Bladder capacity

novaguy
novaguy Member Posts: 76
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
I'm starting my 4th week after da vinci and, even though I'm still continent, I find that my bladder capacity is not what it used to be. I used to be wait until the bladder was very full, it took as much as one minute to empty it when I went to the bathroom. Now when I feel the same urge I empty it for only 20 seconds or so. I don't know if this means the capacity is reduced, or if I just feel more of an urge to go. Yesterday I went for about 20 seconds and within 10 minutes it was full again and I went for another 20 seconds. Anyone else have this experience? Does it return to normal?

Comments

  • lewvino
    lewvino Member Posts: 1,010
    #2
    I'm 18 days post surgery and
    I'm 18 days post surgery and my bladder capacity seems to change daily. Sometimes It seems like I'm going every houror so. Then at other times I can hold it for about 2 yours. One thing I notice is even though I cut way back on my fluids before bedtime I'm still getting up very often to empty. The first hour after laying down I may be up 2-3 times in that hour. Then usually waking up 1 or 2 times during the night to empty again. I would assume in time that our bladders will start expanding and holding more urine.

    Larry
  • shubbysr
    shubbysr Member Posts: 87
    #3
    lewvino said:

    I'm 18 days post surgery and
    I'm 18 days post surgery and my bladder capacity seems to change daily. Sometimes It seems like I'm going every houror so. Then at other times I can hold it for about 2 yours. One thing I notice is even though I cut way back on my fluids before bedtime I'm still getting up very often to empty. The first hour after laying down I may be up 2-3 times in that hour. Then usually waking up 1 or 2 times during the night to empty again. I would assume in time that our bladders will start expanding and holding more urine.

    Larry

    the valve needs more strength!
    Hi Larry,

    Glad to hear that you are making good progress. I think it is all in the valve. Remember that the prostate gland was one of two valves that held the urine flow in check. Take away one of the valves and the remaining sphincter now does all the work. This is where Kegel exercises come into play. As I am close to 4 months (SEP 1) post surgery, I am gaining more control and making less trips to the toilet.
    Be patient guys, it will get better and you will be in control.

    jim (shubbysr)

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