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incontinence following prostratectomy
Three and half months out from RARP (Jan 15, 2025) closer to three if going from date catheter removed (Jan 29, 2025) . I have seen some progress ( can sleep at night getting up once or twice and somewhat dry in the mornings, but that changes) . However stress incontinence persists, and I have periods of regression. I try to go for a walk (or two) every day. Doc advises to live my normal life and more or less deal with it. (if it does not get better in a year or so then consider other options). I am working with pelvic floor specialist pt.
I tried riding my exercise bike at one month out and then at three months out- after short workouts, incontinence is worse following both 'experiments' so i I have put that on hold.
I recently tried some gardening ( light digging,spreading mulch) incontinence gets worse and stays that way for a day or two or three. In addition to stress incontinence I experience leaking (leaking for a long time after urinating, leaking when laying down, leaking when I try to go to sleep. Doc tells me my sphincter is not closing. I am backing off any lifting and taking a day of rest however, this is very hard to sustain. Should I just not try much of anything.? I cannot work like I used to. I am not inclined to try a clamp ( I have heard on this list that they can fall off, sometimes they are painful, and I wonder if they really help)
I appreciate that everyone is different and it is hard to predict but waiting this out for possibly nine more months is hard if it turns out that way.
Anyone else have any tips for getting through this ordeal ( besides doing kegels)? especially anyone in their 70s
I am wondering about consulting with another urologist to see if there is anything that should be checked (blockage, obstruction)
Can anyone recommend someone that might specialize in incontinence following prostratectomy?
thanks much
incontinence sucks
I never had any incontinence whatsoever prior to this surgery so I do not believe it is age-related.
I have been warned not to try 'short cuts' such as the Emsella chair or stimulation devices as these have not proven effective and some have reported problems with these.
It may be that I have to wait it out and coming into month four might be early but these past 14-15-16 weeks have been very hard. especially when I hit setbacks. Any tips??
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It is more “how healthy is he” than how old is he. At 69 surgery is definitely an option, as long as you are in good shape.
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1 Reactionthanks congratulations
TENS unit, here's an article. https://treatic.com/tens-placement-for-ic-help-bladder-urgency-and-frequency/
I got the partial nerve sparing out of caution as the Gleason 8 was bulging on the right side of my prostate. Post op pathology showed negative margins. So far my PSA's have been non-detectable.
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1 ReactionOne thought that comes to mind is you have been very active which is great for your over all health. I know all of this is inconvenient and might come with embarrassment but my thought is don't let this disease take the rest of you. So important for us to stay physically active and if we don't all kinds of negative health issues can creep in at our age. I have bowl incontinence due to radiation side effects that Imodium can't overcome. I mountain bike in our state forest 3-5 times a week and carry TP in my Camel Back. I also have bladder urgency and carry a urinal in my vehicle if I can't make it to a bathroom. I know somewhat graphic but hell bent on living my fullest life rather than death by easy chair. I was a sports official and back on the field 4 months after RP. I was the only one that knew I was leaking into a pad. Of course I didn't like it, but loved my vocation more and the second chance to be a full participant in life. Life with PC is a gift. I encourage you keep living your fullest life even with a pad or incontinence underwear. Keep pushing the doc's for a solution. Best wishes.
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3 ReactionsThis is very very helpful chip
I love doing things.. As soon as I try things like gardening or exercising my mood immediately climbs, then five hours later I get slapped across the face.
I am optimistic, hopefully, RARP keeps the cancer at bay. The odds seem to be that I will get better with time and if not there are options. I had no idea this would be months and months though
I am really pushing anyone who might be able to help me to give me some tips, to make sure I am doing the right amount of exercise, kegels, bladder training and the like. I really want to do this right
thanks to everyone for replying and keep that mountain biking up.
I used to cycle a lot but on roads and flat trails, I can do big mileage but the ups and downs of mountain biking is over my head
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1 ReactionI am so glad your psa is non-detectable.. I appreciate the article and am going to ask my pt for her opinion about it.
She told me to stay away from trainers but this is something else
thanks
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1 ReactionThanks Edin for replying and giving me all details and thanks for offering to help in the future < 3.
I am wishing you complete resolution of incontinence in very near future. I know that 3 months feels like long time but most articles and papers state that when incontinence is present it takes on average about one year to see actual resolution of symptoms . You are already doing PT and I am sure that it will improve with time, just try not to carry really heavy stuff and doing really tasking manual jobs until you heal completely. Laparoscopic surgery weakens abdominal muscle and pelvic floor and some patients are prone to developing hernia after RP. Be gentle to yourself for just couple of more months :), do light activities - mulching and digging are not ;), I know since I garden.
I'm 69 and had a RARP a month ago. I started off using three pads during the day and one at night. I now use one during the day (which ends up being almost dry at the end of the day) and one at night (which usually is dry in the morning). I started doing kegels about two months before surgery and am physically fit.