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

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  • ufknkidding
    ufknkidding Member Posts: 48 Member
    #22
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    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
    centralPA Member Posts: 250 Member
    #23
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    Thanks for the update. Super informative thread.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    #24
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    Glad to read about the (mostly?) successful outcome.

    What about PSA test results?

  • ufknkidding
    ufknkidding Member Posts: 48 Member
    #25
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    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
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    #26
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    As far as PSA results go, 'undetectable' is as good as it can be.

    Congratulations!

  • rclarke49
    rclarke49 Member Posts: 4 Member
    #27
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    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.

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