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Re: Facts (Numbers) about post robotic prostatectomy Re continence & potency
I have not read all of these postings, but the ones I've scanned appear to reflect a similar experience. I long ago told the docs I think their stats re: sexual potency post nerve sparing procedure were inflated, and not very realistic. I see since then, that studies reflect my suspicions. I believe no one goes through this, or any other modality of treatment for PCa and comes out the other side the same. I guess for me, I suspected this going in, and held the penile prosthesis as my ace in the hole for future and thankful at least that is there in my life, in contrast with just 20 years ago. I am scheduled for Jun 10, and more than ready. I've been a faithful user of VED for rehab purposes. and feel it has been effective in maintaining size (flaccid stretch), but at this point, after 2 1/2 years slightly shorter, but hard would be 100% improvement, especially considering the hastle getting hard is now.
Re: Facts (Numbers) about post robotic prostatectomy Re continence & potency
Gary mentions that he is scheduled for an implant and by chance this subject has recently come up on another discussion list. Anyone interested in this – and other issues concerning erectile dysfunction might find it useful to join It might be useful for you to join the Prostate Cancer and Intimacy List where, I am told there are some well informed people on the subject.
Another potentially useful site is the one set up by the late (and great) Robert Young who passed on some years ago now. His widow has kept his site going at there are some good links to intimacy issues at Sexuality and Intimacy Some of the links on the pages may not work, but there are probably enough to provide good information..
Re: Facts (Numbers) about post robotic prostatectomy Re continence & potency
Hi Jim,
I understand your concerns. I am 13 months post robo surgery. With regard to continence, immediately when my catheter was removed I didn't wet myself so the prognosis was that I was continent. After 8 weeks I did not wear a pad; I used pads longer than necessary but I felt safer with one. I only used thin pads to begin with and they were not really a hassle. I returned to a desk job about 7 days after the surgery. I did my Kegels and practiced stopping/starting. I consider myself fully continent. Changes that occurred are, now when I have a full bladder I have a greater sense of urgency (can't hold it as long as I used to) and if I sneeze or pass gas I may sprinkle a few drops if I have a full bladder. I read that on average men don't have the same incontinence problems as most women because women only have one set of muscles to control their bladder. After you have your prostate removed you have one less control mechanism.
Pre-Op I had no ED issues at 48 years old. Post-op I have had ED issues. I did not realize how long it would take to recover (recovery is ongoing.) My post-op urologist measures ED in 3 basic stages, nothing (or using a pump and constriction ring), stuffer, and a sticker. I went through all stages. My doc suggested Viagra everyday for at least one week a month plus as needed. Viagra, and regular use of a pump helped. If you don't use it you will lose it. For the first month or so, I could not get an erection at all. Around 2 to 3 months I had more feeling but couldn't get a stuffer. After 3 months I started using a pump and this made a difference. I used a pump regularly for months, not just for sex but to trick my penis into thinking it was erect. It worked. I am still on the Viagra regimen and it helps. After 13 months, without meds, I can usually get a stuffer and occassionally a sticker; on the meds its a sticker everytime. I continue to see improvement in this area. It is nice to wake up and feel like the man I used to be. I highly recommend getting on a Viagra regimen if you can tolerate it. Start sooner rather than later. Also drugs from Canada are much cheaper.
My post op urologist, who does not do robotic surgery and is old school open surgery, told me that he often sees post op robotic surgery patients with ED. He says that the nerves don't like being cauterized and the trauma to them takes a lot longer to heal (if it ever does) compared to knife surgery. My robo surgery doc never told me this. I believe it also depends on what the doc finds when he does the surgery. I always think of the disclaimer, "Your mileage may vary."
All in all I think I made the right choice having the robotic surgery. It is scary no matter what you do. Dr. Vip Patel, in Orlando (Celebration City) Florida did my surgery. The facility was very good there. I traveled their for the surgery and would have liked to have a doc closer to me (St. Louis). But he is supposed to be one of the best.
Good luck and I wish you the best. You may write to me directly at visitor_59@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Will
