Catheter and Incontinence
On Monday 4 May 2009, I was re-admitted to Mitcham Ward as programmed so that the Catheter could be removed. The removal of the Catheter took but a few seconds. The next 3-4 hours was spent ensuring that the Bladder was functioning properly and in particular, the Bladder could hold an acceptable volume of Urine and that it was able to be passed in a proper time frame. I wasn’t going anywhere until Dr Miller was satisfied.
I kept a Log of the period 4 May 2009 to 19 May 2009 when I was due to see Dr Miller. Looking over the Log I kept, it reveals that I had little control over what was happening during the daytime. Nearly every time I moved, there was an uncontrolled ‘squirt’. I was waking up 2-3 times during the night with varying experiences but generally, I was able to control what was occurring at night.
What was good though was that the “brain” was waking me up so I would go to the toilet. There were instances where I didn’t wake up in time and I had to change the pads but that was at a minimum.
I used two pads – an absorbent pad embedded in a throw-away set of underpants (Depend Underwear) and an absorbent pad (Hartmann Molimed) which I placed as an additional safeguard.
At the visit on 19 May to Dr Miller, he recommended that I see a Physiotherapist that specialises in Pelvic Floor Muscle exercises.
On 1 June 2009, I had a first meeting (of several) with Mrs Virginia Gill, a Physiotherapist. She was able to tell me what exercises I needed to undertake to try and get back Control.
Over the next several weeks I was getting better at Control and I next changed the layers of Pads to use the adhesive “Molimed for Men”.
On 6 August 2009, I did away with the Pads ‘cold turkey’. I was getting annoyed at the rubbing action of the pad on the Penis and so I decided to give them away!!
I have had a few little mishaps since then but the amount of leakage is almost negligible in the scale of things. Only once in that whole time did I have a small showing on my clothes.
Erectile Dysfunction
Dr Miller advised from the outset and continually reminded me that there can be varying degrees of Erectile Dysfunction after Radical Prostatectomy. Aside from the Prostate being removed in its entirety, there are other organs, nerves and tissue that is removed or affected temporarily and/or permanently during and after this surgery.
Dr Miller offered Cialis 5mg tablets as a means to try and obtain an erection. I do not get an erection as such but the foreskin does become sensitised after stimulation. My wife and I both accept that erectile function will not occur with me in the foreseeable future. Life is too precious to be hung up about such matters!!
SUMMARY
It was a period of 28 weeks from confirmation that I had Prostate Cancer until my operation. In that time I thought that I would be able to be treated by using Brachytherapy Procedure. I found out I was not able to use that method and about 16-18 weeks went by.
I have said to Dr Miller that perhaps it would have been better for me if I had just elected to go straight to Radical Prostatectomy from the outset. (I think in hindsight it’s perhaps being ‘scared’ of major surgery!)
I’m extremely grateful that I was looked after by a highly committed, highly competent and a very focussed Urologist.
I also received care and attention at Ashford Hospital’s High Dependency Unit, Mitcham Ward and “HITH” of the highest order. I could not have asked for better attention from the Nursing Staff
I also believe that I may have been in a more difficult situation now if my GP had not insisted in mid 2008 that I be referred to an Urologist when the elevated PSA was evident.
And I received and was given tremendous support from my wife and children – they were very supportive when I experienced some low periods after the Surgery.
My 4 post-operative PSA readings so far have been <0.04, <0.04, <0.05 and <0.04 respectively.
I am on a schedule of 3-monthly checks with Dr Miller. This may be reviewed after the 12 month period from the date of the operation.
I hope my experiences are able to assist someone in the future.
Michael J McInerney
12 January 2010
UPDATE 6 April 2010.
I visited my Urologist 6 April 2010 for my 3-monthly check-up and any development/trend discussion.
My PSA Blood Test undertaken on 31 March 2010 returned <0.04 result.
I discussed with Dr Miller a matter that I could not fathom re the ‘discrepancy in understanding ‘between the methodologies used for obtaining the Biopsy Tests of 9 October 2008 results and the ‘failed’ Brachytherapy Volume Test of 29 January 2009 (Pubic Bone ‘shrouded’ part of the Prostate and therefore Brachytherapy Procedure was not a consideration in my case.)
He advised, using a model on his desk to illustrate how the Transperineal Biopsy was conducted and on a particular ‘plane and angle’ of inserting the Biopsy Needles and the different ‘plane and angle of the ultra sound probe’ for the Volume Test.
A case of a “X Axis” and a “Y Axis” would be a best way of visualising how the two probes were undertaken.
I told him I continue to have NIL Erectile Function but I do have a strong sensation at the Foreskin Region of the Penis.
He asked if I wanted to consider Injections and I said to Dr Miller that my wife and I accept matters as they are at the present. No Erectile Function but alive and with a PSA number of almost NIL value.
He has now recommended that I see him again in 6-months.
Mike McInerney
7 April 2010
Update 18 August 2010
Called at GP for normal 6-monthly renewal of Prescriptions. Blood Test for pre-existing conditions and PSA undertaken.
PSA Result is <0.04
Next Blood Test for Specialist is set for late September 2010 for 6-monthly visit on 5 October 2010.
Mike McInerney
3 September 2010
Update 5 October 2010
PSA Blood Test for Specialist was undertaken on 23 September for 6-monthly visit on 5 October 2010.
Met with Dr John Miller at his Rooms, 116 Partridge Street Glenelg, South Australia at 0900 Hrs.
He informed me that the PSA Blood Test result shows a PSA Value of less than 0.04 and as expected.
I discussed my progress regarding my health and well-being and in particular my continuing “being free from any uncontrolled or unfathomable Incontinence issues.”
I also discussed my continuing Erectile Dysfunction and that the current situation poses no problems for me (and my wife).and I am not worried about it. My wife is not concerned.
I also informed Dr Miller that i had made contact with friends and Website:
YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE
Prostate Cancer - Survivors Treatment Experiences
He said awareness amongst Males of Prostate issues was important.
He said that he will see me again in six months and if any urology issue should arise, I am free to contact him immediately.
Next meeting scheduled for 5 April 2011.
Mike McInerney
5 October 2010
RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY
Update 5 April 2011.
Visited the Urologist Dr John Miller today for what turned out to be my final visit for the Radical Prostatectomy undertaken 102 weeks ago on 21 April 2009 by him.
He said that my recovery is as complete as it will be and he sees no reason to continue unless there is an urology matter that might arise in the future.
PSA reading was “less than 0.03” which Dr Miller suggests in next to NIL present.
Mike McInerney
5 April 2011
ONGOING PSA CHECKS
My GP continues to monitor my PSA Levels on a six-monthly basis.
My last check in October 2011 showed my PSA Level to be <0.03
Mike McInerney
3 November 2011