Just diagnosed

My robotic prostatectomy was virtually painless - only paracetamol afterwards , so I wouldn’t let that put you off . I couldn’t make the decision either , so I went with the flow (sorry for pun)‘ I had quite bad symptoms from my big old prostate anyway , so quite happy with the prostatectomy for that . The other factor is that I am a 70 yo widower and not destroyed by the idea of impotence . Perhaps that not the same for you . Best wishes , Bill

Thank you Bill, I’m pleased it went well for you. Was the procedure carried out under a general anaesthetic?

Yes , it has to be done under GA , Spinal /Epidural not possible for Laparoscopic surgery . It’s quite a long operation , too .  ? 2-3 hours . It’s not a high risk operation . Blood loss is generally very low . There is not a huge area of tissue damage . The risk of infection is less high than with bowel surgery eg , and they’re not removing tissue you rely on for life ( lung , brain , liver ) . So it is major surgery - but not like having a lung out or a large segment of bowel removed . 
Sorry if too much information. Bill

Hi SB 

I was diagnosed in 2013 with the same issues.

I did actually go on AS for 4 years before deciding on Radiotherapy in 2017.

Reasons for RT over surgery for me were that RT is simpler, less chance of ED and urinary problems.

If ED is not an issue, and it's not for everyone, then surgery is a good alternative.

Also if u have surgery then u can still have RT later if needed but not easy the other way round ie surgery after RT 

Best wishes

Steve

I agree with Steve.

I am 62 & had mine removed in September thinking I would be cancer free afterwards but unfortunately not & will require further treatment.I still believe I done the right thing as was in hospital for one night and only paracetamol for the pain.You also have to take your age into consideration.

The reason I went for removal as Steve states If it does not get everything then there are other options and that’s the position I am in.but understand it’s not so easy the other way round.

Good Luck.

Definitely not too much info Bill, thank you. The more info I have the better informed I will be. 

Thank you Steve, was the radio therapy or the effects of it at all painful please?

Thank you JWH. I am 64 this year so similar really. I am leaning towards this procedure but find the possible side effects somewhat daunting..

Not painful, just varying degrees of discomfort, bad constipation, but the side effects did go away some weeks after treatment finished.

May I ask please, how was the whole catheter thing? Was it painful, either for insertion removal or during use? How long did you have to have it for?