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I was told somethings that I didn't expect or anticipate. Having any of you been told:
(1) it is good to wait 3 months post biopsy because the biopsy is very invasive and it leaves the prostate swollen and irritated. And this isn't a good state for the prostate to be in if youre going to surgically extract it.
(2) there is 'only a 7% chance of urinary incontinence' post prostectomy. To me this is a large risk. I provide psychotherapy all day to college students at CSUS. An incontinent therapist would soon be a formally employed therapist. Are they other procedures that kill the cancer, but have less risk of killing my career?
(3) Watchful Waiting is off the table if you are 55 because the prostate cancer will kill you in 15-20 years when you are only 70-75.

A funny moment. When we saw the urologist he turned to my wife and asked how firm are your husband's erections now? She stayed quiet and I answered. Later she told me she wanted to say "as hard as the bone in your head."

Mick,

I have heard from guys on this site and in personal conversations who have had urinary incontinence post prostatectomy. From what they have said, the only person who might know about it is the patient and his spouse or significant other. There could, of course, be some issues in a locker room, but not anywhere else. There's no reason I can think of that your counseling clients (or anyone else) would ever have any idea that you have a leaky bladder. I'm not sure what you're thinking, but this is not an issue. Plus, even if you have some leakage, there are solutions to that as well.

Maybe some of the folks who have first-hand experience with this issue will chime in. Guys?

Greg

Mick:

1. Have never heard of the wait period. But its an interesting thought. Biopsy is not fun for either prostate for us or breasts for the gals. You will recover "quickly" but that doesn't mean the gland is "normal" for a time. If you would, please ask the doc what is the advantage of removal without the irritation from the biopsy- since its coming out anyway? If I may, do you have an enlarged prostate; that might factor in. Interesting thought though.

2 If you don't have incontinence issues now; I wouldn't worry too much. There is trauma and it takes a bit to recover but you should be OK. I had very little issue. A month before surgery suggest you start Kegel exercises on a regular basis and continue them after surgery for months. I think they do make a difference! I do health care consulting and teach adults in a lecture setting from 3 to 6 hours at a time (on stage if you will). I also was very CONCERNED about the issue. There is a product that I used for a bit that works great and is not noticeable, but you have to wear briefs not boxes- Ugh. I'll be happy to share if you select surgery. Surgery should not kill your career, but since you have a great concern talk that specific issue over with your doc. In spite of what they say radiation has its issue also- for both continence and ED.

3. TOTALLY AGREE! watchful waiting is OFF the table. 55 is too young to do that and regardless of what some think group "thinks" we need to take care and get the cancer- now.

4. One good aspect of this is your age. At 55 your recovery of penile function seems to be better than if you were older. Still a journey, but for many guys who have no hard issue- it is easier and quicker. But, you need to develop a penile rehab plan with the Uro before you have the surgery.


Keep asking and learning. Sounds as though your bride will be a good partner during this journey. Humor is important as well as a willing adventurous sex partner. Any wife who compares your hard to the bone-head doc is cool !!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards,

Dick

Incidentally Mick, what prognosis did they give you for erections back to normal? Many urologists play down the risk of significant to serious ED and provide little effort in improving this quality of life aspect.

Muz

Welcome Mick,

By joining Frank Talk you have become a member of a brotherhood of great guys who will always be here for you and who have all walked in your shoes while battling ED.
First, I would suggest you see a Urologist who specializes in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction.
He will probably run a Doppler Test to check if there is sufficient blood flow to your penis.
The two main causes of ED are insufficient blood flow (arterial insufficiency) and venous leakage.

I think that the best way for me to provide you with some info about ED is to share the story of my battle with ED.
I developed ED Post-Prostatectomy in February 2004 at age 65 and had never experienced any problem prior to that.
Viagra, Cialis, etc. did not work for me.
After much research and having the opportunity to speak with 2 men who underwent the Coloplast Titan Penile Implant Procedure, I had my Titan Implant Procedure December 13, 2007.
The Titan Penile Implant completely corrected my ED and restored both my sex life and the emotional intimacy with my wife of 45 years.
I became a Coloplast Patient Educator in January 2008 in order to share my Pre-Implant and Post-Implant experiences with men still suffering from ED and its devastating side effects.
I just celebrated the Fourth Anniversary of my Titan Implant December 13th and my wife and I could not be happier with it.
The FT Group has a bunch of great guys who are always willing to reach out to other men suffering with ED.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just want to talk.

Bob