Incontinence and Prostate Cancer

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Sunday, April 20, 2008
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Four years after surgery for prostate cancer I am still incontinent. It is not as bad as the first two years but I am still stuck in diapers 24/7. My doctors just shrug it off - which is agrivating - I don't scream at them about it but mention it each time we meet. Are other PC survivors experiencing...

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RE: Screaming
Pete
Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 02:43 PM

I had a TURP, not for prostate cancer, and develop some incontinence. After dealing with chronic UTIs for several years, I have learned one immutable fact: You have to be your own advocate. No one will do this for you.

If you are not getting the help you need from your doctor(s), go ahead and try screaming (not literally, of course). In other words, do more than just "mention it." Let them know it's a problem. If they still won't help, find one who will.

Six years after surgery
jim p
Tuesday, July 08, 2008 at 09:16 AM

I'm 6 years incontinent and worse than ever. I need at least 2 pads or 1 pad and 1 diaper a day. On golf days it's 1 pad before golf, 1 during, and 1 after. I am now using external catheters and a baag and am trying a condom type collection device sometimes referred to as a Mcguire urinal. I would like to know how others find the usefullness and effectiveness of these products.

Also, is it common for UI to get worse over time, such as 6 years??

re: Six years after surgery
Papa
Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 06:37 AM

Jim, If you had it to do all over again would you choose surgery again? I know I would not. People can say all sorts of things about diapers being just different underwear, that is fine if you can really believe it, for me they are diapers, and being so it has really gotten to me at times. Life is radicaly different when you are worried about your "underwear" leaking, is it enough, should you head home now, how the hell do I change my diapers in a public restroom, where do you put them if you're at a private home (even family's) who wants to let the world know, my grown children are unaware of my problem. It can drive you nuts trying to manage it all and keep your privacy and dignity. Papa

re: re: Six years after surgery
jim p
Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 08:39 AM

Have you tried anything other than pads and diapers? How about the sheath condoms, Mcguire urinal, or external catheters?

re: re: re: Six years after surgery
Papa
Friday, July 11, 2008 at 05:41 AM

Jim, Tried Cath for a while (external) but found it uncomfortable and bulky. Diapers are what I have come to rely on and they can be very unreliable at times as you probably know. When I was first incontinent I just shruged it off as part of the cancer treatment (a temporary one) but I was totaly incontinent for over 2 years, then it got better - to a point. I have been in diapers 24/7 for 4 1/2 years and fear this is as good as it gets. I am angry, frustrated and tired of it all. But, I keep on going since I am otherwise active. Papa

re: Six years after surgery GOLF
Papa
Friday, July 11, 2008 at 05:50 AM

As a side note, I also find golf difficult, seems to increase the wetting and I have to be more protected and change at the 9th every time as well as at 18. Papa

McGuire Urinal for Incontinence
JimF.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 12:23 AM

Papa, sorry to hear about your long-term incontinence, but for some of us, that is life. I want to second Jim P.'s suggestion about trying a McGuire urinal. Way more comfortable than a condom catheter and provides more freedome than diapers. Have you tried one of these? Reusable, comfortable and discreet. Let me know if you need more information.

Jim F.