Running post prostatectomy

User

Posted 31 May 2020 at 14:17

I run a lot of marathons and don't want to have to give up after prostatectomy due to incontinence

I would like to hear from any runners who have had post RP incontinence and continued running.

User

Posted 31 Jan 2024 at 11:13

I think the pre operation fitness was important but I do think that the pelvic floor exercises were vital during my current recovery. I intend doing these exercises for the rest of my life. As already mentioned I would suggest that anyone going through incontinence post radical prostatectomy to get the NHS Sqeezy app which costs three pounds to aid in keeping to a pelvic floor exercise plan.

User

Posted 17 Jun 2024 at 14:48

I had an open radical prostatectomy on 5th Feb 2024. I was very upset to lose my London Marathon goof for age place due to recovering from treatment, and wondered if I would ever run effectively again. Four months on I'm back at the top of my age group in parkrun at 24 minutes-ish, and training for 10K again. I have no incontinence (that finished after 50 days) and I'm aiming to run London Marathon 2025 for Prostate Cancer UK. This thread gave me real hope during some dark days of major leakage and finding even walking was tough. Keep your marathon focus, make sure you do those pelvic floor exercises and believe in yourself, it gets better!

User

Posted 07 Jun 2021 at 10:17

Hi Cotswold runner.

Yes was running at 10 weeks.....but walking everyday as soon as I was home from hospital. I really think the walking helps a lot in the rehab

Good luck

User

Posted 07 Jun 2021 at 12:43

Be really careful in the first few weeks, I overdid the walking because the surgeon said it was ok to "walk round the garden". I live on a sheep farm! A week later I was back in hospital nearly dead from sepsis.

One suggested cause was leakage due to over doing it. It's amazing how much pressure gets applied to the prostate area by your core muscles, don't risk popping anything in the first few weeks..

User

Posted 24 Nov 2023 at 16:57

Thanks for your comments. Had my operation and the catheter was removed 13/11/23. Bladder was uncontrollable for the first three days using four pads per day. I had been doing pelvic floor exercises for around five weeks pre operation and continued post catheter removal. Now down to two pads per twenty four hours. Started walking right after leaving hospital. Hope to resume running in

January 24.

User

Posted 31 Jan 2024 at 07:59

As posted earlier I had my radical prostatectomy on 01/11/2023. I am 78 and have been a serious runner for 40 years. Before and after my operation I have been doing my pelvic floor exercises six times a day with the aid of the NHS squeezy app. From being flooded after my operation I am now almost dry. After my operation I walked twice per day, slowly at first building up to nine miles per day I did my first run yesterday 30/01/2024 and feel great. I am looking to do a half marathon in May.

User

Posted 31 Jan 2024 at 08:17

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Your recovery is astonishing. Seventy eight years old, incontinence free, and running nine miles, only 3 months after your prostatectomy! You must be Superman's grandad. Well done. I suppose being fit must aid recovery.

I was quite fit, but 3 months after surgery, the only running I did was dashing to the toilet and I'd invariably peed myself before I got there.

Edited by member 31 Jan 2024 at 09:38 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 20 Jul 2024 at 10:05

Hi All

Amazing stories and support on this thread so had to join in.

So today is the day I try my first run since my RP.. Operation was on the 25th of June so just under 4 weeks…

I’ve been walking at least twice a day and was just about marathon fit before the op.

I was diagnosed 4 days before this years London Marathon and ran it which was rather emotional..

at 48 years old this was certainly not “in my plan” but I’m hoping to get fit enough to complete the Great North Run in early September.

User

Posted 16 Sep 2024 at 20:17

Please see my note below - just sent a few minutes ago. This is the only problem I am having.

I was allowed to train 6 weeks after op. No other issues, on the contrary I am surprised that I am on track to run a half marathon soon - despite the peeing issue.

good luck

Show Most Thanked Posts

User

Posted 01 Jun 2020 at 06:28

Hoam Bop. I had my RP end of November 2019. I was/am a regular trail runner.

My stress incontinence has reduced to almost nothing. I do/did a lot of the pelvic floor exercises and a range of core strengthening exercises. So I recommend you do these. It definitely improved with time. Best wishes and good luck

The only issue I have is the scarring at the blabber neck needs to be dilated regularly. I've been back three times for dilatation. I return to Hospital tomorrow (02/06/20) for the Foley to be removed.

Stay positive (it definitely helps)

User

Posted 01 Jun 2020 at 07:36

I had my RARP in mid March 2020 (just before lockdown started).

I was a keen triathlete and (based on surgeon's advise) tried to build up fitness before the operation - a bit like peaking for a big event! I also started the PFE's a month or so before hand and continue to do so.

I am fortunate to have been fully dry after the first four or five weeks and have found no issues with easy jogging to date (I did wear a thin pad on the first few runs just in case but was lucky enough to not need them).

User

Posted 03 Jun 2020 at 00:40

Can I ask your age please

Iam 60

Thanks

User

Posted 03 Jun 2020 at 05:25

Aged 57. Still early days regarding op, but so far so good.

User

Posted 03 Jun 2020 at 07:42

I am 57 and 10 weeks post surgery. I am running without any incontinence issues

User

Posted 03 Jun 2020 at 11:24

Although I'm not a serious runner like yourself, I get out and run a couple of times a week now.

I was dry pretty much when the catheter was removed, and I do my pelvic floor exercises religiously.

At two months post op I was using a treadmill at my gym so as to be near the toilet (after 10 minutes I was getting the urge to pee). Now at 6 months, I can go for a half hour or hour run without any issues.

User

Posted 10 Jun 2020 at 15:53

RP done sept 2019. I am now 63. I was running half marathons pre surgery (at Marsden). My surgeon advised me to spend the 6 weeks wait for surgery focusing on my core and kegel strengthening. I probably took this to an extreme ‘training’ twice a day 6 days a week. But I am so glad I did. Based on guidance from doc I started with gradual gentle walking and after 8 week review had a light jog. No leaks no pads. I am now back running with no issues. I am sure my pre surgery efforts set me up for an excellent result.

User

Posted 10 Jun 2020 at 18:15

Top job. That's what i'd describe as a rapid recovery. lets hope for more results like yours.

😀

User

Posted 05 Jun 2021 at 15:40

Hi MikeW,

I'm a keen runner aged 59 and am expecting to need an RP (awaiting biopsy results but the MRI had the consultant pretty convinced it was PCa). Was 10 weeks when you re-started running?

User

Posted 07 Jun 2021 at 10:17

Hi Cotswold runner.

Yes was running at 10 weeks.....but walking everyday as soon as I was home from hospital. I really think the walking helps a lot in the rehab

Good luck

User

Posted 07 Jun 2021 at 12:43

One suggested cause was leakage due to over doing it. It's amazing how much pressure gets applied to the prostate area by your core muscles, don't risk popping anything in the first few weeks..

User

Posted 07 Jun 2021 at 20:36

Also be aware that men who have had keyhole RP (LARP or robotic LARP) are at higher risk of hernia post-op, and those who do get a hernia have often done too much too soon.

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

User

Posted 28 Oct 2023 at 05:40

I’m having a prostatectomy on 01/11/2023. I am 78 and a very active runner. I want to continue running after recovery with the intention of waiting around three months before resuming my training schedule. Any comments would be welcome.

User

Posted 28 Oct 2023 at 12:22

Hi. I'm 70 and I had RALP in 2016. I run very regularly: I've run two half-marathons this month, while last month I ran a marathon and 2 HMs.

I had severe urinary incontinence for about 8 weeks post RALP (which was very disappointing) then it improved almost overnight. For the past several years I have only had to use incontinence pads when hill-walking (steep rocky descents at the end of the day are just too much for my poor remaining sphincter to cope with).

Regarding running, for the first few years I only ran in the morning, before breakfast, when my bladder was empty. This was not a big deal as I love doing that anyhow. But eventually I plucked up the courage to do some evening races and I can cope without leakage on evening 10ks.

Regarding HMs and marathons, these tend to have a morning start anyhow and I try to ensure I start with an empty bladder and take sips as I go along to avoid over hydrating, and I generally get by without continence problems. I certainly would not use a pad for anything other than hill-walking.

Hope this helps. You will soon be able to race in the 80-84 category where the age grades are so much easier

User

Posted 24 Nov 2023 at 16:57

January 24.

User

Posted 10 Dec 2023 at 07:48

Optimisticjo.

I seem to be following your post recovery after RP. It’s 4 weeks since catheter removal and I am still quite severely affected by urinary incontinence. Very frustrated. Did you do much walking after catheter removal. I do two sessions per day of two miles each. I have been doing six pelvic floor sessions per day before and after my surgery.

User

Posted 10 Dec 2023 at 09:30

I'm 10 months post RARP and often have to run to the loo.

User

Posted 09 Jan 2024 at 13:03

Doing my pelvic exercise six times per day and walking an average of six miles a day over two walks. It’s now ten weeks post operation and I am not seeing a significant difference in my incontinence level. Very frustrated.

User

Posted 31 Jan 2024 at 07:59

User

Posted 31 Jan 2024 at 08:17

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I was quite fit, but 3 months after surgery, the only running I did was dashing to the toilet and I'd invariably peed myself before I got there.

Edited by member 31 Jan 2024 at 09:38 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 31 Jan 2024 at 11:13

User

Posted 17 Jun 2024 at 14:48

User

Posted 20 Jul 2024 at 10:05

Hi All

Amazing stories and support on this thread so had to join in.

So today is the day I try my first run since my RP.. Operation was on the 25th of June so just under 4 weeks…

I’ve been walking at least twice a day and was just about marathon fit before the op.

I was diagnosed 4 days before this years London Marathon and ran it which was rather emotional..

at 48 years old this was certainly not “in my plan” but I’m hoping to get fit enough to complete the Great North Run in early September.

User

Posted 21 Jul 2024 at 08:51

So can report back that I made 5k without any accidents although it felt a bit like one could happen at anytime which continued for a few hours after..

Now more rest before trying again.

User

Posted 21 Jul 2024 at 16:14

That’s great news Chipster. I was training for an ultra when I was diagnosed last year. I stopped running whilst I sorted my head out and never got started again. One of my main targets now is to get running again, so it’s very encouraging reading this thread 👍

User

Posted 15 Sep 2024 at 21:37

This is a useful thread, thank you for all of the inspiration that it provides! I’ve just been diagnosed at 43, running is my main form of exercise and I really want to get back to it if I choose RP. My results are relatively low (Gleason 6) but it seems that RP is the preferred option due to my age. I’m worried about the side effects but hopefully these can be overcome.

User

Posted 16 Sep 2024 at 19:58

Thanks for this thread!

Please help and advise if you can.

I had my RP mid July and have just started running again, but it’s not easy. After the first few steps there is a strong pressure on the bladder and in the urethra. I need to pee after a few seconds, again after 4 kilometers and again at around 8 KM. After that the pain drops but those first 8 KM are very uncomfortable.

So far, I haven’t run more than 12 KM.
Has anyone experienced similar? Please share your thoughts.

User

Posted 16 Sep 2024 at 20:17

Please see my note below - just sent a few minutes ago. This is the only problem I am having.

I was allowed to train 6 weeks after op. No other issues, on the contrary I am surprised that I am on track to run a half marathon soon - despite the peeing issue.

good luck

User

Posted 30 Oct 2024 at 14:19

Hi Hoham and other runners,

Hi fellow trail runners- I am 69, 6 weeks after robotic prostatectomy. I've been walking two miles a day and added a tiny bit of jogging during walk after 4 weeks. My morning routine for decades has been up at 5am, big glass of water, large cup of green tea (this encourages my bowel movement before morning run around 8am). Seems strange but I don't need a pad from 5-8am and get very clear nerve signals when it's time to pee and my pelvic muscles are strong because I've been doing the exercises for two years prior to surgery, while on Active Surveillance.

I tried my favorite hilly trail route a few days ago first hiking. It felt great going uphill, had pad on but no leakage going uphill, then some on the flats and downhill, maybe pad halffull. Then I ran it two days later. No pad for uphill 1.5 miles then had to stick pad in, but was super excited to complete 3 mile run (very slow jog) .

I just got tested by local pelvic PT and my pelvic floor muscles are working great in all ways. She says I have to add complexity like other movements and muscles to strengthen while activating the continence muscles. She also said ok to keep running even if I get a little more incontinence later in day.

I'm hoping to hear from you other older runners in this thread.

Thanks,

Brian CA trail half marathoner

User

Posted 09 Nov 2024 at 16:01

Hallo Bryan, it appears that you are on the right track and improving. I don’t have the same issue as yourself. But a brief summary from my experience: I had the RP mid July. My First run was after 6/7 weeks (doc approved). It was a very slow 9 KM trot. I had to disappear into the bushes 12 times. So frustrating. However, this improved quickly. During the 5th run only twice. Thereafter not at all. Mid Oct I ran a half marathon without having to worry about incontince at all. Additionally, this week I have been able to sleep through from 12pm to 6am. I am really gratefull for this improvement. Once a day I perform a set of kegel excercises. On the down side, a bursitis infection has developed in the right hip area. So Running is not possible right now. The root cause is probably doing too much too soon, despite all the precautions I took. I know (!)…. So hopefully soon, I can start from scratch again… If I understood your message correctly, despite the incontinence, you can run without pain etc. so well done! Wish you all the best. Steve

User

Posted 10 Nov 2024 at 14:20

Hi Steve-thanks for your sharing. Congratulations on all the progress you have made. Sorry about the bursitis.

i start week 8 of recovery on Monday. I haven't heard anyone speak of this but if I start my trail run on a medium grade uphill very slow my heart rate immediately goes up to 150 which almost 100% shuts down the bodies pee response. I keep up the heart rate above 150 on the flat and downhill (2 to 3 miles) My legs, running body feels great after the rest from surgery, so it's that runner's high to be back on the trails again. I do wear pad but almost no leaking.

I'm doing better at night. One alarm set for three hours--wake up with strong urge but PV floor muscles are stronger now so I can make it to jon for a big pee with no leaks, then I sleep about 3 more hours and wake witthout alarm. Very minimal pee in pad overnight. Then I wear no pad from 4am until 9 when i sit and meditate and write, then go for walk or run.

The jury is out on my afternoon to evening slow leaking into pads while on kitchen duty. (I wish i had a maid) My wife has it worse than me with nerve pain from breast cancer treatments and can't use her arms. I tried that incontinence clamp for during my kitchen time. At first it worked nicely. Second time it didn't and I had misgivings about clamping down on my private fellow!!! My pelvic PT is giving me more exercises that integrate PF muscle with other muscle groups and movements, and she said to lay down for short rests with legs up on pillows in afternoon, evening. I hope i start to improve. On a leaky day I can go through about 4 pads from 2pm to 9pm, and it's not any great pain but a sucky feeling having the pee seep out.

I want to start training for our local, Santa Rosa, CA Annadel Half marathon next April. It's a very technical hilly rocky course. Last year I only ran the 10K of it because I was recovering from inguinal hernia surgery. I will have to do extra conditioning along with my running to get legs strong enough to endure the course, but that should be good for my continence too, I hope.

Best Healing to you,

Brian M from the California trails

User

Posted 10 Nov 2024 at 14:30

Hi---Thanks so much for your inspiring response! I'm at about day 50 and hope my leakiness in afternoons and evenings begins to improve. Not having incontinence during running (feels so great) as I described in another post, just keeping a balance to not overdo it and cause more leakage later in the day.

Brian M- from the California trails

User

Posted 10 Nov 2024 at 20:31

Some impressive reports in this thread, I am wondering if runners (and perhaps particularly trail runners) develop especially strong pelvic floor muscles which stand them in good stead after surgery.

If it is any reassurance my experience (not running but quite a lot of walking/hiking) is similar that my sphincters hold pretty well against exercise in the mornings but leaks become more of an issue as the day goes on. To be fair, that makes sense scientifically.

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