Nerve Sparing Surgery isn't as good a... - Prostate Cancer N...
Nerve Sparing Surgery isn't as good as it sounds
Yeah, not news to those of us who have had our nerves "spared". Maybe the name should be changed.
I’ve probably seen and read all of it by now Darryl, and have moved on from thinking about it. For others I hope the truth about sexual function and RP continues to be publicized.
My sexual function was already not as all important to me as it was when younger, so I am not bitter.
Given the consequences, if it was that important I would have been very bitter by now. Not only was I given the ‘good news’ post op confirming nerve sparing, I was told nothing beforehand about the permanent shortening and thinning I would experience.
My best efforts have resulted in about 60% function on my best days. Injections are unpleasant for me and pills don’t do much. I am a little over 4 years post RP.
Of course the addition of ADT in many men is a huge piece. Those who can avoid it or have a fixed course of it have a better chance, but those on it for life usually have little or no libido anyway so ED is moot.
I may get an implant if my remission lasts long enough, probably 5 years the target.
I was drawn to the layman’s ‘remove the prostate and the cancer goes with it’ theory, but we know this is often illusory.
I would never have had a prostatectomy if I had to start again.
For those interested, there are a number of (prostatectomy) videos on YouTube. I watched one bloody (!) one that showed in detail what the robot was doing. Not for the faint at heart!
I watched one of those also and it looked nearly impossible to me for the doctor/robot to determine what to cut and what not to cut.
If I could go back and do it again( wishful thinking), I would not have the RP. But would pursue HIFU more aggressively.
But I am thankful that during the RP, it was found that I had 1 positive lymph. Which changed my trajectory course. Not been easy dealing with side-effects of treatment. I am not sure that any of the treatments for prostate cancer can leave us unscathed from detrimental side effects that impact the rest of our lives.
As I understand it, there are also instances in which surgeons aiming to preserve nerves discover that they cannot due to the proximity of prostate tumor(s) to those nerves. In those cases, the patient may not find out whether the nerves survived until the surgery is done and the surgeon can tell the tale.
Those contemplating RP surgery should maybe read Dr Scholz book "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers" or watch some of his YouTube videos before going that route. I consider this surgery too invasive and with too many distressing side effects compared to other treatment options.
here’s another great video on this topic youtu.be/22CH7SjdN4E
