www.incontinentsupport.org

I'm wondering if anyone else that has had a prostatectomy combined with a diverticulotomy has had similar experiences. I feel that I'm still retaining quite a little. I can go for hours without the sensation that I need to go, then the urge is quick and hard to control. There are also times when I find myself wet right after being in the restroom. Sometimes I can get to a bathroom, other times I can't. However, there are other days where things seem fairly normal. Although, when I do get to a bathroom on time, there is little sensation that I am voiding, and it's quite slow. I have thought about being out and about without wearing any kind of protection, but haven't been that brave so far. I'm almost thinking that wearing a diaper is going to be permanent. The unpredictability of incontinence is causing some anxiety. Should I just accept that it is what it is, and move on? I have read that most men are continent by 3 months after their prostatectomy, and that only a small percentage deal with incontinence permanently. Are those statistics accurate? I think I'm beginning to rant on here. Just a little anxious I guess. Thanks for listening.
Dennis

Although I haven't had a prostatectomy I do have prostate issues (BPH) which have caused significant post urination leakage and even some nocturnal enuresis and urge incontinence. I know exactly what you mean about the unpredictability causing stress and anxiety. Even though it's not great to have to wear diapers 24/7 I've found that the security of wearing far outweighs the anxiety of not wearing. Fortunately there are a lot of great incontinence products available so it's relatively easy to find one that is discreet and will provide enough protection for your level of incontinence. Good luck on your continued recovery and I hope you can return to normal continence soon.

In my opinion, the lack of sensation when you are urinating, your suspicion that you are still retaining quite a lot of urine, and the small, slow urinary stream are potentially serious symptoms that need to be closely followed by a urologist. Your continued need to wear diapers is a nuisance that I understand. I have urge incontinence and have had to wear a diaper 24/7/365 for many yours. But incontinence is not a disease in and of itself. It's a symptom of an underlying problem, and your have other symptoms that need to be looked.