Jeremy's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
60-69
Work
Office
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

This side effect has reduced to almost never now 15 months after my operation. I would recommend not drinking too much beer, laughing too hard or sneezing while recovering or making sure that you're wearing a pad if socialising with good friends.

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

This might be a god send to the over endowed however to the average man it's a bit upsetting seeing the old boy reduce from the average size down to winter wild water swimming size. Although there was no feeling or sensation for the first 3 to 6 months the blue pills are now working up to 90%+ so keep manipulating your equipment until you get a response.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

The catheter was very uncomfortable and a relief when it was removed and the internal healing process had moments of intense pain so do not try to over do it for the first month as this cannot be speeded up. Fatigue was due to general anaesthetic and overall recovery as was muscle weakness so walk as much as possible when healed.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

For obvious reasons the loss of feeling and sensation was something that has taken a long time to get over and is still not the same as before the op but it has made me focus more on relationships , friends and living life to the full. I have 2 good friends that have had the exact same condition over the past 5 years so was provided with a wealth of information both factual and humourous so knew what to expect. Although is was a worrying time during diagnosis and before the op their humour and almost complete recovery gave me the reassurance i needed at that stressful time

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

Not sure

Why did I give this answer?

With the advances in technology and medical advances constantly improving i would make sure i researched all available options again. I'm happy i took the right course of action as the analysis of the removed prostate showed a slightly further advanced cancer than was initially diagnosed I so feel lucky that it was caught early and dealt with quickly. The NHS were brilliant pre-op but the post op recovery period was basically self nursing and needs a review.

Watchful Waiting

How this treatment impacted my life the most

I have just started my journey on testing for prostate cancer I feel anxious and at times preoccupied with it.

Tips and advice that might help others support those who are going through treatment

Think positively you are doing something about it and have taken responsibility for your own health If you look at all the research this is a treatable condition

What helped me cope and where I found support

Talking to friends and family has helped My Go has been a great support

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