Edward’s story: Knowing your PSA level could save your life
My name is Edward Robinson and I am a bus driver at Brookvale bus depot. In October of 2010 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The following month I had a radical prostatectomy to remove the prostate gland. I was told by the Urologist to expect 5 days in hospital and 3 or 4 weeks recovery. Other medical staff told me 6 to 7 days in and 6 to 7 weeks recovery at home. Following the operation I awoke with an epidural in my back so felt nothing below my waist. I was asked many times if I was in any discomfort but I was in none at all, just dozy for a day.
The most annoying thing about it all was the catheter and bag which was attached for the time I was in hospital.That was a big inconvenience and an embarrassment to me which I know is a stupid reaction.
It is now almost 2 years since the operation and I have one of the side affects of the operation,incontinence, mainly under control though I still have to be careful how much I drink and exercise.
As for erectile dysfunction,well I still find it hard to raise a laugh about that.
The other side affect, depression, was something nobody warned me about and yet from some of the reading I have done on the internet about other prostate cancer survivors it is quite common. I help out in our union office and this helped me over this problem because the things some of you drivers get up to can be hilarious. It’s a pity the management don’t see it that way.
In the first year following the operation I had a PSA blood test every 3 months,now they are every 6 months and thankfully they have all been clear of cancer. Right now I will nag every man over 40 I meet to have his PSA level checked on a regular basis. Knowing your PSA level could save your life.