Hello Someoneelse,
My Husband 68 year old underwent RARP 2 weeks ago. We got a slot 2 months prior to our actual surgery date so was told only 3 days before surgery. No time to prepare or to be scared lol. My Husband had been doing the exercises for a couple weeks by then and been eating healthy, 2 apples a day included and lot of beetroot. That really helped raise his Haemoglobin levels to 17. He was in the operation theatre less than 3 hours (but this may vary case by case, we were told 3 to 4 hours). Doctor called me soon after the surgery to say everything went well and that patient was already regaining conciousness in recovery. That night after the surgery he was given some blood thinner as was the practice. But one of his incisions started bleeding moderately and he had to be given blood thickener to stop it. So he stayed an extra day in Hospital and discharged next day. He took the painkillers only 2 days one a day and said that he had very minimal pain even without it. Incisions healed quickly. But he is still sleeping flat on his back as a precaution. Clips and catheter removed after 10 days. No pain or incontinence. Bowels normal after a couple days. Was not a cakewalk but not very traumatic either. A lot depends on the skills of your surgeon but like always I believe that it is God who leads us to that safe place. Best wishes and prayers for your treatment and speedy recovery.