Continued Incontinence Following RALP

[wardguy]

In Feb of 2021 I had a prostatectomy and subsequently required 8 weeks of salvage radiation in 2022. The cancer was unusually high in my prostate near my bladder. I am happy to share that my PSA has been undetectable for the past 18 months.

I faithfully do Kegel exercises, but continue to have incontinence issues. It's not so much stress incontinence as it is urine leakage that I am unaware of until I notice the wetness on my pants. This is made worse when I drink alcohol. It has not gotten any better and may even be getting a little worse. I have gotten better at managing it such as wearing a depends when I socialize and occasionally will use a penile clamp.

Two questions for the group,

1) Has anyone else had this experience and have tips for dealing with it?

2) Has anyone had AUS and what was its efficacy and what were the side effects?

Thank you for your help.

[Justfor_]

Sorry, I can't give you advice on either of your queries but instead would like to ask if you can confirm, out of your own experience, the observation after which continence freezes at the state it was at the start of irradiation.

[wardguy in reply to Justfor_]

If I understand your question, my incontinence got worse through my 8 week daily radiation regime. After the 8 week regime was over my incontinence improved slightly for the next year. It never improved to the same state as it was before I started radiation. That is pretty much where I've remained since, perhaps even a slight worsening of symptoms in the past year. Hope that answers your question.

[Murk]

I had RP and three years later salvage radiation. I have no incontinence issues but I do my Kegel exercises regularly. I will say I feel like I poop more often like 3 or 4 times a day then before. I think everyone is affected differently.

[London441]

Sorry to hear. Incontinence is a big deal if you have it. I certainly did, as a consequence of treatment. I did a LOT kegels to no avail. I got a AUS in March of ‘21 and am happy with it.

The AUS is a last resort, but as such is a very good one.

[wardguy in reply to London441]

Thanks

[Istomin]

I had severe incontinence and an AUS was a life changer.

[wardguy in reply to Istomin]

Thank you. How long was your recovery?

[Istomin]

The incisions were uncomfortable for a week or so, as I recall. And I believe I had to wait a month after the implantation for the surgeon to activate the device. But given what a problem my incontinence had been for several years, the procedure was worth it.

[wardguy in reply to Istomin]

Thanks again