prostate removl

[Pesk]

My brother has just had his prostate removed as it showed very, very early signs of cancer. It's early days yet but has anyone out there had this op. Is there anything that he should do to help healing? The possible side effects are urinary incontinance and impotence both of which he is prepared for if they happen. Any advice or health tips I can give him?
Thanks

[Huderon]

I can't give any advice on the healing bit - I had mine fried rather than removed.

But for the incontinence and possibly for the impotence, he should do the excercises for his pelvic floor muscles (they're also known as Kegel excercises. Ask the doc first to know when is the best time to start them though.

[Pesk]

Thanks Huderon for your answer. I hope all is well after your op. I'll certainly tell my bro about the exercises just in case he hasn't been advised. It is the impotence and incontinence he's worried about.

[Huderon]

There are two bundles of nerves which run either side of the prostate, and it's almost inevitable that one of them is going to be damaged by surgery to remove the prostate and the associated lymph nodes.

The urinary incontinence can be embarassing, and you learn to keep an eye on where the toilets are when you are out and about. I also keep an empty plastic bottle in the car at all times, and now have a pretty good idea of how long I can hold on for. I also have a couple of pairs of incontinence pants which I rarely use; they're bulky things but are useful occasionally.

For the impotence, well there are some useful little pills around these days which can help ! And having been treated for prostate cancer, I think your brother will find that the doc will issue a normal NHS prescription rather than a private one for them.

A lot of sex is in the head (the one just above the shoulders, not the other one :-) ) and I find that physical stimulation, circumstances and a bit of fantasy helps with getting a full erection, but that it doesn't last as long as it used to - if stimulation stops it goes away fairly quickly :-(

Your brother will find out soon enough how he is affected, and he and his partner may need to make a few changes in that area to keep everyone happy. If it does become a real problem, he should start by seeing his doc for advice and possible referral.

[Pesk]

Thanks - really useful stuff. He's having his catheter out this week and then the hard work will start I suppose. I'm going to print off your reply and let him have a read when the moment is right. he's very positive at the moment and feels because the cancer wa found so early, has been given an extra chance.
I hope your recovery continues well.