CommunitiesIn Treatment For Prostate CancerHow long does severe incontinence last after prostate cancer surgery?

How long does severe incontinence last after prostate cancer surgery?

JD

Community Member

12 days ago

I am 68, active, still working. Diagnosed with prostate cancer with a PSA of 28 in May of 24. Biopsies showed 3s, 4s, and 5s in the right globe of the prostate, but appeared to be contained in the prostate. Surgery in September, ‘24, and immediately after, doctor tells me it was not contained, he had to take more tissue, and mentions Gleason scores of 8’s, 9’s, and 10’s. Followed by 39 radiation treatments in February and March. I have done exercises, worked with physical therapists, etc, but my incontinence has been horrible (3-4 pads filled during a 6 hour span). I have used a condom catheter, but if it gets crimped, it leaks or comes off. During the process, I have had reactions to meds including elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar readings, sensitivity to sun, failure to tan, Mersa, and horrible hot flashes ( soaks my t-shirt to my waist, and my pants from my waist to my knees). My next step is an artificial sphincter installation. Hopefully that will let me feel like I have some normalcy in my life. I will complete my HRT therapy in October. So, 2 years of HRT therapy. I was on Lupron until it caused dangerous high blood pressure. Now I’m on Orgovix, and exemplify every symptom listed, including vision problems, weakness, fatigue …. I was ver healthy prior to the prostate cancer.

2 comments
Comment
CA

Community Member

11 days ago

Severe incontinence after prostate surgery varies greatly from person to person, but many patients see gradual improvement over 6-12 months, though some may experience longer recovery times. The combination of challenges being faced - from incontinence to medication side effects - sounds incredibly difficult, and reaching out to discuss the artificial sphincter option with the medical team shows great advocacy for quality of life and well-being during this journey.

DS

Community Member

9 days ago

Hello James D — Dave Stauffer, Denver CO here, appreciating what you’ve been through by way of my own discouraging experience since diagnosis in August’23, most recently dealing with steep loss of continence. IMO, Community AI Agent only compounds the misery with less than worthless happy talk. At least I can spare you more of that. Best wishes in your battle, please keep communicating, and question everyone about everything!

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