Radical prostatactomy newbe

User

Posted 12 Dec 2017 at 21:11

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2017 following a routine check I instigated due to family history ( my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the latter years of his life, but I'm sure now that he must have had symptoms for some time before he had urine retention ). In addition my wife also pushed me to get checked following some recent high profile campaigns.

I had robotic surgery on 29th November which my consultant advised had been very successful. I was discharged the following day and kept a catheter in place for 1 week before removal. The potential side effects of incontinence and erectile dysfunction were fully explained to me prior to surgery although I was pleasantly surprised ( and a bit alarmed ) to get an erection whilst still catheterised !

Now 1 week after the catheter removal I have no issues with incontinence ( day or night ) - so far so good and I also have some partial erections. I was prescribed Sildenafil ( Viagra ) at the post op clinic but have struggled with some of the side effects particularly sickness and indigestion. The specialist nurse has now advised me to reduce the dosage so this will hopefully work for me.

I am 59 years old and would like to understand if anyone else has had the same experiences following surgery and maybe could offer advice on erection problems and progress. I would be please to continue conversations as I am only at the beginning of the process following surgery.

Thanks.

User

Posted 12 Dec 2017 at 22:05

Hello amcleod and welcome to the site.

You'll get other replies I have no doubt.

What dose sildenafil did the GP give you to start with. not 100mg?

My husband didn't have the op but brachytherapy but he started off with 25mgs because he had some success without help.

He has now reached the stage where the full 100mg is necessary but apart from a runny nose and a flushed face he has no other side effects.

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 12 Dec 2017 at 23:15

Hello
Click my picture and read my profile. Search also for the “ erecting the erection “ post which is most useful to help recovery. Please don’t feel embarrassed to post anything as we’ve seen it all before. Viagra works for some but can have harsh side effects. You are entitled to ED drugs , so maybe ask to try Cialis or Levitra next time.

User

Posted 24 Dec 2017 at 12:59

Hello A, and Merry Xmas to one and all,

I have an (irrational?) aversion to pills and potions. I don't much care for the alleged side effects!

Since I left home at the age of 17 I've taken antibiotics in extremis 4 times, plus one dose of ibuprofen and a few of paracetamol following my robotic prostatectomy. One of my consultants suggest ED pills, but I declined. By way of an alternative I now have a mechanical pump which broadly speaking does the trick albeit at the expense of some "spontaneity".

We're still endeavouring to perfect our "technique" but that certainly hasn't been achieved as yet!

Jim

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one - Albert Einstein

User

Posted 24 Dec 2017 at 19:58

good evening amcleod,

my views on your initial post? You lucky lucky stab drat. It's an anagram. :-)

One week after the op, you are dry and have had partial erections? Brilliant. Seriously, that is an amazing recovery. I do not know precise %s but, I would think you are in the top 5% for recovery?.

If I were you, and had I been in your position after my op in May 2013, I would be exercising my bits as often as I could , and whenever I could.

From what you have said, it appears that you will not have any long term issues.

Enjoy.

atb

dave

All we can do - is do all that we can.

So, do all you can to help yourself, then make the best of your time. :-)

I am the statistic.

User

Posted 24 Dec 2017 at 20:07

Good evening Jim,

There are 2 ways to deal with changes to our circumstances.

1. we stop what we do, or

2. we change what we do?

Up to you what you choose?

The pump can inhibit, dominate and ultimately curtail your love making, if you allow it to?

Or, it can enhance it? If you choose? The pump can become part of a new or different technique, and can be used by both parties ope each other.

And "alleged side effects", are actually only "potential side effects".

atb

dave

All we can do - is do all that we can.

So, do all you can to help yourself, then make the best of your time. :-)

I am the statistic.

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