THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2017 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.
I started having problems eight years ago with prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis. My symptoms were left testicle pain, left groin pain and blood in my semen.
I underwent many tests including DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), prostate massages, CT scans, cystoscopy, MRI with endorectal coil, and ultrasound. The only test that showed anything was the prostate massage that had pus in it. I had taken large doses of Cipro, Bactrim, and Leviquin. I responded to the meds and my symptoms got better.
I started to leave on vacation in May 2009 when I started again with blood in my semen but this time it was worse. My urologist and I decided to do a biopsy. On June 22, 2009 I had a prostate biopsy at Ohio State Medical Center. On June 30, 2009 I was told that three of the 12 cores were positive for cancer.
I chose to have a robotic prostatectomy. My surgery was August 7,2009 at the OSU'S James Cancer Hospital. I spent four days in the hospital and had the catheter for ten days.
It is now three months since surgery and my PSA on September 28th was 0! I am still having some leakage, but can get an erection with meds. I would like to speak with others my age.
Thank You,
Jim R
Since surgery I have just been monitoring my PSA. First it was every three months but now I was moved to every six months. It has always been undetectable!
I have very little incontinence but I am still self-conscious about it. I only wear a pad when I go out somewhere fancy!
The ED clinic at Ohio State has been very helpful. With meds I can usually get 85% erect. I used a vacuum pump on a regular basis for the first 12 months or let the meds, which insurance only paid for three a month, work.
I will still get depressed from time to time but the different support groups and other survivors have helped me through!
I have had an undetectable PSA since surgery. Minor incontinence is still present but not enough to wear a pad.
I am able to get erections without medicine but they are not 100%. I use pills from time to time to reach 100%.
I recomend to anyone newly diagnosed to seek out a support group! Mine have been a blessing!!
It has been 3 years since my surgery. My PSA tests have been undetectable! I have volunteered at the Ohio State University's James Cancer Hospital's free prostate screening for the last 2 years. I enjoy giving back. I still have some mild incontinence. It happens when I am tired and stressed out. I have discovered that it also happens after I have taken a Viagra or such pill when I feel orgasm. The times I am able to reach erection with no medication there is no leakage. I have found that I can achieve a natural erection when I am not under stress. I now enjoy vacations! Lifestyle, in my opinion can play an important role in our sex life. Life is to short to be so stressed out. I turned 40 in May so my age might help me as well. I don't know. I am glad I chose surgery and I would do it again. I hope my story can help out more men and I am proud to share!
Hi All! I am still undetectable after 4 years. Things are going well. I still have very mild incontinence but not enough to wear a pad. I developed an incisional hernia around my navel. It was where my large port from the prostate surgery and also a where the large port was for my gall bladder surgery. I am healed now! I would recommend to anyone to attend a prostate support group. I feel they are usefull.
I am 5 years prostate cancer free now! I feel great and only have occasional incontinence issue. They are very rare.
I had the robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery and have no regrets.
I'm looking forward for another cancer free 5 years!
It has been 6 years since my surgery. I have minor leakage but not very often. I am still happy with my choice of treatment.
Jim's e-mail address is: jimrap2003 AT aol.com (replace "AT" with "@")
NOTE: Jim has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.
