So Penis Project podcasters, you asked for it so we have delivered. This is a story where things post prostate treatment didn’t go quite as planned. Mr Positive Penis had a long rough road but got there eventually. Both Jo and I have had a lot of feedback that we have presented positive stories re prostate cancer rehab. So we have listened and given you a view from the not so rosey side.

Today, we speak with Positive Penis who didn't have the happiest of starts. 

Positive Penis was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in October 2018. He started his pelvic floor sessions way in December before his February prostate surgery. Despite starting pre-surgery and the positive outlook that he'd be up and about after the surgery him having an active lifestyle, that was not the case - not at all. 

According to Positive Penis, 'It wasn't easy'. 

At two months after surgery, Mr. Positive Penis was still on antibiotics due to UTI. And at six months, he was still heavily leaking - the highest being 380g a day. 

It was only after 18 months when he heard these words from a colleague, 'It's great to have you back', that he really felt he was on track. 

Despite the hardships and setbacks, Mr. Positive Penis was able to travel 7 countries in 7 weeks (with the help of a penis clamp) and walk from Cape-to-Cape to celebrate their 50th anniversary. 

Mr. Positive Penis also had to go through Urodynamics - an assessment of pressure flows of the bladder and rectum. It might sound awful but according to Mr. Positive Penis it was all ok - it is something needed to be done after all. The result was that he had poor control of his bladder. 

Listen too as he talks about 'The Sling' ~ which made things better!

And then Mr. Positive Penis talks about Melissa, how he was surprised that 'people like Melissa' exists 😂, the importance of cuddling, snuggling, and communication.

From the experience, here's what Mr. Positive Penis has to say: 

"You should not be alone, you don't need to rely on 1 or 2 people. Think of who could be your team. :) You are not actually by yourself, you need to be aware of who could best support you." 

Listen to Mr. Positive Penis, Dr. Jo, and Melissa to know more about the things that are being done when things aren't as rosey after surgery - urodynamics, penile clamps, dribbling, sling, artificial sphincter, the great effects of pelvic floor exercises, pilates to help with incontinence, pushing boundaries, staying positive, and a lot more! 

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Websites:

https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders

http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/

http://prost.com.au/

Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett

YouTube: Melissa Hadley Barrett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/