[wrene]

Hi: I am desperate for any insight/experience/advice anyone can give me. :
My husband had a robotic assisted nerve sparing laparoscopic prostatectomy in July 2007. Since then he has had recurring formation of scar tissue, resulting in a weak urine stream, as well as decreased urine output to the point where he was dribbling. He has had 2 surgical procedures since, to remove the scar tissue, but it continues to return causing the same problems. He is now catheterizing himself every morning to keep the urethra open but the scar tissue is winning the race! His urologist continues to dilate his urethra as he disagrees with repeat surgical procedures. The urologist states, "slow and steady wins the race.", but we are seeing little progress. I am assuming that the urologists thought is that continued self catheterization will prevent scar tissue formation, but again, my husband's case seems to be very aggressive.
Has anyone had a similar experience? If so, any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[kdunbar]

Obviously there is a problem which needs to be corrected. Is there a Prostate Cancer Support Group in your area? If so contact them immediately, they should have lots of information. Additionally a second opinion should be considered. Good luck. K.D.

[wrene]

Thanks for answering. I am going to a support group this month for the first time. Hopefully this will prove informative. I have had the second opinion but the MD. concurs with the first opinion.
Thanks again.

[kdunbar]

Good, you're taking charge of your situation. While the second opinion only confirmed the first, doubtless it has helped. Before going to the support group make out a few questions to which you would like answers. I think you'll find a number who have, or have had the same problems as you, and they will undoubtedly reassure you.
Good luck,
K.D.

[jdighc]

Greetings. I had my prostate removed in March 08 and am now facing my first scar tissue "issue" and the urologist did a scopic look and then did a cyscosopy (spel) where he lanced the scar tissue and now wearing a catheter for two weeks and tells me about catheterizing weekly for life?? I am checking with the radiologist on jan 13th.. hmmm that was not in the fine print of the surgical proceedure for removing the prostate.. so what have you learned and are now doing? Oh and by the way, how painful is that sel catheterizing? I just can not see myself doing that.. at this point would rather schedule an office visit every six months. thanks JD

[ohnoo]

someone told me he self catherizes everyday and it's no big deal, although at first he was mad/scared as hell.

the "fine print"..... the urologist didn't tell me anything other than a 50% chance of incontinence with surgical removal, and impotence. Nothing about the catheter, down time, or anything. My uncle told me it took him 2 years to fully recover back to his old self.

Guess if they did tell us ~ none of us would do a thing!

[PeterGH]

I was wondering how you are doing. I'm in the same boat. Had robotic prostatectomy on November 3rd, 2008 - I suspect the catheter was too big - was in for two weeks with complications (infection); then after removal, scar tissue is now a problem. Had a second catheter inserted for another 2 weeks. No resolve to problem. Am now self-cathing every 3 hours round the clock. I'm seeking information from anyone who has "been there." Thanks. PeterGH

[ntryder]

Can you please tell me the outcome of your husband's issue with scar tissue? Was he ever able to be off the catheter? And if so, how long did it take? My father is going through the same endless routine of catheter's and recently went back in for surgery to make an incision in the tissue to "hopefully" fix the problem. But the urologist did not seem too convincing that this would solve his never ending problem. This has been going on for 2 months now and he is getting really frustrated nevermind irritated! Any help regarding this problem, would be really really appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Nancy