Re: Suggested experiment for reducing incontinence

[Guest guest]

Hi MJC,I had a Robotic RP in September 2007. In June 2007 I attended a class hosted by Northwestern Medical Center (the hospital where my procedure was performed) on the surgical process, aftermath, catheter care etc. etc.. The nurse who conducted the class taught the attendees how to do kegals and suggested we do at least 3 sets of 60 kegals per day preceding the surgery. Each set was comprised of 20 "winks" (short duration contractions with quick release) followed by 20 squeeze and hold for 20 second kegals followed by another 20 winks.I got carried away and was doing up to 12 sets per day. After my surgery I had a catheter for about ten days with very few issues. When the catheter was removed, I had a few days of unreliability but within two weeks was not using any pads. I now do kegals on occasion just to

maintain my status but, more importantly, I stay very, very hydrated. This was another piece of advise from the training nurse.It sounds counter intuitive. It would seem that if one was working on reducing incontinence they would severly limit their intake of fluid, but it did not work that way with me. From the day of surgery onward, I consciously drink at least 4 liters of fluid every day. I have trained myself to wait to urinate until I really need to. When I do urinate, I completely void my bladder. I discovered that if i do not properly hydrate I am susceptible to a burning sensation when urinating and a dribbling stream that is more likely to result in a small leak after leaving the urinal. By consuming LOTS of water and other light beverages througout the day, I have no bladder/ leakage issues.It's worth a try with no down side if you have not previously considered this. Think about

going for the next three to four weeks with a dramatic increase in the intake of daily fluids and see if you detect any positive changes. You may see negative results at first, so I suggest sticking with it for a couple of weeks at least. PS...yes, I know this is not scientific; anecdotal at best, but I swear by it.Best of luck...Subject: IncontinenceTo: ProstateCancerSupport Date: Friday, March 12, 2010, 4:35 PM

I'm sure this question has been asked many times, but as a new member I need to ask it. I had prostate surgery (robotic) on Jan. 28, 2010, and of course I am experiencing urinary incontinence. That was expected. However, while it is improving, the improvement is very, very slow -- almost undetectable. I still wake every two to three hours to go to the bathroom, and during the day I can sit for an hour or more, but when I move, I leak. When I make any bending or twisting move, I leak. It's very frustrating. Often when I just walk, I leak.

Is my slow progress normal? Does the progress accelerate as time passes? What have others experienced?