Fitness, Weight, Overall Health and Incontinence

Well, 5'10 and 175 certainly isn't terribly overweight at all, would say you are well within the range of normal weight? I think the most important thing is doing the kegals before and after. As long as you are in reasonably good shape and health, I don't think being a marathon runner, buffed up etc. makes too much a difference.

probably the most important thing is the surgeon. Followed by kegals, I think.

Ken is 6'3 about 215 going into surgery, was by no means in "excellent" shape, although tried to walk, hike, etc. This was hindered by a badly sprained ankle he got the weekend before his biopsy, and took at least two months to heal enough to be able to walk alot, couldn't ski (which is our normal winter exercise, etc).

His incontinence is doing great (well, according to shedule, not "instantly" continent like some I have heard about). But at one month past catheter, virtually no leakage.

But he did make sure to do his kegals since almost the beginning of diagnosis. That muscle can get exercise even when your ankle is up.

I would focus on the kegals, and yes, some walking will do a body good, and stairs whenever you can do them. When are you having surgery?

Tanya

Hi Naimnut: Like you, I was "in shape," I guess, at 6'3" and about 198 pounds. But I was not a person who exercised heavily, just the occasional walk etc. And I didn't have any time to get my abs firmed up or do many Kegels before my surgery. I lucked out and got a slot that another patient had cancelled. After my surgeon found out how much beer I drank he was amazed that I had no fat in my gut or around my organs. Must be an Irish thing.

The good news is, I have been pad-free since week-seven post op, and I am not a religious Kegeler. I do them when I think about it, but not as a steady diet. Don't take my advice on that one though. Do your Kegels.

You'll be fine.
Best to ya,
Tom

Naimnut,

Your overall health will certainly be important!  Your ability to walk after surgery (Important!) will be easier if you are in better health.  Your body will recover faster if you are in better health.  Your attitude will likely be better (Important!) if you are in better health.  I'm sure Swim could add a dozen other correlating examples!

As to how this will impact your liklihood for incontinence issues, it's not so simple.  Everyone is different.  Bodies are different.  The more your bladder is stretched after the prostrate is removed, the longer it will likely take the smooth muscle (unconscious) controlled valve on the bladder to cooperate. 

As Tanya said, the more experienced the physician and the more Kegels you do the better.  Kegel activity not only gives you some conscious control of the urethra, it also stimulates the very area that will have to heal & learn a new way to control urination.

Everyone has more or less problems with incontinence.  As Creed said, be optimistic about being one of the fortunate ones.  But be patient as needed.  Optimism - even in the face of an unwanted challenge -  is a healthier state than disappointment!

ICTHUS

C^Cedar

Thank you for your encouragement. I can hardly believe this is happening to me.

Days now, no turning back.

Naimnut:

I've often wondered why I (age 50 at surgery) was one of the fortunate with very little continent issues after RRP at Hopkins this past August.  I used one pad a day (on the bad days the pads were 95% DRY) for 28 days.  I know I was blessed by the Lord and the skill of my surgeon (Partin).  I also have always wondered if my pre-surgery exercise regimen had anything to do with my lack of a real continence issue.  I've been a runner for the past 17 or so years.  I stay in half-marathon shape year-round.  I didn't do a lot of kegel exercises before or after surgery.  Started running again six weeks after surgery....slowly and for short distances at first just to test everything out.  No problem.  Not a single drop.  After a week, I increased a weekend run to 7 miles in 1 hour five minutes and haven't looked back ever since. 

I've often thought about what was different with me from others I know.  The exercise regimen was the big difference.  I've often wondered if my running shape was a reason for my virtual lack of incontinence following RRP.

SJC