Incontinence and Surgical Technique

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Tim G Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 2313	Posted 8/31/2006 2:16 AM (GMT -6)
	As I was learning about prostate surgery one fact that I encountered over and over in books and articles was the importance of the surgeon's skill in preserving the external urethral sphincter located just below the prostate. It was emphasized that the surgeon must cut out all the prostate, but be careful to not cut any of the urethral sphincter, which is all that is left after prostatectomy to control urine flow. This is a delicate part of the operation, requiring exquisite skill. I talked to my urologist at length about this aspect of the surgery beforehand, as well bilateral nerve-sparing. He agreed that saving the entire urethral sphincter is crucial to regaining continence. I'm wondering if my quick recovery of continence was in part due to my urologist's surgical skill. A number of men I talked to who were operated on by the same urologist stated that relatively good continence returned within weeks after surgery Age 57 PSA 2.5 Gleason 5 Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy/Bilateral Nerve-sparing 6/21/06 Cancer confined to prostate No further treatment Back to Top

spinbiscuit Veteran Member Date Joined Apr 2006 Total Posts : 818	Posted 8/31/2006 9:14 AM (GMT -6)
	Hi TimG, You are correct. The most important factor in the recovery is the skill and experience of the surgeon. Other factors that will determine the degree of success are: Age and physical condition of the patient, difficulty of the procedure unique to the condition of the prostate, and the patient's efforts post-op to speed up recovery. When all of these ducks are lined up; the patient is a winner. Glad to hear you have healed well, Glen Back to Top

bluebird Veteran Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 2542	Posted 9/3/2006 6:43 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi TimG, The skill of the surgeon is sooooo important! And your commitment to getting this little guy in shape for his new job is equally important! An excerpt from Dr. Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer has been highlighted in our book!!!! Men are equipped with three separate anatomical structures that control urine – a sphincter at the bladder neck, the prostate itself, and the external sphincter. Radical Prostatectomy knocks out two of these—the sphincter at the bladder neck and, of course, the prostate—leaving only the external sphincter to do the work of three. *Because of the powerful structures upstream, this (external sphincter) is never tested or even used much in most men…. So you guys better take good care of (him)!!! This is why the exercises (kegels, walking, stairs) are soooooooo important to strengthen this little muscle before surgery. So ~ when it’s time for him to kick in and start working…. He will be ready! The main thing our urologist told us is to “not overwork him”!!! Nice topic Tim and a very important one J Take care, Lee & Buddy mama bluebird* ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable Back to Top

GreenAcres Regular Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 474	Posted 9/4/2006 12:48 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi, Mama Blue - so glad to see you're back! And each of you have said some very important stuff. I just wanted to add that it could be a little confusing about the kegeling times, which you have reiterated, Mama B, in past posts, too. Before surgery, kegel away (per any instructions, of course). Whenever you can. However, after surgery, our doc only wanted husb. to do them two times/day and long and slow. Back to Top

Tim G Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 2313	Posted 9/4/2006 1:09 PM (GMT -6)
	In my last post-operative visit, I mentioned to the urologist that I did Kegel exercises while urinating. She said that I should not do them while urinating because it can cause bladder problems. Other times are okay, and stopping and starting urine flow does help to identify which muscle(s) to exercise. She added that many men (and women) think that they are doing the exercise correctly, but in fact are not. It is difficult to describe the exercise exactly. I have a new primary urologist because my former urologist moved last month to California from the Pacific Northwest. My new urologist assisted with the surgery. I really like her comfortable conversational style and her up-to-date expert knowledege of prostate cancer. She went to University of Michigan medical school, graduating in 1999. I also appreciate the fact that she involves me directly in the decision-making process. My wife likes her, too. Age 57 PSA 2.5 Gleason 5 Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy/Bilateral Nerve-sparing 6/21/06 Cancer confined to prostate No further treatment Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/4/2006 5:16 PM (GMT -6)
	TimG, I am a bit confused by your last post. I thought the only time to do the Kegel exercises was during urination. Basicially, stopping the flow for 5 seconds then resuming and stopping again for five seconds. Would you mind going over the Kegel exercises one more time? Thanks. Back to Top

bluebird Veteran Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 2542	Posted 9/4/2006 8:33 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi Ed NJ…. The most important answer is … What does your doctor tell you to do? Obviously there are different opinions… I would think this holds true for all… Before surgery get this guy in shape…. Like any type of exercise… you can over do it. But since he’s never had to work before you better get him learning the ropes J (I will check my previous postings to make sure they are clearer as to what and when we did them. I will say that what ever we did prior and post has worked. Buddy has had wonderful control from day 1 and continues to do so....) Before surgery: Our urologist said to work the muscle when urinating… the start, stop, hold, start several times during urination. This strengthens the muscle. Also, walking stairs is a really good exercise. After surgery we were to still do the kegels when urinating and stairs during his regular workout. This is the only time Buddy does them. EXCERPT:…..On page 247 of Dr. Walsh’s book he states: Exercises you can do: Every time you urinate, do it standing up. You can’t practice the following exercises, which strengthen the external sphincter and speed up your recovery of urinary control, while you’re sitting down. Start your stream, and once it’s in full force, stop the stream by contracting the muscles in your buttocks--- not your abdominal muscles, not the muscle “up in front” around the penis. Tighten your buttocks: imagine you’re trying to hold a quarter between your cheeks. Hold the urine back for 5 or 10 seconds, and repeat as many times as you can. Note: Only perform these exercises when you’re urinating; if you keep contracting these muscles throughout the day, you’ll overdo it—the sphincter tires easily—and you’ll end up wetter than you would otherwise. Previous paragraphs address… things to speed up your urinary control. One is not using any artificial devices…… and certain high blood pressure medication relaxes this muscle so you may need to check with your doctor. Hope this helps!!! J Lee mama bluebird ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable Back to Top

Tim G Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 2313	Posted 9/4/2006 10:11 PM (GMT -6)
	I remember reading the recommendation from Patrick Walsh's book about Kegel exercises, which is why I started out doing them that way. When I mentioned that to my urologist, she said it can lead to bladder problems later on. I checked on the Internet and some medical authorities recommend to Kegel while urinating, others advise against doing Kegel exercises while urinating. And the ultimate medical authority, the Depend underwear folks, say on their web site not to do Kegels while urinating. Guess it all "depends" on who you ask. The "bottom line" is to do them. Like the old Gershwin tune has it, "You say po-tay-to, I say po-tah-to." Age 57 PSA 2.5 Gleason 5 Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy/Bilateral Nerve-sparing 6/21/06 Cancer confined to prostate No further treatment Post Edited (TimG) : 9/4/2006 9:17:32 PM (GMT-6) Back to Top

DWT Regular Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 89	Posted 9/4/2006 10:20 PM (GMT -6)
	Tim G where in the NW is your new doctor. DWT Back to Top

Tim G Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 2313	Posted 9/4/2006 10:30 PM (GMT -6)
	DWT-- She is in Seattle. How are you doing? When are you planning on the HIFU procedure?. Take care and hang in there. Tim Age 57 PSA 2.5 Gleason 5 Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy/Bilateral Nerve-sparing 6/21/06 Cancer confined to prostate No further treatment Back to Top

bluebird Veteran Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 2542	Posted 9/4/2006 10:32 PM (GMT -6)
	Hey Tim.... Right on!!!..... It works..... and that's a POSITIVE... Oh! by the way I say "Tater"... nice light laughter.... Take care and stay dry :) Lee mama bluebird ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/5/2006 6:59 AM (GMT -6)
	Bluebird, Thank you, you are right to always follow the doctors orders. I will continue doing the exercises when I urinate. Also, the stairs are a smart exercise routine I can easily add to my walking routine. It is interesting the Depends people say not to do them. I wonder if sales of the Depends comes into play. Thanks again and God Bless. Back to Top

bluebird Veteran Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 2542	Posted 9/8/2006 6:04 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi Ed NJ, Buddy says his first urination in the morning is a nice long steady flow!!!!! Then the rest of the day he does his start / stop / start /stop. No doubt in our mind that the kegels, walking, and stairs have been instrumental in our continued recovery of urinary continence. I will tell you this... the sound of the early morning stream is music to my ears.... and the start / stop / start brings a smile to my face. Things seem to be working quite nicely. :) Interesting thought about Depends....... hmmmmmm Take care, Lee mama bluebird ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/9/2006 7:33 AM (GMT -6)
	Bluebird, It certainly is the little things that make all the difference in the world. I seem to have another issue. Going too frequently, in fact four or five times at night and throughout the day. Both ends (pardon me), I quess I should no longer be modest about these things, but still. I wondered if Buddy also experienced this early on in his recovery or anyone else online. Its been 17 days post DaVinci for me. Everything else is fine, good appetite, less soreness in the stomach area and internally. Actually lost 10 pounds as a result of this ordeal, have to try and maintain that loss. Thank you and God Bless! Back to Top

spinbiscuit Veteran Member Date Joined Apr 2006 Total Posts : 818	Posted 9/9/2006 9:13 AM (GMT -6)
	Hello Ed, If it has been 17 days since your DaVinci procedure, and you have blader control enough to get up to go at night; then you are way ahead of the curve. Don't forget RLP is still a major shock to your body, and it will take a little time to repair itself, and re-regulate all of the diff. functions. I had the same experience, but my recovery was slower. Now everthing is about back to normal. I found that walking was the best theropy, and going up and down steps was suggested by another member (if you don't have a bad knee like me). You must be doing the right things if you can lose 10 pounds, and keep it off. So I hope you continue to have a speedy recovery, and good luck. Glen Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/9/2006 9:27 AM (GMT -6)
	Thanks Glen, Its easy to forget the trama to the body, and patience is key here. My wife likes the commercial with the "Slowsky's" (two turtles). I have to keep reminding myself to take it slow. I'd like to wish you continued success in your recovery, also. Let's hope this is it for a longtime. Thank you. Back to Top

GreenAcres Regular Member Date Joined Jul 2006 Total Posts : 474	Posted 9/9/2006 9:34 AM (GMT -6)
	Hi, Ed. My husb. is post-surg. five weeks now and still urinating much more frequently than before - a LOT in fact and during the night as well. Not drinking huge amounts of liquids, either, other than he's added apple juice to the routine. We are assuming it's going to slow down a bit as the healing completes itself. Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/9/2006 10:15 AM (GMT -6)
	GreenAcres, Thanks for the info, I am drinking plenty of liquids which also explains the frequency. I think the important thing is to keep the plumbing active and maintain sufficient liquids in the system. The fact that my catheter came out prematurely (7 days) probably speeded up my recovery. Hopefully with no negative effects. Good luck and a speedy recovery to your husband. Back to Top

tof New Member Date Joined Aug 2006 Total Posts : 8	Posted 9/11/2006 7:32 AM (GMT -6)
	Hi All, It's been 9 weeks to the day since I had my operation and at last I think that things are starting to improve in I heading toward achieving full urinary control. I'm down to using just two pads a day now, and I'm finding that the Fleming Exercises ( you call them Kegels) are starting to pay dividends. I still get the odd bit of leakage every now and then, but that seems to be improving as time goes by. I went back to my Urologist/Surgeon on 29th August and he told me that my PSA level was 0 and that the cancer had been encapsulated within the Prostate, and then he told me that I was basically cured. I still have to go back and see him at the end of February next year for a check up, but, basically that seems to be that! As for getting an erection, well, that's taking a bit of time. I do get sensations down in that area every now and then, which hopefully means that things are heading back to normal. I haven't used any medications for it, my Urologist told me that if things weren't getting back to normal after 3 months or so that I should go back and see his specialist treatment nurse. Hopefully, I won't need to! Regards to you all Tim Back to Top

bluebird Veteran Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 2542	Posted 9/15/2006 6:45 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi EdNJ, We were instructed at the time our catheter was removed to cut back on liquid intake until we had a good handle on urinary control… and to stay away from all caffeine… I truly can say we did this and we have had very positive results… Buddy stopped liquids at 6:00 p.m. and again the results were very positive and continues to be. Even with good urinary control he still will not over do it with liquids at night. I think this is the reason his first pee in the a.m. is a nice long strong flow…. With not stopping and starting….as previously clarified. Continue to take it “SLOW” and continue on your road to full recovery!! In Friendship, Lee & Buddy mama bluebird ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buddy 53 RRP April 3, 2006 PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate June 29th PSA Less than 0.1 Non-detectable Back to Top

Steve, Santa Fe, NM New Member Date Joined Aug 2006 Total Posts : 15	Posted 9/15/2006 11:06 PM (GMT -6)
	After reading books and pamphlets, I expected that the Bladder Sphincter would be lost and the urethra would be reattached directly to the bladder. My first face to face meeting with my surgeon, Dr. Mark Kawachi of City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA was the day before surgery. I came from New Mexico for the De Vinci Robotic Laparoscopy procedure so the hospital was very respectful of my time and costs and handled preliminaries over the phone and mails. I talked with the Doctor over the phone but we didn't get into too many details. During my face to face meeting, I asked him about the urethra reconstruction and he explained that there is about 1" between the Bladder Sphincter and the External Sphincter with the other "plumbing" in that space. During his procedure the prostate is depressed to expose the urethra which is cut it between the two sphincters. This allows him to eventually reconnect the urethra leaving about 3/8" between the sphincters. I was very pleasantly surprised how procedures have advanced beyond the reading I had done. My experience has been 99% continence immediately after removal of the catheter and with some leakage with stress in difficult sitting positions. But this is only day 17 and I haven't worn depends since day 10 and didn't really need them. But everybody is different and maybe I am a lucky case. Has anyone else had this procedure? Good healing, Steve Bradley Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/16/2006 10:29 AM (GMT -6)
	Bluebird, Well,its been 24 days since my DaVinci surgery and 17 days since my catheter came out. I do have excellent bladder control with only the occasional leakage (getting up, sneezing or coughing). I think my main issue now has been my frequent bowel movements. I believe all the antibiotics sterilized my system. So, I have been taking acidopholis to restore some bacteria to my digestive system. I also cut out the Colace. Steve, Sounds like I am at about the same place in the recovery cycle as you. How long did you have the catheter in? Others I have spoke with on the subject agree, they are going more frequently. Of course drinking all the water will do that. The only good thing about the frequent bowel movements is I lost 16 pounds. It does seem to be easing a bit. The last thing I wanted to mention, have you seen the scabs in the urine passing from time to time? The nurse I spoke with mentioned, its like a scab flaking off during the healing cycle. I am taking Centrum silver vitamins, potassium, and vitamin C. Later. Back to Top

Steve, Santa Fe, NM New Member Date Joined Aug 2006 Total Posts : 15	Posted 9/16/2006 9:25 PM (GMT -6)
	Dear Ed, Sorry, I copied that post from an earlier posting trying to get some understanding on how different doctors are doing the urinary track hook up. I had the operation on July 27th so it has been 7 1/2 weeks now. I had the catheter in 7 days. The only problems I have with urinary control is that I must think when I do certain things such as yawning when I am sitting or testing my lower bowel for fullness when I am standing. I will lose a little urine if I am not careful. Honestly, I can go for a week without any leakage. I think what is happening is that I now have a little urine captured between the two sphincters and I relax the external sphincter for an instant. Before the operation the prostate was squeezing the urethera between the two sphincters and there was little urine captured or I learned as a child to drain the system properly. It took my bowels about 5 weeks to get back to close to normal. I have passed some stringy dried blood and the other day I passed a bit of suture that was decomposing as was planned I guess. It took me close to 6 weeks to get my energy level strong again. I am 68 and today I spend a full day doing carpentry on a commercial project. I live at 7300 feet and that job was at 5000 feet so that helped. I am tired, but not unusually so. I did a lot of bending, twisting, turning and carrying tools and stuff up to 35 lbs. I can probably lift 50 lbs without straining something for a short interval. I expect to be back at normal capacity of 60 to 75 lbs in two or three more weeks, but I am not pushing it. Pretty amazing really considering all of the work done. Good healing, Steve Bradley Back to Top

Ed NJ New Member Date Joined Jun 2006 Total Posts : 17	Posted 9/17/2006 7:44 AM (GMT -6)
	Steve, Thanks for the information. Sounds like you are in tip top shape due to your work which makes for a speedy recovery. I had the opportunity to visit Santa Fe, NM a while back. Simply beautiful, have to get back there soon. Continued success in your recovery. Ed. Back to Top

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