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User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 14:18

I’m having much difficulty dealing with incontinence 2 weeks radical prostatectomy Can anyone help???

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 17:43

JSM, I am 16 weeks post RARP and am fortunate that I am now back on control of my bladder. It took about four/five weeks from the catheter being removed to see a noticeable improvement. Your current position is to be expected. Are you doing pelvic floor exercises which I found helped? There is an app called Squeezy which you may find useful.

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 18:57

Hi, 


Search on the Prostate cancer uk website for pelvic floor muscle exercises, try this link


https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/living-with-prostate-cancer/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises


Also perhaps have a chat to the PCUK specialist nurses.


Yes basically tightening pelvic floor muscles stops urine flow. Try not to tighten buttock muscles.


At this early stage after surgery, fluid intake is important,  try sipping thru the day, rather than downing a large cup or glass in one, as i was recommended. 


P.


 

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 19:04

Jsm, I notice you are in the USA so some things will differ over here. Some of our areas have a continence service that help with pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) etc and long term incontinence issues.


Your drill sounds about right. I think of the PFEs as there stages,  stage one moves the penis slightly,stage two stops the urine,stage three clenches the buttocks. You are aiming for stage two.


My catheter was in for 14 days, I leaked quite badly at first with little control, I was extremely lucky that four days after catheter removal I was 99 percent dry. I had done months of PFEs prior to surgery.


Far to early to start getting worried, you have been bashed about inside and things need to settle, swelling to go down stitches to come out, incisions to heal. 


Too early to consider this but can you stop or slow the urine mid stream, if yes that is a good sign, but if not it is to early to consider it a problem, you are still healing.


Not sure how you get help on your side of the pond. 


Take it easy with the PFEs at first , don't overdo them , over here 10 contractions three times a day is often mentioned but as I say you are still healing.


Thanks Chris 


 


Jsm appears to be in the USA

Edited by member 11 Apr 2023 at 19:10  | Reason: Not specified

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User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 15:56

Hi Jsm,


So 2 weeks post surgery, the catheter was removed recently? 


Very early days in your recovery. I recall going thru 3,4,5 pads a day for the first couple of weeks after catheter removal. At times very depressing, but it will improve in time.


Lots of rest, gentle exercise. Give yourself time to heal from the surgery  


Specific issues you have?


P.

Edited by member 11 Apr 2023 at 16:47  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 16:25
Jsm, it is perfectly normal to have no bladder control for a while after RP - did your surgeon not explain that to you? Most men regain continence between 3 - 12 months post-op
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 17:43

JSM, I am 16 weeks post RARP and am fortunate that I am now back on control of my bladder. It took about four/five weeks from the catheter being removed to see a noticeable improvement. Your current position is to be expected. Are you doing pelvic floor exercises which I found helped? There is an app called Squeezy which you may find useful.

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 18:22

Hi, 


I understand the pelvic floor exercises are necessary , but I cannot find anyone to explain in layman’s terms how to put above exercises to practice or use. I’ve been attempting to practice bladder control by standing from a laying position after drinking a large beverage ; I squeeze in and try to hold the urine from coming out as I race to the bathroom to relax and pee. Is this the drill? I also notice since starting pelvic floor exercises , it’s harder to move my bowels . Any advice would be very welcome!! 
thsnk u

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 18:57

Hi, 


Search on the Prostate cancer uk website for pelvic floor muscle exercises, try this link


https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/living-with-prostate-cancer/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises


Also perhaps have a chat to the PCUK specialist nurses.


Yes basically tightening pelvic floor muscles stops urine flow. Try not to tighten buttock muscles.


At this early stage after surgery, fluid intake is important,  try sipping thru the day, rather than downing a large cup or glass in one, as i was recommended. 


P.


 

User
Posted 11 Apr 2023 at 19:04

Jsm, I notice you are in the USA so some things will differ over here. Some of our areas have a continence service that help with pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) etc and long term incontinence issues.


Your drill sounds about right. I think of the PFEs as there stages,  stage one moves the penis slightly,stage two stops the urine,stage three clenches the buttocks. You are aiming for stage two.


My catheter was in for 14 days, I leaked quite badly at first with little control, I was extremely lucky that four days after catheter removal I was 99 percent dry. I had done months of PFEs prior to surgery.


Far to early to start getting worried, you have been bashed about inside and things need to settle, swelling to go down stitches to come out, incisions to heal. 


Too early to consider this but can you stop or slow the urine mid stream, if yes that is a good sign, but if not it is to early to consider it a problem, you are still healing.


Not sure how you get help on your side of the pond. 


Take it easy with the PFEs at first , don't overdo them , over here 10 contractions three times a day is often mentioned but as I say you are still healing.


Thanks Chris 


 


Jsm appears to be in the USA

Edited by member 11 Apr 2023 at 19:10  | Reason: Not specified

 
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