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

Notification

Error

Surgery soon - questions and advice

Email this conversation Print this conversation
User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 12:31

Hi All...Im 52 & I was diagniosed in June this year with Gleason 3+4, a massive shock & after a roller coaster of decisions between Brachy and surgery,  I have opted for robotic surgery in a few weeks time. 



Not looking forward to it at all but reading some of the stories on here does help


I keep thinking of loads of questions but any general  tips for my hospital stay, living with and dealing with the catheter  & general advice for the 1st few weeks of recovery would be great. The recovery is a big worry and the thought of getting back to work and being incontinent is a concern.



When they take the catheter out, I understand they need to make sure the tubes have healed internally, how do they check that or do they just assume they wouldve healed after 7 - 10 days?


Im also very active, have many of you managed to get back to activities and sport that you were doing pre op?

Thanks all

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:31

Best of luck with the Op next month as you’re being in good hands at London Bridge. I stayed at the London Bridge Hotel the night before and got a quiet room which worked well as less stress on the morning because it’s an early check-in. I think HCA have a room rate to get a few quid off but it’s still London prices.


the urethral connection or anastomosis which is made during the operation should heal without issue if you are careful… the catheter is removed after 10 to 14 days.


I’d say go easy on it for the full three months and then after that you can do what you like. After three months I got back into the gym started doing weights etc ease myself back into it…..for the last couple of years been doing full on calisthenics without issue. 


continence post surgery is to a point down to surgeon skill. I suspect if you’re at London Bridge you’re having one of the top guys so hopefully that should be taken care of. I suspect that they’ll be using Neurosafe as well as part of the procedure so you’re lining up all the cards in your favour.


If they’re using retzius sparing approach, which tries not to disturb The nerves below the bladder, this tends to give a higher probability of quicker post surgery continence.


London Bridge has good facilities and is effectively in Guys cancer centre….good size rooms and ensuite with TV and all the channels. Plus I found the food very good which you’ll get mostly stuck into day two.


One of best things I did was to buy some Canterbury full length zip track trousers which makes catheter management super easy. I also bought pads of varying grades just to be all kitted up.


A bucket is useful to put your night catheter bag in which is about 2 L size. catheter management just takes them getting used to really and it’s easy to get stressed. we are all here Should you have any questions or need a sounding board which I found super useful.


take a extra long charging cable for your phone because the sockets although they’re next to the bed can be longer than a meter of wire. 


Other than that it was fairly easy although like others I was quite stressed but managed to keep it together. When I woke up I realised it was in many respects less trouble than having my tonsils out.


 

Edited by member 28 Oct 2025 at 17:38  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:13
You can tell I’m worrying about the important things now :-) πŸ˜†

Fingers crossed I am similar to you.

Cheers both
User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 21:34
Thanks all.
The op was today!
All went v well! Seem confident they got it all and a negative margin and managed to save nerves.
Really happy with that

In a fair bit of pain on and off now with muscle/stomach spasms. They seem to think it’s the gas!

Anyway. all good and now onto the recovery.
Thanks all. Appreciate the comments.
User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 16:54

Hi there,


My husband 55 had surgery just coming up to 4 weeks ago. He found the catheter mildly annoying but not painful  , the 10 days went quickly and after he had the catheter removed he had to wait a couple of hours until they were happy he could pass urine . He has had absolutely no continence issues not even a dribble. Needed the loo a few times through the night for the first few days. Not tried erections yet but did have a slight stirring the morning after surgery. The bit he has found the worst is the daily injection you have to thin the blood.  Keep up with your pelvic floor exercises as I think this did greatly improve his outcome. Good luck 


 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:02

Wow small world mate I also had mine done privately at London Bridge , your not meant to mention names on here but surgeon DC also works out of the Royal Marsden πŸ‘ and yes it was his CNS , she is also a doctor in her own right 


Yes and funny you mention pre assessment checks as I was told initially to go the day before for the checks but then I got a call from London Bridge saying they needed to do them at least 2 days before, I am nowhere near London so had to book a hotel for some extra nights and go early 


they do look after you there mate πŸ‘


 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:19

It’s natural to be worried mate I was dreading it but strangely was really calm on the day and was quite funny waking up and asking the nurse how long it would be before they did it as I didn’t even realise it had been done 


one thing to mention is if they do it the same the pre assessment checks are done at St Olaf’s house, next door to St Olaf’s house is London Bridge hospital BUT it’s not the London Bridge hospital where you will be having the surgery , it was only by chance that I asked the nurse at Pre assessment about parking and she told me , the main hospital is about 5/10 mins walk away , not sure why it’s called by the same name, very confusing  

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:24

Thanks a lot...it will help if I go to the right place :-)

Appreciate the info, Im sure I will have more questions in the next couple of weeks

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:38

Ask away mate if you have any queries we have all been there πŸ‘as you can see tech guy above is very knowledgeable on the subject and he helped me a lot when I was waiting for surgery 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:43

Yeah bit of a run around between bloods done at one place next to shard and then pre assessment at another tucked away in a room upstairs somewhere. Just don’t be afraid of asking directions as easy to get lost with all the sub buildings all over the place. 


One the plus side can’t miss The Shard lol


 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 18:56

IMF, hope all goes well for you, my top tip is a packet of your favourite biscuits for a midnight snack after surgery.


The following link has lots of suggestions and there are other links within some posts.


https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t31026-What-do-I-need


Thanks Chris 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 21:41

Sounds good. I saw the Prof who is an absolutely legend with robotic and laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery. 


retzius sparing is how the prostate is approached to avoid the nerves under the bladder. Access area is known as the cave of retzius.


neuroSAFE pays dividends with nerve sparing as the prostate is checked by a pathologist on standby while you are open. They do quick frozen sections of the prostate to check the boarders are clear and/or take additional tissue if needed. So helps give near real-time visibility so nerve sparing is more optimal plus negative margin reassurance.

User
Posted 29 Oct 2025 at 10:51

Hi, IMF73.


Welcome to the forum mate.


My PSA was only 6.6, yet my final diagnosis was Gleason 9 (4+5), capsular breach, T3a.


Nine hundred and eighty seven days ago, (not that I'm counting πŸ™‚), I had RARP.


According to my wife, my life is now back to normal.


Fitness: Still in good shape. Almost spherical.


Continence: Still dribble too often.


Sex life: Still very infrequent, and nothing to write home about.

Edited by member 29 Oct 2025 at 16:31  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 02 Nov 2025 at 16:13

On getting back to previous fitness activities after the op, I was given clear advice to wait 3 months before anything strenuous, even though I felt ready after 5-6 weeks. Weights and anything putting pressure on the core obviously needs care but but light jogging and swimming were just fine. After 6 months it was comfortably back to normal. 


Everyone is different of course but there have been plenty of people on this forum who get back to full fitness after a prostatectomy. 

User
Posted 03 Nov 2025 at 21:47
Hi
When I went to the hospital to have the catheter removed I was given a variety of pads plus a vacuum pump ,I think each authority is probably different,but I think you would get some to try out .It is important to try out the different shapes and absorbance levels and pads to find the type that suits you.I found Amazon had a wide range of pads available at a reasonable cost .If you can get an appointment at the bladder clinic (I couldn't,t), you may get them supplied free .Good luck πŸ‘
User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 09:33

A stand although I’m pretty sure I had one supplied by London Bridge Guys. A large builders bucket you can get from any DIY place like Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q.

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 11:51

Will be natural to have worries mate in the build up to it , I was having sleepless nights beforehand but it turned out that the fear of the op was worse than the op turned out to be, this time next month fingers crossed you will be well on the way to recovery πŸ‘

User
Posted 05 Nov 2025 at 19:15

IMF73 very similar position as you. 


Im 43 and have surgery with prof at guys scheduled for Jan 7th. 


Like you, I also got a million thoughts and questions running through my mind. 


There are so many amazingly helpful people on this forum. Its certainly making the whole thing slightly less daunting. 


Some really useful tips on this post so I will be following. 


All the best. 


 

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 10:24

Totally :-) It’s a rollercoaster ride fore sure leading up. I had random episodes of tears running down my face without crying….very odd. And folks told me post surgery they could hear the stress in my voice. It’s natural to worry but try not too as when i came round from the general anaesthetic it struck me that this was less trouble than when i had my tonsils out…very surreal tbh

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 21:51

After week 5 when the stitches at the bladder neck softened I was pretty much back to normal. Week 8 onwards did sessions in town with the lads. Only thing I did was empty my bladder when about 3/4 full rather than push it. For the first few weeks I had leakage mainly in the evenings when tired. The prof advised at week 5 there should be dramatic improve and he was spot on. I switched to wine mainly to reduce load on bladder as leaked a few times while sleeping after a barrel of beer…wine never an issue.


i wore tena pads for a while when out for reassurance.

Edited by member 10 Nov 2025 at 21:56  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:01

Everyone’s different mate as far as continence goes so there’s no easy answer , I think you said you are having nerve sparing and I imagine well regarded surgeon at LB so fingers crossed that’s a good start 


i feel really fortunate as I haven’t had any continence issues I was dry from catheter removal, I didn’t drink alcohol while catheter was in just mainly water but since then coffee and alcohol hasn’t been a problem , I did as a precaution put a thinish tena pad in my boxers at first to be on the safe side but it wasn’t needed , social life now is as it was before 

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:09
Thanks a lot Techguy & Niko. That’s v reassuring.
User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:19

You’ll be back on the sauce in no time 🍻πŸ€ͺ

User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 19:22

All the best for tomorrow mate πŸ‘

User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 22:09

Even better mate all done and dusted and great news on negative margin and nerve sparing πŸ‘


I remember I felt like someone had tipped a bucket of ants down my pants later after surgery which was apparently a side effect you can get from the spinal injection and gas can certainly cause some pain, hopefully it will soon ease up then onwards and upwards to full recovery


just remember take it real easy , I was told don’t lift anything heavier than a kettle 


 

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 16:40

Hi Mate


56 here , I had the same as you 3+4 and had surgery on 22nd August 


First thing I would say is for me the fear of the op was worse than the op itself, went in put to sleep then woke up to ice cream , was groggy that was about it , I was in hospital for 2 days and nights and just chilled out, watched telly and had the odd walk around the ward block


I have to be honest I struggled a bit more than most with the catheter , I had a few blockages , but then my CNS gave me some tips, firstly they sent me out with it all tucked into a like a bandage pouch which squashed it up , once I took it out of this pouch it didn’t happen as much , another good tip she gave me was when it is connected to the night bag let it hang free , I put it on a pillow ( so it wouldn’t pull ) in the direction of and over the night bag , I found this worked quite well


not sure what you mean about them checking internal tubes, I have never heard that before, when I had the catheter taken out it was just a case of weeing a certain amount to ensure you can go ok and that was it 


to be honest once the catheter was out I felt fine in myself and you have to remind yourself that you have had major surgery as I certainly felt I could do more but I didn’t as I know that there is a lot of healing going on that I couldn't see or feel , I was also very lucky as I was dry straight from catheter removal and have stayed that way , hope I’m not tempting fate


now 9 weeks down the line I’m just starting to get back in the gym but limiting myself until I have my consultation tomorrow where I will be asking how much I can now do 


all the best with it mate and just shout out if you have more queries 


Nick

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 16:49
Hi Nick Thanks for the info & reply - very helpful & reassuring.
Sounds like you're recoverign really well, I am worried (like all of us Im sure) about the continence side of things but it sounds like that wasnt an issue for you. Im doing lots of pelic floor exercises, so I am hoping they will be helping.

They are planning to do nerve sparing but it soinds liek they wont know 100% until they are doing the procedure.

Great to hear you are getting back to the gym and active again too.

You mention the CNS - I assume you mean nurse? Did you speak to them prior and have a pre op assessment (blood tests etc)? Im having mine done at Londion Bridge but havent been told to come in prior yet


Thanks again
User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 16:54

Hi there,


My husband 55 had surgery just coming up to 4 weeks ago. He found the catheter mildly annoying but not painful  , the 10 days went quickly and after he had the catheter removed he had to wait a couple of hours until they were happy he could pass urine . He has had absolutely no continence issues not even a dribble. Needed the loo a few times through the night for the first few days. Not tried erections yet but did have a slight stirring the morning after surgery. The bit he has found the worst is the daily injection you have to thin the blood.  Keep up with your pelvic floor exercises as I think this did greatly improve his outcome. Good luck 


 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:02

Wow small world mate I also had mine done privately at London Bridge , your not meant to mention names on here but surgeon DC also works out of the Royal Marsden πŸ‘ and yes it was his CNS , she is also a doctor in her own right 


Yes and funny you mention pre assessment checks as I was told initially to go the day before for the checks but then I got a call from London Bridge saying they needed to do them at least 2 days before, I am nowhere near London so had to book a hotel for some extra nights and go early 


they do look after you there mate πŸ‘


 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:10

Thats great to hear. Sounds like it may be a different surgeon but yes its going to be private at London Bridge.


Im waiting to hear about a pre assessment. Its all getting a bit close now!!!
The closer it gets the more little worries :-) 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:19

It’s natural to be worried mate I was dreading it but strangely was really calm on the day and was quite funny waking up and asking the nurse how long it would be before they did it as I didn’t even realise it had been done 


one thing to mention is if they do it the same the pre assessment checks are done at St Olaf’s house, next door to St Olaf’s house is London Bridge hospital BUT it’s not the London Bridge hospital where you will be having the surgery , it was only by chance that I asked the nurse at Pre assessment about parking and she told me , the main hospital is about 5/10 mins walk away , not sure why it’s called by the same name, very confusing  

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:24

Thanks a lot...it will help if I go to the right place :-)

Appreciate the info, Im sure I will have more questions in the next couple of weeks

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:31

Best of luck with the Op next month as you’re being in good hands at London Bridge. I stayed at the London Bridge Hotel the night before and got a quiet room which worked well as less stress on the morning because it’s an early check-in. I think HCA have a room rate to get a few quid off but it’s still London prices.


the urethral connection or anastomosis which is made during the operation should heal without issue if you are careful… the catheter is removed after 10 to 14 days.


I’d say go easy on it for the full three months and then after that you can do what you like. After three months I got back into the gym started doing weights etc ease myself back into it…..for the last couple of years been doing full on calisthenics without issue. 


continence post surgery is to a point down to surgeon skill. I suspect if you’re at London Bridge you’re having one of the top guys so hopefully that should be taken care of. I suspect that they’ll be using Neurosafe as well as part of the procedure so you’re lining up all the cards in your favour.


If they’re using retzius sparing approach, which tries not to disturb The nerves below the bladder, this tends to give a higher probability of quicker post surgery continence.


London Bridge has good facilities and is effectively in Guys cancer centre….good size rooms and ensuite with TV and all the channels. Plus I found the food very good which you’ll get mostly stuck into day two.


One of best things I did was to buy some Canterbury full length zip track trousers which makes catheter management super easy. I also bought pads of varying grades just to be all kitted up.


A bucket is useful to put your night catheter bag in which is about 2 L size. catheter management just takes them getting used to really and it’s easy to get stressed. we are all here Should you have any questions or need a sounding board which I found super useful.


take a extra long charging cable for your phone because the sockets although they’re next to the bed can be longer than a meter of wire. 


Other than that it was fairly easy although like others I was quite stressed but managed to keep it together. When I woke up I realised it was in many respects less trouble than having my tonsils out.


 

Edited by member 28 Oct 2025 at 17:38  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:38

Ask away mate if you have any queries we have all been there πŸ‘as you can see tech guy above is very knowledgeable on the subject and he helped me a lot when I was waiting for surgery 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:40

I stayed at London Bridge hotel matey and they still do a discount πŸ‘

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 17:43

Yeah bit of a run around between bloods done at one place next to shard and then pre assessment at another tucked away in a room upstairs somewhere. Just don’t be afraid of asking directions as easy to get lost with all the sub buildings all over the place. 


One the plus side can’t miss The Shard lol


 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 18:55

Thanks so much.
Im about an hour from London  so will be travelling up in the morning


Yes, its at London Bridge & the surgeon seems v good and is v experienced, yes he's using Neurosafe too so fingers crossed. Im not sure on the Retzius approach though, I will ask them that. Thats different to the nerve sparing isnt it?


Im keen to hopefully get back to sport but wont be rushing it, good to hear you were back at the gym after 3 months and now back active.


Thanks for all these tips


Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Best of luck with the Op next month as you’re being in good hands at London Bridge. I stayed at the London Bridge Hotel the night before and got a quiet room which worked well as less stress on the morning because it’s an early check-in. I think HCA have a room rate to get a few quid off but it’s still London prices.


the urethral connection or anastomosis which is made during the operation should heal without issue if you are careful… the catheter is removed after 10 to 14 days.


I’d say go easy on it for the full three months and then after that you can do what you like. After three months I got back into the gym started doing weights etc ease myself back into it…..for the last couple of years been doing full on calisthenics without issue. 


continence post surgery is to a point down to surgeon skill. I suspect if you’re at London Bridge you’re having one of the top guys so hopefully that should be taken care of. I suspect that they’ll be using Neurosafe as well as part of the procedure so you’re lining up all the cards in your favour.


If they’re using retzius sparing approach, which tries not to disturb The nerves below the bladder, this tends to give a higher probability of quicker post surgery continence.


London Bridge has good facilities and is effectively in Guys cancer centre….good size rooms and ensuite with TV and all the channels. Plus I found the food very good which you’ll get mostly stuck into day two.


One of best things I did was to buy some Canterbury full length zip track trousers which makes catheter management super easy. I also bought pads of varying grades just to be all kitted up.


A bucket is useful to put your night catheter bag in which is about 2 L size. catheter management just takes them getting used to really and it’s easy to get stressed. we are all here Should you have any questions or need a sounding board which I found super useful.


take a extra long charging cable for your phone because the sockets although they’re next to the bed can be longer than a meter of wire. 


Other than that it was fairly easy although like others I was quite stressed but managed to keep it together. When I woke up I realised it was in many respects less trouble than having my tonsils out.


 


User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 18:56

IMF, hope all goes well for you, my top tip is a packet of your favourite biscuits for a midnight snack after surgery.


The following link has lots of suggestions and there are other links within some posts.


https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t31026-What-do-I-need


Thanks Chris 

User
Posted 28 Oct 2025 at 21:41

Sounds good. I saw the Prof who is an absolutely legend with robotic and laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery. 


retzius sparing is how the prostate is approached to avoid the nerves under the bladder. Access area is known as the cave of retzius.


neuroSAFE pays dividends with nerve sparing as the prostate is checked by a pathologist on standby while you are open. They do quick frozen sections of the prostate to check the boarders are clear and/or take additional tissue if needed. So helps give near real-time visibility so nerve sparing is more optimal plus negative margin reassurance.

User
Posted 29 Oct 2025 at 10:51

Hi, IMF73.


Welcome to the forum mate.


My PSA was only 6.6, yet my final diagnosis was Gleason 9 (4+5), capsular breach, T3a.


Nine hundred and eighty seven days ago, (not that I'm counting πŸ™‚), I had RARP.


According to my wife, my life is now back to normal.


Fitness: Still in good shape. Almost spherical.


Continence: Still dribble too often.


Sex life: Still very infrequent, and nothing to write home about.

Edited by member 29 Oct 2025 at 16:31  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 02 Nov 2025 at 16:13

On getting back to previous fitness activities after the op, I was given clear advice to wait 3 months before anything strenuous, even though I felt ready after 5-6 weeks. Weights and anything putting pressure on the core obviously needs care but but light jogging and swimming were just fine. After 6 months it was comfortably back to normal. 


Everyone is different of course but there have been plenty of people on this forum who get back to full fitness after a prostatectomy. 

User
Posted 03 Nov 2025 at 21:24
Do the hospital supply pads or do I need to think about getting them myself and if so which ones are recommended?
User
Posted 03 Nov 2025 at 21:47
Hi
When I went to the hospital to have the catheter removed I was given a variety of pads plus a vacuum pump ,I think each authority is probably different,but I think you would get some to try out .It is important to try out the different shapes and absorbance levels and pads to find the type that suits you.I found Amazon had a wide range of pads available at a reasonable cost .If you can get an appointment at the bladder clinic (I couldn't,t), you may get them supplied free .Good luck πŸ‘
User
Posted 03 Nov 2025 at 22:01

At private London Bridge after catheter removal they gave me some for train ride home but I’d bought some anyway. Tena level 2 and 3 are industry standard and work well. Also get some snug fitting pants to keep them held in place. I found Asda hipster pants worked really well. Also really useful as a backstop is travel johns portable gel pack urinal. I didn’t need ibut in my kit bag. On the journey home after catheter removal the train loo was out of service and i was bursting. Thankfully the guard was really helpful and sorted me out with another loo. I was at the point of either going on the platform or traveljohn under a blanket. Try and give yourself a bit of time after catheter removal at it normally involves drinking loads of water so will be peeing for England,.

User
Posted 03 Nov 2025 at 22:18

Thanks


i have also read that people put the catheter night bag in a bucket. Is that right? How does that work? 

User
Posted 03 Nov 2025 at 22:29

Comes with a stand which isn’t super stable at night. Big builders bucket adds reassurance and stability. I’m a side sleep but first few nights slept on my back as line not super long. Got used to it fairly quickly and side slept facing bucket….worked well as no need to get up in middle of night for a pee. 2ltr bag was full in the morning.. if they don’t supply pick one up off amazon. I got as bag of goodies like bags and clips plus plasters etc

Edited by member 03 Nov 2025 at 22:31  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 06:43

Thanks. 
you say pick one up from Amazon….do you mean a stand or bucket?

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 09:33

A stand although I’m pretty sure I had one supplied by London Bridge Guys. A large builders bucket you can get from any DIY place like Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q.

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 10:46

Yep, cheers, bucket is no probs, wondered about the stand - thanks!!!
Also, you answered my other question about sleeping on my side  - cheers mate


 


All these silly questions eh πŸ˜€

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


A stand although I’m pretty sure I had one supplied by London Bridge Guys. A large builders bucket you can get from any DIY place like Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q.


User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 11:01

Spoke to Nikko as he’s had recent surgery at London Bridge guys whereas my six years ago. He confirmed the nightstand was supplied.

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 11:18

Yes as Techguy says LB gave me  a stand that the night bag is fitted to, I found it to be secure and didn’t need anything else 


when is your surgery mate ?


 

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 11:42

Good to hear thanks for following up. Appreciated 


it’s the 19th….getting close now. !

Edited by member 10 Nov 2025 at 08:35  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 04 Nov 2025 at 11:51

Will be natural to have worries mate in the build up to it , I was having sleepless nights beforehand but it turned out that the fear of the op was worse than the op turned out to be, this time next month fingers crossed you will be well on the way to recovery πŸ‘

User
Posted 05 Nov 2025 at 19:15

IMF73 very similar position as you. 


Im 43 and have surgery with prof at guys scheduled for Jan 7th. 


Like you, I also got a million thoughts and questions running through my mind. 


There are so many amazingly helpful people on this forum. Its certainly making the whole thing slightly less daunting. 


Some really useful tips on this post so I will be following. 


All the best. 


 

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 08:38
Hi All, I am going into this with no symptons as such, were many of you similar? Feels odd, knowing your'e going in to surgery feeling good but will come out feeling sore! As it was getting closer were you questioning it at all & is that normal?
User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 08:49

I could feel it — my prostate felt like an inflamed golf ball. Once the biopsy confirmed the cancer, I just wanted it out as soon as possible. In my view, the sooner it was removed, the lower the risk of it spreading and I could get on with my life πŸ’ͺ


 

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 09:14

Dont get me wrong, thats my view too. It will only go one way eh.


Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


I could feel it — my prostate felt like an inflamed golf ball. Once the biopsy confirmed the cancer, I just wanted it out as soon as possible. In my view, the sooner it was removed, the lower the risk of it spreading and I could get on with my life πŸ’ͺ


 


User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 10:24

Totally :-) It’s a rollercoaster ride fore sure leading up. I had random episodes of tears running down my face without crying….very odd. And folks told me post surgery they could hear the stress in my voice. It’s natural to worry but try not too as when i came round from the general anaesthetic it struck me that this was less trouble than when i had my tonsils out…very surreal tbh

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 14:50

Your words are virtually what I said to my mate word for word


i also had no symptoms and I said it feels weird going into hospital feeling really fit , have always been into weight training , boxing and martial arts, for the months coming up to surgery I really went full out on training to get extra fit for surgery, just felt strange knowing I was going to come out knowing that it would be the end of training for a while and also would be very delicate and vulnerable , you kind of think that if you go into hospital it should be making you feel better not worse but as we know this thing can’t be seen or felt at the moment but I knew that could change at any time , I have no regrets whatsoever and would do the same thing again 


as I said it wasn’t as bad as I thought and the weeks have flown by and I’m now back training but at a much steadier pace 

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 21:36
How did the surgery and incontinence affect your social life?
Was going out to pubs/restaurants etc an issue at all after the op?

I have read that caffeine and alcohol can affect the incontinence.
Have you had to cut back or stop caffeine and alcohol and planned any social events because of continence issues?
Did you have to think about carrying pads around etc?
User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 21:51

After week 5 when the stitches at the bladder neck softened I was pretty much back to normal. Week 8 onwards did sessions in town with the lads. Only thing I did was empty my bladder when about 3/4 full rather than push it. For the first few weeks I had leakage mainly in the evenings when tired. The prof advised at week 5 there should be dramatic improve and he was spot on. I switched to wine mainly to reduce load on bladder as leaked a few times while sleeping after a barrel of beer…wine never an issue.


i wore tena pads for a while when out for reassurance.

Edited by member 10 Nov 2025 at 21:56  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:01

Everyone’s different mate as far as continence goes so there’s no easy answer , I think you said you are having nerve sparing and I imagine well regarded surgeon at LB so fingers crossed that’s a good start 


i feel really fortunate as I haven’t had any continence issues I was dry from catheter removal, I didn’t drink alcohol while catheter was in just mainly water but since then coffee and alcohol hasn’t been a problem , I did as a precaution put a thinish tena pad in my boxers at first to be on the safe side but it wasn’t needed , social life now is as it was before 

User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:09
Thanks a lot Techguy & Niko. That’s v reassuring.
User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:13
You can tell I’m worrying about the important things now :-) πŸ˜†

Fingers crossed I am similar to you.

Cheers both
User
Posted 10 Nov 2025 at 22:19

You’ll be back on the sauce in no time 🍻πŸ€ͺ

User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 19:22

All the best for tomorrow mate πŸ‘

User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 20:16

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
I have read that caffeine and alcohol can affect the incontinence.


I started drinking the day after RARP.  I was so relieved to be back home, I had a couple of pints to celebrate.


My profile photo shows me four days later, having my first pint  in the club. I had a catheter on. The bag was emptied a few times but coped with half a gallon.


I've never let any illness get in the way of having a beer. πŸ™‚


Good luck with the op.πŸ‘

Edited by member 18 Nov 2025 at 21:11  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 20:23

See you on the other side. Although you will be having kittens try not to stress as when you wake up you’ll realise it wasn’t half bad at all. You are in fantastic hands so just trust the process and give the nurses some banter :-)

User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 21:34
Thanks all.
The op was today!
All went v well! Seem confident they got it all and a negative margin and managed to save nerves.
Really happy with that

In a fair bit of pain on and off now with muscle/stomach spasms. They seem to think it’s the gas!

Anyway. all good and now onto the recovery.
Thanks all. Appreciate the comments.
User
Posted 18 Nov 2025 at 22:09

Even better mate all done and dusted and great news on negative margin and nerve sparing πŸ‘


I remember I felt like someone had tipped a bucket of ants down my pants later after surgery which was apparently a side effect you can get from the spinal injection and gas can certainly cause some pain, hopefully it will soon ease up then onwards and upwards to full recovery


just remember take it real easy , I was told don’t lift anything heavier than a kettle 


 

 
Forum Jump  
Email this conversation Print this conversation

Join the online community now.

Click through to become a member and gain access to support, information and real time replies.




MenuTop ▲
©2025 Prostate Cancer UK