Life after treatment for prostate cancer
Managing side effects after prostate cancer surgery and radiation.
It’s important to know that undergoing surgery to treat prostate cancer can affect
your lifestyle in many ways. Individual reactions will vary depending on the extent
of the disease and the type of surgery selected, but there are some general prostate
cancer side effects that you should watch for during your recovery period:
- Incontinence: An inability to control urination
- Impotence: An inability to maintain an erection sufficient for
sexual penetration. In certain cases this issue resolves on its own with time
- Blood in your urine: In the first few weeks after surgery or external
beam radiation, blood may appear in your urine. Contact your doctor if you feel
discomfort, your urine contains numerous blood clots, or your urine is so red that
you cannot see through it
- Urination discomfort and urgency: Urine will pass over the surgical
wound after the catheter is removed, and this may cause a sensation of urgency,
discomfort, or a burning feeling when you urinate
Your healthcare team is your best source of information about the particular treatment
you’re facing, and what side effects it may entail. Notify your team if any of these
side effects are bothersome or severe.
After prostate cancer surgery, take it easy.
Specific side effects aside, it’s good to keep in mind that treating cancer is
a big deal. After doing so, you deserve a break—and so does your body.
Before resuming any normal activities, be sure to talk with your doctor. Many men
try to do too much at the beginning of their recovery period, and they experience
a setback. These suggestions may help with your recovery:
- Do not drive or operate machinery
- Do not lift any heavy objects
- Eat a well-balanced diet to keep up your strength
- Try not to strain when moving your bowels
- Drink a lot of water (up to 8 cups a day) to help flush out the bladder
So what can you do to help manage your recovery?
Besides following your healthcare team's advice and giving your body time to heal,
there are lots of simple ways to be proactive about managing your life after surgery
to treat prostate cancer. Below are some practical tips:
- Try swimming, stretching, yoga, or other activities with smooth motions. Talk to
your healthcare team first before starting any exercise plan
- Ask your doctor about Kegel exercises if you have incontinence after surgery. These
exercises involve contracting and releasing the pelvic muscles and may help you
regain control over urination
- Read about prostate cancer. Some men find that reading about their health problems
helps them feel more in control
- Get help around the house. Ask your friends and family to help with cleaning, lawn
work, and other chores. Or hire a cleaning service to help during difficult periods
- Eat right. A good diet before, during, and after treatment can help you to have
more energy. Ask your healthcare team for tips, and read more on diet and nutrition
How to perform kegel exercises.
- Tighten the muscles you use to stop a bowel movement
- At the same time, tighten the muscles at the base of your penis. When both sets
of the muscles are tightened, you will feel a compression between your penis and
your anus
- Hold both sets of muscles as firmly as you can for 5 seconds
- Release both sets of muscles and relax for 1 minute
- Repeat the exercise 6 to 10 times, 3 or 4 rounds per day
- As you feel stronger, increase the number of repetitions and decrease the time in
between them
Other side effects may occur depending on the type of medication your doctor prescribes.
Be sure to speak with your doctor about which side effects you may experience and how
they can be managed.
Living with
prostate cancer
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