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Had robotic surgery in Jan 2011. Today marks the 5 month point. I'm 45 y/o and have been athletic my whole life. I'm worried that I'm still not continent. Using 1 - 2 pads a day depending on my activity level. Dr. recently started me on Imipramine (2 mo. ago - was at 4 - 5 pads then) which I think is making me drowsy, constipated, and sometimes dizzy when I exercise. Although I'm happy for guys that recover continence quickly, I'm concerned about my own progress. Also concerned about total ED issues at this point even though both nerve bundles were spared. I'm wondering if anyone was still incontinent and impotent at the 5 mo. mark but was still able to recover both functions without more surgical intervention. I just don't know if I'm trying to be patient about getting better or if I'll never be the same.
You say I'm wondering if anyone was still incontinent and impotent at the 5 mo. mark but was still able to recover both functions without more surgical intervention.
I think that you will find the answer to that may well be YES, because there are so many individual raections and recovery rates from surgery. Can I suggest three things:
1. Start going through the stories of the 500+ men who have shared their experiences on the Yana site - go to TREATMENT EXPERIENCES and click on the links. you could probably start by identifying the men who have listed side effects in the relevant column
2. Are you doing what are termed KEGEL EXERCISES for your incontinence? Some surgeons do not mention these, or even think they are a good idea. Most men who have done them find they are helpful with their urinary issues.
3. You might discuss this concept USE IT OR LOSE IT to get things going on the ED front.
Thanks for the response. I started doing kegels initially after my surgery but my Dr. didn't seem enthusiastic about them. I'll start trying them again. He started me on Imipramine and that seemed to help but caused constipation and drowsiness so I've cut the dosage in half. Now it seems like I've taken a step back. I'll check out your suggestions, appreciate the info.