New here with some(probably) familiar questions

Welcome to you Jeff.

Urinary control following RP varies dramatically between men.  I also had DaVinci. While I only required diapers 2 days after the cath was removed, I can't recall how long I wore pads. But I certainly didn't have to change so often as you currently are; my control was fairly good after only a week or so.  After pads, then liners.

Other men never regain continence, and some even have to have implants or devices for control, years after surgery or whatever.  So "average" falls somewhere in between these extremes.

Five weeks post RP is not long in terms of recovery.  Sexual potency can easily, easily take 6 months or much longer, for instance.

I assume you were taught Kegel exercises regarding this. If not, call today and get trained. My urology group (a dozen or so surgeons) has a full-time RN who does noting but Kegel therapies and training.

Also, be certain that you are taking daily cialias for blood flow to the penis. Cialias at your point ins NOT to give erections, but to maintain vascular health "in the area."  Blood vessels left unattended can atrophy and cause much worse ED months and years later, so be sure this is going on with you now.

In the mean time, if your surgery was successful in curing the cancer (based on the pathology report), think more about no longer having a potentially fatal disease that about the pads.

I'm glad you joined and I hope you continue here with anything you feel anyone here might be able to address,

max

jeffman said:

Thanks Max.

Thanks Max.

Pathology does indicate that lymoh nodes and surrounding soft tissue were not involved and a follow up in January will dictate any future treatments. As far as the current state of continence (or lack thereof) I am doing kegels.  I do have a couple things that might possibly slow progress. One is age (65) and the other is a beer gut. (working on that one) I just gotta give it a little more than 5 weeks and be happy where I am as opposed to where I was.

I'm sure this site will be a help. Glad I found it.

Jeff I was 59 at surgery, so about the same age.  A beer gut or generally overweight (also characteristics I shared with you) do make control harder.

And if you are driniking much beer, know that for some reason if I drink more than a few beers I lose control myself. It is something about the alcohol relaxing the spincter or whatever, but NOT DRINKING might improve your situatuion a lot, fast.  Beer is a no no for me, still today.

max

Jeff,

Give it time.  I'm 4 years post surgery.  My PSA was 69, Gleason 7 when diagniosed.  I had no symptoms.  Robotic surgery in Dec, 2013. Post surgery pathology had me as aStage pT3bN1.  That's just a "tick" below a Stage 4.  One lymph node involved.  Very small spot that didnt' show in mt MRI's.   I am now 4 + years past diagnosis, and my PSA is still holding below 0.5.  Kegals, Yes. Exercise, Yes.  This isn't an easy thing to go through.  This past year my leakage has almost spotted.  I still wear pads just in case.  It depends on lifting, stretching and such things.  But it has gotten better.  Still get up around 4 times per night.  I do not cut back on fluids.  My doctors have told me to keep flushing fluids.  I understand that you wonder where it all comes from.  Strong Stream, Yes.  And I just had a Kindey Stone "blasted" and have to drink, drink, drink, trying to get that flushed out.  Since I have to strain my urine to see if the stone fragments come through, It's amazing the amount I pass.  Some times, my blood tests show that I am on the edge of dehydrated.  My Dr. Checks that every set of blood tests, and keeps telling to me keep the fluids flowing.  So, be careful with cutting back on fluids.  That has been my experience.  I'm not a doctor, but can only share what I've experienced.  Oh, if you are a drinker of alcohol,  as suggested by my doctors, a little Bourbon ( my doctors Favorite), or my favorite Vodka per day.  Just one small drink.  However ask about that first and get your doctor's blessing.  But water and more water.  

Drink, Flush, Drink, Flush, Repeat, Repeat.  Just my suggestion.

Give it time, you have a lot of healing to go at this point.  

Good Luck

Love, Peace and God Bless

Will 

I posted simiilar coments concerning leaking. I'm new to this game. My prostatectomy was Nov 28, 2017, and catheter was removed Dec 5 - just 10 days ago. I'm dry overnight, waking up 2-3 times to pee. Throughout the day, I drip, drip, drip.  Not too bad if I'm sitting, but if I'm up and about, it's happening. I kegel, I exercise, I pray.  Don't know what to expect. I am using 3-5 pads per day.  I am looking for signs that things are headed in the right direction. I understand that "gravity" keeps the urine in place when I sleeping.  It would be helpful if someone would develop a chart that presents typical  recovery progress; signs that things are getting better. It's discouraging right now, but I am thrilled the cancer was cut out and the post-surgery path report  was negative. As we struggle in life, sometimes all we need is a little affirmation that we'll be OK.. I know it's way too early for me to expect the leak to stop, but would like to know a bit more about the road ahead.