Pad (for leaking) recommendation after prostate surgery

Posted by kjacko @kjacko, Oct 25, 2023

I’ll be having prostate surgery in less than two weeks. While I’m hoping leaking will be avoided or minimal, I want to be prepared. Does anybody who has used a pad have a recommendation for one I should purchase? Type/brand, etc. Thanks

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@joecontheroad

I'd like to ask a question out of total ignorance. I suffer what seems to me to be serious nocturia: 4 or 5 wake-ups for urination last night, for example. While home, it's just(!) a royal pain. But as as I'm going traveling - often on local long-distance, toiletless buses and trains, I worry about urgency. Would I be better served by diapers (Depends?) or pads, and for likely what amounts of uncontrolled urine discharge?

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During my initial recovery, I suffered nocturia as well. Now I average 2 a night. As for the local long trips, I try not to drink coffee or caffeine and also limit my liquid intake prior to the trip. Limiting evening liquid intake also help with the nocturia. Otherwise, I suffer holding it in and I'm forced to find a Home Depot, etc. I've driven on 6 hour trips and I make planned stops at least every 1-1/2 hours to empty my bladder. As far as pads or depends, you have to base it on the level of your UI. I stayed on depends until I had a level of control and small volume, so when I accidentally pee'd it would not get the underwear wet. For light trickles or drops then I moved to pads. You can also experiment at home to see if a pad is sufficient to hold your volume and you can also gain confidence in using pads. Good thing with pads is they our way easier to change than the depends. Good luck and I hope I was able to answer your questions.

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@joecontheroad

I'd like to ask a question out of total ignorance. I suffer what seems to me to be serious nocturia: 4 or 5 wake-ups for urination last night, for example. While home, it's just(!) a royal pain. But as as I'm going traveling - often on local long-distance, toiletless buses and trains, I worry about urgency. Would I be better served by diapers (Depends?) or pads, and for likely what amounts of uncontrolled urine discharge?

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Sorry, I sent a reply earlier. It does not appear that you received it. The use of depends pull ups, pads or shield will be base on your level of UI. It varies for everyone. Initially control is a problem and when you go it is a lot, so depends pull ups is more suitable. As your control improves and the amount of leakage is less then the pads are more optimal as they are easier to change. I based my move to pads on whether the pad will absorb leakage and not have you walking with wet underwear especially if you are away from your house. You will have to experiment with a pad at home and see if it will work. If it does, then carry extra pads when you go out. I'm down to a pad a day and still go at night about 2-3 times. Cutting down on caffeine and liquids before long drives helps as well as mapping out rest areas, etc for long trips. Cutting down on liquids at night also helps decrease the number of times you have to go. Good luck and I'm understanding that this process can't be rushed. Kegels continue to help too.

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@hbnapu

Sorry, I sent a reply earlier. It does not appear that you received it. The use of depends pull ups, pads or shield will be base on your level of UI. It varies for everyone. Initially control is a problem and when you go it is a lot, so depends pull ups is more suitable. As your control improves and the amount of leakage is less then the pads are more optimal as they are easier to change. I based my move to pads on whether the pad will absorb leakage and not have you walking with wet underwear especially if you are away from your house. You will have to experiment with a pad at home and see if it will work. If it does, then carry extra pads when you go out. I'm down to a pad a day and still go at night about 2-3 times. Cutting down on caffeine and liquids before long drives helps as well as mapping out rest areas, etc for long trips. Cutting down on liquids at night also helps decrease the number of times you have to go. Good luck and I'm understanding that this process can't be rushed. Kegels continue to help too.

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I did not receive it. Thanks for the response. 🤞

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Good luck on your surgery!! I think your outcome for UI is a big unknown until they take out the catheter. So don't overdo the buying of products till you know what you'll need.
My experience was total incontinence for 1 1/2 years. So I used a brief as underwear plus a pad that I could change frequently during the day. And it was a bit strange that I was pretty much continent during the night though I had to get up a couple times to pee.
Attached is a pic of the products I used. The Prevail (30 count pack) I could only find easily on-line (Amazon was best price). They are nice because they use an elastic belt that you can unbutton when in a public restroom if you need to change it (I very seldom needed too but it was still good to have) plus they aren't as bulky on the sides as other briefs. But look at all the brands you so you can find your best option.
The pads I changed multiple times a day. All the major brands have something. The best for me was Depends Guards for Men. But out local store brand (Meijer) was as good as or better for me plus much lower priced (both 52 count per pack).
I found that to be sure I was getting the right product (or the same thing when I was buying more) was to note the 'count' of the quantity in the pack. I think this holds true for women's similar products.
Again, try what looks good to you; try other types/brands to find what you like; and don't stock up till you know your needs.
And keep up the Kegels and maintain good hydration without excess.
Again, we'll all pray for your successful surgery and quick recovery. And to get dry as possible as soon as possible.
bob

PS my UI was finally controlled with an Artificial Male Sphincter (AMS 800). Clever device that has made life much better 🙂

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@grandpun

Good luck on your surgery!! I think your outcome for UI is a big unknown until they take out the catheter. So don't overdo the buying of products till you know what you'll need.
My experience was total incontinence for 1 1/2 years. So I used a brief as underwear plus a pad that I could change frequently during the day. And it was a bit strange that I was pretty much continent during the night though I had to get up a couple times to pee.
Attached is a pic of the products I used. The Prevail (30 count pack) I could only find easily on-line (Amazon was best price). They are nice because they use an elastic belt that you can unbutton when in a public restroom if you need to change it (I very seldom needed too but it was still good to have) plus they aren't as bulky on the sides as other briefs. But look at all the brands you so you can find your best option.
The pads I changed multiple times a day. All the major brands have something. The best for me was Depends Guards for Men. But out local store brand (Meijer) was as good as or better for me plus much lower priced (both 52 count per pack).
I found that to be sure I was getting the right product (or the same thing when I was buying more) was to note the 'count' of the quantity in the pack. I think this holds true for women's similar products.
Again, try what looks good to you; try other types/brands to find what you like; and don't stock up till you know your needs.
And keep up the Kegels and maintain good hydration without excess.
Again, we'll all pray for your successful surgery and quick recovery. And to get dry as possible as soon as possible.
bob

PS my UI was finally controlled with an Artificial Male Sphincter (AMS 800). Clever device that has made life much better 🙂

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Thanks for the advice. Glad you’re doing better. One dumb question. Do you wear undies while you have the catheter? Second, should I wait and purchase them while wearing the catheter? My surgery is next week and I was going to get them now. Your advice makes me think I should wait. Thanks.

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@kjacko

Thanks for the advice. Glad you’re doing better. One dumb question. Do you wear undies while you have the catheter? Second, should I wait and purchase them while wearing the catheter? My surgery is next week and I was going to get them now. Your advice makes me think I should wait. Thanks.

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Undies with a catheter is your choice. As I recall I did. But comfort with that hose is the decider.
Buying supplies now is up to you. I'd only suggest you get like one pack of each of whatever you'd like to try. That way you can change your mind without a bunch of product you may not like.
It could take a little time to find out what you like and how your body reacts to all the surgery, etc. Take it easy and proceed with what works for you.
All the best.
bob

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@grandpun

Undies with a catheter is your choice. As I recall I did. But comfort with that hose is the decider.
Buying supplies now is up to you. I'd only suggest you get like one pack of each of whatever you'd like to try. That way you can change your mind without a bunch of product you may not like.
It could take a little time to find out what you like and how your body reacts to all the surgery, etc. Take it easy and proceed with what works for you.
All the best.
bob

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Thanks Bob. Same to you.👍

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@kjacko

Thanks for the advice. Glad you’re doing better. One dumb question. Do you wear undies while you have the catheter? Second, should I wait and purchase them while wearing the catheter? My surgery is next week and I was going to get them now. Your advice makes me think I should wait. Thanks.

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I had surgery June 12th this year and I learned fast no underwear with catheter in. Just short sweatpants, they were soft and much more comfortable to me. Use plenty for antibacterial salve to keep tube sliding in and out without discomfort. This is for when you move around and as your penis changes in size through the day or night.

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@jasonfarmer

I had surgery June 12th this year and I learned fast no underwear with catheter in. Just short sweatpants, they were soft and much more comfortable to me. Use plenty for antibacterial salve to keep tube sliding in and out without discomfort. This is for when you move around and as your penis changes in size through the day or night.

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Thanks. I’ll remember that

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Fight not to use the pads, get your mind to say no. I wore the pull up home after the RP and then threw them away. I ran to the bathroom every 5-10 minutes the 1st week. Do not become dependent on the pads unless you have no choice. I also work out 3-4 times per week, walk 2 miles, stationery bike 5 minutes, row machine 5 minutes, weight training varies approx. 30 minutes and finish with 4 rounds of 30 sit-ups, 15 push ups. You can beat this, just need to fight. Also watch what you eat, get weight down.

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