Small Victories...

[DDT (12)]

It started a while back, but it was so minor at first, that I didn’t immediately attach much significance to it. I awoke one morning with the urge to ‘relieve myself’. Ordinarily, a normal thing for us all, obviously, but following my recent anatomical modifications, it was something that had not been felt for a while in the usual way…

I ‘Kegel-ed’ for all I was worth; and, although I was not entirely successful, I did manage to make it to the ‘receptacle’ with a partial but respectable deposit to be made! Then, slowly but noticeably, I began to have other partial successes… some of the time. Usually whenever I would stand-up, or rise from lying down, I would have an urgent need for speed… Partial but real events that seemed to signal a return towards normalcy. I emphasize ‘towards’, because I am most definitely not there yet!

What a dispiriting lesson in humility this whole trial has been! Having lots of strange folks routinely peering at my heretofore mostly private area, and even having the digits of several others handling me in ways totally unfamiliar! All with detached professionalism, as one would expect, but it still has been a mild shock… and a bit more than a mild embarrassment… Added to all that is another disconcerting aspect of this drama: The transition from ‘not really a contender anyway’ to one now packing a ‘sawed-off pee-shooter’!

The urethra passes through the prostate on its way from the bladder to the exit point of the urinary tract… Removing the prostate includes removal of a section of the urethra, the section inside the prostate, along with the gland. That’s the reason the catheter has to remain in so long… to give the sown back together ends of the urethra to bridge the gap just created time to heal…

Well, with an inch and a half removed from the interior length, the actual ‘end’ is drawn inward so the newly created interior ends can be joined… Not so much that I now feel real empathy for Bruce Jenner, but… I hope you’ve gotten the picture here, because being much more explicit would run the risk of attracting Willow’s attention and almost certainly forcing him to action! (I just hope I haven’t gone too far already!)

And then there is the routine… the new normal… The nastiness of wetting oneself… not just once or now and then, but constantly throughout the day… for days on end! Little wonder that a ‘small victory’ is met with such an inclination to celebrate! No dancing in the streets or even polite applause, mind you, but a smile now and then when the implications of these indications are projected out into the near-term future…

Yep, in another couple of days, I’m going to throw a leg over our girl and take her for a spin! One step at a time, naturally, but I admit to being more than a little bit impatient! If all goes as anticipated, a week from tomorrow she and I will began making our way towards Webster Springs, WV, and the ‘Recon Ride’. WOW! An actual road trip! Talk about a victory!!!

DDT

[Wizzard]

you are taking it like a man. With your positive attitude anything is possible. I sure hope you get to make that ride and many many more.
Thanks for the update. 

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
It is good that you are making progress.

Your post brought back some memories for me.  I remember the kegel exercises and the agonizingly slow recovery from the assault on the urethra.  I remember the uneasiness and embarrassment at having to wear diapers.  Eventually the diapers and containment products all got left behind and life was back to normal,.....well, except for the less manly appearance.........and an increased resistance of a certain appendage against watering the flowers when the weather is cold.  Pulling off the road in some secluded spot to privately drain a screaming bladder in cold weather can get “real” with tedious humility.  

Hey, I bet life will look a whole lot better when you do plop your butt in Ali’s saddle and get in the wind doing what the two of you do.

It will be great to see you riding in to Webster Springs.  Then I will know that the Bugslayer is back in his element and living the life he so loves.

[Daniel Meyer]

Glad things are moving forward!

It often does seem like medical science is as much devoted to removing dignity as it is to other things...but I've often been told that's necessary

Rock on Bruce!

[Valkorado]

  Glad to hear it, I'm sure ALI has missed you!

[t-man403]

I've been reading your posts from the start of your adventure.
It's been described so well, I don't think I'd have any questions for the Dr. if this were to happen to me!

Real happy to here that some normality is making it's way back. 

[f6john]

I’m terribly concerned now, I can’t afford to lose an inch and a half!!!!

[robin]

I know your feelings quite well my friend and it will slow down,maybe get a blinker buddy for your seat it will keep ya Kegeling all the time

[DDT (12)]

Thanks, everybody... It surely has been an experience! Lots of learning, huge increases in humility, much frustration and discouragement, and tons of inconvenience... All of that just to arrive at a point where I do have a hopeful shot at continuing my life, but with no degree of understanding of what the odds of that might be. That in turn has led to a sense of fatalism and resignation, and a sort of detached curiosity about how things might play-out from here... Will I be able to tour the country again with my 'coach' this summer, or will Webster Springs be the last road trip of any consequence? No idea...

I have learned that medical science, and especially new developments in technology and techniques, is extremely impressive! There are most definitely greater minds than mine working 24/7 to advance the healing arts, and to improve longevity along with quality of life. I've also learned that there are limits! There is still so much yet to learn about the human body and its condition, and so much still to be done in advancing technology and techniques... and knowledge itself. Oh well, I may make it... or I may not... Either way, I have no complaints, only gratitude for the life I've had, and for all the effort put forth in my behalf so far...

The support and real assistance I've received here has been hugely helpful! Replies to posts, PMs, phone calls... all have been encouraging and instructive. Some of us have already been done this path, and the things those folks have shared has aided me in coming to grips with my own plight and dealing with the effects of this condition. Just knowing in advance what will come next is comforting and eases the angst and fear of uncertainty! Plus, by simply telling their story to me, I am reassured that this can be survived! Whatever the eventual outcome might turnout to be, I'm mighty happy I've had so many friends to make the journey more tolerable... Thanks again, everybody!!!

DDT