Preparation for surgery

7 years on HT, I  know why they call it a wee

Brilliant to read of your recovery. You have tracked my Journey somewhat. Although I had to wait 6 weeks and chase the GP to obtain the pump and Sildenafil (Viagra) 6 months on and no natural erections yet, but I consider that a long term project  Yes we obviously have watched the same video, keep doing the Penile push ups

That's the impression I get. The long haul as opposed to a short one. YouTube is a fountain of knowledge but still not sure if I'm doing it right. I get a better response on tablet day but if I attempt the real thing it will be like trying to put a marshmallow in a slot machine! 

RAS1961 said:

I attempt the real thing it will be like trying to put a marshmallow in a slot machine! 

That my friend made me laugh out loud - if only the other 20 passengers on the bus knew what I was reading!!

Carry on, you are doing so well!! 

Best wishes - Brian.

Recovery continues. I'm walking most days and the dragging feeling I had post surgery has pretty much gone. Much improved by swapping out pads for tens underpants. Much more comfortable. I've had a few Guinness and a couple of glasses of a very nice red wine with no apparent I'll effect. 

I still wake for wee's during the night. Maybe 3-4 times. Be nice if that reduces! The most I have passed in one go has been approx 300ml. Mostly around 150-200ml. The cystoscopy indicated some stiffening if the bladder wall which could be a factor. I'll work on it. 

I've had a few nights without a pad and been dry which is pleasing. To be honest I think I've been dry at night from the start but difficult to be sure when wearing a pad. Pump exercises continue and I see the rep next week. Hopefully will feel clearer on the process after that. I have a couple of trips away planned. Hand luggage only. I'm wondering if a week without pumping will be unhelpful? Not sure I could cope with airport security pulling it out! 

Surgeon appointment 7 October and my wife will allow me to start driving from Friday. She's been a stickler for the post op instructions. 

Take care all. 

Hello RAS1961 

Another brilliant positive post - keep going you are doing really well. Enjoy the trips away - it shows that life is returning to normal.

RAS1961 said:

She's been a stickler for the post op instructions. 

She's doing right too - instructions are there for a reason - well done Mrs Ras1961!! Take a bow!

I hope all goes well with your appointment on 7 October - Thanks for the update.

Best wishes - Brian.

I've been holding off on updates, largely due to it continues to be largely uneventful, but also as my post op review was looming. Had this yesterday and luckily for me the whole reason for the operation has been a success! Negligible PSA and negative margins! 

I continue with the ED management but continence is pretty much there. I wear a pad for confidence if I'm out but find it dry when back home. I'm back watching football, season ticket for my team. I had worried about the coach and beer drinking but that was fine! 

I feel like one of the lucky one's. I'm conscious of the ongoing monitoring but hopeful for the future. 

Having worked in the NHS since I was 21, I have seen all the changes. Many not great!  It has it's critics but it has come through for me and I'm very grateful. The waiting times can be horrific but when it came to the actual work, it was great. 

Hello RAS1961 

Thank you very much for the update and I am so pleased that surgery has worked out for you. We love a success story. Great to see negligible PSA and clear margins.

Continence is something we all worry about - I am on HT/RT and like you a football season ticket holder. I follow my team (Oldham Athletic) home and away and although I can go 3/4 hours I like to know where the toilets are - just in case!!

Like you the NHS has come through for me too - with errors and delays - but I am almost at the end of my journey.

Best wishes for the future - Brian.

Brilliant news RAS1961 and hopefully you can get back to living a normal life but with a few little additions like keeping up with the pelvic floor exercises and routine PSA tests. It is so helpful to hear about the successes to different treatments so keep us posted every so often on progress.

Hi RAS1961 - this is great to see: negative margins, manageable side effects, negligible PSA and great positivity.  As you know, I’m a Brachy Boost patient who has been sharing his (largely positive) story.  It is so important to see other treatments being successful too.  We have thousands of “lurkers” who use our site to help them make a decision about their own treatment (alongside their consultants opinions of course) to suit their own personal diagnosis.   AW