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Exercises with weights

User
Posted 01 Apr 2024 at 13:52

There is some great stuff in this thread, and Prostate Pete pretty much covers all the technical stuff as I understand it. I run (outside) and do circuits (at home) on alternate days. I am definitely in much better shape mentally and physically than I would be if I did no exercise.  That’s enough for me. It’s not to look good, it’s not to impress anyone, it’s not to be fitter than anyone else -  it’s to help me get by and carry on as best I can, and that is all we are trying to do. Every time you go to the gym/do some weights/go for a walk, or whatever, you are better for doing so and should give yourself a pat on the back. 

User
Posted 01 Apr 2024 at 16:46

Many thanks for these very helpful and supportive messages. As well as the physical benefits of strength training, the notion of taking control of these aspects is very important psychologically.

User
Posted 12 Jul 2024 at 21:14

Can anyone here tell me how soon after radical prostatectomy they were able to lift weights again.

I'm trying to decide on treatment 🤔 after diagnosis yesterday.  Would hate to lose too much strength and fitness for too long (or worse still, forever).

Thanks 

User
Posted 12 Jul 2024 at 22:04

Hi Big Simon

I had hormone therapy and radiotherapy and kept lifting weights for the first half of the treatment. I stopped for about three weeks whilst the side effects took hold but then started again. I would think you would need a longer break for the prostatectomy because it is a surgical procedure. It's really important to keep up your fitness before and after. I go to a trainer on a 1:1 basis but have also developed a good resistance circuit at home based on what I do with him. Whatever treatment you decide on, you must take charge of your own fitness and well-being. 

All the best for your treatment and recovery. Your Gleason score and symptomless diagnosis are the same as mine but you are 14 years younger so the surgery may be more appropriate.

User
Posted 12 Jul 2024 at 23:32

Hi Simon,

Both Prostatectomy and HT/RT have side effects, but if you go down the HT/RT route, there is nothing to stop you continuing with your exercise regime during treatment, as long as your body doesn’t object. You might get fatigue, but I would strongly advise you to do as much weight bearing exercise as possible to avoid muscle loss and joint ache.

If you have surgery I would speak to the surgeon for advice on this. The guys I know who went down this route were told to lift nothing heavier than a kettle for 6 weeks, and then to slowly increase their exercise. Some people seem to recover quickly, others take much longer…. perhaps it’s down to how fit you are before going in for surgery. Some would get extremely fatigued if they overdid things on a particular day, then feel shattered for several days after. The thing to remember is that although it’s robotic keyhole surgery, your insides are taking a real battering, and you need to allow time for your body to heal.

Good luck with your decision.

Derek

User
Posted 13 Jul 2024 at 06:35

Thanks Barry and Derek,

You're making me reconsider RT.

I've updated my bio with my latest thinking on all this.

Thanks again 

Edited by member 13 Jul 2024 at 06:36  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 13 Jul 2024 at 10:15

Statistically, RP and HT/RT have very similar outcomes but you are right that hormone therapy can reduce muscle mass and bone density. There is loads of research that shows that resistance training can avoid this and as you are an experienced weight trainer you are ideally positioned.

A really good prostate doctor to follow on You Tube is Mark Scholz who explains all this very clearly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE61HSAsFb0

I only started weight training when I started on the HT but I feel so much better for doing it and will now continue for the rest of my life.  I am now 6 months after diagnosis, one month after RT ended and still on HT and feel as well as I ever have.

It seems to me that you have exactly the right mindset to get over your treatment, whichever one you choose.

 

 
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