In the mid-1990s, I was living in Albury-Wodonga, where I was practising as a massage and natural therapist. I noticed that I had to get up several times a night to go the toilet for a leak, which made me tired during the day at work. This was the start of a long health journey that eventually arrived at prostate cancer (with a couple of medical procedures along the way).
In early 2000, I had a blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) which is a glycoprotein produced solely by the prostate. Its function is to liquefy semen, but a blood test which shows high levels of PSA can indicate cancer. My levels of PSA were found to be elevated. My urologist then did a prostate biopsy and the pathology report came back showing prostate cancer.
I was home alone when the urologist told me the news. I felt extremely angry – at the results and at myself for not having regular blood tests. I put on some rock and roll and opened a bottle of red.
I was still only 49 years old and the treatment approach by urologists in 2000 was to remove the prostate. I obtained a second opinion and continued to resist the operation. I made changes to my lifestyle and chose to practise active surveillance, due to the low grade of the cancer.
For the next ten years, I had regular blood tests for PSA, along with the usual tests for cholesterol, glucose, etc. I also saw my urologist annually.
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In December 2010, I had my regular tests, and the PSA was 1.9, which was not high for a man of my age. I had a digital rectal examination (DRE) with my urologist and then I had a biopsy in January 2011. When I visited him for the results, he told me that the cancer was now at a concerning stage. There was a mix of scores, some being low-grade and some being aggressive.
I was dumbstruck. I felt angry that after so long the cancer had developed and I was angry at myself for not being more vigilant with my blood test results.
After ten years of active surveillance, now it was crunch time.
Now I was facing either surgery or radiotherapy. I discussed the options with my wife, Fiona and I decided on surgery in early February 2011.
The urology nurse told me to see a continence physiotherapist so I would know how to properly activate my pelvic floor muscles. This would help me to regain control of my bladder function after surgery. She also gave me some basic information about the surgery.
After the surgery, bowel issues continued for some time. Often it was more about not knowing whether I needed a bowel movement or to empty my bladder.
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I became very aware of locating toilets when I went out. I avoided drinking too much fluid before going out, especially to the movies. I didn’t drink anything after dinner, to avoid getting up at night.
Around three months following the surgery, I was still wearing continence pads. There were days when I was constantly going to the toilet for a wee, and not having control over my bladder.
I recall sitting on the toilet, crying at my situation. These bladder issues were something else entirely.
I was involved in a local prostate cancer support group and I would talk about these issues with the other men, but otherwise I only told close friends or family what I was going through.
Eventually I spoke with my continence physiotherapist about the ongoing struggles I was having and she adjusted my exercises.
I kept doing my pelvic floor exercises, along with my usual exercise routine of walking, some running and swimming. Eventually, these led to a better level of bladder control.
There are other men today going through what I went through and I strongly urge any man who is facing prostate surgery, or radiotherapy, to see a continence physiotherapist before treatment. This will really help you to regain your bladder function. Working your pelvic floor muscles also helps with erectile issues.
My advice for any man, who still has bladder issues and is still wearing pads 12 months after surgery, is to go back to your urologist to discuss other options.
In Australia, there are 1.34 million boys and men living with urinary or faecal incontinence. The has launched BINS4Blokes, an Australia-wide awareness and advocacy campaign promoting the installation of incontinence product disposal bins in male public toilet facilities. To pledge your support and nominate where you would like to see a BIN4Blokes and find out other ways to get involved, please visit
