removal of the prostate?

Question

i am having a radical prostatectomy(total removal of the prostate), in a few weeks. im 61, what can i expect; hospitalization, recovery, problems.

Answer 1

They do not keep you in the hospital for near as long as they used to. Sometimes overnight is considered normal. As you are aware, this surgery usually effects your personal life but the Dr. will offer Viagra or similar medications provided that you do not have heart problems. The recovery period is not too bad although you will naturally be a bit tired at first and can still have some blood in the urine for a while yet. Hope all goes well ending the concern with the PSA tests! I am going for surgery on Nov. 21st.

Answer 2

Just for information sake, there is a surgeon in Florida who performs micro-surgery that is minimal on prostates where warranted and the patient recovery is much quicker. If you are in the continental U.S. it would be easy to check this out prior to committing to a radical prostatectomy. Your doctor or his/her health information officer will let you know about risks and side effects which vary depending upon the surgery. The recommendation here is get a second opinion about its absolute necessity, explore all the options, then your concerns about post-op issues will greatly diminish. Sincerely, H

Answer 3

There will be a period of time during the healing process where you may experience incontinence, and or impotence. Usually bladder control recovers, this is not true of the ability to attain an erection, it depends if there is any nerve damage during the surgery. But as one person once told me it is better to be impotent than dead. How true! But talk to your doctor that is the best source.

Answer 4

Your doctor should have advised you of the answer to your questions. If not, call his office and talk to his nurse.