Help with Incontenance

Bamfam
Bamfam Member Posts: 28
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
Hi -- I know its still early -- but:
About a month post-RP. Almost two weeks without the catheter. Almost dry at night -- but wet when moving around -- especially when getting out of a car, getting up from the couch or chair. Using 6+ pads a day. Changng clothes also. Worried about going back to work. Doing 50-60 Keigel exercises a day.

Any suggestions?? Any othern exercises helpful??

Thanks
Bob

Comments

  • Photon
    Photon Member Posts: 57
    Hi Bob

    It took me 3 months to gain continence and I used about the same number of pads as you at first. In fact my profile was the same as yours, dry at night then wet moving around - the problem is gravity that causes this. I did my exercises also so I'm afraid its patience - the 2nd and 3rd months you will see a vast improvement. Its not quick enough for our pride buts that's how it seems to be. Not very constructive of me because there seems to be no technology for men to help stimulate the nerves as there are for women.

    All the best it will get better

    Photon
  • Bamfam
    Bamfam Member Posts: 28
    Photon said:

    Hi Bob

    It took me 3 months to gain continence and I used about the same number of pads as you at first. In fact my profile was the same as yours, dry at night then wet moving around - the problem is gravity that causes this. I did my exercises also so I'm afraid its patience - the 2nd and 3rd months you will see a vast improvement. Its not quick enough for our pride buts that's how it seems to be. Not very constructive of me because there seems to be no technology for men to help stimulate the nerves as there are for women.

    All the best it will get better

    Photon

    Thanks for your response -- reassuring to know that others had the same experience - and it worked out.

    Right about the pride issue!
  • lion1
    lion1 Member Posts: 241
    Bamfam,
    I know exactly what you're going through, I have been going through the same thing for a year. I returned to work 2 weeks after my LRP. The adjustment is difficult, but it's doable. You just have to remain positive and believe that one day your incontinence will be gone. But, in the meantime do what you have to do as the situation warrants. I found myself in the first three months going to the bathroom 16+ times at work. I just did what I had to do. Now I find myself going less, but I still get up out of a meeting if I have to and go to the bathroom and change my pad if I have to. I am hopeful that this will be remedied soon. So, I'll just keep moving forward, until I'm done with this. And that's what you have to do. Don't get discouraged. Take control of your situation and don't let it control you.
  • Bamfam
    Bamfam Member Posts: 28
    lion1 said:

    Bamfam,
    I know exactly what you're going through, I have been going through the same thing for a year. I returned to work 2 weeks after my LRP. The adjustment is difficult, but it's doable. You just have to remain positive and believe that one day your incontinence will be gone. But, in the meantime do what you have to do as the situation warrants. I found myself in the first three months going to the bathroom 16+ times at work. I just did what I had to do. Now I find myself going less, but I still get up out of a meeting if I have to and go to the bathroom and change my pad if I have to. I am hopeful that this will be remedied soon. So, I'll just keep moving forward, until I'm done with this. And that's what you have to do. Don't get discouraged. Take control of your situation and don't let it control you.

    Thanks Lion -- seeing the doc for the first time since the catheter came out. About the same - somewhat better at work. Still lousy when I move around - work around the house of in the yard - bad at the gym als.

    I agree -- have to work/live on your own terms. Lucky that one other guy at work had PC 8 yrs ago -- had RP and he is fine now. Had incontence gor 8-9 months - now OK
    Got first post-op PSA - "less than 0.1" sounds good to me

    Thanks again
    Bob