fusilier's Journey with Prostate Cancer

I have plenty of family history of CA - but mostly gastric and pancreatic. Further, the diagnosis was at age 62, perhaps 10 years earlier than typical. OTOH, I never was in denial, but went straight to anger.

I passed out. This was a side effect of the biopsy, and I was NOT cautioned that it might happen. The biopsy was in the morning, and by late afternoon I had had three successful urinations. The fourth time I suffered what is called "micturition syncope." There is a connection in the brain between the control of blood-pressure and the Vagus Nerve which, among other things, controls your urinary bladder. As I was urinating, my BP dropped so quickly that I passed out. My wife could not rouse me, and had to call 9-1-1. I vaguely recall the EMTs saying that my BP was "60 over I can't find it."

I teach human anatomy and physiology to community-college students who want to become an RN, or radiologic tech, or surgical tech, or .... I know the upsides and downsides, and I know the absolute need to aggressively deal with this. I also have the absolute support of a strong wife who has more than stood by me. My surgery was done using one of the robotic devices (DaVinci, in my case, but there are other brands.)

I was lucky, the mass was very distinct from the nerves. I have decent bladder control, during most of the day. I dribble a bit when I am tired. I do not wear Depends during the day, and find that a generic menstrual pad much more economical than the absorptive pads aimed at males. Do Your Kegels! ><><><><><>< Well, it's been year (late October 2012,) and I'm back to 99%+ bladder control. Sneezes and such are not a problem, and I can go 5 hours at night without waking. It's now 8 months post surgery, and my bladder control is 99+%. I have no need for any absorptive aids. I _do_ have to get up at night to urinate, but only 2-3 times per week. Most of the time I can go 6 hours without any problem - unless I'm just sitting at my desk. I guess the lack of exercise makes things noticeable.

To date, 8 weeks post surgery, I have not had a spontaneous erection. I'm not worried, it'll happen. ><><><><>< Hasn't happened after a full year. I tried Cialis and get a partial erection - but not enough for intercourse. Urologist suggested papaverin injections - has anyone used that? I admit to a bit of ick-factor.

Over 7 years post surgery and PSA scores are still below detectable limits.