Treatment choice based on Age, Family History, PSA, Biopsy, MRI, Treatment facility, and Surgeon's e

ufknkidding

Can't believe it has been 3 years since my (nerve sparing) RARP surgery. Figured some of you would benefit from an update. I had to use pads for about 6 months after surgery until I regained continence. It took time and there was an occasional dribble/leak mostly at the gym when lifting. My weight lifting routine had to change because anytime I did bench press, it felt like one of my incisions was tearing and the pain could last up to a week. Now I do inverted bench press which resolved that issue. Part of my post surgery care included daily viagra with a bolus dose once a week. My ED improved month by month and about 8 months after surgery was close to what it had been before the surgery. However, the brain part of the process is a bit different and takes a lot more mental focus. I don't seem to have to use viagra much anymore but because of the brain change, I use it when it's time to satisfy the wife.

centralPA

Thanks for the update. Super informative thread.

Old Salt

Glad to read about the (mostly?) successful outcome.

What about PSA test results?

ufknkidding

My initial elevated PSA was 4.65 then the following year it was under 4 so that was the "whew, false alarm" moment then the following year 5.13 so I had to decide I needed to look into treatment options. My current ultra sensitive PSAs have all been undetectable. I do think my outcome was mostly successful. Choosing to treat was life changing and I would do it again if I had the exact same result which I know wouldn't be guaranteed. I remember about 3-4 weeks after my surgery I was at the lowest I had ever been mentally in my entire life. I couldn't control my urine, had serious ED, my penis didn't feel touch the same, couldn't work out, and so on. Most everything is close to where I was before RARP, except I don't get visually excited as easy nor do I have the same sensation to touch. I have to mentally participate a lot for erections and (dry) orgasms. Loss of ejaculate is also something I had to get used but it does have its benefits.

Old Salt

As far as PSA results go, 'undetectable' is as good as it can be.

Congratulations!

rclarke49

I get a yearly PSA (I am 74 work out at gym 3x week and in good condition) Well, at my annual (January 2022) test my PSA showed a dramatic spike to 6.3 Urologist schedule another PSA three months later. This time my PSA had fallen to 4.77. In spite of this decrease I went thru these next steps: CT, MRI, 14 core Biopsy (Gleason score of 4.3=7) one of which was a grade 3 intermediate intermediate tumor. Urologist and I agreed on radical prostatectomy, which was done 2 weeks ago. The good news is that the pathology report showed that the cancer was contained and had not penetrated the prostate. (I will hold my breath every time I have PSA monitoring tests, the first of which is January of 2023.

As many say, the worst part was the catheter . Removal after 10 days was liberation and the ability to resume driving was fantastic.

My pain level has never been higher than a "2". I slowing resumed walking at the local park, now I a up to walking daily fore one hour on a level treadmill at the gym. Kegels throughout the day. Incontinence is surprisingly minimal.

Best wishes to all who are in the treatment decision process or are in recovery.