Tiredness after radical prostatectomy

Regarding “it’s just Prostate cancer “ comments, I agree with you. Nevertheless, Theses people mean no harm and they really are trying to comfort us by saying that we should not worry. We do worry as it is a very big deal and a tremendous change in how we live and a threat to our living. Before I got Gleason 9 CR aggressive advanced PC. I thought that PC was just wait and watch. I have had a rude and unpleasant awakening and I am still learning about this deadly disease. People talk, it is not necessary to listen to every dumb word.

I'd like to chime in on this "just prostate cancer" thread. I keep getting the "well, we're all gonna get it eventually" comments. I know they mean no harm, but it is tough not to feel demeaned in the process. At our '19th' hole/beers after golf we hold our weekly "organ recital" discussing our latest ailments and upcoming medical appointments. No one wants to know my prostate cancer details, but knee replacements and artery stents are all pursued in detail. I've learned to accept this. Interestingly, I will get pulled over to talk privately when a friend has an elevated PSA and wants to know what to do next. I guess many men are still reluctant to talk about their sexual functions in a group discussion. I've overcome that now and can talk about anything with anyone.

I am 62 and 1.5 months out from RP. I just got up from 11+ hour sleep. I feel ok when up so I am getting stronger.
Sometimes I struggle with depression so not sure if that figures into my fatigue.
So, I can identify and trusting it will get better.

It's not the cancer, of course, it's the damage done by surgery. Repairing that requires a lot of rebuilding and restructuring, using up protein stores and other sources of energy which we usually have available for our "normal" activities. It's like when young kids who are constantly growing need more sleep than adults.

3 month out now from my RP, I still need 30-60 minutes more sleep than prior. I try to up the protein in my diet. Also, I reflect on how much longer it takes to heal a simple skin abrasion now than when I was 20. Look at the incisions on your abdomen. If they are still pink, that means there is still increased blood flow there for the on-going healing. Imagine that going on to a much greater degree on the actual surgery inside. When the skin incisions finally turn white, that means we'll probably be "healed" inside as well. Until then, we're still "recovering". And that takes work...

Hello, I had my surgery in January 2022. There was more cancer there than I had envisioned: a tumor and cancer was detected in one lymph node, and my surgeon had to cut “wide” on one side of my prostate. Despite these issues, my energy level was very good and I slept about 8 1/2 hours, with no naps.
I was incontinent for 10 months and impotent for 18. I found this issues concerning and mentally tiring at time. Hang in there; every person’s recover is somewhat unique. Good luck with your energy recover — it will happen.

I had similar experiences after my RALP in August last year, and I was told this is to be expected. My source (I don’t recall who or where) told me to get up (tho I did not feel like it) and walk or start at the gym with light exercises at first. I did this to work through it. It’s not enjoyable, except for the fresh air part. Eventually I began feeling less exhausted.

I wish you all the best!

This morning, I had my 9-month follow up visit with my Urologist. My PSA is u detectable, excellent! I brought up the subject of the tiredness. His reply was that this feeling is due to low testosterone levels, and that I should continue to exercise as exercise builds testosterone. He added that after my next visit, in another 3 months, we can discuss ways to raise my testosterone levels.