April 2023 Meeting

Tuesday, 25th April 2023

At this meeting we reviewed the information that is given to men after a Prostatectomy:

Self-Management: CHESTNUT

Here are some tips from men who have been down the same route as you and have had their prostate removed. It’s a list of things that you can do for yourself to help you get back in control of things.

Continence. Be patient, it will take time and in the short-term you will have to learn how to manage the leakage that most men get straight after this surgery. Learn what pads work best for you. Do your pelvic floor exercises regularly and learn how and when they help, watch what you eat and drink as this might have an impact but resist the temptation to drink less fluids.  If you are not staying pretty dry after 12 months then seek further professional help to get it dealt with. You would call a plumber if you had a dripping tap at home and couldn’t fix it yourself, wouldn’t you?

Head. You’ve been through some traumas – the diagnosis and then the surgery. It’s time to look after your head. What works for you to help you relax and deal with anxiety and get back to enjoying life? If you’ve lost your sense of humour along the way – go find it again, it will help you and others. Get help if you need it- It’s a sign of strength not weakness. 

Exercise. There’s no doubt if exercise was a medicine in tablet form we would be all taking one everyday. What can you do to get moving again? Start with regular daily walks and go from there. You don’t need to get a dog just set yourself some easily achievable goals.

Sex and Intimacy. It might not be your top priority and you probably know that some things are not going to be the same again- so it’s time to adapt and learn some new tricks and techniques which you might need some help with, don’t be shy - don’t neglect this.

Testing. Going forward you will be getting regular PSA blood tests for some time. It’s important that you stay on top of this. Men have lost track of this by moving house and accidentally or deliberately missing appointments. Don’t be that person.

Nutrition. There is no magic bullet here, you already know the answer that eating less fat, salt and sugar and more whole grains, fruit and vegetables won’t do you any harm and might just do you some good and certainly keep your bowels regular!

Usefulness. Look for the silver lining that the cloud of a prostate cancer diagnosis has. Can you save a life by spreading the facts about the risks of prostate cancer and importance of early diagnosis? Speak to your family and friends. Challenge myths and misinformation.

Talking to Someone. If in doubt, ask questions and remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question – speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist, your local Support Group or to the Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383. You are not alone.