Carlos's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Work
Other (please specify)
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Yorkshire
Relationship status
In a relationship

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

My only problem was swelling. My scrotum was the size of a grapefruit about 2 weeks after the op and lasted for about a month. During this time I had to support the swelling or it was very painful so I used a homemade sling or sometimes a long sock. Showering was awkward and I sometimes asked my partner to support me in the shower which was interesting!

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

Post op I seem more emotional and cry at the drop of a hat. This feels strange as I can't control it but others are always sympathetic.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

When first diagnosed in 2013 I was Gleason 7 stage T2a and advised by the NHS to just keep under surveillance but I had a family member who had had his prostate removed so I consulted with his surgeon. I think this was the best thing that happened as I now believe he is the best guy I could have seen. He advised me to have it removed as that was the only way to have an accurate diagnosis. He did the operation keyhole 5 days later without a Davinci robot . The histology showed that it was actually Gleason 3+4 with some 5 and about to spread within weeks so I believe he saved my life and skilfully only removed 5% of the nerves surrounding the prostate so I only ever lost a few drops of urine after the op and never wore a pad. I was also capable of full intercourse within a 6 weeks once the swelling reduced. My PSA is still undetectable after 10 years.

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

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

I FIRMLY BELIEVE IT WAS THE SURGEONS SKILL AND MASSIVE EXPERIENCE THAT HAS ENABLED ME TO BE TOTALLY INCONTINENT FREE AND WITH FULL ERECTILE FUNCTION. My advice is do not panic and make you own choice to get the right surgeon as I am living proof.

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