I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

Feeling a bit embarrassed to share but...

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 13:28

Hi,

I am three weeks post op and in many ways doing extremely well. Wounds have healed nicely, but I still have a little bit of leakage post catheter removal.

The thing I am embarrassed to talk about is that I find it extremely difficult to urinate standing up, as my penis seems to have retreated almost into my abdomen. I don't know whether this is normal or not. I still pass urine but I find I now have to sit down. This is not a problem I hasten to add but it can be a little embarrassing when not in my own home!

I was told by my surgeon that I might not be able to get an erection in future, as he was having to go wider in the removal than he normally would, due to the size of the cancerous material on my prostate. This he told me, may mean damage to the nerves around the pubic area. I was wondering if this was the cause.

Obviously, I am not sure whether I will regain any control in that area, as it is still too early after the operation to tell. 

Has anybody else encountered this problem and does it get better with time?

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 13:28

Hi,

I am three weeks post op and in many ways doing extremely well. Wounds have healed nicely, but I still have a little bit of leakage post catheter removal.

The thing I am embarrassed to talk about is that I find it extremely difficult to urinate standing up, as my penis seems to have retreated almost into my abdomen. I don't know whether this is normal or not. I still pass urine but I find I now have to sit down. This is not a problem I hasten to add but it can be a little embarrassing when not in my own home!

I was told by my surgeon that I might not be able to get an erection in future, as he was having to go wider in the removal than he normally would, due to the size of the cancerous material on my prostate. This he told me, may mean damage to the nerves around the pubic area. I was wondering if this was the cause.

Obviously, I am not sure whether I will regain any control in that area, as it is still too early after the operation to tell. 

Has anybody else encountered this problem and does it get better with time?

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 19:00

It is common, post op, to find the need to sit down and pee. I had to occasionally. You seem to be recovering well, long may it continue.

 

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 19:59

Trev, as already said it is a frequently reported situation. Once you have seen your surgeon and given the all clear, start some penile rehabilitation. The rehabilitation can help restore the health of the flaccid penis. 

Thanks Chris 

 

 

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 22:11

I can’t answer your question Trev as I didn’t the option of surgery, but I know from my friends in Maggies Group you need to be patient with your recovery, and many of them report taking a backward step at some point.

Please don’t be embarrassed about asking any question on here, we’re all in the same boat and know what you’re going through.

Good luck with your recovery,

Derek

User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 02:48
Some men are fortunate in that they lose virtually no length in their Penis after surgery. Others lose more as it is cut and rejoined as part of a Prostatectomy. One guy said he lost two inches but that seems excessive. Get a pump and chemical aide, (refer to your GP for help here). This subject has been raised on this forum previously but most surgeons don't seem to warn patients that this is a risk.

Incidentally, the penis can also short after RT and again you should 'work it' after treatment.

Barry
User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 08:03

It's important to push to get a pump ASAP and start doing penile rehab, although you need to wait a bit longer yet before you start using it, for everything to heal inside.

Ask for referral to a pump clinic - your CNS can probably arrange this, hopefully for around 8 weeks after surgery providing the healing is going OK.

It's also worth asking for Tadalafil, either 5mg daily low dose or 2 x 20mg/week. This may help nerves heal faster, even if it can't get you an erection at this stage.

User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 19:54

Hi TrevJ53,

Yes, I had similar problems with urination after surgery.  In my case it was caused by weak flow, so that the pee just dribbled out, rather than in a strong stream, so that I was unable to direct it into the toilet bowl or urinal.  I was very likely to wet my trousers, so it was safer to sit down.  I am 2 years post surgery and it has got a lot better, although I would say that the flow is still not very strong, but I can usually stand up to pee.  Hopefully, yours will improve too.

Best wishes,

JedSee.

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 19:00

It is common, post op, to find the need to sit down and pee. I had to occasionally. You seem to be recovering well, long may it continue.

 

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 19:59

Trev, as already said it is a frequently reported situation. Once you have seen your surgeon and given the all clear, start some penile rehabilitation. The rehabilitation can help restore the health of the flaccid penis. 

Thanks Chris 

 

 

User
Posted 08 Oct 2024 at 22:11

I can’t answer your question Trev as I didn’t the option of surgery, but I know from my friends in Maggies Group you need to be patient with your recovery, and many of them report taking a backward step at some point.

Please don’t be embarrassed about asking any question on here, we’re all in the same boat and know what you’re going through.

Good luck with your recovery,

Derek

User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 02:48
Some men are fortunate in that they lose virtually no length in their Penis after surgery. Others lose more as it is cut and rejoined as part of a Prostatectomy. One guy said he lost two inches but that seems excessive. Get a pump and chemical aide, (refer to your GP for help here). This subject has been raised on this forum previously but most surgeons don't seem to warn patients that this is a risk.

Incidentally, the penis can also short after RT and again you should 'work it' after treatment.

Barry
User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 08:03

It's important to push to get a pump ASAP and start doing penile rehab, although you need to wait a bit longer yet before you start using it, for everything to heal inside.

Ask for referral to a pump clinic - your CNS can probably arrange this, hopefully for around 8 weeks after surgery providing the healing is going OK.

It's also worth asking for Tadalafil, either 5mg daily low dose or 2 x 20mg/week. This may help nerves heal faster, even if it can't get you an erection at this stage.

User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 10:32

Just a big thank you to you all. Having things explained by those who have been through similar concerns is a massive help. I will remain positive. 

This is a brilliant site for those having concerns about all aspects of Prostate Cancer. Long may it be so.

User
Posted 09 Oct 2024 at 19:54

Hi TrevJ53,

Yes, I had similar problems with urination after surgery.  In my case it was caused by weak flow, so that the pee just dribbled out, rather than in a strong stream, so that I was unable to direct it into the toilet bowl or urinal.  I was very likely to wet my trousers, so it was safer to sit down.  I am 2 years post surgery and it has got a lot better, although I would say that the flow is still not very strong, but I can usually stand up to pee.  Hopefully, yours will improve too.

Best wishes,

JedSee.

 
Forum Jump  
©2024 Prostate Cancer UK