Prostatectomy

I had a prostatectomy in June 2024.  I was forced down the route as all other options would create havoc with my ulcerative colitis.  The operation thankfully didn't upset the colitis.  I am glad I had it as one advantage of the op is that they get to take a good look at the tumour and in my case it was confirmed that the tumour had escaped the prostate and I went on heightened surveillance due to the risk of spread.  Without the op I might have stayed on Gleeson 4+3 when I am now 4 + 4.  There are some downsides to the op and some possibilities that are best highlighted.

A fair number of people suffer from chronic wind after the op on the night after.  This is made a lot worse by the instruction not to strain.  If you do have the op then make sure you have mints and mint cordial and don't feel embarrassed as the nurses know why!

With my op I ended up coming home with a catheter and a blood drain.  We had expected the catheter but the blood drain was a surprise.  Having two bags to juggle was difficult.  The blood drain was removed after 7 days and the catheter went after 24 days.  Most people only have a catheter for 7 days, so you might get lucky and only have it for that length.  My catheter did dribble and was painful when I sat down.  It took a while to get good at manipulating it such that it wasn't painful.  Sadly as soon as it came out I got a water infection.

The incontinance can be very variable with some on here reporting only a few days before they were back in control.  My journey was much longer and it took nearly six months to regain 99% control.  I still have a leak with a bad cough or when I over exercise, especially picking up my three year old granddaughter.

As everyone states - every journey is different and yours won't match mine.  I would still recommend the operation for that reason that the experts get to see the tumour.

Hello Paul,

Thank You for the information and telling me your experience with a prostatectomy. 

Never realized the hell everyone goes through because of this illness.

Were you able to drive with the catheter?  I'm asking out ignorance. I've never had one.

• I pray that my issue is not stage 4 and the prostatectomy will an option. 

I currently have a PSA 8.7.  Can I ask what was your PSA when you decided to have the procedure? 

Thank You again for answering my question 

Hi Harry 

Just a few more thoughts.

Surgery does Indeed potentially have many side effects and issues, don't forget the potential ED as well although not everyone has  that problem.

Radiotherapy does seem an easy option and I can say that because that was the path I went down.

If all your stats are low and  smallish tumour then u may also get away with no hormone therapy

All that just my opinion by the way .

Best wishes 

Steve 

Thank You Steve...

I have no idea what to do...I am just grasping straws in the night 

I guess I will put it in the hands of urologist.... after the tests come in.

I hanging my hat that Stage 4 is correlated with PSA 20 and over. But it could still apply for PSA numbers beyond 4

Thank You 

Yes, generally the higher the PSA more likely to have spread or aggressive or both  but obviously not always.

Your PSA Def not high so hopefully Gleeson 6 or 7 or less but I think u have the MRI first so that can tell u quite a lot IE potential tumour size , if contained.

Steve 

If you decide to go for Prostatectomy make sure you do pelvic floor exercises before surgery and after catheter is removed. DO NOT attempt to lift anything heavier than a cup of tea for a while and build towards normal activities slowly. Walk as soon as you can and again build slowly. S

Steve, 

I have a feeling that it isn't contained.

I have some light ache on my left hip, constipation and ED....These are all symptoms...

Thank You...

I hope I get the opportunity to be able have a prostatectomy... 

I never thought I would ever be saying that.

Thank You 

Steve,

That is what I am praying for.

That the beast is still contained 

Thank You 

Ok but there can be other reasons for those issues, wait and see anyway, when is MRI being done?