healing from open prostatectomy?

@gerald01

Peter, you are a rock star!!! Thanks for sharing this article. I really appreciate reading it.

@gerald01 No worries.

"It is the author’s practice to allow men to return to unrestricted activities within 3 weeks of open radical retropubic prostatectomy. Many men will resume activities such as golf and tennis within 1 week of open radical retropubic prostatectomy. One 57-year-old man competed in a national track and field event 17 days after an open radical prostatectomy and placed third in the quarter mile event"

That's only cause the toilet was a quarter a mile away.

@peterj116

Loved your last comment. Peter, you helped me today. Thank you. I was feeling a bit unsettled about the open surgery vs. Robotic.

@gerald01 You're welcome. This whole thing can be very unnerving, so we need to get smiles where we can.
It's not all doom & gloom. You'll be fine. We all get through it.

@gerald01 Hey Rocky! Would you mind sharing the reason for the open surgery? So many post that I might not have yet spotter your answer.

I am assuming that by open prostatectomy that you mean the old school surgery way. I had mine done 11 years ago at NWM in Chicago, and it was done by Dr. Catalona. He would only do it the open surgery way. He said he wanted to see feel and touch. He said he couldn't do that othroscopically. The surgery went well and I went home the next day. It healed fairly quickly and I was back to normal after about a month. I did have
some post surgery issues though. I had a lot of back pain because they put you in supine position with the surgery. The other issue was I had a blood clot, which was another issue that was a nightmare for me, but that can happen after any surgery. But all things considered, I would do it that way if I had to do it again. Dr. Catalona is now retired and I don't think anyone at NWM does it the open way anymore.

@frankn

Thank you for your response. Greatly appreciated. Also thanks for the transparent sharing of some post operation issues you had. I especially appreciate your “no regrets.” you are kind to share. Thanks!

@chippydoo

Thanks for your question. I have elevated PSA (around 17), an enlarged prostate, and a 3+3 Gleason score, Group 1. While “active surveillance” is an option, I am choosing to have my prostate removed...even with the potential side effects. My surgeon chooses only to do open prostatectomies. He is a world reknown Mayo doctor. I choose to rely on his judgment and expertise even though I am aware of the widespread use of robotic surgeries. There are pros and cons with each approach, but the literature I’ve read and the testimonies I am hearing report the same basic positive outcomes. Again, I appreciate your question.

G, thank you for the detailed reply. Hoping for the best outcome for you.