At 74 I have reached the stage in life when sexual activity is not a driving force, so the loss of erectile function does not trouble me a great deal. Although I had fairly typical prejudices against penile pumps when they were presented to our local PC support group, I obtained one through my GP and have used it fairly regularly since. Penile health being the biggest motivation here, although very rarely I have used it for sexual activity. The one I have works very well and does keep my penis in pretty good condition.
Unusually for PC sufferers I have had pain in my groinal area from 2003, which was diagnosed initially as Prostatitis, treated with Antibiotics. That pain has never really gone away. Decreasing from 2003 to around 2015, but then slowly increasing again resulting in me asking my GP for a PSA test in 2018 and that finding a score of 16, resulting in my fairly urgent surgery.
I think some depression and fairly significant anxiety is to be expected when diagnosed and during and for a whole after treatment.
Strangely, but importantly, the most significant impact was on my wife. I believe it was the shock of what was happening to me that caused her to start a strange, continuing, series of almost monthly episodes which cause her to be quite debilitated for around a week at a time. She was diagnosed, and medicated, for a very unusual form of Epilepsy. That is very upsetting. Other than that for me personally having to mess around with things I would rather not be bothering with is the biggest, if mild, inconvenience. There is of course the background worry of the return of the cancer.
Not sure
I am still pretty happy with the decision I made to have a Radical Prostatectomy, however things have move on so much even in these few years, that I would have to study and consult a lot before making the decision again.
By sharing your story you can help others. Share what went well, what didn't and everything in between. Your experience is valuable. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.
