Has anyone had experience with the procedure for incontinence
called "the sling"? I am almost eleven months post RRP and am still
incontinent. The urologist has prescribed several different
medications, none of which has worked. I am starting to evaluate
alternatives and although I have heard about this "sling" procedure, I
do not know anything about it.
Thank you.
David S.
Chuck McClellan - 23 Jun 2004 23:34 GMT
> Has anyone had experience with the procedure for incontinence
> called "the sling"? I am almost eleven months post RRP and am still
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Thank you.
> David S.
Oh man can I! My urologist/surgeon did a paper on this and presented,
or is preparing to present it to a seminar of urologists. Dr. James
E. Mays III did my surgery using the Trendelenburg position, of
course, and installed a sling comprised of benign bovine tissue (no
DNA to cause rejection). I might add that the use of this position on
the table made it possible for the use of less than 1 unit of
auto-donated blood.
(I am writing this verbatim so if I've made some minor errors forgive
me Dr. Mays.) This sling takes the place of the prostate in supporting
the bladder so that it doesn't drop through the sphincter muscle
group. I was part of a study group of some thirty seven or eight men.
The human body forms a fascia tissue or scar tissue over the sling
and resorbs the sling eventually. I was pretty much dribble free until
the radiation treatments made things a bit sensitive but that is going
away. As I have nothing to compare to all I can say is that I am
happy with my results as far as incontinence is concerned.
When doing crunchies and or weighted pull overs I can feel the sling
where it is clipped in, sometimes as just a nudge but considering all
it I don't mind.
I also want to add that Dr. Mays didn't lead me wrong through the
whole ordeal and has been exceptionally open and honest about every
aspect. I have heard horror stories about some of the physicians out
amongst us.
Hope this sheds some light on the matter.
Chuck McClellan
Tom Williams - 26 Jun 2004 02:13 GMT
David:
I am about the same time post-op as you, and had about the same
progress until the beginning of June when I tried something different.
I tried to retain in the bladder as much as I could before urinating.
I did this primarily in the evening around the house when I could
concentrate on it. As I held back and concentrated on doing so, I
could feel the muscles working DIRECTLY on the relevant area (i.e., I
felt a new sensation), rather than INDIRECTLY as normal Kegel
exercises do. Within a couple days of this I was able to walk several
miles with practically no drip, when 6 days previously it dripped
profusely (and freely) into the pad. If you don't find it convenient
to do Kegels I think you may find that deliberate holding back may be
a helpful alternative. (However, I think you should try to do SOME
Kegels - you don't have to do a lot - do them in one hour of the day
so the muscle gets a real (although modest) workout.) I am convinced
that refusing to urinate until you can't hold it anymore (around the
house) allows you to walk for miles without any wetness. Quite simply,
I have gone from wetness to dryness with this new approach.
David S. - 29 Jun 2004 00:31 GMT
Tom:
I will sure give that a try.
Thank you very much for the reply. Sorry to delay in my response. Busy
at work and a busy weekend. Too much going on these days for me. The
stress may have something to do with my incontinence.
Thanks again.
David
> David:
>
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> house) allows you to walk for miles without any wetness. Quite simply,
> I have gone from wetness to dryness with this new approach.