Recovery prostratectomy: What should I expect? How long?

I was 58 when I had my RP. In my experience, I needed help getting around for about 2-3 days. I took the doctors orders seriously and did my best to get up and walk around. I went for a short, slow slow walks two to three times a day (bag in tow!) I couldn't go back to work for 6-8 weeks because my job requires some heavy lifting. The fact that he works from home, I would tell you it would be good for him to get back in the grind. If he is like me, keeping busy will keep his mind off the negative. Focus on the positive!

However, I have to mention, I had the robotic surgery. It is theoretically less invasive. And I was still in a terrible pain! If your husbands surgery is the traditional cold surgical steel blade, his results may be different.

Assuming his experience is similar to mine, you can get out of the house in less than a week. Once again, I was only down for about 3 days.

I went from the diapers to the pads a few days after the catheter came out. There was no “spotting@ of urine or blood in the pads and after 7-10 days I ceased everything and “went Komando” (LOL!) in my boxers. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

What can I expect after radical prostatectomy surgery I am 62 years old in otherwise above average health. Of 13 core biopsy samples six were malignant, one is 4+3 =7 Gleason score, two 3=4=7, and the other three 3+3=6. Cancer described as moderately aggressive T2A NO. The 4+3 sample is prostatic adenocarcinoma and is involved in 10% of 15 MM core sample.

I had RP 2 years ago when I was 74, Gleason 9 CR locally advanced PC. The surgery was Ro Bo, no real pain, catheter for a week ( an irritation but no pain) . Only Tylenol for pain for a day or so. Afterward, ADT for 6 months. Again no pain, but little energy and no libido. It was a necessary procedure to deal with a life threatening cancer. I think that the RP was a correct decision and I am hopeful for a long term good result.

RP Aug 2022 at age 72 recovery went well for me. Recovery takes some time, but just take it easy.
Played golf 6 & 10 wks post op, and took a 5 day driving trip to Lake Geneva, NY in 8th week.
PT before and after were critical in regaining continence control.
Walked in the house 1st 10 days; 5 min intervals; 20 mins with catheter bag in a plastic wash bucket. Continued walking after cath came out.
Obey lifting restrictions.
Best wishes for success.

Hello,
You’re tests results are almost identical to mine. My PSA was 4.2. At age 73, I had my surgery in January 2022. The surgeon informed me just before my surgery, that he would have to “cut wide” in order to get all the cancer. There was also a tumor that needed to be removed. Ugh. I was released from the hospital the same day and had my catheter taken out after 7 days. The Mayo Clinic tested 8 lymphs tissues and unfortunately found cancer in one. My recovery: Long story short, a good one, is that I’ve recovered well. I have not been tired and have been able to continue with a passion of mine: running. I was incontinent for 10 months and impotent for 18. I chose not to have the recommended 39 radiation treatments and 24 months of Lupron shots. Instead, I signed up for active surveillance, which included PSA testing every 3 months and switching to a Mediterranean Diet. (One that does not generate testosterone.) So far my oncologist and I have been pleased. My PSA level has been undetectable. Starting in January 2024, I’ll phase back to twice-a-year testing, for two years. Good luck with your surgery and your recovery!

I had my RALP last August at 60 years old. My PSA was also around 4. 2 cores at 4 + 3 and 2 at 3 + 3. My pathology came back clear so no ADT or radiation recommended at the time. So far my PSA is undetectable. My recovery was pain free from the surgery. Had shoulder soreness for a week. Was told that was from the gas pumped into me for surgery. I think it's from being placed on an articulating table for the surgery and being manipulated in a bunch of different locations. Catheter for 8 days. Removal no big deal. I was pretty much continent immediately. I had nerve sparing surgery so everything with that is ok. No loss of sensation. You may need help emptying cath bag your first night home as it was difficult to bend. After 1 day I was fine. I spent 1 night in hospital and started walking in the hall immediately. Do not lift anything heavy until you get the green light. This was my first surgery. Pleasantly surprised by lack of pain. Take all the time you need to recover. I had 8 weeks off from work as I work im a test lab and lifting was part of my job. Went back to gym at 8 weeks also. My doctor prescribed PT for pelvic core after surgery. This basically just taught me how to do Kegels correctly. Good luck with your surgery. You'll be fine and back to your normal routine quicker than you imagine.

Matthew I was 3+3=6 but after prostatectomy surgery was 3+4=7 also high risk 93%. Glad I did surgery. All cancer contained in prostate, no limp node removed. Test during surgery were clean. Surgery was 3 weeks 6 days ago June 12. Lot of pain from catheter and gas it took 5 days not to be miserable all the time, did very little walking, only to relieve gas pain. Catheter was bad for me only wore sweats shorts no underwear. Took 16 of 30 pain pills then just Tylenol only. When catheter is removed make sure you relax I did not. Lack of communication with nurse, I did yell my fault as nurse said I was only man that said it hurt. There were many unexpected emotions I experienced. Yesterday was first day to sit in regular chair and be able to lean forward. Leaning back was much better for me , bed or recliner till yesterday. Not all is bad, continuance is getting better. Morning till about 4pm is good after that more leaking but not bad. @ 2 max pads during day. Night very 1 to 3 pads. Pull up used till yesterday now in boxer briefs with pads. Now great news inter course with wife last night, it was great . Did so with help of vacuum pump but was half way errect before pump. I did get several half way errections in last 2 weeks. I don’t know if all had this but 2 to 3 day after catheter was removed I had to sit to pee. Penis became a innie and nothing sticking out to grab so made a mess. But day 4 all was much better and has been ever since. The unknown was what was bad for me. If I knew then what I known now about all these little details would have helped me. Good luck it is not as bad as you are expecting but there are tough times. I am happy to be where I am now and with decision to do surgery well worth it to be currently cancer free. Again wishing and praying for you.

I had RALP 3 months ago with a similar diagnostic profile. I'm 74, was very active prior to surgery. There are four areas to be aware of:

1. Immediate post-op recovery issues. I had minimal pain, no narcotics after I went home 24 hours after leaving OR. The shoulder tip pain mentioned is a possibility, caused by diaphragmatic irritation by the gas used to distend the abdomen so the surgeon can see all the way down there. There will be lower abdominal and penile/scrotal swelling and bruising which lasted 10-12 days for me.
2. Bladder. Yes, there's a catheter, and it is irritating, but should not be painful. It will come out after 5-7 days, so just resign yourself. More important, SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST NOW to begin Kegel's pelvic floor muscle training IMMEDIATELY. This will help speed the return of continence post-op. E.g., after 10-12 weeks, most men will have little leakage (maybe a tablespoon a day).
3. Sexual function. You will NOT lose the ability to have an orgasm - different nerve pathways not affected by surgery. I was able to stimulate one within a day after cath removal. But no fluid comes out! Erections, however, are lost for 6-24 months. It is imperative to keep the blood flow filling the penis on a regular basis, though. Talk to your doc about that. Methods: pills, pumps, stimulation. If your doc seems unconcerned, be aware there are many online resources to provide more in-depth answers. Google "penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer surgery.
4. Most important, "curing" the cancer. PSA tests will be done @ 6-12 weeks after surgery, periodically thereafter. Even if undetectable, it can "come back" years later. I tried not to explore the possibilities until AFTER the results came back. Each case is unique, and I think it's best to focus on what I actually know, not what might be.

I walked daily immediately after surgery. Began lifting light weights (no core muscle straining!) after two weeks. Started swimming and running after 4, and biking after 12. I was TIRED, to the point of 2 x 30 minute naps a day plus an extra 30-40 minutes of sleep a night. The body is doing a LOT of work to repair the damage, even if it doesn't hurt. Feed it lots of protein.

Good luck!

Very good and detailed advise and I completely agree with you.