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Supplies recommendations post prostatectomy

Posted by xirtam22 @xirtam22, May 28, 2024

I was recently diagnosed with mid grade prostate cancer (Gleason 4+3). I was given option of either Proton Beam+Hormone treatment or nerve sparing prostatectomy. I’m leaning toward the later since I can use radiation in the future if I have recurrence.

I suspect there are previous discussions regarding product recommendations for incontinence post surgery? I will search again, but would appreciate any current recommendations. I’m an active 63 year old that enjoys hiking, biking, golfing and skiing. I realize biking will be on hold as I progress through recovery.

Thanks for your input!

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surftohealth88 | @surftohealth88 | Mar 13, 2025
In reply to @jayhall "I was reading the comments and since I'm heading to surgery soon I never thought to..." + (show)
Profile picture for jayhall @jayhall

I was reading the comments and since I'm heading to surgery soon I never thought to get some additional underwear for the post surgery. I had some throw away underwear for the biopsies. I will add this to my list of supplies to get. I know I will need depends/pads and looser clothing like sweatpants etc. I also have liquids like gatoraide fizzy drinks and soups etc. for after the surgery.

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I am doing a lot of reading about surgery since my husband will probably have it soon and I found information on one medical site that fizzy beverages are not good choice since guts do not work properly for day or two. Intestines get shocked and have almost no peristalsis so gas can accumulate and make big bubbles that can cause much colic and pain. Avoid also any kind of food that can cause gas, like beans, cabbage, cheese etc. Once you pass gas ( in day or two) it will be indication that your guts are working and that you can have fizzy drinks etc.

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Cannondale | @tactive | 3 hours ago
In reply to @heavyphil "All the suggestions made here are great. One thing I would add - a washable sheet..." + (show)
Profile picture for heavyphil @heavyphil

All the suggestions made here are great. One thing I would add - a washable sheet protector (it’s about 3’X3’ and completely washable). You can get it at CVS or any major pharmacy.
After graduating from diapers and then to pads, after a few months I was completely continent and happy….and then it happened - the out of nowhere wake up at 2 in the morning soaking wet in urine scene. I wanted to scream.
Had to wake up my wife, strip the bed, throw out the $400 Tempurpedic mattress topper, etc. Thank God we had a waterproof mattress cover or else the $5K latex mattress would have been pitched too! It was a real emotional setback for me.
I got the protector pad the next day and it has since saved my butt a few more times. I finally figured out that if I ate a very gassy meal - beans usually (which I love) my sphincters must get confused and allow the floodgates to open, letting out both gas - and urine. And I did my Kegels religiously!
Sorry, lots of TMI on this site but that’s what we’re here for.
Anyway, just my 2 cents since I sleep completely unafraid now even though it hardly ever happens. Best to you!

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@heavyphil glad to hear that things are much better now. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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retireditguy | @retireditguy | 2 hours ago
In reply to @heavyphil "All the suggestions made here are great. One thing I would add - a washable sheet..." + (show)
Profile picture for heavyphil @heavyphil

All the suggestions made here are great. One thing I would add - a washable sheet protector (it’s about 3’X3’ and completely washable). You can get it at CVS or any major pharmacy.
After graduating from diapers and then to pads, after a few months I was completely continent and happy….and then it happened - the out of nowhere wake up at 2 in the morning soaking wet in urine scene. I wanted to scream.
Had to wake up my wife, strip the bed, throw out the $400 Tempurpedic mattress topper, etc. Thank God we had a waterproof mattress cover or else the $5K latex mattress would have been pitched too! It was a real emotional setback for me.
I got the protector pad the next day and it has since saved my butt a few more times. I finally figured out that if I ate a very gassy meal - beans usually (which I love) my sphincters must get confused and allow the floodgates to open, letting out both gas - and urine. And I did my Kegels religiously!
Sorry, lots of TMI on this site but that’s what we’re here for.
Anyway, just my 2 cents since I sleep completely unafraid now even though it hardly ever happens. Best to you!

Jump to this post

@heavyphil -- Interesting comment. Although I consider myself fully continent, I've noticed when sitting on the toilet during bowel movements that if simply pass gas I also have an involuntary urine release. For whatever reason, I simply don't seem to have a lot gas in my old age so it isn't something I've had to worry about. But if I feel the urge to pass gas, I'll hold it until I can get to a toilet. I never mentioned it as I thought it was just me 🙂 It's actually a bit of a relief knowing it's not just me. I certainly don't know but I suspect that since passing gas happens infrequently our subconcious minds just haven't figured out how to handle the new normal when it comes to passing gas without releasing urine. For sleeping I think I might go back to the 3' X 3' waterproof pad based on your comment. Best wishes.

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