FrankTalk.org

Hi Everyone,
I am a 62 years old Scot who lives in France with my loving wife. I underwent a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 3 weeks ago, here in France, and I am recovering well. Like many in my position, I guess, I am unsure of my future and what it holds, in a number of ways: did they get all of the cancer; when will it stop leaking pee; will I ever have an erection again, and many more. I am seeing my surgeon again in 3 weeks but he is French, naturally! Whilst my wife and I speak reasonable French it can be difficult to understand him at times with medical and technical terms. I am hoping I might get some answers, and encouragement, from the members of this site and I thank you all in advance. I look forward to making new friends and to a better understanding of where I might be heading.
Thank you All,
Neil.

Welcome, good luck with your struggle. The best advice I can give you at this point is be aggressive in your recovery. Things are going to be different for you and your wife from now on. Read and research all you can. Never give up. Even here in the US doctors seem to be too busy to give you all the help you need. Kegal exercises are your best friend right now and must be done faithfully. In a few weeks your bladder control will get better. Does your doc have you on an oral med like Viagra yet? Ask your doc how soon you can use a VED. Don't cause pain but don't be scared to stimulate yourself. The sooner blood flows the better you chance of recovery. At first I leaked like crazy so the shower was my best friend. When you’re ready to try something with the wife just make sure you have some towels close by.
Don't be shy about any questions you have here on FT. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask.
Buck

Hi Buck,

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. I feel lucky to have found this site and I intend to make the most of it. I am not on any oral medicine yet nor have I been prescribed a VED but I see my specialist in 3 weeks time and I will discuss this with him. I had 5 weeks with a physiotherapist before the op, to learn how to perform kegel exercises, and I am continuing with those now, so hopefully they will help. Once again many thanks.

Neil.

Please be patient with yourself and your body. The tissues around the prostate are always wet and that means it takes a while to heal. Kegels are recommended for sure for both you and her and take around 8 weeks to show noticable improvement. That does not mean you will leak for 8 weeks as it is usually less. Kegels are recommended forever after to maintain good flow control and heighten sexual pleasure.

Please let us know how well you progress.

Jim