To anyone reading -Today is my 3rd day at home post surgery and I am really starting to feel human again. 2 good meals and a Real poop. Life is good today - can't wait to get the Cath removed on Friday - good luck to you all - Thanks for the videos. 62 in California
Thanks so much for your videos. I am 41 and got diagnosed with prostate cancer. I will likely have the surgery this summer, which was a very difficult decision to make but my diagnosis was more advanced than would be expected. They surmise I had a genetic predisposition. I am so afraid, but your videos and comments under have been encouraging. So thanks to you all.
So glad I stumbled on to this. 2 weeks and 1 day since my surgery. I should say I’m 78 years old. The age factor alone made the decision on how to deal with the diagnosis very difficult. The cancer was confined to the prostate so that’s a plus. The catheter was removed a week ago. I hated the catheter. That said I wish it was still there. I was prepared for incontinence but nothing like what I’m experiencing. The moment I rise from sitting the bladder empties completely. Standing or walking there’s a steady drip. At night I have to change out (depends + pad) 4 times. Zero control. The only place I’ve pee’d the past week is in my pants. Knowing others have experienced similar circumstances and gone on to recover completely or close to it gives me hope which I really needed. Bless you sir.
Update: it’s now 5 weeks since the surgery and 4 since the catheter was removed. My hopes for a similar recovery to yours dashed. Have eliminated 99% of all bladder irritants from my diet. Have completed 3 of 5 visits with physiotherapist. Exercising daily. Progress has been minimal. When I sense the urge to urinate I can make it to the bathroom 1 out of 5 times before total release. The 1 time I do reach the bathroom in time it’s with maybe 50-60% of the “payload “. The leaking is still constant except when sitting or laying down. When I get up from sitting or lying down, full release. Trying to stay positive but not an easy assignment.
Thank you for your story. I am 3.5 weeks after surgery. Catheter was removed at 14 days. Was wearing a depends and a pad for 10 days after that. I changed the pad about 7-8 times a day. All of a sudden at 3 weeks no leakage. I am only wearing my underwear now. I feel lucky, will see how the ED part goes. I am 63.
@@robparadise6099 At 8 months after surgery I still do Kegels every day. I still leak on a occasion but not very often. Also I worked My way up to 100 mg of Sildenafil for 3 months , had nothing, I am using injections, working ok after 3 jabs. Otherwise doing great. Thanks
@@BBFoster1906 It has been a year and a half now. Everything is good for Me. I have no incontinence since about 3 months after surgery. I have been been doing kegel exercises this whole time. Have been using Trimex for the last year for ED.
Thanks for your video! I'm at the 5 week post op right now and I too feel great! I too can say to everyone is don't be afraid of this surgery! I went for a year with poking and prodding, MRI, biopsies and I can say it really messes with your head! By Month 10 I was going nuts and it was to the point that I said to my Doc, get it out of me! I couldn't sleep, missing work with all those appointments, bad moods... my Gleason score got to 7 and PSA was 8.5 and the doc said it has to come out..... everything you said post op is on the money... couple days of pain, catheter leaks, I slept on my recliner for a week while I had my catheter, no way of sleeping in my bed... at my 5 week post op I'm at 1 pad a day regular underwear... I'm 51 so everyone's gonna heal differently.... put your mind at ease! It's a rough surgery for the body but really not too bad when it comes to recovery. Good luck to all who has to go through this.
Today, my husband came home from prostatectomy. We watched your other video from 5 years ago. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Very encouraging insight. ❤
I have just had the robotic prostatectomy at age 67. I am from Northern Ireland. My surgery has gone really well, wounds have healed well and no swelling. During the 13 day catheter period I had a UTI but this cleared up with antibiotics. The big issue like so many is dealing with the incontinence which isn't too bad when sitting but really significant when standing or walking. These videos have been so encouraging because of the length of time it can take to begin to be more continent. Just three days after catheter removal I just needed the encouragement. Although you read about this problem in all the hospital discharge notes the videos make it so much more personal and real. Blessings and thank you
Harold, I’m at 2-1/2 weeks post surgery and am leaking while standing, very little sitting or laying down. I’m using 4-5 pads a day depending on how much I stand. I’m curious if you became continent and how long did it take? Looking for some light at the end of the long tunnel🤓
@@1norgman hi Norgman. Yes the inconvenience is a bit of a challenge. You are doing very well if you are dry at night. Good sign. I am just about a year now and still need light pads. I was leaking 600 mls a day, now down to a few drops if I having a quiet day but maybe around 20/30 mls if I'm very active all day. There are many who are completely dry by about 6 months. It can take up to a year and many websites say improvement up to two years. Try to be patient, it will improve over time. I know it can be an emotional journey with ups and downs. Also you have to deal with the ED. You may wish to take low level Tadafafil eg 5 mg daily for 6 months. Also after 6 weeks of healing you could use a vacuum pump for rehabilitation. I wish you well during your recovery
Thank you Harold for your recovery progress update. I have been using the scale tracking method for the past week to track my leaking. I’m currently at about 180/6.3oz per day. Not horrible but I have a ways to go. This is a very frustrating and angering process to endure, good days and bad. I’m 63 and a very active guy, at least I was. Your message along with other men encourage me that better days lie ahead…my birthday is in July, which is 3 months from my surgery date. That is my target date to be down to 1 shield per day, thank you again!…David
@@1norgman Hi Norgman...how as your healing progressed since 7 months ago? My progress seems to be paralleling yours and Russ's at this early stage. I'm a little over two weeks since surgery (December 15th). 64 and previously *very* active (avid cyclist). I find these personal videos and written accounts to be very helpful and encouraging. Intellectually I know it's still early days, but I find it hard to not feel down when going through this. Russ gives me great hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully you are also experiencing complete recovery.
Just diagnosed. 4+3 Gleason, psa 3.8 , no symptoms, . Have an appointment with my urologist in a couple days. Scared as hell. My father died of prostate cancer 25 years ago. He took radiation therapy that held him alive for about three years before it came back. Of course I am not looking at radiation therapy I would rather have this cancer out of my body. Thank you so much for sharing the details of your journey.
66 yrs old, 4 weeks post surgery, 2 weeks ago, Catheter pulled, pee without problems. A little blood, stinging at the end of peeing stream, which gets better each week. Sleeping great, wake up once or twice per night. No leakage, no depends or pads. No exercise until my body completely heals. I do walk and take short walks. Sex is normal. Honestly, haven’t peed this good for over 40 years 😂 Hoping in the next month my bladder regains its normal size, which time will tell. Currently I pee about once every 2 hours or so. Coffee can effect that, making me pee every hour or so. I was driving 1 week post Surgery, but kept it very limited. My surgery was Robotic Enlarged Prostate Surgery, no cancer or other issues. Prostate was not removed. I never had pains from the 5-point cuts on my stomach. No pain killers or meds. Catheter, my body rejected, caused all kinds of bleeding and pain, until a nurse showed me proper positioning. But my body hated that Catheter 😂 it was a big relief to get rid of that 2 weeks ago. Great Video, hopefully my thoughts could help someone 💞
Hey, drummeruss, thanks for the encouraging words. I’m three weeks post surgery, and the incontinence it’s really frustrating. Just when I think I’ve got a handle on it, well, I don’t. But it is getting better, and your suggestion of the clamp is a good one - it has helped. Wishing you the best in your continued recovery. - Gene
I had mine November 28, 2023 and today is February 12, 2024. For me it is about how active I am, and I am a professional athletic coach. At 64, just had a birthday, I am at 2/3 pads a day, BUT, at night when I am sleeping, barely any urine is leaking out. I need to wear a level 4 pad doing normal day stuff ( Office, Walking around, blah, blah blah ) but at practice, and weight training ( yes I am back in the weight room ) I need to go with a level 5 pad over a level 4 pad and wear compression shorts over the underwear which the pads are in. This guy made a very good point in the video about this. You just need to get on with life and do what you do. It is a process from erections and sex to your blood test and a good PSA. For me, it is also about taking my body to a different place with goals in the weight room of benching 200 pounds 5 times, squatting 300 lbs. 5 times and deadlifting 400 lbs. 5 times. I may not reach all my goals but I am lifting and will continue for many years to come. I look at this prostate cancer as a wake up call and very fortunate it was caught early enough. My blood test came back at my PSA of .004 since mt surgery. It was pre-surgery 5.14. So to finish, take care of yourself guys and FUCK YOU CANCER. Your not going to beat me.
Love the attitude, it’s important to stay positive, and you’re going to continue to heal over the next couple of years. Keep at the exercise, I believe it really helps the healing process all the best to you, blessings!
I've watched your video clips multiple times, and always find them very reassuring. Had my prostatectomy 3/21, and am scheduled to have my catheter out this Thursday - can't wait. Your experience post-catheter has helped set my expectations about incontinence. I'm just looking forward to being catheter-less, and being able to get outside. My catheter has been extremely uncomfortable, to the point that I can hardly dress myself, let alone get outside for a walk. Thank you for your candor!
Hopefully you are a happy man now with that catheter out! Never bothered me much but for some it was the worst part of the surgery. Hope and pray for a full recovery for you, blessings!
Faced with 3+4 stage 2 so I'm reading and looking at much. I think the way you present yourself and explan the process is beyound helpful but heart felt for us poor souls. You are Top Shelf in my book and I thank you.
Thank you so much. I am now at day 5 since my catheter removal following my radical robotics prostatectomy and I have come back to listen to this again. My experience at this point is just like yours so I am encouraged that I am normal. Thank you again for your openness, it is very much appreciated! Dave down-under
Great videos, drummeruss. Thanks for doing these. I got diagnosed 4 wks ago with a 6/7 Gleason score and my urologist gave me a great book to read on all of this, but these videos help even more because you give real-life experience of it. I go see my urologist tomorrow to let him know I want to go ahead with this surgery. This has calmed and reassured me that it is the smart thing to do. I'm 68 yrs. old and don't want to drag this out.
Thank you for this. I am at 12 days since my surgery. I had my catheter removed two days ago. I had been preparing myself for incontinence, but nothing like what I have. I'm fine sitting or laying down, but as soon as I stand up, my bladder empties. I literally had a panic attack yesterday because I feel like I have no control. I have been doing kegels for the past several weeks in preparation. Your video gives me hope.
My situation was very similar, hang in there, it will get better, give it a couple of weeks. freaked me out too! Use the pads, the clamp, whatever you need to get through the next couple of weeks. Praying healing for you.
Dave here....gleason went from 4 to 8 in a year. Had choice between cyber knife (radiation) or radical prostectomy. Reading your journey was a big factor in deciding to get this out of my body. Surgery (Divinci) june 2. I am overweght, 75 years old, very large prostate 110 grams (average size 30 grams). I am very active. Surgeon also fixed a 4 year old umbilical hernia while he was in there. He also sampled lymph and surrounding tissue. Pathology showed all cancer contained in prostate! Best decision I have ever made! 3 weeks out now and incontinent when walking but ok sitting or sleeping. I have watched your videos multiple times and i wanted you to know your courage in making them helped making my decision to take on this cancer in an aggressive manner. Thank you Russ and happiness and heath to you for all you have done for so many of us. Now looking forward to getting rid of my pads!
Sounds like your recovery so far is similar to mine. I’ve never looked back, best choice I ever made now, five years out l even forget I had surgery. So glad to know that my journey has helped you along your path. Blessings!
Thank you so much, Drummeruss for this wonderful opportunity and sharing. It’s very uplifting and yes, the only way is to move on positively post prostatectomy. Am on my five and a half weeks recovery post surgery and all is falling into place well with prayers and patience. God bless
Awesome Video ! thank you for sharing. You are SO correct, the biggest challenge is all in our Head ! I had my PR done last week and my catheter removed (9) days later.
Thank you for recording your process. It helps more than what the Dr says "it's normal an you can exercise now but don't run yet ". I like what you said its in our minds so don't look to far ahead just whats in front of you.
Thank you very much for your information I am facing the possibility of prostatectomy. I have found yu to be most helpful and very encoring to me. Thank you for your honesty and upfront presentation. My doctors are at Northwell Long Island Jewish. Thank you. I will continue watch your updates. This is a great help.
@@anthonyarmstrong3548 glad they helped you, a lot of men write and say the same thing, they are shocked with the amount of leakage. I am six years post surgery and 99% continent. I have an occasional leak and wear a thin pad as part of my daily routine doesn’t bother me at all. All the best to you!
Your postings are courageous; so very helpful. Thank you. Kudos to you! Fortunate to have had my robotic procedure on 4/8/21 with one of the best. Incontinence is not so bad but my fatigue level is in the basement. Also the gas from the surgery is painful but seems to be improving. Primarily just no get up and go.
Thank you so much for your frank discussion regarding your surgery and recovery. I am probably looking at the same surgery in the Spring and listening to you has made me feel much better about it.
Thank you so much. I’m 2 days post Da Vinci radical prostatectomy. Your story really helps. My pain control and cath. management is good, just no poops yet, but feel I’m close, though I’m a bit nervous when it does come so hope the lax does it’s job. So glad I was windy only a few hours post op. as it really helped with abdominal pain control.
Thank you so much for your honest Video's. I had my catheter removed today with a lot of leakage and so comforting to hear you had the same experience and overcame it in time. I saw you videos before I had my procedure 2 weeke ago so stocked up on Depend pants and pads - what a godsend they are today !! Thank you for taking the time to do these videos - you have helped me and my family a lot ! Very best wishes from the UK.
Thanks so so so much for sharing your experience. Helps so so much. I am 8 days post Sx. I am looking forward to viewing more of your videos. I wish you continued good health and happiness!
I had my Radical Prostatectomy in 2015 at the age of 47 but my post op pathology showed 2 tumors both breaching the prostate and spreading into the seminal vesicles --prior to the surgery a Mri scan showed no spread but I am still here and my PSA is still zero but battling Cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease now --I think I have a target on my back --lol---great videos thank you.
Thanks so much for the videos and all the comments. I’m 66 years old and in day 4 post surgery. I hope you all have solid recoveries and stay cancer free.
Your videos are raw reality. It’s what I and others need to hear. My surgery is pending and I’m scared. Your videos help gear me up for what I need to be prepared for, in ways the Mayo videos don’t cover. Thanks for this.
Sir, Good luck on your surgery. I am 3 weeks post surgery. I understand your slight fear and concern, You will be fine. May the universe provide you with a successful surgery and recovery.
Hey @Nmexplorer , I hear you! Today is my 2weeks from surgery time mark. The first few days are uncomfortable, but after watching this and other videos we all come out of it well! Those days until the catheter comes out are a drag, but they end and then the adventure begins anew! Just remember you’re not alone in this!
Thank you so much for your honest updates. I have gone through them and am about to mark my calendar and use your experience gauge my progress. I am at 6 weeks and am about where you were with incontinence but I am unable to regain an erection, even with 100mg viagra. I see some improvement but not firmness yet. The road seems frustrating but your experience has helped me so much. I was feeling a little hopeless until I saw all your videos. You’re a godsend!
The fact that you’re seeing some improvement in sexual function at six weeks is great news. Hang in there, it takes time and all the best to you. Blessings.
Yes, a very difficult decision, dig into it and get as much information as you can, with information you start to feel in control and then you can make your decision with confidence. All the best to you on your journey! Blessings!
Thank u so much for your videos. I will be having surgery soon . Gotta be honest pretty scared about all u discuss. Greatly appreciated. By the way I'm 60 .
Great stuff, thanks. I guess my personal concern is that I was negative for lymph node exposure but I was 50% positive for my extra prostatic extension….ill ask the doctor about it in my first doctors visit at six weeks.
Thanks for your videos! I’m almost two weeks RPT post op. The catheter came out on day 10. Right away I was able to sleep with a depends dry all night. I start to leak after a few hours which get worse as the day goes on.
@@drummeruss 14 hours after operation all is fine. No pain, have been up walking, all looking good. Best wishes to you and thanks again. I am writing you from Copenhagen, Denmark. 👍🏻😄
Drummerus Thanks for your videos . I’m 2weeks post surgery today & they helped with the anxiousness that builds before the surgery & having a realistic idea of what to expect after surgery. For incontinence I’m ahead of your experience but for ED I think it’s going to take a bit longer for me as the surgeon had to take out the nerves on 1 side 😢 Thank you so much for your honesty and humility 🙏🙏
Hope and pray the ED heals up over time. I kept seeing improvement for a full three years. I know your situation is different because they didn’t spare all the nerves but you do have some and keep praying for the best.
I had a robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy two days ago at UCLA with Dr Robert Reiter. Your videos are a great help i cannot thank you enough for taking the time to do them
@@drummeruss Thank you, my girlfriend and I learned a lot from you. I have pain from the incision and my scrotum is very swollen, but it is a great help to know when i can expect some relief. right now its hard to move around and I wonder how incontinent I will be when i remove the catheter, I try to walk every day but am afraid of eating and dread the first bowel movement, they will remove the catheter in three days. I will follow your advice and try to take it easy.
Thank you I am soon to be 65 and will be going through this in a few weeks. I waiting to heal from a resent appendectomy. Thank you for posting your progress. It is be a big help.
I’m having my surgery on 14 January , I’ve got a lot of anxiety already so while your complete transparency scares me it also is very helpful knowing that I’m going to be ok. Thank you very much for doing these videos.
All the best to you Mike, and remember a lot of people have written to me who healed up a lot quicker than I did! Praying for a full recovery! Blessings!
Mike - Just had my surgery last week. Told myself repeatedly leading up to the surgery = 1) This is going to fix the problem. 2) I am going to feel better 3) I am going to be healthy long after. It wasn't just words, I truly believe this and it helped.
Thank you for your encouragement. I am 5 weeks out of surgery today. My catheter had to remain with me for 26 days due to complications of internal leaking which was noticed from repeated cystograms. This may delay my incontinence training I was told. I'm feeling great but going through about 3 to 4 pads a day. I found your video to be encouraging and hopeful. I was beginning to get very discouraged but I am making progress but a long way to go yet.
Thank you, watched your vids, still to see surgeon re op, will he do it or not, am heavier than you with pre existing conditions, will be op or hormone + radiotherapy, but your vids have helped me greatly, thank you again and God bless you
Dave Burt you are in my prayers for tomorrow's surgery, before you know it you will have a success story of your own to tell, think positive and have patience.
@@MC-xv3eu A little over 1 year since surgery. Thank you for your encouragement. Last two PSAs undetectable. I had a real struggle with incontinence....gradually got better, than a relapse.....etc. I stopped Kegals for awhile because they seems like they made it worse at times. when corn planting season started about a month ago, all of a sudden, for no reason, the incontinence almost stopped. Last two weeks I've used a light pad and may only use one a day. And that includes heavy physical exercise and work. PTL! Thanks for asking......I'm pushing ahead. Again, your videos were so helpful. God Bless you and your mission.
Surgery on Dec 13th and this video was helpful regarding incontinence issues. The first two weeks with the cath were miserable and it was great to have it removed. Now, I'm going through Depends like crazy. Really appreciate your candor and willingness to share your experiences. BTW, path report was all good and I should now be cancer free!
Lewis, I’m at 2-1/2 weeks post surgery and am leaking while standing, very little sitting or laying down. I’m using 4-5 pads a day depending on how much I stand. I’m curious if you became continent and how long did it take? Looking for some light at the end of the long tunnel🤓
@@1norgman Yes, there is a light at end of the tunnel, just be patient. It took me about 6-8 months to feel like my incontinence was fully controlled and I could quit using the absorbent briefs with pads inside. All through it my Doc kept reassuring me this was normal with the disclaimer that everyone is different. Seems like he said if we get to the year mark and are still incontinent we could talk about options, but it didn't take that long. Even now I will leak a little when I sneeze or laugh real hard. So, stay away from comedians and pollen! Around 3 months I was really tired of the inconvenience and "humiliation" of it, but it will get better! My PSA has been undetectable post op and I wish the same for you!
Thanks for sharing. I watched this 1 week prior to surgery. Had Davinci Knife Robotic Prostatectomy 6/19 so i’m 15 days post op. Cath came out on day 6, only wear a small pad to capture minor leaking. I’m 65 and cancer had barely started to invade the bladder but dr. Got it all and says all margins are clear.
Did my Davinci seven months ago. Best thing I ever did. All cancer contained. Nodes neg. PSA is less than 0.1. No pads used now. Wearing male absorbent underwear for the occasional leak when I sneeze. Feel great. Great decision. Cancer free!
Thank you for your video. I just had my catheter out two days ago and I am experiencing terrible incontinence. I am hoping It gets better soon. You have my respect.
Andrew, I’m at 2-1/2 weeks post surgery and am leaking while standing, very little sitting or laying down. I’m using 4-5 pads a day depending on how much I stand. I’m curious if you became continent and how long did it take? Looking for some light at the end of the long tunnel🤓
@@1norgman Thank you for reaching out. I am afraid I am still incontinent over a year and a half later, although it has slowed down a lot. Iam told I am in the minority, so please do not take my misfortune for a prediction of your own results. I have improved down to two pads a day. Do that pelvic floor rehab with a specialist, do those kegels and I hope you will have success. All my best.
Andrew, thank you for your update. I’m sure your current 2 pad per day is a far improvement over where you were at the 2-1/2 week mark. I have adopted the weighing idea others have mentioned. I weigh my wet pads for a given day and determine the number of grams/ounces I am leaking. Good way for me to measure my progress. I’m at about 3-4oz per day at this point. Good luck with your continued progress…David
Hey just wanted to say thank your video has been a great help to me through this. 14th day and today I got my cath taken out and let me tell you the water is running I was shocked. Using the depends & pads ( thanks for telling me) I'm keeping an open mind for a few days praying the control comes back. I had the open prostate surgery in Pittsburgh ( Shady Side hospital) 14 days ago very smooth, great care. Came home the 3rd day took it easy the first week or so about the 10 day walked around the farm with the dog did a little light work on a classic vehicle project no problems. Now the next step get control. Thanks for the help. 67 years old
Took me about six weeks to get some control, so hang in there in case it takes a while. I was shocked too and nobody warned me! You will gain control again. All the best to you and prayers for a full recovery!
Mic, I’m at 2-1/2 weeks post surgery and am leaking while standing, very little sitting or laying down. I’m using 4-5 pads a day depending on how much I stand. I’m curious if you became continent and how long did it take? Looking for some light at the end of the long tunnel🤓
@@1norgman well I'm with in a few days of being 11 months and it's been a quite a ride I'm going to say I'm at 90-95 percent control, walking and setting, riding, driving, sleeping are all dry But I really have to pay attention setting on a bench or the edge of a barstool if I get up fast I may loose a drop or so, I work with heavy farm equipment and semi trucks and do a lot of shop work, if I'm lifting 50 - 100 pounds I find I have to pay attention and concentrate or you will loose a drop but I average probably one (very thin ) slightly damp pad and if it was a easy day it may be dry and things are still improving my Dr has told me my progress has been really slow and has offered a couple outpatient surgeries ( a lift ) but I feel myself getting better as time goes on So I'm thinking I'll be 100 percent dry to soon. We went went on a 4 week vacation put on around 3000 miles and no problems at all
Thank Mic for your recovery progress update. I have been using the scale tracking method for the past week to track my leaking. I’m currently at about 180/6.3oz per day. Not horrible but I have a ways to go. This is a very frustrating and angering process to endure, good days and bad. I’m 63 and a very active guy, at least I was. Your message along with other men encourage me that better days lie ahead…my birthday is in July, which is 3 months from my surgery date. That is my target date to be down to 1 shield per day, thank you again!…David
@@1norgman yep I know where you are coming from I'm 68 and I'm just now starting to feel comfortable doing about anything we have a small farm also so I kinda stayed to myself for a bit, but that didn't last long. Once you fell comfortable standing and bending and you won't even think about it, hang in there I hated the exercises but I gotta say I think they helped a lot when I finally gave them a chance. Good luck and let me know
I am 2 weeks post surgery, 4 days post catheter removal. I am heartened by the video and by all of the replies below. This early incontinence phase is very frustrating but I am keeping my eye on the prize. I had turned 70 5 days before surgery. Was a Gleason 3+4.
Yes, no doubt the incontinence can be very disconcerting. Knowing that so many of us recovered the same way does help. I thought it would never get better yet at the 6 to 8 week mark it suddenly started to improve dramatically and almost 5 years later all is well, hang in there, it will get better
Jay, I’m at 2-1/2 weeks post surgery and am leaking while standing, very little sitting or laying down. I’m using 4-5 pads a day depending on how much I stand. I’m curious if you became continent and how long did it take? Looking for some light at the end of the long tunnel🤓