What incontinence products do you all advise?

I'd suggest laying in a small supply of Depends and maxi pads, then see how you do after surgery. A few lucky folks have little incontinence whereas others (most?) aren't so lucky. Keep in mind that after your catheter is removed, you'll be so damned happy not to have it you almost won't care how much incontinence you have (that's how I felt). Later, as life starts to return to "normal", incontinence probably will start to bother you. During my initial 18 months post-op, I just found it easier to wear Depends because I'm fairly active and didn't want to think about it. More recently, I try to wear mostly maxi pads in my tighty-whiteys for comfort (the Depends are hot, temperature wise 🥴). I purchase my products at the grocery store mostly but I believe you can find them a bit cheaper at BJ's or Walmart. Be sure to take someone with you when you shop, so that other shoppers will think the adult diapers are for the other person. 🤣

As far as clothing during recovery: any loose fitting garment while the catheter is in (I just wore boxers), then comfortable clothes once you're catheter free. I'm retired, so have less of a clothing issue (I just wear whatever I like), and generally try to avoid tight jeans, but that's just my preference rather than any limitation because of the prostatectomy or incontinence.

I wish you the very best of luck with your surgery and recovery. Just before and after my surgery, I watched this series of YouTube videos about the recovery process, and found them very helpful for planning my own recovery. Maybe you will too.

When sleeping at night, I use Depends briefs. I had my catheter out after one week (uncomfortable much or most of the time) and I am so glad to have it out. I am 7 months out from RP surgery, and I still wear briefs at night even though I often have no leakage. I tried wearing pads at night, but if there is any leakage, my lying down means I wet my sheets or my underwear, not a desirable option.

During the day I wear pads - Depends, Tena, or Meijier Supermarket brand pads (they work well). All are pretty much the same. I dislike Tena brand briefs though - they look kind of frilly and are not durable, easy to tear. I am 6 feet, 194 pounds and they fit a little too snuggly as well. I do Kegel exercises regularly and they really really really help, so the pads are a godsend during the day when I am going up and down the stairs at work.

@abinoone ,
"Be sure to take someone with you when you shop, so that other shoppers will think the adult diapers are for the other person."
LMAO

My husband had no leaks from catheter or around it but we had protective bed pad (just in case) for the first couple of weeks. No protection on other surfaces since there was zero leaking during catheter phase. For the first 10 days he wore Depend's briefs. After catheter was removed he used Depend's briefs for sleeping and Tena pads for day time. Over time his incontinence was improving steadily so about 2 mos post op he started using pads for nighttime and thinner pads for daytime. Now that he is 4 and a half mos. post op. his incontinence resolved and he is free from thin shields also. All products work fine, but Tena was the most comfortable and somehow just right size and shape. We ordered it on Amazon site because it was convenient and they have all sizes and different absorbency in stock all the time.

I had prostate surgery in early September and did develop incontinence after the cathether was removed. I have been doing pelvic floor exercises under the direction of a PT, but the problem persists. Product-wise, I use Because overnight pads when I am asleep, and Depend Adult diapers during the day: both disposable. For an odor-less and sanitary way of temporarily storing and then disposing of used diapers , I use the Dekor diaper storage pail which has reflliable bags. I also use baby wipes and alocohol wipes when I change pads when not showered. That is basically it for me product-wise.

I went through what you’re going through; I even had a sling put in to support the bladder, but it made my incontinence worse. Finally I got to the penile clamps and found the dribble stop clamps the best for me. After experimenting I found the right settings. During the day I use the clamp plus a male oncontinence pad inside my regular underwear. At night I remove the clamp and let the tissues relax. Been doing this for 5 years. The clamps require changing out every 6 months or so but otherwise are very rugged. They’re foam and plastic so no issues setting off alarms at airports, etc.

Good luck on your journey with this.

@sahallock1947

I too started using the clamp for an hour or two when I am exercising or doing Yoga. This was not prescribed by my doctor or Physical Therapist, but I do not believe it will slow down the healing process of of my pelvic floor. But I will discuss this with my surgeon next time I visit with him and find out what he thinks.

@soli
When I started having incontinence problems, my medical provider mailed me a clamp. It worked all right, but I’d read that the Wiesner Clamp works better and is more comfortable. I bought one from Amazon and I wear it when I go to the gym or I go to any activities that I’m going to be at for more than two hours and I don’t want to worry about my pad getting all wet.

I put the clamp on very tight, but don’t feel it at all for at least two or three hours. I usually take it off after two hours or move it to a different spot.

They also set me up for a visit to a PT that specializes in incontinence. There’s no conflict between the two options. Until you are continent, the clamp can help.

@soli After my prostatectomy , I didn’t start out using the clamp. I tried pelvic floor exercises, some supplements, and then the bladder sling before I got to clamps. My urologist has suggested the AUS since I may have to live with having PC for a long time. It’s been 10 years already.

@jeffmarc

Thank you Jeff. Your input based on your experience was extremely useful and reassuring. I am now using the Lunderg clamp which I got from Amazon. I will get the Weisner clamp and check it out since it could be more comfortable than the one I am using.

Happy Holidays!