21st March 2007
Hi all:
I'm now 22 months post-op and thought I'd post an update. All PSA tests continue to be undetectable! Great news. I had the DaVinci RRLP procedure in NYC in May, 2005. I'm glad for the outcome, despite the fact that I'm still incontinent, and will probably remain so, the doctors tell me..... I'm now looking into new devices and procedures to help with my daily use of 3-4 pads per day. ED is a factor also, but is slowly improving. I use injections of bi-mix and have good success with them, some slight success with Viagra & Levitra.
The recovery of continence is wierd. It either happens right away, or not at all, and in most cases, 6-12 months is the definite focal point for whether or not you're going to become continent or not. Erectile function, according to my ED doctor in NYC, starts to improve more dramatically 12-18 months after the surgery. But, I've heard of guys who've had remarkable success or recovery from ED, but it takes 4-5 years!
Well, that's it, for me. Glad I'm alive. The PCa is a nasty cancer, as you all know -- and if we can be cured of it, it's a good thing. Unfortunately, the side effects are especially difficult for men. Pay attention to your emotional health. I went through a major depression from 12-18 months post-op. At times, I thought about going over the balcony. Fortunately, good therapy helped immensely.
Ken in CA
I'm now 22 months post-op and thought I'd post an update. All PSA tests continue to be undetectable! Great news. I had the DaVinci RRLP procedure in NYC in May, 2005. I'm glad for the outcome, despite the fact that I'm still incontinent, and will probably remain so, the doctors tell me....
The recovery of continence is wierd. It either happens right away, or not at all, and in most cases, 6-12 months is the definite focal point for whether or not you're going to become continent or not. Erectile function, according to my ED doctor in NYC, starts to improve more dramatically 12-18 months after the surgery. But, I've heard of guys who've had remarkable success or recovery from ED, but it takes 4-5 years!
Well, that's it, for me. Glad I'm alive. The PCa is a nasty cancer, as you all know -- and if we can be cured of it, it's a good thing. Unfortunately, the side effects are especially difficult for men. Pay attention to your emotional health. I went through a major depression from 12-18 months post-op. At times, I thought about going over the balcony. Fortunately, good therapy helped immensely.
Ken in CA