Given your age and good health, I completely agree. I found the surgical pain to be very minimal. The catheter is horrible, but it is only for 1 week. Referred shoulder pain for myself was an issue, but only when standing or sitting up for about 5-6 days. After that, it went away. I was not concerned about erectile function implications, but after a year, I am back to pre-surgery erections. Continence was an issue for a few weeks, but got better rather quickly. I used an absorption pad on the mattress and wore a nighttime diaper for about 6 months out of caution. I probably could have stopped after 4 months, but wanted to make sure there were no issues.
I attribute my good recovery to the following:
1) Doing the surgery at a center of excellence and picking a doctor that has done thousands of radical prostatectomies and is an expert performing the robotic surgery. For myself, that was choosing Mayo-Rochester and Dr. Igor Frank. Amazing hospital, surgeon, and staff.
2) Good physical condition prior to surgery and positive attitude with recovery.
3) Following post surgery recovery process - i.e. performing Kegels, keeping active, etc.

If you chose a radical prostatectomy, good luck with the surgery!!

Jim

Just as support, at 72 I recovered quickly and very well from my RP at Johns Hopkins.
Everyone is different, but, gratefully, I did not have continence problems. And my 10 days with the catheter went well and quickly.
Actually played 18 holes of golf 6 wks postop (w/ cart & I am not a hero).
Best tip: go to a couple of PT sessions for Kegel exercises before surgery; extremely helpful to me during recovery.
Best wishes for a successful outcome.