Today is 6 weeks post Prostate removal surgery

I had 4 hr surgery at 12:15pm on 4/30/26 and at that time they took out prostate and repaired inguinal hernia which I knew about but never bother me. Wish they had left hernia alone.. Then at 2am May 1 another emergency 3hr surgery where they found bleeding artery. Catheter came out on May 12th.

I am 7 mo post RARP. Incontinence reduced to minor stress incontinence. ED still funky. Erections mostly fine, but no orgasm. Tinkering with the med combo (cialis, viagra, and lately something called cabergoline). In many ways, feel like a 12 year old waiting on the wetdream. Highly anticipated and we keep trying. Am able to get aroused and hard enough for penetration. Can feel the sensation building, but just can't get over the hump. Spouse has been very patient/supportive, so my fragile mental state is usually in a good place. Grateful for the otherwise great health, and try not to let the pecker dictate the attitude. But as we know, God blessed us with a penis and a brain, but only enough blood to operate one at a time.

@diverjer
How are you doing now? Has the swelling going down a lot?

Are you feeling better?

@folmajt

How long did it take to get down to minor stress incontinence? Seems like during the day the only time I pee is with stress like getting up out of chair. Then rush to toilet and maybe pee some. But weird thing is at night I will wake up and feel the normal, I need to pee and have a strong stream. Also, same if I am laying on couch watching TV, I get the feeling, got to go! Sitting, walking and moving around- nothing. Just a few dribbles. Also, am drinking a lot of water.

@jeffmarc
On the positive side the swelling has gone down, almost normal. I am not feeling all that great, just weak and tired, bit light headed. Incontinence the same, sometimes I think maybe a little less stress incontinence, but then I think nope, same. I knew the incontinence thing would more than likely happen, but the weak, tired and light headed is the worse. Am eating okay and even tried some nasty protein drinks. Still have lost almost 10 pounds. Have gotten out and done a mile walk almost every day, less that usual, but they said don't over do it. Actually, feel better after I finish a walk, just a little tired. Think 2 surgeries in less than 12 hours was too much? Even though I was in good shape for my age and very active. Taking it a day at a time. Thanks for asking. Jerry

@diverjer
I'm one of those guys who never remembers the bad stuff. I was fairly continent soon after catheter came out. Decent control. Still get up 2 or 3 nights to pee; and the flow is amazing. My stress incontinence is usually just a small squirt at significant physical exertion. I have resumed all activities, and certain body positions put pressure on the bladder, and I'll get the squirt. It is also worth noting that alcohol really relaxes the pelvic floor, and heavy consumption renders a seeping leak. I have switched from boxers to briefs, and they absorb the dribbles better; and I do sometimes wear a pad if going out on the town.

I am 2 weeks post op now, controlling most of my urine output, still leak if I am really full or if I cough or sneeze, or get up from a chair, bend over to pick light things up.
I am having some burning sensation near the end of my penis and a bit when urinating. I have some AZO left over from my biopsy, so I may try it. I still use ES Tylenol most days. I tried A&D ointment and lidocaine gel, but the low level irritation or pain doesn't ever go away.
Here's a PROMISE newsletter-they will have another update video or webinar in May. Over 5000 of us have been tested for genetic forms of cancer. I tested clear except for the cancer that I had.

@troxel this is my 6th week

Well my doctor prescribed me Ciprofloxacin for two weeks. I called them yesterday saying the 200mg of Azo was doing nothing for the burning. Even though my urine sample came back negative last week, i begged them to give me some antibiotics, for i started feeling very tender on my left side. Its a dull ache, and feels like a pulled or stretched muscle. It comes and goes, so thinking its my kidney. The doctor really dosent think i have a UTI, but just going through the healing process. Hell, the healing process feels worse than the actual surgery..lol... Its pretty sad when your hoping it is a UTI, just the meds can give you some relief. Just started them last night, so hopefully in a day or two ill start to feel better, but if not better in 2 weeks, i have to go back and see doctor.

@folmajt " God blessed us with a penis and a brain, but only enough blood to operate one at a time." Wow-made me laugh because it's so true.

I'm no expert, but I did a lot of research on penile therapy pre-surgery, seeing what various centers and experts recommend. I'm now four weeks post surgery and having some response and yes, I can get over the top for the last couple of weeks, which is crazy early.

On my own, I started daily pump therapy (pump up, deflate, repeat 5x) just to just get some blood flow to try and minimize atrophy of the fibrous tissues. That part definitely does not feel sexual. I follow up with some vibration therapy, which early studies indicate may have benefit for triggering those nerves. Big studies are underway now at several centers. So data is not in on this approach.

Just speaking from personal experience... If you have some nerve preservation or they have healed enough, I will confirm that the vibration does trigger a sexual sensation as long as you have some sort of visual stimuli going (critical). Vibration is a very different sensation and its definitely not enough to get me over the top. But, it does seem to prime things.

I was in a support group session last night where a sexual function nurse talked at length that worry and apprehension over performance will always win out over an erection. Meaning, apprehension and frustration can be a barrier. He didn't offer any advice on how to overcome that though.

I don't have deep pockets, so instead of the FDA approved Viberect unit at $400, I bought a cheaper knockoff unit from Aliexpress for $80. Always a risk because there is no warranty. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810154832615.html

Not saying to rush out and get one. I think it helps with the build-up process...but it isn't enough to seal the deal. Just saying it has been helpful for me because it does take longer now to cross the finish line.

Good luck and hang in there!