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I'm 52 years old and diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2009 (it runs in my family). I had surgery (RRP) on 18 June. My catheter was removed on 2 July. I've had total incontinence since--constant dripping and it seems like no urine stays in the bladder. How common is this type of incontinence after surgery and will it get better? I'm just very frustrated and would like to hear from someone who has had the same situation. My doctor said that continence returns slowly over time and that 96% of people who have had surgery will their continence return eventually. I'm starting to do the Kelgel exercises and walking. Hope that helps. Thanks.
As many of the members will tell you, your situation is not unusual. Some men get their continence back right away and others it takes days or weeks. You're on the right track with the kegels and walking. The sphincter muscles are not used to having to hold back the urine so it can take a while to strenthen them. Don't get discouraged yet.
Greg:
You have your age going for you, and the catheter tube that was draining your bladder has caused everything to expand, and it needs to contract. I had a catheter in for 13 days and without doing any kegels I was fully continent at 3 weeks post-catheter. I had zero control for several days and then slowly I managed to have more urine in the toilet than in the pad. It takes time, and it can be very frustrating but things will improve.
Mike C
Just to echo all that has been said above. Be patient. Your age is on your side. I was 60 and it took me about 4 months. Control comes first whilst lying down and then when sitting and then walking.
Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. It makes me feel better and has improved my attitude. I was hoping to return to work today, but am taking another week off due to the incontinence. As I can't be off of work for many weeks, what's the best approach for when I do go back to work--lots of pads, clamps, etc. Thanks again.
I just spoke to a friend of mine who had his surgery done a month ago here in Canada by one of the top urologist surgeons. I had used the same surgeon a year and a half ago and had no incontinence at all and he had expected the same result - although he is 8 years older at 67 but in superb shape. Both our surgerys took less than 1 hour. He has had his catheter out for 5 days now ( our guy keeps them in for 3 weeks and a day ) and is very depressed as he has incontinence , especially in the morning. Needs 3 or 4 pads per day.
Thanks to this query I can tell him that he is not alone and needn't worry as things should right themselves in due course. It won't last forever. Guess I just got lucky in that area.
I had my Op in early March and am still not all the way there yet. I am currently on 1 pad a day and having therapy.
I was also worried and asked here about it and got the advice you need. "Do not worry it will get better" That is good advice . Some of us take longer than others as we get older but you will get there.
good luck
Mike C, can you explain better how you achieved continence? Right now I never need to sleep with a pad, I've got it fairly under control sitting down, but on my feet it is just very insidious, no matter how I tighten up my muscles from my knees up to my armpit, I'll still have a few drops that leak out like a leaky faucet. Thanks for saying that things will improve. It does give one a sense of hope!!
Thanks
ScotK: I've dealt with this issue more than most as I had Brachytherapy and an RRP. I found a few useful items at Allegro:
http://www.allegromedical.com/incontinence-c525.html.
Tried clamps, condom caths, etc and hated them (slipping off or just plain uncomfortable). Now I use Tena guards along with a super absorbent adult diaper when at work. Easy to replace the guards and the diaper catches any overflow. At home I use regular baby diapers - cheaper.
I only sweat it a bit when I'm at work, Fortunately, not an overly physical profession. I think those of us who experience this are hyper-aware of being in public with incontinence when most of Joe Public doesn't notice and could care less. At home I use regular baby diapers - cheaper.
Scheduled for a AUS in about 4 mos as soon as docs are confident the scarring has matured around my bladder neck.
