Hi @roberdc ,

It's quite the jarring piece of information isn't it. We've all been through that and you'll get past it. I've had the surgery and was back to work within 3-4 months. My profession requires medical approval from the federal Govt and we all know what a daunting bureaucracy that can be.

In the majority of cases the cath comes out in 10 -14 ish days, then you have to be very careful for a month or so regarding minor incontinence and then off to work you go (at least that's when my doc released me, the Feds had another idea...). If I recall correctly I was back to work after the second PSA test, 3-4 mos, it only took that long because the feds require your PSA to be below a certain level.

I'm jealous of your discipline being a marathoner, I could never manage it. I do run very regularly though. It took me about 3 mos + before I could manage running without minor leakage though. Don't be discouraged if that takes a little longer. It did come back !

Kegels, Kegels, Kegels..if you do decide on the surgery, you'll need to become familiar with this exercise, both before and after surgery. My doc didn't even mention it, some docs send patients to a special PT for it and all manor of recs in between. I'd ask the doc for the most aggressive exercise training he's comfortable with regarding this. Your a marathoner, this is a cake exercise for you!

Best of Luck to you for the best outcome possible!