Will I need diapers post-prostatectomy?

Hi EJ. I will share my experience with you. I had my Prostate removed robotically on July 10 of this year. Besides the cancerous legion on my prostate, my prostate was about twice the normal size. After removal and being tied back together, my Dr. recommended that I wear a catheter for two weeks due to the size of the prostate and the amount of stretching he had to do to put me back together. Other than dragging around the bag for two weeks and learning how to do the proper hygiene, you don't have to worry about peeing that is for sure. There were nights where I literally filled up the bag (had to be half a gallon at least) and I too was really concerned about what life was going to be after the catheter was removed. When it was removed, I did find that I had more control than what I was expecting. It was not the free flow I thought it would be. Oh I still leaked, quite a bit initially, and was wearing depend pullups, changing it about 3 times a day. However, my control improved rapidly so within maybe three weeks I graduated to the thick Depends liners that you stick to your underwear. I did not have to do that very long, maybe a week or two, and found that the amount of leakage really was not that much, so I am now wearing Depend "panty" shields and can wear one pretty much the whole day (putting a fresh one on before bed and then changing it in the morning).

I have been wearing the shields now for several weeks. I still have an occasional leak, primarily when I stand up from sitting for a while, or when I sneeze or cough (I can sometimes hold it back when standing up, but I have little control over the little leaks when I sneeze or cough, regardless of how hard I try). It is enough to be a nuisance and keeps me wearing the shields. I think I am improving slowly but not quite ready to dump the shields.

My life has pretty much returned to normal. After the surgery I was bruised beyond belief but that cleared up. I do use the bathroom a little more often than before, so I am always aware of where the restrooms are, but being almost 4 months in I can sit through a movie or go on an extended drive without any real problems.

I know everyone is different. When I had my surgery I found the discussions on this board very helpful. Good luck with yours and hope it turns out well.

I had PT floor excercises 6 weeks post surgery. That combined with doing Kegel excercises daily pre and post surgery helped stop the dripping. My PT was a place called Team Rehab. They also had me sit on a React Table. A React table fires pulses into the area that needs the rehab. For Prostrate Surgery, the area PT would focus the pulses at was just behind my scrotun (I guess toward the perineum). After the React Table, then we would go into a pelvic excercise routine. I have been at Athletico in the past and do not remember them having a React Table. So I don't think all PT places have it.

After 2 months I felt my steady dripping would never stop. But then at about 10 weeks is suddenly stopped. Hopefully you have the same experience.

Regarding sex, I am almost 4 months out now and my penis is like Mars, no sign of life. LOL (slight exaggeration) But, my wife and I have had sex. I wasn't sure I could have an orgasm with a flacid penis. But I found out that the orgasm felt just like a regular orgasm.

Good luck on your recovery. The people on this board have been a tremendous help to me.

I've just been using the trash can in the bathroom. We use plastic grocery bags as a liner and always have. So I just fold up the Depends as best I can into a ball and drop it in. As long as you take the bag out and replace it every couple of days the smell has not been noticeable. It also helps to spray some air freshener into the empty can on each bag change.

Oh and regarding the pullups I just put the used ones in plastic grocery bags, tied it up and put it in the trash. We really did not have any problems with odors.

I think you will find the catheter removal not a a big deal. I also think the leakage thing will be there, but not as bad as you fear. I am 4 months out and dry at 69 years of age.

Another thing I'll add to all of this….I recently had to travel to a convention where I had a four hour flight…which meant six-7 hours in the airport. I was concerned about how I would change a Depends in a restroom stall between the limited room, the often nasty floors and all of that.

So, what I decided to do was wear an overnight Depends (a little thicker) and used an additional pad. I just placed the pad where it should go, but didn't stick it down with the adhesive. My leakage went to the pad and then I could just easily change the pad in the restroom stall without that big of a hassle. Just make sure that you get the pad and the penis positioned correctly and then also make sure you change out the pad when you feel it is needed. This way you can make the Depends last all day.

It is a little bulkier, but not to the point people really notice and I took the approach that if someone notices I have on bulky underwear that's better than them noticing that I've wet myself and it is saturating my pants.

Can we ask them what brand?

😀