Pre-Operative Physiotherapy (for pelvic floor before radical prostatectomy)
Hi,
I have just recently been diagnosed with with prostate cancer and have opted for for RARP, scheduled for early May. I am interested to know if anyone has experience of pre-operative physio?
My main worry with the prostatectomy is the incontinence issues and I am interested in getting some specialist phsio support in advance to ensure I am effective in working on my pelvic floor.
I will ask my consultant (by email as I dont have another pre-opp appointment booked) but wanted to know if there were any physios that might have some expertise in this specialist type of treatment with men pre and post prostatectomy. Also interested in any good resources on specific exercises programs .
Thanks to all those who have posted on this forum, looking back at previous posts has been really helpful and encouraging for me as I deal with my diagnosis.
Comments
Hi Clontarfian.
I just read your post. I hope all went well. I'll be going through the same in early 2025. I have to wait because I'm on anti clog meds for stents I got in. I'd love to hear any advice you can give.
All the best.
Sean
Hi Sean,
I found the pelvic floor exercises very helpful. I started doing them just over 4 weeks prior to surgery. I used this video that I found helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OWYlSWEPwo
About a week before surgery I did see a specialist physio at Blackrock Clinic. This helped fine tune what I was doing and I guess gave me confidence that I was doing the right thing.
The surgery itself went well for me and I made a quick recovery. I used pads on the day the cathether came out but did not need thereafter. I very quickly made it back to what I would say is 85-90% of pre-op control. However it seems to have plateaued at that. I dont have any accidents, can go through the night without a problem. The issue is I still feel a stronger sense of urgency and some discomfort say 2 hours after last urinating.
Just an additional note, I am in overall good physical health and exercise regularly. This may have contibuted to quick recovery etc.
So overall I highly recommend doing exercises 4 weeks before and if possible getting to see a specialist physio. The exercises themselves are very simple but stick to the routine!
Dear Clontarfian.
Thank you for posting your message on our online forum. I do hope you will hear from others who have completed pre-operative physiotherapy prior to surgery for prostate cancer.
While waiting for a response you may find these links helpful: Pelvic floor muscle exercises | Prostate Cancer UK and Pelvic floor exercises | Irish Cancer Society.
However, our cancer nurses would be happy to speak to you on our support line. We may be able to offer suggestions on getting support and/or counselling if you think it may help.
You can phone us to discuss this further. Our phone number is 1800 200 700. We are all cancer nurses here Mon-Fri 9-5pm.
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse