A Question about Recovery

[WilsonPickett]

Hi All,

I am about ten weeks post SRBT at MSKCC. My last treatment was Dec 22. Since then I've settled into a not painful, but annoying set of symptoms based around occasional urgency to urinate on short notice, mild burning toward the end of urination, feeling of the need to urinate after I already did, not feeling like I've completed urination...etc. I have been taking Alfuzosin 10 mg since January 1, and although I know it helps I still feel far from normal. I am able to achieve erections and orgasm although the latter is uncomfortable as well.

So my question to those who are farther down the road than I: How long does it take until you feel back to normal? Do you ever really get back to normal? Should I expect that a full recovery (whatever that may be) could take six months or more? Just trying to get a handle on the timeline. Thanks so much in advance.

Wilson

[Tall_Allen]

Everyone's different. I had those symptoms you describe for about 2 weeks. Data show that urinary function is almost always better than baseline by a year, usually by 3 months.

[WilsonPickett in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks TA. Your recovery was incredibly fast, compared to others. I'll just assume that I am my usual impatient self.

[Tall_Allen in reply to WilsonPickett]

I did get a return of those symptoms about a year later. But nothing since. I pee like a racehorse now.Never get up at night to pee.

[WilsonPickett in reply to Tall_Allen]

That sounds like a blessed event. Does the ejaculate ever return?

[Hidden]

I am 3+ months post SBRT. Been on ADT 5+ months (Orgovyx). My urinary symptoms subsided at about 6 weeks to less burning, no urgency. At about 8+ weeks felt fine. Flow is longer, just somewhat stronger ( suspect a throttled bladder outlet ). Went from getting up 4+ times a night to urinate to 2 now. No sweat. Feel well, not sick or "debilitated". Of course, the lovelife is on hold due to complete lack of interest! Hand in there, be patient. Your on track to be well!

[tallguy86]

We are all unique for sure. I am post SBRT 20 months. The first couple of weeks I had experienced urinary frequency. I used AZO for about 10 days. No other issues. My erections are great. Libido hasn't changed. Orgasms are wonderful and I think more "intense". I continue to produce very little semen. It all takes time for your body to adjust. As others recommended be patient and grateful you're finished with TX.

[Hope4Happiness]

I finished my SBRT treatment at MSKCC about a month before you in November, so I am about four months out.

I had burning and urgency, of varying degrees, for about two to three weeks after my final treatment. Currently, all is fine urinary-wise. I do not get up in the middle of the night to urinate. The only issue I have occasionally is sometimes it takes a bit longer to get going, as it were.

Sexual function has been fine although one aspect that has changed a bit is sensitivity -- I'm a bit more sensitive down there during sexual intercourse and the feeling is more intense. It has caused me to ejaculate sooner in some instances. At this point, there is still some semen, but I figure that will decrease to nothing by a year out or so.

[WilsonPickett in reply to Hope4Happiness]

Thanks H4H, While appreciating my good fortune, I am trying to address my impatience with knowledge. Thanks for your help.