Restrict leakage

One of the muscles that control the stoppage of urination is located at the upper end of the prostate.  When the prostate is removed, and the bladder pulled down and reconnected to the urether, then your lower muscle is the sole control.  With Kegal exercises, both before and after surgery, you learn to use this muscle exculsively to control your flow.  I'm just two weeks post catheder, and am pretty much dry, with just an occasional drip - about ready to get rid of pads entirely.  Some take a long time to regain control, and even a very small few get an artificial sphintcer installed.  Trying to just restrict things at the penis level wouldn't help you learn this control, and I don't think it would work anyway.

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PSA 4.7 (up from 3.2 one year ago)

Biopsy November 8, 2006

1 of 10 cores positive 5%

2 others questionable (small gland proliferation)

Gleason 3+3

Robotic surgery scheduled January 19, 2007

When the urge comes on to urinate after surgery is it hard to stop till you get to the bathroom? How do you stop from leaking I mean do you constantly need to supress the urge? Bear with me I'm going to have surgery and I'm trying to prepare myself to get back to normal as soon as I can. I just don't know what to expect'

AGE 56

PSA 5.6

GLEASON SCORE-7

T1cNxMx 

    Grunt,  If your not doing Kegeals yet start doing them now.  Continue to do the as directed by your Dr. after surgery.  If you look at my Journal you will see I'm one of the  Unlucky few that has had leakage problems longer than most.  I am having a cystoscope on The 20th to see what is going on.  The Dr. may also do a colligen ingection if he thinks it may help.  Will update my Journal when I know more.

    I still use the Depends Underguards for men.  They slip into the front of your underwear.  At work when I'm on my feet all day I have to change almost every hour to make sure I don't have any "break out's"

    Good luck with your Journey.  KW

   

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    43

    PSA 5.7 - Discovered during Annual Physical with Family Practice Dr.

    Gleason 7

    Biopsy - 3 of 12 positive (up to 75%) all on left side of prostate

    RRP on Oct. 17, 2006 - Nerves on right side saved.

    All Lab's clear.  No Cancer outside prostate

    Cathiter in for 3 weeks due to complications in healing. Removed Nov. 9, 2006

    First Post op PSA on Dec. 11, 2006  Undetectable 0.00

    Office visit on Jan. 19th due to continued excessive urine leakage.

    Scheduled Feb.20th Cystoscope with possible Cottigen injection into bladder neck to help control leaking.

   

Hi Grunt,   Partial Quote: This sounds crazy but after surgery everyone speaks of leaking. Can't the leaking be restricted by some type of restaint around the penis?   In response to your question above...     Excerpt from Dr. Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer ~ Page 246   Can you do anything to speed things along, and improve your urinary control?   First, whatever you do , do not wear an incontinence device with an attached bag, a condom catheter, or clamp!   If you use any artificial device, you will hurt yourself in the long run.   You won’t be able to recover your urinary control, because you won’t develop the muscle control you need.   (reference to Dutch’s posting ~ yes there are devices out there but the key wording in his post is   “brother has never regained complete control”…   this is when other options come in to play if you are one of the ones who do not regain control… But….. we think positive!!!   The most important words we can share here is….   It takes time and you best prepare yourself in advance by starting exercising immediately…  )   Excerpt from Dr. Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer ~ page 244   Why does incontinence happen after radical prostatectomy?    **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….   There is so much information in regard to Long-Term Issues: Urinary Continence in his book that I would highly suggest you get at least 1 book….   There are several listed in this forum and eventually I’m going to place them on the Helpful Hints… page…   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!   In any case…. get the little guy ready before surgery day… !!  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”!!!     You’ve had some wonderful responses … now you need to start exercising and getting prepared for whatever treatment you choose.   Our thoughts are with you and will remain with you as you search for answers. In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina Link to our personal journey…>>>      Our Journey ~ Sharing is Caring   April 3, 2006  53 on surgery day RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy with "wide excision" PSA 4.6   Gleason  3+3=6    T2a   Confined to Prostate 2nd PSA 02-06-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)