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A regular racing bike seat puts all the pressure right on the surgical site of your prostatectomy. You don't want to damage that area after surgery or you could end up having to use a catheter off and on for the rest of your life. The catheter was the worst part of the operation experience for me.
Try a short triathalon; its a lot of fun and spreads the stress out to to other body parts. I would think you will end up with some stress related injury eventually putting that amount of mileage on your bike every year.
I'm not as dedicated as you but I used to manage a fair number of miles each year (low quadruple digits, anyway). My doc allowed me back on the bike at 6 weeks post prostatectomy (standard RRP at age 40). All my bikes are set up with Flite Titanium saddles. For quite a while, even 15-20 minutes on my stationary (an old road bike on a Blackburn trainer) caused a fair bit of discomfort. And, for months afterwards, I found my anatomy didn't sit right and would rub painfully against the padding in the shorts. That went away once the ED issues went away though. And, last summer, a bit more than 2 years post surgery, everything felt fine. I get out of the saddle a bit more than I used to, but part of that might be that I'm packing about 20 lbs more than I did in my hardcore riding days.
I know that saddles are really personal things, and I plan to investigate that area (no pun intended) very closely. I am talking to folks on a 50+ bike forum about that very issue and am getting some useful feedback and recommendations.
I also hear what Frank said about avoiding catheter problems. I truly want to avoid that sort of "collateral" damage.
I ride about 1000 miles a year. I had the robotic surgery last April 17. I began riding after my 8 week check-up, short distances at first. I completed a sixty miler in early August and 2-3 more rides of that distance and a lot of shorter rides before winter hit. I was careful to get off more often and stand frequently, but never experienced any particular pain or problems. I rode a stationary bike for an hour earlier today. So listen to your doctor and get back out there. You can read my whole pre and post surgery story on this site if you want.
Thanks for your post, Steve. I did read your story and found it very useful. Did you ever ride the KATY trail? While my Daughter and son-in-law were at Mizzou I got to spend some quality time on that piece of real estate.
I have ridden the entire KATY trail. My favorite part is around Rocheport with the towering cliffs on one side and the Missouri River on the other side. We watched eagles soaring out over the river there a couple of years ago on a crisp fall day. The trees were beauitiful.
I've ridden that section many times and especially like going through the tunnel....also a glass of wine and lunch at Les Bourgeois winery is worth the climb to the top.
I peddle about 6 grand a year myself. I had a RP (robotic) almost four years ago and i withheld from any vigorous excercise for one month as advised. I built a stone wall at 30 days, and am sure that i resumed peddllng soon there after. I have had no longterm restrictions or limitations with bicycling(i begin racing masters 50+ this year!). In retrospect I would have lingered a bit longer in the down time -- not trying to get back too quick. This diagnosis is a wake-up call and deserves considerable "quiet" (i.e. slow) attention. I am afraid that I might have too quickly exited a very important stage of reflection and self-care by resuming too much too quick. That would be my advise to you. Maybe simple breast-stroking down the length of the pool.
Maybe simple breast-stroking down the length of the pool.
My best. No fear.
Vince
To quote Charlie Brown, "AAAGGGWWWW."
Actually, that is probably very good advice. I must tell you that I REALLY miss time off the bike. After about 3 days, my wife starts avoiding me. I am only a recreational rider, but I like to think I am a very committed recreational rider......I will have a serious talk with my surgeon about this....and maybe even take his advice :-)
