Life after Da-Vinci robotic Surgery to remove prostate

Replying to Bobblejes :    A 49 year old with 3-3 with no aggressive features?   This is what the surgeon said he has.  I I were in your husband’s shoes, I would look very carefully at HIFU focal therapy.  This could cure or at worse buy 10 years of continuing normal life.  He would have PSA monitoring via blood tests, so quite safe to keep going with the 3-3.  Then, in his 60s he MAY need radical treatment (prostatectomy or radiotherapy).  That’s when, if he needs, to take on the major treatment and associated side effects.  I’m not medically trained but I have researched thoroughly. Ask your oncologist.  He can be referred within the NHS.  Two trips to get the treatment, then referred back.  YOU HAVE TIME.    AW

I consider myself a young 56 and very active. I was diagnosed Gleeson 7 and was advised that surgery was my best best course of action. I spoke to lots of people and 'interviewed' 3 surgeons about it and came to the conclusion that it was better to get it done than to have complications down the line. I'm surprised that with Gleeson 6 they have suggested an operation but subject to the spread and the aggressiveness this may be the best solution.

I was really quite worried but I honestly forget most of the time that I was ill. As I mentioned with the exception of my recovering ED I feel totally fine. It was a bit uncomfortable riding a bike for a bit but I suffered zero bladder or bowel issues of note. I was constipated for a few days due to the anaesthetic and I was almost caught short coming back from having the catheter removed but haven't bothered with pads as I don't need them.

having cancer sounds scary but I guess if you are going to get it this is the one to have as its treatable with good success rates. Humans have a great ability to adapt and I'm sure you both will in time.

I wish you the best.

Hi, PY1,  given you spoke to 3 surgeons, did you talk to anyone about radiation treatment, or was your Gleason 7   4+3.   ie they didn’t feel it could be treated by radiation..  How long ago was it please..  Maybe you could do a bio to help others….  Thank you 

Hello again , my husband was 57 , very active and fit - he had nerve sparing op but can’t find details of Gleason score sorry .

 He’s glad he had the op and still here to tell the tale 

I was 4+3 and was offered and discussed radiation but the idea of taking hormones prior to treatment and the potential side effects didn't work for me. I had surgery 4 months ago and have no regrets. 

I was in a similar dilemma but chose Hormone Treatment, BrachyBoost and RT. Short term side effects was chosen to avoid the long term ones. We’re all different. Best wishes and good health always 

Hope you don't mind me asking, my husband has had radical prostatectomy three weeks ago, asked for nerve sparing, but don't know if this done as no one has told him.

He is not coping well with post catheter removal , he is unable to control his bladder. He had the catheter removed four days ago. 

Can I ask if your husband has lost his continence? I want to find out if  this is normal? 

He has tried to ask the specialist nurse, but she was no help.

Hi yes this is normal it took my OH about 6 weeks to get back control of his bladder.  Very important to do the pelvic floor exercises before and after the op.  Can recommend the incontinence underwear rather than the pads.   

Thank you for your reply. Do you mean the incontinence pants , pull ups with the pad joined inside? 

Hi Lucy lou . Huffies did a post on this subject which you might find helpful.

 Pads and what you need to know