Question:
First PSA after the robot less than .01, was told it doesn't get any better than that.
Incontinence still an issue but seeing definite improvement. Down to 2-3 pads per day. Potency still a memory at this point, but staying positive about it. Viagra hasn't done much at all yet.
Would like some comments from other surgery vets where they were at 3 months & more re. incontinence/potency.
Answer:
I'm nine month out of surgery. It takes time to heal from this surgery. I'm down to one pad a day. I can go dry all night. Only have leaks when I lift something heavy, bend the wrong way, cough, or have gas. I can achieve a 50% erection with Viagra 100mg. I did use the pump but it is difficult to find the time and privacy with 3 kids home for the summer. You will get better it just takes time. I can tell the difference from September to now. I get frustrated at times but you can let those thoughts take you there. I just tell myself at this time I'm temporarily out of order. I will be back in service. If your married you will just have get creative with your wife or significant other.
Hang in there let me know how your doing I check the board regularly.
Answer:
My husband had his radical prostatectomy two years ago and just got the results of his PSA--less than .01 again. Isn't it a relief and a milestone? He had a tough time after his surgery with blockages, strictures, and endured scopes and self-catheterization, and now is doing so well. There is improvement all the time. He still takes a medication for incontinence, but it is negligable now. We have noticed lots of improvement regarding the impotence issue too, even in the last six months. So those who are worried because nothing seems to be happening a few months after surgery need to be patient. Things aren't like they used to be, but we are greatful for every progression, and just because it isn't like before doesn't mean it is bad, just different. The sexual enhancement drugs didn't seem to work for my husband, but the doctor suggested he try again since things are improving on their own.
Answer:
I am 15 months post-op. I was able to stop the pads at 7 months. I will still leak occasionally if I move suddenly, or if I'm very relaxed. Still completely impotent, and that's frustrating, but I've about accepted that it will be that way. It was good to hear that Liane's husband is showing improvement after 24 months...that gives me some hope. I had some damage from using injections for about 3 months, so it's made the impotence recovery more difficult, if at all possible. I'm seeing an ED specialist, and he said that if there isn't at least some sign of erections after 12 months, then it becomes significantly less likely that they will return. Good luck.
doj
Answer:
I also had some stricture problems and had to self-cath until about 6.5 months after my surgery. Then things got a lot better - following a 'filliform and follower' proceure my urologist tried. I stopped all pads about that time also and while I empty with a thin stream and it takes 3-4 minutes to get completely empty, I'm satisfied with that. I don't forsee any more procedures for urination.
I regained erections without really any meds - at about 7 or 8 months post-op. I tried maybe 3 or 4 Cialis doses but I didn't like the nasal congestion side-effect which made my snoring much worse.
As I approach one year since my surgery (7/25/05) I have had two < .01 PSA's.......the next test will be September.