12/15/2000   RRP
01/02/2001   Decathed
01/02/2001   Dry at night / Depends pull-ups during the day
02/26/2001   Switched to pads
08/01/2001 (approx.)  Basically dry

I continue to have incidents of stress-induced incontinence, but nothing
that I've needed a pad for.  I am on the lookout presently for Tenas to see
if they're thin enough for when I nkow I'll be lifting or drinking.

From a leaker going on 6 months now, I don't think a miracle is going
to occur for you in one week although this is the season for miracles.
I'm now at 2 pads/day (I don't count the security thing I wear at
night to catch sneeze and cough leaks) on a good day.  Three if I'm
less able to make regular trips to the bathroom.  I didn't start to
make progress until about 4 months out and it started with a
realization that after walking around a bit and doing things I could
put a small stream into the bowl when I go.  Before that I my name was
Pierre, totally empty baldder, all in the pad.  It's been much slower
than average for me, others regain continence much sooner.  A few a
lot longer.  Expect a lot of frustration where you have progress one
day and regress the next.  Things will improve.  Good luck and have a
happy holiday season.
Dave Perry

Greg,

I wish I could lend you some of the confidence I had.  I didn't even
keep a log with the information you are asking for.

As I recall, it took about two weeks for the Kegels to start working.
You are correct, first results will be while lying on your back.  Then
while sitting, then while standing.  Control while walking will take
longer.

You shouldn't be drinking anything in the hours before you go to bed.
At least that's my theory.  I recall there's a Loomis technique which
is to load up with liquids and force your system back under control,
but I don't understand the theory behind that.  Maybe John will
explain again.

I recall that ninety days after surgery I had nothing but stress
incontinence.

Don't ask for drugs for this problem, it will clear up with exercise.
I know it's annoying as hell, but be patient and think about something
else if you can.

jimhoney

About half of all men are continent at three months following RP, and
almost all are continent by one year.   That is what Walsh and his
colleagues discovered at Hopkins.   I was continent within a month of
removal of the catheter, but I notice that there are several people here
who have been having very long term problems.    Remember that the men
who frequent this newsgroup probably are not representative of  the
population of all men who have been treated for prostate cancer.   Men
with problems are more likely to post than men without problems.
Individual experiences can sometimes be helpful, but not in deciding
just how typical you are.

Greg:
   My surgery was August 1st, with the catheter removed August 21 st.   I
have been using 4 to 5 pads per day ever since.  I think it was three weeks
ago that I had a two pad day, and at that they were not as soiled as the
ones I would remove on a 4 pad day.  I though this nightmare was about over.
I had another similar day the next week, but since then it has gone back to
the 4 to 5 pays.  The last couple of days I have had worse leakage.  Today I
have had to change every two hours.  I also am not aware of the leakage.
Sometimes I can feel it when it leaks.  Not lately.  The pads just get full,
heavy, and if I do not watch it I end up with wet pants.
   I have another appointment with my uro in a couple weeks.  I hope to get
more information then.  I will ask about the sling procedure and the
artificial sphincter, but my guess is that he will not plan to take drastic
action yet.
   Hope this helps.
   Thank you.
David S.

Greg, urinary control progress varies tremendously between
individuals. For your information, my history is as follows:
o    RRP 08/01/2003 at age of 62
o    Catheter removed 20 days after surgery.
o    Had leakage from beginning but never total loss of control.
o    Initially about 4 to 5 depends pads required per day and one full
depends underwear at night. Little leakage when sitting or lying.
o    Gradual improvement and after about three weeks post catheter one
or two pads per day required.Continued Depends underwear at night but
probably not necessary.
o    At the three month check one pad was sufficient and not fully
utilized. Nothing used at night.  Some days better than
others.Mornings better than later in the day.
o    Tomorrow will mark one week without any pads at four and one half
months post surgery. Sometimes I can make a sudden movement and can
feel a drop or two but no problem. Lifting or a sneeze is an issue.

From time to time I have checked the volume of urine. Sometimes I feel
the urge and the volume is as little as 250 cc. I have been able to
retain about 800 cc without and accident. My urologist appeared to be
surprised at the higher volume.

It is discouraging at times but things gradually improve. I wish you
the best in recovery and regaining continence. Do your exercises,walk,
start and stop the stream several times when urinating (stop and hold
for a count of 5 or 10).

Steve M

Hope this helps, my incontinence history.

10-14-03 RRP
11-04-03 Decathed
11-07-03 Dry at night
12-05-03 Mostly dry, one depends pad per day.

Now 74 days Post-0p, on pad per day mostly for stress and insurance.
Probably could get 3-4 days from each pad.  Bike riding, wood
spliting, jumping out of truck, etc., causes small leakage.  Looks
like I'm one of the lucky ones.

Warning - Don't repeat.  Drying off after shower, enjoying the heat in
front of wood stove about one week without cath.  Sneezed, hit the
stove, not a good way to add moisture to your house.

Jerry

Age 64  T1C GS 3+3  PSA 6
RRP 10-14-03  GS 3+3
PSA scheduled 01-05-04