For those who suffer from erectile dysfunction, it requires sympathetic understanding from a partner as well as preserving as much intimacy as possible short of the actual sex act.
The worst side effect by far were bouts of intense perineal pain every time I tried to move my bowels. This set in about a week after my operation and lasted for approximately six weeks. Each bout lasted for about an hour and could not be alleviated by any kind of painkiller. All I could do was lie prone on my bed for up to an hour when the pain would lessen and then vanish. But I had to live with the knowledge that it would be recur with the next bowel movement.
I was told that the perineal pain would in time go away so its impact on my life was limited to the six weeks it lasted.
Not sure
There have been medical advances since I had my laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and it is possible that another form of treatment might now be as good as, if not better than, the treatment I received.
Ten years after my laparoscopic radical prostatectomy my PSA readings started to climb again and, following tests at my local hospital, it was agreed that the prostate bed needed irradiating to remove any cancer. This involved a Monday to Friday daily course of radiotherapy with about 32 sessions. The treatment itself was pleasant and pain free. However, the overall process was tiring given that the hospital where I had the treatment was about 50 minutes away by train or by car.
Yes
The radiotherapy, carried out with a very late model machine, appears to have done the trick and the procedure was handled very efficiently. It would not be as tiring another time as I now live in a town much closer to a hospital so the travelling would be much less.
By sharing your experience of prostate cancer on the infopool you can help others. Your experience is valuable as they go through their own journey. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.
