Iain's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
60-69
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
South East
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any bladder or bowel side effects of treatment

My urologist pre-surgery told me that my life would never be the same again. Ihave got back most of my life as it was but understand that radiation and its side effects can last many years or suddenly appear after many years without side effects, and can be long lasting, so stay strong and have a good health regime.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Don't waste your money on medication for the erections. Ask your urologist about injections

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

I had groin lymph ganglia removed. For lymphodema wear a medium strength tight on the worst affected leg. Keep the leg up above the thorax (next lymph node higher in body). I spent a couple of years lying for many hours on our sofa. I dislike inactivity but I had to change my attitude to control the lymphodema. It has gone completely for the last four years.

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

I can't imagine anyone not going through mild depression, but I would not suggest taking medication, which dulls recovery as much as anything else. Research and understand why it is happening and be confident it will pass.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

I'm an active man. After treatment, I could not lift weight or crouch much in order to do DIY or sport or cycling. Swimming and walking came back in the first year. It's not so much the lack of sex that is bothering at my age, but the pointlessness of flirting, which can affect ego which can cause a mild depression imbalance. I was fine after 18 months, but 4 years ago I began to bleed. So I cannot now enjoy a cool beer or stretch or life weight, but the root cause is the side effect of radiotherapy which is now the cause of stenosis in my bladder and rectum. But I am a writer and I can still write, although I have to limit my travel & stress levels

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

I would have the surgery and the hormoone treatment, but the radiotherapy side-effects have really fucked me up. Of course, it might also have saved my life by preventing the growth of stem cells. I will never know.

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