I went to the doc for my one week follow up and catheter removal. Yes, it’s nice to be rid of that!
My score is still 3+4=7
It did not spread beyond the edges
Nothing in the lymph nodes they removed and examined.
He said this all looks very good.
Yes we discussed erections and possibly starting a viagra type medication if I have problems with erections.
Everything seems good on that end!
Now I just need to work on bladder control.
Great news! Keep UP the good work!
Great news Jason!!. Better bladder control will come in a few weeks. A bit of pharma help does wonders for confidence in the early days. Remember when you were 17? But like that.
Great, hope everything continues to go well!
Jason, it sounds like you're on a good path to recovery. Regarding sexual recovery, it is a broad continuum of outcomes...I know some pen who have full function in months after surgery, and some who never get any function at all.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to go to a sexual health specialist (usually a urologist) who puts you on a rehab program (yes, it's called 'penile rehabilitation,' a term I can only now just say without sniggering). This involves proactive care to preserve penile tissue. In my case it was daily viagra (or cialis 3 times a week), AND twice weekly injections (which sound bad but really aren't). I'm a year out and things continue to improve although I can predict who much functioning I will ultimately regain. The key point here is to get in front of things. It's too bad so many good doctors simply don't address this issue, when all it takes is a simple referral to another doctor. In my local support groups, I would say only about 20% of the men were even informed about this route. Good luck. And be consistent and patient.
I've found that although somewhat frustrating and all the other emotions that go with this, I've found a positive, proactive approach that makes me feel I am taking good care of myself.
I wish you all the best. The two weeks after the catheter came out were the worst in my life by far because of the helplessness I felt. But the pelvic floor exercises I had been doing for months before the operation kicked in and I had good bladder control by the fifth month and great bladder control by the seventh. I get the same occasional dribble that everyone else seems to experience at 15 months. Does not bother me a bit. Does not make me smell of piss. Underwear can be washed.
Wishing you the best. The catheter was the worst part. Things get better but give it time and be patient with yourself.
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