Do you have urinary incontinence after prostatectomy & radiation?

Hello @hmctgraybill51. Members @seamayofan @jonbuuck @scullrower have shared their experience with an artificial urinary sphincter and members and I am hoping they can come in and share more with you.

As well, and in case you missed some of the responses to your previous post on this topic last month, here is the link to review previous responses: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/686885/

As you make a decision between one or the other, I wonder if you've considered making a pros/cons list for each option so that you may more easily decide what option will personally fit your circumstances and what risks you are willing to take on?

In working with the Mayo team, the AMS 800 AUS was recommended for me. It really is the gold standard and has returned my life back to a more normal state regarding my continence. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Hello, I recently viewed a video as part of PCRI’s semi-annual conference. Check out this presentation on incontinence:

Delayed incontinence after RP and SRT
I was 7 4/3 in 2017 Rp in 2018. Good result almost no incontinence. BCR IN 2021. Did 36 srt. No incontinence. Now one ur after srt, have had 4 episodes of bed wetting in 3 weeks. Is this a delayed se of srt? Anyone have similar experience? Any thoughts much appreciated.

@itterac, that must be a disappointment to now, one year after all treatments, to be experiencing incontinence. I wonder if fellow members like @horace1818 @scullrower @jackpine @veterancr @jerryegge might have some experience or thoughts about this.

Itterac, did anything else change that may be an underlying cause like "stress incontinence", infection or something else?

I had a prostatectomy in 2001. I was 55 at the time. I’ve had three recurrences since then with two series of radiation and primary and secondary ADT as well. Surgery was the “gold standard” at my original diagnoses. Today’s radiation techniques are much better with usually less severe side effects. I would think long and hard before having surgery as initial first treatment. It is brutal. Having said that, I’m alive with a PSA of <0.008. I use pads and have an artificial urinary sphincter. I have to use the bathroom maybe 15 times a day, 3 or 4 of those at night. But I play golf, row, and bike regularly, assist in caring for our 11 year old granddaughter and generally enjoy life. I’m 76 now. Most folks this age have something to deal with health-wise. Many much worse than mine. Best of luck and best wishes to all of you who are on this road with me.

Sorry to hear of your ongoing incontinent problem. I have lots of empathy for you. Following my surgery, I had no control for 6 weeks. Fortunately, I did turn the corner and am 98% continent now after 9 months. I did the Kegel routine and lots of pelvic exercises. I haven’t had radiation or hormone therapy. (However, it’s been discussed as I have one lymph node with a Gleason 7. I’m doing active surveillance.)
Another option for you is to check with a bladder center. Here is one you could look into: https://bladdercenter.com/
They can run a simple test to see if it will work for you. In a week, you’ll know if you’re a candidate for the device, which they will want to insert into you.
Good luck, Jerry

I hope you get results 🙏

I had a artificial urinary sphincter 7 months ago. Has changed my life for the +. For 2 years went through about 6 diapers a day + Reinforcement pad at night. Leaking all the time . Got me very down. After surgery for AUS I only use 1 or 2pads a day . Dry all night but still will get up 1-2 times. Find a Dr that does this on a regular basis. This is very important.
Good luck.

I just completed 45 ,nine weeks of radiation treatments. Now dealing with total incontinent issues. I progressively loss controls over the last few weeks of treatment. Any real hope of regaining some controls as recovery progresses. Do any of the exercises I am reading about help? Any suggestions would be appreciated.