 6-month mark.
So I’m at a difficult crossroads, like some of you who have had similar experiences.
@vcsurvivor59 I had prostrate removed 20 years ago and had leakage every day while on my feet. I went thru all exercises and all therpy and continued until I was using 6 to 8 overnight pads every day and also had wet pants many days. One year ago my uralogist at Mayo Clinic suggested PROACT procedure where two ballons are installed and inflated until leakage stops. Well after 20 years I am down to one thin pad every 24 hours what a wonderful procedure. It really works.