As with many other things, like prayer, taking vitamins, emergentC for colds, and a beer (or an apple) a day, it is very difficult to tell whether it is the kegels that make a difference. There are even a few voices saying that too many can make it worse (by introducing chronic tension in the pelvic floor muscles, such that they can't respond flexibly?) The bottom line is that results vary. I had great results with continence, with only minimal leakage for the first weeks--I still have a large box of diapers to show for it. (Please don't curse me!) ED--now that's been my bain. Oh well. And yes, I saw the PT before surgery, as well as after.
The other related side effect I've had is chronic pain in the pelvic floor. Less noticeable now, as I approach two years, but very frustrating for many months. Did that mean I had/have too much tension in the pelvic floor muscles? I wonder, but again, like prayer, I don't know. I do try to keep doing what I know to be good and not losing heart, and yes, that includes prayer--but not a beer and a cigar every day in my case.