Friday 24th October

I can't believe it's over three months since I updated the blog. If you're wondering how I'm doing, suffice to say that blog activity seems inversely related to recovery and well being ..............so....in short, I'm doing good!!

I have been keeping the diary going, but nowhere as diligently as during the early days of recovery. I intend to fill in the missing three months, but not for a week or two at least.

Current Status
Since late June/early July, 4 to 6 weeks post RP, I have had full bladder control during normal day to day activities. I resumed running in early August, and have been running with a pad (Tena 1) most of the time since. I have tried without a pad a few times and, for the most part, it's been OK. I've been dry running several times and event went two weeks where I was dry for all runs, however I then resumed speedwork on the track and, as the load increases, so has tendency to leak, but it's manageable. I've also resumed racing and recently competed in a 15 mile road race, just 122 days post Op., and also a cross-country championship. Both went OK. I was quite apprehensive about the 15 miler but it went well. I finished in 2:04:07 (I did the course in 1:28:28 in 1990 and 1:48:34 in 2007). I'd targeted 2:15:00 but secretly hoped to dip sub 2 hours, but I was happy with the finish.



This is me just coming into the finish line in Cobh. I was absolutely delighted to get there, particularly without any bladder issues - I was dry, apart from some minor leakage - I probably could have run without a pad. It was damn tiring - I really hadn't the base training done for a 15 mile race, but I'd never missed the race since the current series resumed in 1990 and that was an incentive to do it.

You can see more photos from the race on the Eagle AC website. BTW, That's me in the lead photo for the Gallery. I figured that I'd had the Star Performance of the day, and so deserved Pole Position!

Weather here has dropped a few degrees recently and I find that I'm leaking more also. I'm putting the leakage down to several things; Speedwork volume and intensity is increasing, I'm drinking more fluids, daily workload has increased and, in particular, the temperature drop.

Drinking and Incontinence
Some observations:
* I haven't drunk alcohol (much) for many years, so that hasn't been an issue.
* I stopped drinking coffee whilst in hospital in May, and I've never liked tea, so water is the drink of preference now (Yeah, I know! Sad individual!) When I can get it, I drink hot chocolate.
* Citric drinks - Orange/lemon etc - stopped taking them. Pretty sure that they were leading to strong tendency to leak.
* Soft drinks/carbonated drinks - same as for Citric drinks.

As I generally run in the evening, I tend to do most of my drinking/fluid intake early in the day, so that my bladder isn't under pressure when I run. If I'm running in the morning, I prefer to drink little before running.

What Now for the Blog?
I'll try to fill in the missing three months soon, but the active Prostate Cancer blog is clearly coming to an end. I don't know what I'm going to do with it in the future. Probably do a periodic (monthly?) summary. We'll see.

Tues 12th Aug

Tues 12th Aug
After yesterdays clean bill of health and the OK to return to exercising, I went to the farm and ran 2 laps (about 4.5M). Pace was quite slow, it took me approx, 51 minutes for the two laps. Before the op., I would have done it in around 37/38 min, or 34/35 min if doing a fast session.

My bladder wasn't full starting but I began to dribble very early. I passed a couple of walkers after about 0.5M and, as I passed, I felt could feel a dribble running down my leg. I eased off after that but stopped every 2 to 3 minutes to empty an already bladder - there was never much in it. When I was concious of it, I leaked. I think I didn't when I (rarely) switched off. I had a second bad leak episode when a woman was approaching. I think, in both cases, that I was afraid that they'd see my state.

I haven't been wearing pads at all since July 4th, however, for the foreseeable future, I think I'll have to wear one while running.

Monday 11th Aug - First Check-up Post RP

Monday 11th Aug
We were up at 06:00 to get the 07:30 train to Dublin. My appointment was for 13:20.

When I went in he asked immediately "How many pads a day?" I replied "I've been off them by day since July 4th and, by night, since June 24th. He said "My God, you're doing very well!" He then said "You're not getting erections yet, but don't worry, they'll come." I told him I'd done up a (one page) sheet outlining my progress. (While I've detailed some of my (intimate) bodily functions on the blog, I'm not going to go into any detail regarding sexual function/activity, however I will outline some of it)

I have been experiencing (unfirm) erections and had been concerned that I wasn't making enough progress - I'd intended asking him about it.

He read the sheet and said "You shouldn't be getting any erections yet. You DO know what I've done! I've taken one complete nerve bundle!" I asked how long I'd have to remain on Cialis and he responded "Until you get spontaneous erections." I asked when that might be. He said "Soon." .....and I'd been worried that I wasn't making enough progress!!

I asked what I could do in the area of exercise. He said "Anything you want!" I asked "When can I consider myself recovered from the surgery?" He replied emphatically "Now." He reckoned that the two UTI's weren't what they seemed to be, but didn't say what they might have been, and I didn't think to ask what he thought they were. I gave a urine sample and also a blood sample for PSA.

Overall impression: Boy am I doing well!! D is very relieved.

Wed 30th July - Sun 10th Aug

I haven't updated the blog for over a month, for several reasons; we were away on holiday in Portugal for nearly two weeks (Badly needed and the weather here was brutal while we wre away, so it was just as well that we went!), I've been building and filling out a race results database for the club ( www.eagleac.net ), procrastinating and various other committments.

Wed July 30th
Regular 5 mile walk.

Thurs 31st July
Rain all day, so didn't get out for my walk.

During the night I started to pee, but woke up before I got too wet.

Fri 1st Aug
D & I went to Kinsale to watch the Kinsale Regatta 5 Mile road race and to walk around the picturesque town.

Blurry photo of Kinsale harbour.

I took quite a few photos of the race, many of which turned out blurry. Photos can be seen here: I probably should have realised that I was not quite myself at this stage, making photo errors. After the race was over, I felt a strong urge for the loo, but passed little.

Sat 2nd Aug
Slept badly and woke with a headache and muscle aches. I saw Dr. P. in the morning. He dipped a urine sample and found antibodies. He diagnosed anothere UTI (urinary tract infection) and prescribed Velosef 500mg.

Sun 3rd - Wed 6th Aug
Regular 5M walk each day. Took more photos at the Novartis 5k in Ringaskiddy.

Thurs 7th Aug
Rained all day, so no walk.

Fri 8th Aug
Walked 5M in the morning. Went to the streets of Cobh 5k and took more photos. After the race, I tended to leak a little.

Sat 9th Aug
Regular 5M walk.

Sun 10th Aug
Only managed 3.5M today, having cut short due to rain.

Fri 25th - Tues 29th July

Fri 25th July
Walked 5 miles today. Legs are a bit sore today, especially my shins, after last night's race.

I got the UTI test results back today - no sign of infection.

Sat 26th July
D & I walked by the Castle today, going around the full 5 mile loop in approx. 81 min ~16:20 pace. It was good, but not as strong a walk as previous days. Probably no harm. I did have one or two very slight leaks during the walk, mainly due to "carelessness"

Sun 27th July
Went for 5 mile walk in the morning. Afterwards jogged in the back garden for approx. 7 minutes. No problems, but it was a slow(ish) jog (- garden isn't huge).

Mon 28th July
Walked 5.5 miles

Tues 29th July
Walked 5 miles. Had a one of my "Mega Sneeze" episodes today but stayed dry throughout, without the slightest tendency to leak throughout. I get these sneezing bouts periodically. I always dread getting them while driving!! This was the first set I've got since the op. It was good to find that I held tight during it - great for confidence!

Fri 18th - Thurs 24th July

Fri 18th/Sat 19th July
Feeling quite down as a result of yesterdays phone call, nevertheless walking away anyway.

Sun 20th July
Our first grandchild was christened today. We all had a great day but it was hectic all day, so I didn't get out for my walk.

Mon 21st July
Walked again today, but felt very, very down.

Tues 22nd July
Managed to put things in perspective and am feeling much better today. Went for my walk in the morning. In the evening I went to the track for a chat/walkaround with the Eagle AC club members.

Wed 23rd July - First Run Since Operation!
I went to "The Farm" this evening. Walked a "lap" in 38 min. On the second lap I repeatedly jogged for a minute and walked for two minutes. I did this 6 times. Before I finished the initial walking session, I went for a "leak" in the bushes and tended to leak after this, ending up quite wet during the jog. I'll need to do a lot of stomach exercises before I run again.

I drank two large glasses of "7 Up" - it's like "Sprite" at tea, shortly before going to the Farm - that wasn't very clever at all!!

Thurs 24th July - First "Race" Since Operation.
I went to Churchtown South this evening. If you follow the link, you'll find me a distant last on the result sheet, a full 47:25 behind my best time for the course. It was probably mad going, but I haven't missed this race since first running it in 1986.
I walked the entire course, taking photos en-route (it is a two two lap course). I felt good and had no bladder problems at all, in spite of the strong pace, mostly sub 15 minute miling. I took a lot of photos during the last mile (for everyone else - I was still in my second/third mile).


This was my view after approx half a mile - the "pack" disappearing the distance, approx. half a mile away. The camera is on maximum zoom!

Fri 11th - Thurs 17th July

Fri 11th July
Walked 5 miles. No problems,

Sat 11th July
Walked 5 miles in the morning. In thge afternoon we went to the Cork City Sports.
Normally I like to roam around the spectator areas around the arena, socialising and networking, however this year we stayed in the stand, enjoying the competition. I took some photos



Sunday 13th July
Went for my regular walk, but it started raining heavily, so I turned for home. By the time I got close to home, it had stopped, so I continued on and ended up with 4.5 miles.

Monday 14th July
Woke at 05:00 to go to the loo, but couldn't get back to sleep again. Got up at 07:30 and went for my 5 mile walk. I'm now walking at sub 16 min/mile.
For the first time, I've felt really, really good - feeling like "normal". I felt like I could have gone for a run.

Tuesday 15th July
Woke at 08:30. Didn't go to the loo until 09:30, after breakfast, so, last night, I went 10 hours without trouble. Following my urinary tract infection over two weeks ago, I'm submitting a mid-stream sample for analysis. This will be sent for tests.

I asked the doc about resuming running, stretching etc and got an emphatic "No! Not until after at least 12 weeks!" He doesn't even want me walking "Gentle walking is OK". I'm not happy with this, but my O.H. is still very concerned about me, so I'll keep everyone else happy. A few more weeks rest won't do any harm. I am certain, however, that, given my progress, the lack of specific exercise is now holding back my recovery.

Wednesday 16th July
Walked 5 miles at 16:15/mile.
For a while fter tea, tended to leak a lot.

Thursday 17th July
Went to town for a "bazzer" - Cork parlance for a haircut. We went by bus and had lunch in town. We went for a walk together after a light tea. i tended to leak slightly during the walk - more than I had been. I find that I do have a slight tendency to leak in the early evening.
I got some "unhelpful" news today - not a medical issue. This depressed me somewhat and I wasn't in great spirits over the next few days.

Fri July 4th - Thurs July 10th

It's been nearly four weeks since I update the Blog. I'm still around and doing things, but the Blog hasn't been high on my priorities - Must try harder!

Friday 4th July
Went to G.P. for RTW (Return to Work) certificate. He strongly recommended against ANY running for the next 4 to 5 weeks. He's also against any stretching. I'll try to keep to that - have to keep the Higher Authority happy! I was taken aback with his demeanour - I don't think, even after attending him for nearly 30 years, that he appreciates the level of fitness still, even after the surgery, retain. When he heard I was walking 5 miles, he wasn't very happy.

I suggested going without the pad during the day and he agreed. I feel that I've been somewhat dependant on the pad as a "safety net" and probably could have dropped wearing it about a week ago. I'm to bring a mid-stream urine sample along on Tuesday week, two weeks after finishing the course of antibiotics, and he'll send it for testing. I asked about doing a PSA test prior to my visit to the surgeon on august 11th and he said to wait and let the surgeon decide.

I stopped wearing the pad immediately after I got home and stayed in for the rest of the day, as a precaution.

Saturday July 5th
Walked 5 miles. No pad, no problems.

Sunday July 6th
Walked 4 miles of my intended 5 miles but it started to rain and D came to collect me in the car.

Monday July 7th
Went for 5 mile walk and dropped into my Physiotherapist en route. We spoke about my requirements and shee is to work out a program and contact me. She is of the same opinion as the G.P. about resuming running. She dooes feel, though, that I'm over the surgery long enough to start some physio work.

Tuesday July 8th
Walked 3 miles of 5. Had to cut short due to drizzle/rain. D & I went into Cork for a little bit of shopping. This was my first time out in (sparse) crowds. No problems.

Wednesday July 9th
Walked 5 miles in the morning. In the evening, I went to the EMC 5k race to take some photos and meet some of my running friends again.

The lead group coming up the hill for the first time, after about 1k.


Sean McGrath comes in to win the EMC 5k

Lots of people welcomed me back. At the hall, after the race, I drank several small cartons of orange (between 21:00 and 21:30). This is probably the latest I've drank anything since the cathether was removed. I tend not to drink much, if anything, after 19:00, to ensure that I don't have to get up during the night. Anyway, I hadn't any problems. This was also the longest I've driven since the surgery. It was only about 20-25 miles round trip, but I didn't have any problems. I had been warned that brakeing might cause leakage, but I didn't have any.

Thursday July 10th
Walked 5 miles with D. I'm now walking at sub 17 minute/mile pace. I had a tendency to micro-leak today, but it wasn't a significant problem.

Sat June 28th - Thurs July 3rd

Saturday 28th June
Woke 07:00, having worn pad since 03:00. It was OK with, maybe, a small amount of leakage. I was feeling much better than Friday. I tended to leak every so often - maybe the residual of the infection, general tension or maybe a loss of confidence. I was going to the loo about every two hours, with no sign blood in my urine. I slept from 23:00 until 07:00, wearing a pad as a precaution. There was little or no sign of leakage.

Sunday 29th June
We went for a walk at Blackrock Castle - 4.25 miles. I tended to leak a few times, mainly from tension - I'll have to relax more! The leaks were like squirts, maybe a teaspoonfull. I think I am "holding" my middle and either relax, lose concentration or get distracted. I think this is holding me back. I went to bed at 22:30.

Monday 30th June
I woke at 03:00 and again at 05:00 and 07:00 to go to the loo. i passed a fair bit each time. I also tended to leak during the night, mainly "squirts". Second thoughts on the "squirts" is that there may actually be an improvement after all. Where previously there may have been an "oozing", I am now getting a positive shut-off. We walked 5.25 miles today. It took about 80 min. I tried to count the squirts en-route - maybe 6 in total but not bad. I rested up for the rest of the day.

Tuesday 1st July
Bad weather all day, so we didn't get out for a walk. Slept for 6.5 hours - no problems and no pads, but woke at 05:15 to the sound of very heavy rain. i tended to squirt during the day Probably due to tiredness. Not bad though.

Wednesday 2nd July
Slept all night, no problems. It was raining for msot of teh day, so we didn't get out for a walk again today. I reckon I'm feeling much stronger.

Thursday 3rd July
I slept for 8.5 hours. I woke from a heavy sleep with the beginnings of a leak and a full bladder. It was only just starting and I had been fine until then.

Today I went for my first long walk unaccompanied and did 5 miles without any problem.

Fri 27th June - Urinary Infection!!

I got up at 08:00 - breakfast, showered etc. The morning was damp, so we stayed in. I went to the loo at 13:45, for the first time in three hours, and passed urine. This was along time for me as I going fairly regularly every two hours or so. I got a good strong stream but, at the end, I passed blood.

I rang the GP, who diagnosed a urinary infection and prescribed Ciproxin. I took the first tablet at 14:30. I went to the loo again at 17:00, with a much higher volume, with quite an amount of blood, but not alarming so. There wouldn't want to have been much more blood though. I went again at 18:00 and, this time, there was a very minor amount of blood and a small volume of urine. Went again at 19:00, small amount again but no noticable blood. 20:00 passed water again with no sign of blood, except for one small clot. I have a vague recollection of seeing a clot earlier, but not recognising it for what it was at the time. I thought it might have been a bit of dirt. Was that this morning or last night though?

I slept without a pad but woke about 03:00 with my jocks quite damp but not soaked - the bedclothes were very slightly damp. I had been sleeping very heavily. I changed my jocks and put on a pad and then slept until 07:00

Sun 22nd - Thurs 26th June

Sunday 22nd June
Sunny but blustery day. We didn't get out for a walk.

Monday 23rd June
Slept until 05:00. Woke again at 09:15. Pad was pretty dry. we walked 4.25 miles.

Tuesday 24th June
Slept badly and woke at 04:30. Couldn't get back to sleep until 06:30.

First pad-free night!
Last night I slept without a pad for the first time and had no problems. We didn't get out for a walk today as it was rather wet. I'm starting to notice general aches and pains - probably body telling me to do some (light) exercise. Went to bed at 22:30

Wednesday 25th June
Slept badly again. I woke at 04:15 and this time couldn't get back to sleep at all. I went without a pad for the second night in succession and, again, had no problems. We walked for 3.5 miles today and I felt quite tired. I had aches and pains during the night, so I took two Paracetamol tablets before breakfast. I went for a nap between 13:00 and 14:00.

Later on I read the leaflet in the Cialis packet, checking the listed side effects. All symptoms agree with mine, nevertheless I took another tablet, hoping that my symptoms are due to a 'bug' of some sort. Because of the aches etc, I wore a pad in bed again tonight. I felt inclined to micro-leak. I think it may be the Cialis affecting the working of the muscles. Slept from 22:30 until 05:55, but couldn't get back to sleep again afterwards.

Thursday 26th June
The morning started out fine but it began to rain about 10:30 and stayed wet until 19:00, so no walk today. I still have aches and pains and a greater sense of urgency, along with maybe 3 or 4 micro-leaks. I slept from 23:00 until 06:00 - no pad again and no problems.

Fri & Sat - 20 & 21st June

Friday 20th June
Got up 08:45. I changed the pad after showering. I had very little leakage overnight, most occurred when I farted - not best idea! - at 06:00. We went for a 4 mile walk at 11:00.

Today, for the first time, 4 weeks (and 1 day) after the operation, I am starting to feel normal. I'm getting there!!

Went to bed 22:45. The pad was virtually dry.

Sat 21st June
Slept through to 04:45, so I went six hours before having to go to the loo. afterwards I slept until 08:45. The pad was still dry - no indication of any leakage. I did have a small amount f leakage after breakfast, before changing.

We didn't get out at all today as the rain was torrential from 03:00 until after we went to bed.

I got a mild cramp in my right leg, behind and below my knee - about the very top or above my calf muscle.

Went to bed at 22:30 and woke about 01:30 with a tightness in my chest. I thought I was having a heart attack/clot/whatever, but then realised that I was VERY, VERY tense. My pulse was normal - 56 (it's gone up since the operation - I had been 48 before the op. When I was at my peak of running, in my thirties, it used to be 34-37), so I figured that it was muscular, made myself relax and fell asleep again. I woke for the loo at 05:50, so I went seven hours last night. The period seems to be getting longer every night. I woke again at 09:00.