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Posted 5/13/2009 8:57 AM (GMT -6)
My 6 mo visit to the Urologist was Tuesday. Blood for PSA drawn as usual, but this time I asked about incontinence. It's been 2.5 years since my surgery and I'm officially tired of the slight leakage. Although I'm considered a success (don't leak too much), I do still wear a light pad everyday.
 
What I did not know was that if you still leak at 6 months out, you are not going to stop according to one Urologist I met with yesterday. I had not heard that before. I was going on the mindset that it would improve more and more over time.
 
I was tested and approved as a candidate for the subject sling. Have any of you had this installed? I'd like to hear your experiences if so. Thanks.
 
DX 8/24/06
Gleason 6
PSA 3.32
stage T1C
age 48 at the time
da Vinci on 10/20/06
Last PSA was ZERO
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend
"Never miss a good chance to listen."
 

Posted 5/13/2009 9:53 AM (GMT -6)

How "slight" is your slight leakage?

I know when I got off the pads - I still had to make a mental effort to hold it in when getting out of a chair and such. It later became a natural thing to do.

Age 54   - 5'11"   205lbs
Overall Heath Condition - Good
PSA - July 2007 & Jan 2008 -> 1.3
Biopsy - 03/04/08 -> Gleason 6 
 
06/25/08 - Da Vinci robotic laparoscopy
Catheter in for five weeks.
Dry after 3 months.
 
10/03/08 - 1st Quarter PSA -> less then .01
01/16/09 - 2nd Quarter PSA -> less then .01
Surgeon - Keith A. Waguespack, M.D.
 

Posted 5/13/2009 10:01 AM (GMT -6)
Enough to be an embarassment if wearing khakis to work...Point is, that I can control most instances such as your examples; however, from a daily perspective the leakage is has not changed since a week after the surgery. It now becomes a quality of life issue. Do I want to continue to wear a pad forever?

FWIW, I went a while sans pads and it proved to be enough of a nuisance to revert.
DX 8/24/06
Gleason 6
PSA 3.32
stage T1C
age 48 at the time
da Vinci on 10/20/06
Last PSA was ZERO
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend
"Never miss a good chance to listen."
 

Posted 5/13/2009 11:35 AM (GMT -6)
You should be a good candidate for the male sling with your slight leakage.  KW, who had awful leaking like me, tried and it failed with him.  He will probably be along soon and comment.
 
Gene214
PC diagnosed 12-06 @ age 63
Radical open removal 2-14-07, Gleason 3+3=6
Removal of stricture 6-07, incontinence continues
Scheduled for AUS & IPP 05-08
Surgeon cancelled one day pre-surgery, due to cardiac concerns
Nuclear stress 5/13/08
3 stents 5/27
AUS, IPP implanted 07-16-08
AUS, IPP was activated on 08-18-08.  They both work!
10-20-08 went back to surgeon for a follow-up.  Both devices are working very good and surgeon was very pleased that I am very pleased.
 

Posted 5/13/2009 11:22 PM (GMT -6)
I am also interested in any response to this thread as I am a considering this procedure. My leakage is minor (<1 light pad/day) but it is driving me crazy. However, I am concerned that the sling procedure may also retard my urination to the point of discomfort. Any input from experience would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 5/14/2009 6:58 AM (GMT -6)
TSFFZ said...
I am also interested in any response to this thread as I am a considering this procedure. My leakage is minor (<1 light pad/day) but it is driving me crazy. However, I am concerned that the sling procedure may also retard my urination to the point of discomfort. Any input from experience would be greatly appreciated.
One of the main drivers for me is that I'd like to feel fresh for more than a couple of minutes following a shower. Even the light pads are warm and the added urine during the day is driving me crazy too. Your concern about retardation of the flow raises another interesting question. Hopefully, someone will respond soon.
DX 8/24/06
Gleason 6
PSA 3.32
stage T1C
age 48 at the time
da Vinci on 10/20/06
Last PSA was ZERO
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend
"Never miss a good chance to listen."
 

Posted 5/17/2009 12:57 PM (GMT -6)
Bump
Posted 5/17/2009 3:00 PM (GMT -6)

dawgfan and TSFFZ:

For urination and other issues in connection with the installation of the AdVance Male Sling, I suggest that you look at the detailed blog of SkyDaver,as contained in his entry called "SkyDaver's AdVance Sling Journey".  You can find it using the "search" function, above.  It is fairly recent (8/2008) and should still be relevant.

RHC Jr.

Last PSA prior to biopsy  -  11.9
Biopsy  -  8/7/2008
Cancer findings at left lateral and left medial apex of prostate
Gleason score  -  3+3 = 6
Staging  -  T1c
Prostate size/weight  -  128 cc./ 99 grams
Bone and CT scans  -  9/12/2008  -  both clear
Age at biopsy  -  65         Health  -  Excellent (other PCa)  (Lift weights, play golf & tennis (incl. singles))
da Vinci RP surgery  -  12/15/2008 at Naples Hosp.
Surgeon  -  Dr. Wm. Figlesthaler
Hosp. Stay  -  1 night
Catheter removed  -  12/23/2008
Post-Op blood tests  -  2/2/2009 & 3/27/2009                     PSA  -  undetectable
Scheduled 12 weeks biofeedback, coupled with electrical stimulation  (started 3/3/2009)
 

Posted 5/18/2009 8:24 AM (GMT -6)
I've scheduled the installation of the sling for 6/18/09. Will report back.
DX 8/24/06
Gleason 6
PSA 3.32
stage T1C
age 48 at the time
da Vinci on 10/20/06
Last PSA was ZERO
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend
"Never miss a good chance to listen."
 

Posted 5/18/2009 9:32 AM (GMT -6)
Addendum:

PSA results were 0.01 again (wonderful news).

After reading the SkyDaver's journey thread I'd like to mention some things my surgeon said. I must not lift anything heavier than a gallon milk, no stretching, no squatting, no lifting of legs (he demonstrated the exact movement it would take climb into our Tahoe), no golf, no SEX...for 6 weeks.

Sounds excessive to me, but if it dries me out - then I'm there. I am really ready to stop the squirts, even if it means another surgery.
DX 8/24/06
Gleason 6
PSA 3.32
stage T1C
age 48 at the time
da Vinci on 10/20/06
Last PSA was ZERO
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend
"Never miss a good chance to listen."
 

Posted 5/18/2009 2:38 PM (GMT -6)

Please also see

Ed's AdVance Male Sling Procedure

Ed from Rochester, NY 66 years old
PSA 6/06 1.9
4/06 Biopsy 1 core cancerous Gleason 3 + 3 = 6
8/06 Da Vinci Dr. Joseph, Strong Memorial, Rochester, NY
Gleason 3 + 4 = 7, negative margins
3 month PSA .01
6 month PSA .01
9 month PSA .02
1 yr PSA .01
1 1/2 yr PSA .02
2 yr PSA .03
3 yr PSA .03
1st collagen 12/07
2nd collagen 3/08
Imiprimine 7/08
still leaking about 120 ml/day 2 - 4 pad
AdVance Male sling procedure 9-05-08
Unable to void, catheter in for 11 days, then self-catheterization
Dry after Catheter removed, no exercise for six weeks from procedure date
Now, totally dry except for some post urinary dribbles.

Posted 5/18/2009 2:58 PM (GMT -6)
I'll admit a touch of concern in the beginning of the story; however, it all worked out in the end. Thanks for the link. My searches must not have used the exact wording as I did not find many threads.
DX 8/24/06
Gleason 6
PSA 3.32
stage T1C
age 48 at the time
da Vinci on 10/20/06
Last PSA was ZERO
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend
"Never miss a good chance to listen."
 

Posted 5/18/2009 7:43 PM (GMT -6)

    Hey Dawg,  I'm sure with you slight ammount of leaking the sling would probably work for you.  I think a long slow recovery is a good thing.  That will let the sling grow in and take hold.

    Wishing you well,  KW

    43 at Dx and Surgery (RRP)
    PSA 5.7, Biopsy 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate, Gleason 7
    RRP on Oct. 17, 2006 - Nerves on right side saved. All Lab's clear. 
    Cathiter in for 28 days due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006
    First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006  Undetectable 0.00.
    ED workable and usable with Viagra.
    Feb. 20th, 2007 - Feb. 4th, 2008  Cystoscope, Two Collagen injections,Second Opinion Consultation for Incontinance at OU Medical Center, Bio-Feedback training, Chiropractic, Accupuncture  to try to resolve ongoing incontinance (4-6 pads a day)  All PSA's 0.00.
    Feb. 22nd, 2008 - Surgery to install the AMS AdVance Male Sling.
    March 27th, 2008 - Sling not working, Little or no improvement.
    April 18, 2008 - Collagen injection.  Back to using 4-6 full pads a day within a week.
    May 14, 2008 - Another collagen injection to try to Band-Aid the leaking for our June cruise.  Will start making conusultation appiontments for AUS after we return.
    July 14th, 2008 - AUS consultation with Dr. Morey at UT Southwestern (Dallas).
    July 30, PSA 0.00.
    Aug. 22nd, 2008 - AUS Surgery by Dr. Morey
    Oct. 6th, 2008 - AUS Activation by Dr. Morey.  Working Great, only light drips and dribbles.
    Jan, 31st, 2009 - PSA 0.00  Next test in July, 2009  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
     

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