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John's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
60-69
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
South West
Relationship status
In a relationship
Listen

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

I was very fortunate in being very knowledgeable about nerve-protection procedures, and was able to choose a top surgeon and make my thoughts regarding this procedure quite clear. I fortunately regained almost full erectile capacity within 72 hours, and am now experimenting (with full support from the Urology team) in the best dosages of medication to support my sex life. I recommend you ask your team too, as there are options in between the routine dose and “on demand” that are considered safe.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

Real Ale and Red wine are particularly bad for producing hot sweats.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

There is always a slight worry before a routine PSA follow-up that it “won’t be zero”. You can’t help preparing yourself for some bad news. Also, “Drygasms” take quite a bit of getting used too, and this particular issue is hardly mentioned by the clinical support teams.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

It was a close call as to whether or not I “watched and waited” or “went for it”, as my PSA was only 5.5 after a steady 10% p/a increase for ten years. In the end it was only through talking to two experts personally that one of them “begged me not to wait” as he could “save my life” by operating immediately. Turns out the cancer had started to spread up a vessel already and any delay might have been a disaster.

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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.

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