Notification

Error

3 weeks following surgery

User
Posted 10 May 2026 at 11:03

Hi, I’m 3 weeks into my recovery journey after having radical prostate surgery following a Gleason 7 diagnosis. I’m 46 and was hoping for minimal impact on leakage and ED as the surgery was nerve sparing. So far it’s been really difficult, bladder uncontrollable and nothing happening on getting the wee man to stand to attention. Brand new to this forum so looking for any advice, reassurance on what to expect moving forward and any tips to help. 🫢🏼

User
Posted 11 May 2026 at 15:03
Hi Roobster,

I would welcome you to the forum but I know this isn't a place any of us want to be! However, you are doing the right thing by coming on here and please do keep us aware of how you are doing.

My op was non-nerve sparing so not all my advice applies. I am assuming your catheter has been removed. If so I would recommend a trip to your GP. It is very common to get a water infection after having the catheter removed (I did). It's a simple dip stick test to find out and a two week course of antibiotics to clear it up.

As for the wee man, I would recommend a lot of patience. From what I have read on here, those lucky enough to have nerve sparing report several months for the recovery and can be up to a year. In my NHS trust I was contacted at about 8 weeks by the Erectile Dysfunction clinic and I was allowed to order a Vacuum Erection Device (VED) which was supplied a week later. I think this does vary from Trust to Trust. The reason they waited till 8 weeks was given as this is the right time to start rehabilitation for the wee man. As non-nerve sparing I have to use this device every time I want full sex for the rest of my life. There are injections and viagra pills. I assume you are on the viagra pills. If you do have a water infection that may be preventing the pills working. I will state I am not a doctor and I may be very wrong about the water infection.

I so hope the above helps and please do keep posting and if you have any other questions we will be happy to help.
User
Posted 11 May 2026 at 15:35

Thanks so much, as you say none of us want to be on here but it’s great to know in some way we’re all in it together. πŸ’ͺ🏼πŸ’ͺ🏼

User
Posted 11 May 2026 at 18:06

Hi Roobster


It is early days. It is unfortunate that you have incontinence and erectile problem. You are young so your prognosis is excellent. Are you doing pelvic floor exercises, if not, start doing them. Also you should acquire a vacuum pump, a cheap one from a sex shop would do the job towards rehabilitation. 

 'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.'                    Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate


 


 

 
Forum Jump  
©2026 Prostate Cancer UK