favoritebrother

[aaze]

i was diagnosed with prostate cancer following a biopsy in 2010. because the area was determined to be small i have remained on active surveillance since. i am curious about all procedures and more importantly side effects. i appreciate the candid conversations between everyone, it beats technical jargon.

[Grahammd]

Hi I had a radical prostatectomy back in 2011 the only problem I now have is erectile disfunction. This was a problem beforehand I took Viagra then but nothing works now. I have a very small amount of leakage if I bend over for which I wear a pad. I feel very well in myself and can do anything I want.

[aaze in reply to Grahammd]

as i said, this site is worth its weight in... i joined a group in nyc to get the "real" stories from the trenches and having been invited here is just more comfort food. i keep in mind that despite all these problems so many are living long lives with this condition.

[joetxn43 in reply to Grahammd]

Sam here Grahammd except without the pad. My leakage is so minor as to be ignored. Mostly when I have a full bladder and I lose focus momentarily. ED is the one left over that seems unsurmountable especially when I still feel like I "need" it. Otherwise life is good.

[JoelT]

In general there are many complications from all the treatments. Pretty much the ones that are common among all of them include some level of incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Looking at the question from a very general perspective surgical interventions also pose the possibility of the traditional surgical problems caused by anesthesia and infection. Radiation based treatments pose the possibility of radiation proctitis caused by damage to surrounding tissue.

Who will have what side effect and how extreme the side effect will be is a very individual matter. There is no way to predict what an individual will experience.

Joel

[ng27868168]

Good morning, As I have tried to get across several times before, with limited success, AGE IS VERY IMPORTANT when it comes to treatment and giving of advice regarding Prostate Cancer. There is a HUGE difference between diagnosis and treatment at age 45-50 opposed to being 65-70. So I will say it once again. Knowing your age determines what, if anything should be done. (sorry for continuing to repeat this)

[Stevedl]

I had a RP in 2012, when I was 60. I started doing Kegels before the surgery and for 2 months after. Within 2 to 3 months, leakage was no concern. However, I ended up with two inguinal hernias. This affected the recovery process and I have been dealing with ED. There are many options to deal with ED. While it is frustrating, I am cancer free for over 4 years, thank God. One option to discuss is nerve sparing surgery.. best of luck.