Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

[Kiwi Phil]

I have an enlarged prostate (? 8 yrs) and on meds (minipress 2mg). Symptoms were: hard to peee, low flow, going frequently, waking in night a few times.
Things have been ok (just ok) but reduced my beer/coffee/tea etc evening intake and could live with it.
Last Fri went out for dinner (usually take meds before which helps but this time forgot). I wasn't driving. Meal was brilliant and mate got the beers - I sank 4 skooners. Then the trouble started. I now know I had a complete blockage. Struggled home, took the meds (x2) and after 2 hrs of constant pain, I woke the wife and asked her to get the ambulance (couldn't sit, lie down - just sort of stoop). Took an hour, but that's ok, and when they came up the drive I told them 'F@#$%^ hull, am I pleased to see you blokes'.
Actually I knew I was in trouble at that point - had spent 2 hrs leaning over bonnet of the ute - cool and damp - but saturated with sweat tho and having what I would call involuntary spasms of lower stomach.
They got morphine in to me, helped me lay down comfortably, but BP was 160?/120?
At hospital had a catheter inserted (this younger male nurse said "sorry, this may be where we stop being friends", to which I replied, "just go right ahead, I don't care".) He got the bag connected and bingo, the relief was instant. There was 700mls there.
Dr tells me I should have presented a lot sooner. I asked about damage to kidneys etc but he said the blood tests showed they were ok. I'll ask the specialist this week as to if they can be damaged. I have an associate who had a kidney transplant - you definitely do not want to go there if you can help it.
So I am sitting here at home, catheter in (no bag - a tap) so using my bladder normally - well sort of. Off to specialist next week so guess I am up for some form of surgery.
The lesson for you blokes, read about enlarged prostate and see what % of blokes get it, and present early.

Cheers
Phillip

 

[Philip_G]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Sorry to hear it. You don't strike me as that old either, they're sure it's just enlarged and not something more serious then? That's at least something + in it.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I didn't need to read all that but since I have one too, I had to read it. I'm not on any meds for it YET but I have a feeling it won't be long. I drink a lot of cranberry juice and it helps a lot when time to go. I do wish you well and hope they get you fixed up OK.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I feel for you man, I had the same problem after a prostate biopsy due to blood clots. Ended up in the emergency room at 2 in the morning and had to have the catheter for 10 days. I've been taking one 5mg tablet of Finasteride per day for a couple of years now and it has made a world of difference, instead of getting up 4 or 5 times a night, now it is only once or twice.
Good luck Phil

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Sorry to hear about that. I hope everything works out ok. I have had BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ) for at least 15 years now. It is a slightly enlarged prostate. Fortunately my DR. caught it very early and I have been taking 1300 mg of saw palmetto daily since. It's all natural, and no side affects. It seems to work fairly well but I think it's getting time to try Flomax or something a little stronger. But no real problems so far.

 

[JB]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I suffered with BPH for about 10 years. Doc had me on hytrin, which worked okay but had bad side effects. Hytrin is usually used to control high blood pressure. My blood pressure is usually pretty low, 120/60, so I suffered attacks of too low BP, plus bradycardia. It was interacting badly with my heart meds.

Finally had a TURP, Trans Urethal Resection of the Prostate, 15 years ago, which was a bona-fide horror story I wouldn't recommend to Usama Bin Ladin. But it did work and I have had no problem since except for a couple of UTIs.

You are in a lot worse trouble than I was, Phil, and the meds I was taking are no longer used for that. I can recommend the results of the TURP, but not the procedure. Just thinking about it raises the hair on my neck.

Whatever you do about it, mate, my heart goes out to you and our other mates who suffer from BPH.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I have not run into these issuses (yet). December 2010 I took my Dad to the hospital to have the TURP procedure JB mentioned having. I stayed with him several days to take care of him and his farm. All I can say is WOW. I'm with JB, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Convinced me that if I ever show signs of ANY prostate problems I'm going straight to my Dr.

Kiwi Phil, I hope you get feeling better soon. Good luck!

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I would not recommend the TURP for anyone. There is a much better and far less invasive and less painful laser surgery procedure available. Ask your Doctor about it. You can also find info about it on the internet.
http://prostate.emedtv.com/bph/bph-surgery.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-laser-surgery/MY00611

 

[mscher]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Sorry you have having to go through this.

Hopefull will serve as notice for all men, to have their Doctor, "give them the finger", once a year.

If it seems too embarrasing, just wait until there is a problem.

Just do it.

Hang in there, Kiwi.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Finally had a TURP, Trans Urethal Resection of the Prostate, 15 years ago, which was a bona-fide horror story I wouldn't recommend to Usama Bin Ladin.

All I can say is WOW. I'm with JB, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

I would not recommend the TURP for anyone. There is a much better and far less invasive and less painful laser surgery procedure available.

Damn, I'm due to have that in a months time
I'm going back to the consultant next week to finalise, looks like we'll be having a long chat but not over a few beers

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Sorry to hear this Phil.

I had a scare with a high PSA a few years ago and had a biopsy done. Most painful experience of my entire life.

The prostate is my favorite gland!

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Aren't the PSA's the test that isn't very accurate? Can give false results? Or, am I thinking of a different test for the prostate? Somebody mentioned the finger. Next July. Since I just turned 50, I suppose it's time for the camera up the wazzu too!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Yes, PSA tests are not accurate. In my case, a new PSA 6 months later came in totally normal. When this happened to me I was only 44. If this ever happens again, I will wait a few months and test again before I go through another biopsy.

As far as the finger is concerned, my doctor unfortuantely has big fingers. Was most welcome when my normal FP was on vacation and the guest doctor was a woman. When she asked me if I wanted a male doctor to do the exam, I looked at her small fingers and said she would be just fine.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Life changes are they not wonderful i have taken the attitude of "the journey still continues". First it was my facail hair going grey so after 30yrs the mustache went..Now its weight...very annoying to have to diet... watch foods and waste time in a gym just to be slightly pudgey as the wife describes it...I have avoided the prostrate issue until last year.. that was annoying my PSA was low and the gland was firm and smooth. I guess i will accept the inevitalbe and be less resistive to my doc in the future..Growing up was hard enough i guess reversing the process may be payback for something i didnt do right.

Good luck Phil i am sure you will get thourgh this without to much loss of dignity and a smoother road to walk..its the attitude that is important...taking it all in stride.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

Quick update.
Went to my GP, who removed the catheter and gave me a letter for a Urologist (appt not till 27 Mar).
I had to ask him about my med. Do I still take 2mg at night or maybe 2mg morning too?
I am not saying his answers are vague, but they go along the lines of "yes, you can do that if you like".

So, that is what I am doing, and so far, so good. (I mean, I'm not able to peee over a fence or anything, in fact I would be lucky to miss my Japanese safety boots, (we call them thongs actually, but I feel you would all miss that one - you know - straight thru to the wicket keeper)). But, it is working.


I am wondering about my Dr, because he know's I have this condition, he gives a prescription for Minipress every 6mths since 2006, and at no point did he ever prepare me for what happened.
Am I wrong in expecting him to have said?

'listen, this condition can/does deteriate with age, and if it does you will know by ............. happening, and if it does do ............
Instead I was completely in the dark.

Cheers
Phillip

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

There are hundreds of websites devoted to this. Just google prostate

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I am actually very surprised you haven't seen a urologist up to this point. Is that true?

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

As my father inlaw once said, "the only thing golden about the golden years is my urine". We both had a chuckle........ Chin up everyone, I guess this is part of life....... We all just need to keep pushing forward......

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I am actually very surprised you haven't seen a urologist up to this point. Is that true?

Yes, I had several visits to a Urologist, in 2006, hence the meds.
He told me to make an appt anytime if things changed, but in this case I had to go to the Public Hosp Emergancy, then on Mon to my GP for removal of the catheter, and earliest the Urologist can see me is the 27 Mar.(so he is not real good for me at this moment).

I sort of shake my head in amazement at the Med Profession down here. To date, the only system that has worked well is the much criticised public hospital system. Even my GP asked sarcastically 'did you go to the public hospital?', to which I replied, 'where else can I go at 2am on a saturday morning'. He then proceeded to criticise the Hospital letter 'look they didn't even say they put a catheter in' etc.

Peter, you are right, there are many web sites devoted to this topic, but I am a paying patient, and I have always expect to be given sound advise.
Your comment is quite valid tho.
Has the system changed and left me behind?
Is being annoyed a wasted moment better spent managing my health myself? (well - you know what I mean).
I'm having a big think.

Cheers
Phillip

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Enlarged Prostate - mens health issue.

I can tell you I won't have any problems getting the finger. My wife asks the doc every year when I get my physical if it is time for it.
And she's been doing it for the past 5 years (will turn 41 in July). I tell her all the time that I was never sick until we got married (because I never went to the doctor)