recently diagnosed with prostate cancer end of july

I'm guessing that you are opting for RARP ( robot assisted radical prostatectomy). If that is the case then you'll feel fine almost as soon as you come round from the anaesthesia. Overnight stay in hospital , packed off home with catheter bags and all the other paraphernalia.

Best to take it easy for a few days and then try a bit of gentle exercise.

I was diagnosed with PC in May  age 57 T3b Gleason 7 (3+4) also suffer from ulcerative colitis but been in remission for over 10 years, consultant said RP was only real option due to RT could kick start the colitis off again, so just waiting for date for op. I've been doing the pelvic floor exercises for a month now so hoping to get over one hurdle. 

Good luck 👍 

Sorry you find yourself here but at least it's been found in time to be dealt with. I suppose priority number one (post op) is getting yourself back to continence and as Jayney says get cracking on the pelvic floor exercises beforehand. Hopefully you will given some advice on ED but have you been told whether the operation is likely to be nerve sparing? At least you will then know what your options are in dealing with ED. You might be offered 5 mg of daily Tadalafil. You generally need bigger a dose to assist with erections but there is evidence that a daily small dose helps increase blood flow to repair damaged nerves. However it is a bit of a post code lottery as to whether you can get it prescribed. You also hopefully be given advice about getting a vacuum pump to assist with your penile rehab. I'm now 6 months post op and my continence is more or less cracked apart from long distance walks. ED is still work in progress but I can manage penetrative sex with some chemical and mechanical assistance. How quickly these things happen varies widely from person to person but most people eventually get there. Good luck with your forthcoming op.

Hi Lynn, Chris is correct, nobody ever suggested or would suggest that it is any man's fault if they are incontinent.  In fact any man suffering Incontinence after an operation has my sympathy and deserves every bit of help available, but as you said we all   male and female should do them regularly. 

Not long before you lose the catheter Nick then things should get a lot less painful. If it is the end of the penis that is hurting (I had that problem) try to get some Instillagel prescribed. I also found the catheter caused some discomfort in the Perineum when sitting down. Not much you can do about that except take painkillers and stick to a comfy seats.

I have been feeling down about it