How different is the recovery from surgery (RARP) compared to biopsy?

Your question is puzzling because recovering from a biopsy is minimal, there really is no recovery normally. Recovering from surgery is a totally different issue, it is major surgery. Have you been given the option of radiation? Are you being treated at a center of excellence?

Did you mean to ask what is the difference between the recovery of radiation and surgery?

Here is an article that discusses the long-term issues with surgery versus radiation.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2826069
Recovering from radiation is quite easy compared to surgery, most of the time.

Thanks for the response and link.
I wasn’t asking about radiation since I have my RARP scheduled but have never had any surgery before so the biopsy was the first experience of any type I had and was fine after a day and read people saying they were ok and or functional a couple of days after their procedures so was simply looking for a comparison of the immediate recovery experiences to mentally prepare. Thanks Again for taking the time to respond, it’s appreciated!

Everyone's experience with recovery is different. There are some commonalities though:
1. The catheter is uncomfortable but temporary. Many feel this is the worst part of the recovery.
2. The pain level after surgery is minimal. I only took Tylenol for pain. I slept in a recliner for a few days, mostly because of the catheter but also back pain/discomfort. I couldn't get comfortable in bed with it. Many people also get some back pain when trying to lie down in bed.
3. You will find that you get tired easily for the first few weeks. However, you will also find that after the cath comes out you will rapidly want to become active. Many of us started walking as much as possible two days after the surgery. The more active you are, the better the recovery. However, don't lift heavy objects (over 8 pounds my doc said) for a few weeks. Let your incisions (inside and outside) heal.
4. Don't rush it. It is a major surgery. Give yourself some time to heal. Be patient with yourself.
5. It is a completely different form of recovery from a biopsy. A biopsy is minimally invasive. The RARP is a major surgery.

Four days after my surgery, I was out at clients offices, where I was doing Computer consulting. I didn’t do any lifting, just sitting down at a few computers for a few minutes to fix problems. Had to have the catheter for two weeks and it was uncomfortable, but nobody noticed I was wearing it and I didn’t tell anybody in the offices I went to that I had surgery a few days before.

As others have said Tylenol is all you need after surgery. While it is major surgery they do it laparoscopically with only a few holes in your body. You do feel pretty crummy for a couple of days but then you get over it and it’s just a matter of finishing the recovery, which sort of ends when they take the catheter out.

Thanks very much, this is very help full and also comforting, I’m looking forward to getting past it.

Have a Great rest of your Weekend!

Thanks so much, hearing that you could be out and about in a couple of days is good to hear, I appreciate everyone will heal differently and have a different experience but it’s good to understand how it could go.

Thanks Again, Have a great rest of the weekend.

Recovery after surgery is more lengthy than post biopsy. From my experience, I had RARP almost 6 weeks ago. It took about 3 weeks for the stomach and stitches to feel better. Bruises starting coming out during the first week but they weren’t as painful as the biopsy ones. The painful bits post op were reduced flexibility and changing position. I found sleeping on my back was better but I had started to do this prior to the op. Do light exercise as soon as you can but don’t push it. Reply if you want any more feedback. NB it gets better - be patient. Good luck

Didn’t they do your surgery laparoscopically with just 3 small holes in the stomach? I remember only being uncomfortable for a couple of days, minimal bruising if any. I had no problem sleeping on my side and by three weeks I was back to normal.

I was 62 at the time so that may be a factor in healing more quickly.

I have a general question that isn't directly related to your discussion, but has to do with decision making regarding treatments. I am 78 years old, and have had progressive increases in annual PSA results over time - the most recent being 4.7. I went to a urologist and was told that I had to decide whether I should have an MRI to screen for cancer, or whether to even continue with having PSA blood work taken. It is likely, according to the doctor, that an MRI would indicate that I did have prostate cancer at my age and with the previous PSA tests. Even after having an MRI that was positive, I would then need to decide whether to have a biopsy or not.

My age has much to do with this, but I'm wondering whether I should decide to do nothing or have an MRI. I feel at least I should continue with PSA tests, perhaps every 6 months. Any thoughts?

I had 6 holes, the biggest central one near the navel, the rest in a circle. The stitches were tender but not painful.The bruises were most visible on the upper legs. The abdomen was sore due to invasive surgery but I have healed fairly well, I am normally fairly fit. I was a bit sore on one side for side sleeping for about 3 weeks. Back sleeping was easier with the catheter. I guess we had different robots. But it’s useful to get feedback for others.