Bjames

My husband has just has a scan that shows his prostate very enlarged and they said immediately he would need an op. He is waiting to see the Urologist and we are wondering if anyone had had this op and how the recovery etc was. Thanks for any replies.

cyrian

Hi
Depends on what operation they are proposing.
He will need to balance up the need for treatment vs the recovery period / adverse effects of the operation.
The person to answer all your questions is the urologist.
Write your questions down - if possible in French.
If there is a malignancy then it needs to be treated asap regardless of the recovery period.
There are less invasive treatments available now.
Once you have spoken with urologist, ask if there are different options for the treatment.
HTH

Tweedpipe

Would this be in France or back in UK, as I recall you planned to move back. I can't speak for UK, but here the time between a specialist advising the op and actually having it done is usually very rapid. It all depends on the reason the op is recommended, either because your husband feels very uncomfortable and suggested the op, or whether the PSA count is high, or has shown a rapid increase over a relatively short period of time.
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) - an enlarged prostate - is the most common form in men 50 or older, and is often treated by a simple prostatectomy - partial removal of the prostate. This could often be performed in the case of a benign condition such as chronic bladder obstruction.
If the PSA count is deemed high and a malignant condition confirmed, a radical prostatectomy may be performed if cancer is detected. For most prostate cancers classified as 'very low risk' and 'low risk,' radical prostatectomy is one of several treatment options, others include radiation and active surveillance, also referred to as 'watchful waiting' - this is often the case with older men, i.e. 80+
Another important element that doctors ask is whether there is a known family risk, as prostate cancer is often hereditary.

Wait to hear back from the urologist, in order to know whether it's a benign or malignant condition. In either case, an op may not be recommended. Don't worry unduly, in whatever form it's an extremely common operation.
To answer your initial question, I had a protastectomie totale performed here some 4 years ago. Nothing to worry about, hospitilization was 2 days, and although I wasn't exactly up playing rugby by the end of the week, a reasonably normal lifestyle was rapidly resumed. And as a very active club shooter here in France, I'll resist the temptation to joke about "now firing blanks".

dmu

+1
Has your OH already had a blood test for the PSA? Almost 20 years ago, OH didn't have an operation, but targetted radiotherapy over several months since it was the big K. This was eradicated and if nowadays the PSA goes above 5, he must have hormonal treatment. The Doctor said at the time that it wouldn't be prostate K which would kill him, and it hasn't. Can't advise on operations or recovery periods, but hope this reassures you a little if "it" is malignant....
Good idea to write a list of everything that's bothering you, the Urologist will give you all the options.
Bon courage!

Bjames

We are in France and he has had the PSA and all well with that. We are awaitng the Urologist appointment it is reassuring Tweedpipe that you had the op and your recovery will make him feel less anxious and there is no family history of this either. As to malignancy we will have to see but thanks for the replies. We have not yet returned to the Uk as we have cats and due to my husbands other problems we would not be able to take them and have put off the awful deed even though he wants to be with the rest of the family while he may have time with them before he may forget them. We must bite the bullet but will I feel wait until this is over.

dmu

Good news! You've only the "mechanical" side to think about, and don't be shy about asking the "Uro" about post-op consequences.
Good luck, and also with your OH's other issue. If you're staying in France, you should start getting support here ASAP, starting with your G.P. who'll refer you to the local organisations. You yourself must stay fit to cope with both problems....

Bjames

Thanks dmu, I do try to keep as well as possible as having once nursed am well aware of what the future may hold. We await the Urologist apointment.