Cycling after Radical Prostatectomy-Open Surgery

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

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 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 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

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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