Prostate Cancer Survivors

 

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Re: Side effects after surgery

I don't know about 3cm being removed. From what I have read and understand, it depends upon the size of the prostate when removed. I got my doctor to admit he took out much more of my urethra than that due to the large size of my prostate. I experienced approximately 2.5 inches reduction in penis length not long after catheter removal. It is hard to know exactly what I lost because I experienced "buried penis" with a sensation that it was trying to pull in further and there was no more to give. I had accepted the possibility of loss of sex after surgery, but not such loss of flaccid length! When sitting down or bending over it was almost unbearable. My doctor recommended a penis pump or penis expander. The pump wouldn't pull it out. I used an expander and pulled it out to strap in. It caused pain to get it pulled out that long, and pain afterward in my gut. Did that actively for 2-4 hours daily for more than 10 months. After that a pump started to work. It now extends out better than 1" flaccid, but still "buries" when I sit. I have had several surgeries, including fusing disks in my neck. My neck surgery was a piece of cake compared to this. Don't get me wrong, I am glad to be cancer free at 14 months, but the side effects can extremely hard to live with. I have done a lot of research on many sites and you can always find someone worse off, but I am near the worst. There doesn't seem to be any good way to fix it. This information is glossed over by almost every site, but needs to be included in the possibilities for anyone looking at this surgery!

Re: Side effects after surgery

Paul, I hope your shortening is short lived. Mine was. You may be continent already. I was at 1 pad/day at 2 weeks, gradually to occasional stress leaks at 6 months. On troublesome days I use the wider super female pads. They provide more room to wander. My uro told me to expect 50% recovery of erection I had before. After 2-1/2 years It's there, but 50% of 50% isn't useful. If your surgeon Rx's Cialis or Viagra for rehab, use it. That at least wards off curvature. Vacuum devices tend to be a hassle and uncomfortable, but they also work.
Good Luck!

Re: Side effects after surgery

I can't say much about the return of erections as I was not able to have a nerve sparing procedure due to the extent of the disease - mine are gone forever. As for the penile shortening, Yes, this is a common side effect that very few are forewarned about. It is just one more shock we are forced to endure on our own. The medical industry is often in denial of this side effect for some reason, almost like they are ashamed to admit it happens. If it happens to you, you understand its impact and it is not such a minor deal after all else we have lost. My foreskin was harvested at birth but now it looks like I have one again since the little guy has backed up into his own skin. Maybe this won't be so permanent for those fortunate enough to have had a nerve sparing procedure. Two years post op here and no improvement. Good luck to all. J.R.

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