Prostrate Biopsy

Probably shouldn't be pushing a trolley even.

Men are at significantly increased risk of a hernia post-RP and it often seems linked to having done too much too soon. They have cut through multiple layers of fat and muscle, all of which needs to heal properly. Blood in the urine could simple be old clots as the urethra heals - but is often due to doing too much and putting a strain on the stitched urethra.

I had my MRI scan earlier today, no real problems and they gave me a DVD copy of the scan in case i wanted a second opinion, so now waiting the appointment for the results which should be within two week.

The health service over here is Spain is really first class.

siampark yes they gave me the results and I was told what it meant but no Gleason score unless I misunderstood the only thing on my sheet with numbers is under the heading PSA and it says 6.05

A catheter is normal as part of RP, it protects the new wound / joint in the urethra from urine. Mine was removed after 13 days, some are removed after 7 days in the UK and some countries remove them after 3 days.

Like many guys on here my PCa was found almost by accident, I went the the GP about a stiff shoulder.

I wish you well with your journey.

Thanks Chris

I was back at work after 4 weeks and almost dry 4 days post catheter removal. I developed a stricture 3 months post op and 15 months post op things went down hill. Do not be put off by my experience nobody can be that unlucky again. I am still here to moan and lots of options still to go.

ED has been fun to solve.

All the best with you treatment.

Thanks Chris

Just read your reply. You seem to be doing very well. However get idea that you seem maybe like me . Doing tad too much. I have a wife to keep me in check. Lol

It was 4 weeks before I was allowed to drive .. by the missus. . This is a major op. Lots to heal. Great you are about. Please take it steady.

I had zero blood in urine. The urethra has been completely cut and obviously traumatised to say the least. Keep fluids flowing as you are doing. Water simply and best. I was told caffeine not ideal and juices irritate. The bladder needs to retrain. .! Obviously don't let urine become dark and concentrated. If your bowels are regular and you are having steady exercise and rest .. you are doing extremely well in my opinion. I did DIY. ie painting after couple weeks. I would occasional get leakage going up steps or suddenly get out chair . Car seat etc. I still do kegel exercises.

We all want to recover in a couple of days and being positive is good. You are only 19 days since a major op the blurb for open surgery is back at work in 4 to 6 weeks,i think that is being optimistic. Bear in mind the stats on regaining continence is something like at six months 70 per cent of men regain control and by 12 months 90 Per cent will have control, so you are doing very well,many guys say by mid afternoon the continence gets worse as they get tired.

We often say not to Google things but try "johns hopkins radical prostatectomy after care" it has some quite interesting info.

Thanks Chris

The theory behind incontinence being worse if you get tired is fairly straightforward. As part of the op, they removed the prostate with that section of urethra and one or both urinary valves that control continence. They also cut through the main muscles controlling the bladder sphincter. Then they joined the two cut ends of urethra back together, often needing to replace the valve and stitch it in place. Your brain then has to relearn how to control the sphincter and valve, much as you did as a toddler being toilet-trained - like a small child you have to concentrate to do that and if you get tired or start to concentrate on something else, the bladder control goes on the back burner (young children often get engrossed in playing something and then have accidents because they forget to hold on)

The small amounts of blood can be from where the two ends of the urethra have been cut and restitched, or from where the valve has been re-sited (if that was done). Clots are normal as the area heals but if there is more than a little blood it may be down to having pulled the join or from other damage and needs checking out.

When John had open RP he was told (and all the paperwork / information leaflets said) that he would need 12 weeks off work. in the event, he was working from home around 9 - 10 weeks post-op but his car insurer wouldn't clear him to drive until he had seen the surgeon at 12 weeks.

Or better still you could just ask the hospital whether you can start RT after new year. In the UK they like you to be fully continent from the op first, as you have to hold a full bladder during the zapping. John waited 2 years between op and RT because he was in denial that he needed it - so a delay of 6 weeks or so might be absolutely fine?

The seminal vesicles join and then become part of the spermatic cord.

Don't assume your life is going to be on hold. John breezed through RT, had all his appointments first thing in the morning on his way to work, never had a day off and continued with the daily gym sessions and his rugby.

Are they giving you hormones as well or just the RT?

Hi all
Apologise for not being on here recently but my laptop has been broken and its taken a time to get a replacment one.

So just an update I am now on session 21 of my 36 radiotherapy sessions and doing very well, apart from the effects of flatulance during the night all seems to be going well with no real side effects.

My incontenance is now completly under control and as far as that is concerned am back to normal no more pads.

Four months post op and all seems to be well just hope the results after the radiotherapy is as good as i feel

regards
Anthony