It's not quite the same, I realise that, but I felt much the same way when I had my appendix removed in my early 20's. I couldn't help wondering---"am I still complete?" After all, I am no longer the way that nature designed me. Does the appendix do more than we know? I even pondered this for a while---*Did they remove my soul?*
I haven't thought about it for a long while, but reading your post made me think again, and realise that I know the feeling that you are describing. We all want to be complete, and function in the way that nature designed, and when we no longer are that, we feel a sense of loss, quite a signnificant one, and it's hard to explain.
I hear you, being nearly two years out from surgery. My experience was a little different, as the aggressive cell type led to needing radiation and hormone blockers. It is not only the physical loss of the prostate, but also the incontinence and impotence that often goes with it that one grieves, with the domino effect of loss of intimacy and joy in the marital relationship.
I hear you, too! A domino effect isn’t completely ruled out in my case, but that challenge is now coming after Friday, when the catheter is removed. Fortunately, I don’t need radiation or chemotherapy, so that is a positive, and I am holding on to as many positives as I can. The biggest positive is having a loving and understanding wife, who says that we’ll see this through together.
Prayers your way. Kegel exercises will become your friend. I know many who return to full continence and modified but good sexual function, and hopefully you will find that your experience.
Thank you! As you know, it is a struggle, but at least pro-actively using the toilet increases the chance of regaining control during the day. Nights are another challenge altogether and hopefully I can slowly work towards a handling of the situation that improves over time.
It's not quite the same, I realise that, but I felt much the same way when I had my appendix removed in my early 20's. I couldn't help wondering---"am I still complete?" After all, I am no longer the way that nature designed me. Does the appendix do more than we know? I even pondered this for a while---*Did they remove my soul?*
I haven't thought about it for a long while, but reading your post made me think again, and realise that I know the feeling that you are describing. We all want to be complete, and function in the way that nature designed, and when we no longer are that, we feel a sense of loss, quite a signnificant one, and it's hard to explain.
I hear you, being nearly two years out from surgery. My experience was a little different, as the aggressive cell type led to needing radiation and hormone blockers. It is not only the physical loss of the prostate, but also the incontinence and impotence that often goes with it that one grieves, with the domino effect of loss of intimacy and joy in the marital relationship.
I hear you, too! A domino effect isn’t completely ruled out in my case, but that challenge is now coming after Friday, when the catheter is removed. Fortunately, I don’t need radiation or chemotherapy, so that is a positive, and I am holding on to as many positives as I can. The biggest positive is having a loving and understanding wife, who says that we’ll see this through together.
Prayers your way. Kegel exercises will become your friend. I know many who return to full continence and modified but good sexual function, and hopefully you will find that your experience.
Thank you! As you know, it is a struggle, but at least pro-actively using the toilet increases the chance of regaining control during the day. Nights are another challenge altogether and hopefully I can slowly work towards a handling of the situation that improves over time.