The ball is now rolling...

D

if you are into PFEs and have an android phone there is a good free app called prostate aerobics, you can set reminders and use the visual or audio prompts to assist with the contractions etc. it is available for IPhone but it is 73 pence.

Pleased to see you arte making a good recovery.

Thanks Chris 

Update 10/12 - 3 weeks from catheter removal and 5 weeks since the operation

Seem to be managing with 2 pads over a 24hr period, with the odd extra if I'm caught short or if it's particularly cold when I'm walking the dog. The Continence Care Service are arranging for a couple of months supply of the pads to be delivered as they seem to be significantly more comfortable than those issued by the hospital. PFEs continuing, if I look back over a week, I don't feel like there's been much progress but if I look back over 2-3 weeks, I can see I am progressing, you just need to take a longer term look at things.

The side effects of Cialis continue to become more manageable but still evident. Not enough for full penetration (where else would you discuss things like this with people you've never met? But it's so easy on here, isn't it?), but definitely more than horizontal...so we're pleased with the progress so far...

No date yet for my follow-up despite chasing, which is a little frustrating

Five weeks ?? Erections ! Hope you bought the surgeon a bottle of wine cos believe me he deserves one.
Glad to hear things are continuing well for you
Chris

Update 17/12 - 4 weeks from catheter removal and 6 weeks since the operation

Lesson for this week has been not to compare my recovery to that experienced by others, what is normal for me is definitely not normal for someone else, however frustrating it maybe when I read of others being dry from day one...and I have to remember that I may be in a better place than others....

Seem to be managing with 2 pads over a 24hr period, but I have had a couple of really bad days including one where I needed 5 pads...not a great day at all. mainly dry at night but I usually have a couple of trips, however I have had 2 nights this week with no interruptions which is progress. PFEs continuing.

The side effects of Cialis continue to become more manageable with headaches disappearing within 24hrs of taking the tablet. Still not enough for full penetration but we're pleased with the progress so far...

Still no date yet for my follow-up despite chasing, which is more than a little frustrating....

On the brigher side, been into work this week to catch up with folks (quite tiring actually but the change of scene was good), and heading out for lunch tomorrow for Christmas lunch with some of the guys...

D

Good to see you are fairing well.

Funny how different parts of the country operate, I had surgery a week past Monday and have a date of 16th Feb for follow up.

Stiches removed this morning but still have 1 drain bag fitted due to excess liquid in pelvic area hopefully will be removed next Tuesday

just need a date now for catheter removal.

Enjoy your night out.

Cheers.

I'm so pleased for you Duncan . It must be lovely to have that "cured" comment !
I hope the incontinence gets better . Lots of talk of late on here about PFE's . I was extremely lucky on the continence front yet I just do them each day anyway . Its not a prob while I'm reading the paper or watching TV .
The SOMAerect is the pump I have , and despite zero natural recovery yet , we find the pump superb and fits our needs mostly tbh . PM me if you have any questions on its use etc . I was supplied super stretchy rings and told NOT to use the ones supplied with the pump as they are basically outdated . I have the prescription numbers for all the SOMA gear if you need them
Chris

Your outcome somewhat mirrors mine but I am coming up to 12 months since my op. The incontinence issue seemed to improve daily after the first couple of months. I ended up just wearing pads as a kind of safety net then one day thought I would go without. I had the odd accident but nothing to write home about and now very occasionally if I sit on a chair in position that presses on my under carriage I get a small drop. It is certainly nothing like the scary Trumpton fire engine effect I had when the catheter was removed. I had no control at all.

My surgeon is a really dry chap and when I asked him if I could ride a bike he just said ' could you ride one before'. I have not experienced any negatives from cycling.

Onward and upward.

Paul

Lovely news Duncan

So pleased for you (and your missus of course !!)

Good news for the weekend Duncan.

http://urology.jhu.edu/newsletter/prostate_cancer52.php

I read this some time ago, a bit dated now, but gives a suggested prognosis of likely recovery or recurrence. The longer you go with steady PSA at less than 0.1 or virtually undetectable, the better. I think I recall a comment that PSA at less than (<) 0.1 are all okay. So <0.1 or <0.001 etc, all are good. Some readings fluctuate and that may be due to the Lab, or the machine at the Lab?

Have a great weekend celebrating.

dave

All the best for your return to work,depending on your type of work you may find concentrating on your work takes your mind of the leaks.

Thanks Chris