In August of 2015, I underwent surgery to have my prostate removed. I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the year before and my doctor had been closely observing me since then.
When it seemed that my cancer was growing more quickly than he liked, he suggested surgery. “Afterall”, he said, “you’re only 63. You can still have a long life without worrying about this.”
So, after a lot of research, I went for it. I knew there would be complications afterward, but incontinence was not something that I had anticipated being that big of a deal. I thought I’d probably have to wear diapers for a couple of weeks and that would be the end of it.
Boy was I wrong.
Nine months later and I was still having a difficult time making it to the restroom. It was so embarrassing as a man to face this problem. I couldn’t do the things I wanted to because I was scared of having an accident or a leak, and I felt ashamed of the bulky diapers that I was forced to constantly wear.
I finally made an appointment with a surgeon in May to discuss a sling procedure and will be having the procedure done next month. I’m hopeful that this will be a solution for me so that I can get on with my life and get back to doing the things that are important to me.
Nick W., Houston, TX
