Cycling after Radical Prostatectomy-Open Surgery

User

Posted 11 Jan 2016 at 17:03

Happy New Year to All

It is now 11 weeks since I had a Radical Prostatectomy. I am a keen Mountain Biker and am planning a return to the bike.

I am continent during the night and morning but get small leaks afternoon and night, usually from some sort of stress.

Have any of you had the experience of returning to cycling, and what were your experiences regarding leakage and comfort?

Has anyone found that cycling hinders progress regarding erectile dysfunction?

Thanks

Rich Wyson

User

Posted 11 Jan 2016 at 19:31

Hello Wyevalrich.

Can't help with the question, just wanted to greet you. I'm sure that you will get a definitive answer soon

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

User

Posted 25 Mar 2016 at 15:02

Hello Marco Polo (you little lurker you!) and belated welcome to the site !

Glad everything seems to be going well for you, long may it continue.

I know there are a few distance cyclists on here so hopefully one of them will be along to advise you.

Isn't there some sort of belt available (like a protection belt for the back) that you could get?

Anyway, best wishes

Sandra

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

User

Posted 25 Mar 2016 at 18:48

Sorry, can't give you any advice on this - my keen cyclist husband was told (by his keen cyclist surgeon) not to get back in the saddle for 6 months in case it prevented recovery of erections. However, hernias are a fairly common side effect of RP so you are wise to keep it in mind for the next couple of years.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 28 Mar 2016 at 12:57

My prostate gland, left nerve bundle, 12 lymph nodes and a margin of tissue were removed by laprascopic surgery in December 2012.

I returned to cycling short distances on a Hybrid Bike with front suspension in 2013. I progressed to longer distances and in March 2015 restarted club cycling on a road bike covering distances of 30 to 60 miles. In 2015, I completed several sportives of 25, 65, 75 and 93 miles.

My road bike is a TREK DOMANE 4.5 with the standard saddle. I suffer from incontinence and wear pads night and day. However the combination of wearing a pad under my tight fitting Lycra Cycle clothing and my urethra being mostly against the saddle has allowed me to ride distances of ups to 100 miles without any problems. Providing I can access some form of toilet (Tree bush whatever) when I get of the bike. I ride every week end often both Saturday and Sunday with a group of club cyclists between 30 and 100 miles and often during the week.

The repeated questions by specialist nurses and the so called incontinence service regarding pelvic floor exercises has often caused me some amusement. As given the amount of exercise I do I would be surprised if my pelvic floor is not in peak condition. Or if not any pelvic floor exercises would be unlikely to help. However a Dynamic Video Study of my urinary system in 2015 confirmed that my incontinence is due to nerve damage. Hardly surprising following removal of my left nerve bundle in 2012 and permanent damage at T9/10 in my Spinal Cord due to an Intramural Tumour removed in February 2009.

This month I successfully completed two STRAVA CHALLENGEs to gain an electronic badge for my on-line trophy case. The first being a GRAND FONDO (100 Km in one round trip recorded on a Cycle computer and uploaded to STRAVA) the second being to climb at least 4,500 Meters in March. I rode 117.5 Km to complete the distance challenge and so far have climbed 5,687 M on my bike with four days to go.

The sportive I completed in 2015 were the Prostate Cancer Scotland (Auchterarder) 26 miles, The DCC Tour of the Kingdom (Fife) 65 miles, The TESCO BANK Tour of the Borders (Peebles) 75 miles and the Isle of Sky Mor 93 miles.

I hope the above encourages others to get on their bikes.

For those who don't know STRAVA provide the following definition at STRAVA.COM.

About Us
Strava is the Swedish word for “strive,” which epitomizes who we are and what we do: If you’re striving to improve, no matter your goals or ability, you’re one of us.

Strava is the social network for athletes. We’re a global community of millions of runners, cyclists and triathletes, united by the camaraderie of sport. Our website and mobile apps bring athletes together from all walks of life and inspire them to unlock their potential – both as individuals and as communities. From Olympians to weekend warriors, we’re out there on the road and trail, all over the world, day after day.

As for Erectile problems see the following:

There have been attempts to prevent NHS prescriptions for Vacuum Pumps for men with erectile dysfunction. So a petition has been started to persuade the government to debate the issue.

PetitionVacuum Erection Devices should remain as a high priority treatment for ED

An increasing number of CCG's are restricting the availability of Vacuum Erection Devices as a treatment for erectile dysfunction on community FP10 prescription by listing it as a "low priority" treatment against the grain of clinical evidence and recommendation by Urological Consultant Specialists

More details
Numerous published studies exist supporting the use of VED's as a safe, effective and high compliance treatment for erectile dysfunction of all aetiologies and as a penile rehabilitation tool post pelvic cancer treatment eg prostatectomy. Supported also by organisations such as the British Society of Sexual Medicine, MacMillan and Prostate Cancer UK, and sexual health specialists across the UK. Low cost option with up to a 5 year warranty with no effective restriction on frequency of use.

NOTE: Having had problems obtaining a Vacuum Pump but when I did finding it very beneficial I supported this petition immediately. The petition is fairly new so when i signed the total number who had signed was 80 and at least 10,000 signatures are required before the government will respond.

Please sign the petition by following the link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/120674/sponsors/7Ioz2agBQwVobayJYydt

Edited by member 28 Mar 2016 at 13:02 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 10 Dec 2016 at 15:55

Just to close this out

I spoke with both my surgeon and oncologist about this. Neither was aware of any risk of the 'seeds' moving as a result of cycling. However, they pointed out that I may find my perineal is sore and cycling could make urinary and ED symptoms worse but these could be countered by increasing Tamulosin and Cialis. On balance the advice was give it a go see what but start small c20k.

They did say that spin classes should be no problem as you are out of the saddle more.

User

Posted 04 Oct 2018 at 19:19

You have already picked up that different surgeons have different views on this. John was horrified at the idea of not being back on his bike immediately but the surgeon said what was the point of him going to the trouble of saving the nerves if the patient didn’t then give them the best chance of recovery - that he could just have done the quicker less complicated non nerve-sparing and got straight back on the bike. Once it was put that way, it was easier to accept I think - in the end, he waited until after his second review (so about 7 months). Other members’ surgeons have said either that it makes no difference or there is no data to prove that it makes a difference.

We will never know whether the no cycling advice is the reason John recovered erectile function but if he had ignored the advice and remained impotent there would perhaps always have been that niggling doubt that he had brought it on himself.

Physiologically, it does seem to make a bit of sense. RP batters, bruises and burns the nerve bundles and they go into shock. For fortunate men, once the shock wears off and the burning / bruising heals the nerves come out of hiding and can kick-start. For less fortunate men, the nerves retreat and cannot get going again - the point of Cialis is to increase blood flow which brings oxygen to the area to speed up the healing and reduce the chance of the nerve bundles switching off permanently. Whether being jiggled on a bike can also stop the nerve bundles from kick starting seems to be unproven.

You must be due your post-op consultation with the surgeon, or may have just had it. What is his / her advice?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 04 Oct 2018 at 19:21

PS You could explore the prostate-friendly saddle option?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

Show Most Thanked Posts

User

Posted 11 Jan 2016 at 18:17

I'm. Sure if Lyn wasn't on holiday she would provide a concise answer. But if you have had nerves spared I think the advice is to wait 6 months. I believe that is what her husband's consultant said. This is to ensure time for the nerves to get over the trauma if the operation.

Sure others will respond

Bri

User

Posted 11 Jan 2016 at 18:26

I'm gutted I didn't read this when I joined. I was cycling small distances at 12 wks. Only slightly tender and adjusted saddle positioning a bit. BUT no erectile recovery at all at 7 months post-op. Take care.
Chris

User

Posted 11 Jan 2016 at 19:31

Hello Wyevalrich.

Can't help with the question, just wanted to greet you. I'm sure that you will get a definitive answer soon

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

User

Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 00:09

Your Consultant is best able to advise on this - perhaps an idea to give his/her secretary a ring. You don't want to possibly set back your recovery. I suggest you mention it is a mountain bike you want to ride because I would think this would give more of a hammering than a road bike even if some roads are so rutted and pot holed they give a hard ride.

Barry

User

Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 08:02

Thanks for reply.

Could I ask who Lyn might be?

New to this website.

User

Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 09:07

Lyn is a member (currently on holiday for a week) who has a great deal of experience of Prostate cancer with a husband, father and father in law all having had it.

As Barry says, get it from the horse's mouth and you can't go wrong. Ring the secretary and ask the question. If you do though please let us know the answer !!

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

User

Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 09:32

wyevalrich,

If you enter "cycling" into the search facility on this forum you will get, hopefully, several posts in various discussions about the advisability of cycling after an RRP.

The general rule seems to suggest waiting 6 months before getting back into the saddle to allow the area best time to recover without receiving a battering or aggravation.

Mountain bikers may spend a lot of time out of the saddle, so that should not be an issue for you, I would guess, but it is only a logically arrived at guess. Looking back at the advice given it is best to avoid blows to the groin and bottom area, and any continual rubbing and friction in the area. Maybe remove your saddle, which will give your quads and gluts a good workout.

search "cycling", and good luck with your recovery.

oh and your leaking may also be due to tiredness as your body is, without you even being aware of it, exerting extra pressure to maintain control during the day.

have a good day

dave

PS this is another topic which should be included as a "stickie" as it comes up as often as the sun and moon and stars. :-)

Edited by member 12 Jan 2016 at 09:34 | Reason: Not specified

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 12 Jan 2016 at 15:07

Hi Dave

Thanks for your thoughts on returning to the saddle

You are right about mountain biking regarding being out of the saddle more.

I spoke to my GP who is also a mountain biker and he thinks it's a good thing for me to return providing I don't over do it. He also said I should keep taking taldafill (ciallis ) as this helps blood flow to this region, and stop if I Feel any numbness from the perineum nerve.

I have had a few issues of anxiety recently and believe, as he does, that it will be beneficial for me to get out.

So my plan is

1.wear two pairs padded shorts

2. Stay out of saddle as much as possible

3. Don't over do it. One hour max initially.

4.. Keep taking the cialis

5. Take a small pad in case!

I will also check with Urology Nurse as well.

User

Posted 12 Jan 2016 at 15:14

Hi Barry

Thank for comments. I have a high end full suspension mountain bike so believe that when I'm in the saddle I will have adequate protection together with good saddle and 2 pairs of padded shorts.

Will speak with urology nurse first.

Rich

User

Posted 17 Jan 2016 at 13:18

Just a personal view but I think some men would be better to just opt for non-nerve sparing RP in the first place, it is a cheaper and more straightforward op. Having chosen nerve sparing, presumably it is the patient's responsibility to do everything they can to help those nerves to repair. John is a keen cyclist and found it very frustrating to wait what in effect for us was 7 months before he could get back on a bike but as one of the 10% who regain natural erections, it was worth the wait.

I am not sure if your GP fully understands how and why impotence occurs post RP or how cycling can impede your chance of recovery so I do think that your surgeon is the best person to advise you Rich. If you are intent on cycling sooner rather than later, at least consider buying a prostate friendly saddle?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 17 Jan 2016 at 13:22

PS Yes, research has shown that cycling impedes nerve recovery - Google 'European data cycling erectile dysfunction' I think

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 17 Jan 2016 at 18:58

I have the prostate friendly selle Italia saddle,the full suspension bike, the padded shorts, and I hope some common sense so will be taking things very easily, which is the advice I have been given, and greatly appreciate from persons like yourselves, and others in medical profession.

Just doing one ride a week for approx 1hr. Standing as much as possible! See how it goes?

Edited by member 17 Jan 2016 at 19:00 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 25 Mar 2016 at 13:50

Hi all, my first post on this forum. I was diagnosed last Sept, Gleason 4 + 3, had my surgery on Nov 21, laparoscopic 50% nerve sparing. I am a very keen road cyclist, usually do 3500-4000 miles annually. I felt pretty awful for the first month after surgery and had no desire to cycle, but at 6 weeks, I was told by my urologist and surgeon to go back to normal activity, so I did. In early January I started gently with spin classes, not pushing it too hard, felt good, so I then began to ride outdoors again. The weather through Jan/Feb was pretty wet and windy, so I was still mostly indoors on the Keiser spin bike, both in hard classes and on my own, and outside when the weather allowed. Everything felt good, so gradually I started pushing myself harder and harder. Slowly -- and it has felt slow -- I am regaining my bike fitness. Everything else is coming along pretty well, all things considered (ED is improving, though I hate the side effects of the drugs, but that's another story -- and thread; continence is pretty good too, still wear a very thin pad through the day and at night but only to catch the occasional squirt). So 4 months in, I guess I've been very lucky so far. I'm very glad that I was able to cycle again relatively soon after surgery: it has helped to keep me sane through all of this nightmare. My main worry, however, has been about the possibility of a inguinal hernia. It's very hilly here in Devon and I've been a little concerned after steep climbs out of the saddle. I saw my GP about this who checked me over and said everything seems OK but it is still a worry (along with everything else). I'm trying to climb in the saddle as much as possible. Has anyone else had any such problems? All the best to everyone who has or is going through all of this. Marc

User

Posted 25 Mar 2016 at 15:02

Hello Marco Polo (you little lurker you!) and belated welcome to the site !

Glad everything seems to be going well for you, long may it continue.

I know there are a few distance cyclists on here so hopefully one of them will be along to advise you.

Isn't there some sort of belt available (like a protection belt for the back) that you could get?

Anyway, best wishes

Sandra

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

User

Posted 25 Mar 2016 at 18:48

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 28 Mar 2016 at 12:57

My prostate gland, left nerve bundle, 12 lymph nodes and a margin of tissue were removed by laprascopic surgery in December 2012.

I hope the above encourages others to get on their bikes.

For those who don't know STRAVA provide the following definition at STRAVA.COM.

About Us
Strava is the Swedish word for “strive,” which epitomizes who we are and what we do: If you’re striving to improve, no matter your goals or ability, you’re one of us.

As for Erectile problems see the following:

There have been attempts to prevent NHS prescriptions for Vacuum Pumps for men with erectile dysfunction. So a petition has been started to persuade the government to debate the issue.

PetitionVacuum Erection Devices should remain as a high priority treatment for ED

Please sign the petition by following the link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/120674/sponsors/7Ioz2agBQwVobayJYydt

Edited by member 28 Mar 2016 at 13:02 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 28 Mar 2016 at 14:13

Hi Abprops, great update and useful to know about this petition - I will certainly be signing in a few minutes. Just out of interest, how quickly in 2013 did you get back on the bike and has there been any suggestion that the nerve damage was as a result of cycling too soon?

One of J's road bikes is a Trek Domane 4 series - spooky !

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 28 Mar 2016 at 14:44

Have signed abprobs.

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

User

Posted 28 Mar 2016 at 16:47

Willingly signed....

User

Posted 31 Mar 2016 at 17:00

Thanks, Abprops, for your inspiring email. Congratulations on your Strava challenges which are impressive. Your post will certainly encourage many of us to get out on our bikes. It's so good to hear that there is road cycling life after RP! I am used to long distance road cycling (sportives, charity rides, audax and general regular rides with mates). I rode Paris-Brest-Paris in 2003 and though that such an extreme challenge is unlikely to happen ever again, I certainly do hope to return to shorter if no less rewarding challenges with the same degree of enthusiasm and gusto as pre-op.

Following surgery at the end of Nov 2015, yesterday was my first proper 'hard' Wednesday afternoon ride (I've been riding on Wednesday afternoons for nearly 25 years). It was only 40 miles but involved 1200 metres of climbing, much of it severe, including Dartmoor's Haytor (the 'mountain-top' finish that will once again feature in this year's Tour of Britain). I did not climb excessively hard and after the ride I felt like, well, like an over-boiled cabbage (probably smelt like one too). But I was very glad simply to have been able to get around what formerly was a fairly routine if always challenging route.

I had a very big birthday two weeks after my surgery. As an incentive, my lovely wife treated me to an amazing new bicycle. All during my recovery, I would from time to time go into the shed to look at it, to dream of riding it. Once I returned to cycling, I didn't even take it on a test spin, but steadfastly rode my trusty old winter hack, waiting patiently until I was better, stronger, fitter, and the weather was more benign. I took the new bike out for the first time last Wednesday, and again yesterday. It is wonderful to feel the thrill of riding a fast, light, very comfortable and secure road bike, wonderful to feel (just about) fit enough to be on such a bike (though there is still a long, long way to go), wonderful to feel the wind in my face on fast descents, wonderful to forget completely for an exhilarating moment that this whole goddam nightmare ever happened, to feel that, yes, there is life after cancer.

As far as cycling and incontinence, I have not found this a problem. I don't bother with pads in my padded cycling shorts and I don't think I've leaked much at all, if any. Nor do I have to stop and pee any more than usual or anyone else. I've been aware of the need for a comfortable, prostate-friendly saddle for some years (interestingly, my PSA was always notably higher after cycling; I would then stay off the bike, repeat the test and it would go down). The saddle I have used most successfully is http://www.wiggle.co.uk/selle-italia-slr-kit-carbonio-flow-saddle-with-carbon-rails-1/ I plan to buy another one for my new bike.

I am due my 3-month PSA test in a week or so. Who knows what this could bring? I am hopeful yet also realistic, just trying to live and enjoy each day and moment.

Good luck to everyone going through this, and happy cycling.

Marc

User

Posted 31 Mar 2016 at 18:47

Hi abprobs

Have signed petition forwarded to members of my familly for their perusal before signing.

Edited by member 31 Mar 2016 at 20:44 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 01 Apr 2016 at 09:13

I have signed the petition now 131

User

Posted 03 Oct 2016 at 17:06

I saw these this morning, no idea how good there are and they do say you get what you pay for.

Thanks Chris

http://www.wilko.com/all-bike-parts+accessories/wilko-cruiser-gel-saddle-with-coil-spring/invt/0343879

http://www.wilko.com/all-bike-parts+accessories/wilko-saddle-comfort-gel-black/invt/0343878

User

Posted 27 Nov 2016 at 20:06

I have just read this thread with great interest, but have a slightly different question...

I am 50, I was diagnosed ten weeks ago and had Brachytherapy three weeks ago

Does anyone know if there are concerns with cycling after Brachytherpy esp. with moving or dislodging seeds. The UCLA website (http://urology.ucla.edu/brachytherapy-and-you#WhatCanIExpectWhenIGetHomeFromTheHospital) raises this concern, however I cannot find anything else on the subject and my surgeon was unaware of any issues.

I am very keen to get out on the bike again. I really need to do some exercise to improve my mood and lose weight. I am happy to start gentle (sub 50k) and I have upgraded my saddle to a Selle Italia SLR SuperFlow Saddle (the one with the large cutout) to take the pressure off my sensitive parts. However don't want to do anything which will compromise the treatment or exacerbate ED issues.

I would appreciate hearing about the experiences of cycling following Brachytherapy

Thanks.

User

Posted 27 Nov 2016 at 21:06

Hi CH, the research around cycling impact on ED relates to the ability of the nerve bundles to repair post-surgery - I have never read any research about cycling & brachy and I suppose if your oncologist is happy for you to cycle and you have a prostate-friendly saddle then being fit and doing things that make you feel joyful should override a theoretical concern.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 10 Dec 2016 at 15:55

Just to close this out

They did say that spin classes should be no problem as you are out of the saddle more.

User

Posted 10 Jan 2018 at 01:28

Hi,

I'm new. I had a Radical Robotic Prostatectomy 6 weeks ago, so small tummy wounds only. 87.5% nerves saved (25% removed on the side of the prostate that the cancer was on. I rode one of my bikes yesterday for a short commute 4 km and back, and it hurt.

Has anyone tried a recumbent during this recovery stage? Does anyone know if a recumbent is kinder to the nerves in this recovery phase?

User

Posted 10 Jan 2018 at 01:30

Hi,

I'm new. Can somebody recommend the best saddle to use on a road or touring bike while recovering from radical prostatectomy?

Ta,

User

Posted 10 Jan 2018 at 01:31

Hi,

I'm new. Can somebody recommend the best saddle to use on a road or touring bike while recovering from radical prostatectomy?

Ta,

User

Posted 10 Jan 2018 at 09:42

Hi Eugene, if your surgeon went to the trouble of saving most of your nerves then why risk cycling at all?

Using a recumbent should be fine though.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 25 Jan 2018 at 13:27

hi all

Wanted to share some feedback (and maybe reassurance to some) from meeting with the doctor at the Royal Marsden, London yesterday. I didn't get the doctor's name but he's part of Mr Ogden's team - and they all seem very good.

Like Eugene (but a bit further behind!), I'm lined up for Radical Robotic Prostatectomy in early Feb.

I'm into running and cycling and had read some of these threads on this community especially around giving any remaining nerves the best chance by holding off cycling for 6 months.

So I asked the doctor about this - whether I should leave off cycling as above. He expressed a very clear opinion that this was an unnecessary concern, and that I could be getting back into running and cycling after approx 6 weeks - all other things (like leaking) being equal. What he seemed to be saying was that there were two distinct types of nerves relating to the penis - one lot are potentially impacted by (lots of) cycling and the other type (hopefully getting spared by the surgery) are not.

I've got some sort of pre-surgery 'seminar' at the Marsden in a couple of weeks, so will ask more then and share.

cheers

Scrubland

User

Posted 15 May 2018 at 13:50

Hi SCrubland, how are things going for you? I have RP coming up in July and also a keen runner/ road cyclist wondering what the situation will be post-op. Cheers from Andy.

User

Posted 19 Jul 2018 at 20:31

My personal experiences with cycling and RP: https://homme-interrupted.blogspot.com/2017/03/

Edited by member 19 Jul 2018 at 20:35 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 04 Oct 2018 at 17:48

Hi - my 1st post as a very green newbie; recovering from nerve-sparing RP (mid Aug). I wasn't sure where else to place this post/question - so - here it goes.

My question is about (road) cycling post-surgery. And I've had a read through various parts of the forums and can see a wide ranging opinion from "don't get back on the bike for a minimum of 6 months to give damaged nerves a chance to recover/do their thing with minimal chemical/pump assistance".....to, get back on your bike 6-8 weeks post op. Again, to emphasise, I felt rather fortunate to be eligible for a nerve-sparing RP (histology confirmed T2, T2a I think, G7 (3+4)) - and, until the op, I cycle 100+ miles every week.

So, 6 weeks and 6 days since my last bike ride (and RP) I miss the bike so to speak. Equally, erectile function is important and I'd welcome advice from other community members who can advise. I am due to see my surgeon for post-op PSA and consult in a couple of weeks.

User

Posted 04 Oct 2018 at 19:19

You must be due your post-op consultation with the surgeon, or may have just had it. What is his / her advice?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 04 Oct 2018 at 19:21

PS You could explore the prostate-friendly saddle option?

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 05 Oct 2018 at 17:37

Thanks Lyn - very helpful. A super helpful specialist nurse has also reminded me of the priorities - which is recover well, and give my body the best chance of bouncing back from RP. I see my surgeon on 15/10/18 for my 1st post op PSA/review. And I will ask about the rehabilitation and cycling too. I'm also looking at prostate friendly saddles :-) Thank you again,

User

Posted 09 Oct 2018 at 06:32

I am a 58yr old recovering from radical prostatectomy on Aug 14th. I am a keen (but very average) triathlete and was more worried about the return to physical activity than urinary or erectile function. I struggled with the catheter but thanks to a great district nurse who visited me at home on day 3, I replaced the bag with a tap which made a huge difference, giving me more bladder control and mobility. I walked as much as I could for the first two weeks, then walked a lot more when the catheter was removed in week 3. I started swimming in week four, then jogging in week 5, then swimming every day (1500m) and running 2 x 5k in weeks 6 and 7. Had my post-op clinic in week 7, which was awful - met with a junior doctor who could not answer any of my questions but gave me the completely unexpected news that I still had some aggressive cancer cells in a lymph node, so will need further treatment. I was very down and needed answers so called Prostate cancer UK and spoke to one of the specialist nurses, who was wonderful - she explained everything with crystal clarity and filled me with positivity (I just need some extra treatment to 'finish the job'). I had already planned to get back on the bike in week 8 (I did a lot of research into post-op exercise) and could not wait for last Saturday to come. I was up early and set off at dusk - took it easy expecting something bad to happen at any moment but it didn't and just over 30K and and an hour later I arrived home feeling great. I purchased a PSM saddle just before the op, in anticipation of a rapid return and would certainly recommend what is a very comfortable saddle. When I saw my consultant the day after my op he told me to avoid any strenuous exercise until after the post-op clinic! I had a plan to return steadily but sensibly to physical activity and I was prepared for the worse but it did not come and I am already close to my pre-op weight, swimming flat out x5 days per week, running x2 days per week and looking forward to my next ride (40k) this weekend. My final thoughts - thank goodness for Prostate Cancer UK - that nurse was wonderful - stay positive, have a plan, listen to your body and do whatever feels right. AF

User

Posted 25 Oct 2018 at 15:24

Hi Andrew

I read your post with interest and have been researching saddles for bicycles. Who makes the PSM saddle you refer to? I have been looking at ISM saddles but don't know the PSM at all.

Been off my bike over a year now as I have a spine problem as well as having had a RP in July. Those who don't ride can't understand how much we miss just getting out there and riding.

I wish you well and lots of future riding. I have a T shirt with the picture of a man on a bike riding a steep hill and the words "Its a Hill get over it"

That's now my Philosophy on my current situation I hope you can join me at the top!

Jimmy D

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