Incontinence

Bob, I am 3 1/2 months out. For me it has gotten much better, but improvements came in plateaus. I was able to stay dry while sleeping (staying horizontal) after 3 weeks, but daytime was a struggle to not go every 30 minutes. I used Depends at first, now down to a pad or a couple of shields during the day. I only have leakage with sudden movements and it's only a few drops. I did ask for physical therapy which has been helpful as there are more exercises than Kegels you can do to strengthen your core. I am working to improve capacity so as to reduce number of visits to toilet.

I know other people who were continent right away, and others still struggling after 6 months, so it's hard to predict. I know that the doctor's skill is critical, but it also depends on the cancer and if and how it had spread.

Bob, basically exercises I was told to do, include yoga-style stretches and leg rotations that strengthen the abdominal muscles while you are tightening your sphincter muscles. And best of all they said is walking.

I must say at first, I thought my quality of life would never be good again, but now, I can see that its become a manageable affliction and while not back to normal, I am not limited by it.

Hi,

To answer your question it’s a mixed bag. I had leakage improvements til about the 1 yr. mark then plateaued. I still use a light pad every day to catch the occasional drip or two with odd movements or straining. I have been doing Kegals for 10 yrs. about 100/day, I don’t “leak” when I stay seated and I sleep dry.

Dave 3+4

Bob, concerning my previous comment, my surgeon cited recent studies indicating doing Kegels (or not) would not have changed my surgical outcome (i.e. continence versus incontinence). Perhaps I could have been off the pads sooner had I done them religiously. I still got there, 6 long, wet then damp months later!

I'd like to think that the difference is the doctors making a recommendation based on your specific physical condition and the circumstances of your surgery.

But I think it's also possible that doctors are much less expert in the recovery and rehab than in the surgery. Hard to see how strengthening your muscles could not be beneficial.