I would like to read on about PAE .It would be a good thing to know if this procedure works. The names of interventional Radiologist that do this.I'm sure there must be a lot of PAE done on this froum.
Frank,
There have already been several discussions started about PAE. You can search for some of them. I had PAE done at OHSU in Portland Oregon in 2013, but didn’t help me probably because of my enlarged median lobe. In the last few years techniques have been developed to deal with enlarged median lobes. Dr Bagla in Virginia, Dr Isaacson in North Carolina both do the median lobe procedure. I think Dr Picel at the University of San Diego and Stanford has done the median lobe procedure also.
Thomas
I had it done at USCF in San Francisco last October. I prostate size is 50-55. It was without success, however, I know others have an favorable results with it so I’d certainly consider it. Prior to this, I’ve had two Urolifts. I had one about 4 yrs ago and it relieved symptoms for about 8 months. I then had another one a year later without success. At this point, I’m getting up a lot during the night and I’m working on some other procedures with my uro. As opposed to some of the procedures which one can experience a lot of side effects (including sexual) , I walked out of the OR with both of the above with no adverse effects whatsoever. Anyway, you probably already have heard, it’s a very individual and no guarantees that it will be a positive or negative situation for you. And lastly, you are exposed to a fair amount of radiation with PAE, which I knew, but at 70, I’m willing to live with that.
rlast,
It’s possible that your issues are not being cause by your prostate, but might be related to the bladder neck preventing you from emptying your bladder. Have you explored this with your urologist? I had a PAE - slight success, then a year later back to where I was. Two weeks ago had a bipolar TURP. Hoping that this works. Also getting up frequently at night - every hour to hour and a half trying to empty my bladder so I can get back to sleep. Sound familiar?
Not getting proper sleep is a very big issue.
So, wishing you the very best,
Tom
dr bagla in VA has done the most in the states by hundreds and has the most experience. hes also a great doctor to speak to and receive care from. would call him
rlast,
Last message didn’t format properly - happens here once in a while. What I was suggesting is that your issues may not be due to prostate enlargement, but due to bladder neck issues. You should explore this with your urologist. If it is determined that it is the bladder neck muscles that are preventing you from emptying your bladder there is a fairly simple procedure called bladder neck incision that might be an option for you.
Tom
Thanks for suggestion, I’ll check that out.
Regardless of any research you do not everyone is satisfied with any procedure. You just have to take your chances.
I have had two PAE procedures with Dr. Isaacson in North Carolina. The first one was effectuve for 3 years and worked well, but the second one six months ago did not improve my flow. I have a large meduim lobe. It is still worth a try. The total cost for the procedure with Dr. Isaacson is $10,500 self pay. My insurance covered it this time. The first time 3 1/2 years ago cost 6500 self pay.. inflation
Frank,
I had a PAE with Dr Bagla a little over two years ago. While it did not help as much as I would have liked, it did help me some, and I have been able to discontinue all meds. Dr Bagla and his office are wonderful. Also regarding radiation, Dr Bagla has said that there is not a lot of radiation exposure during the procedure as he performs it. I can post his exact wording to that question if you would like. Also happy to answer any other questions that you might have.
Rich
Rich,
Can you post Dr Bagla’s exact wording about radiation or PM it to me ? I had PAE in 2013 without improvement. I’m considering a second PAE with Dr Bagla.
Thomas
Thomas,
I don’t know why my response got flagged. Let;s give the moderator some time to review. If it’s not approved I will PM you the text.
Rich
The message that’s waiting to be moderated has 2 follow-up questions about radiation and Dr B’s office’s answers. I just found the original reply that I rec’d prior to the the follow-up messages. Here is is:
Rec’d from Julie at Dr B’s office on 08/15/16:
The radiation involved for the procedure is less exposure than a typical CT-scan study.
I did pose two follow-up questions and rec’d answers. I will PM those if the moderator doesn’t release my initial reply to you.
It didn’t work for me ; however, it doesn’t work nearly as well for those who, like me, have a large median lobe. It also has better results for those with a very large prostate overall.
In the US, Dr. Isaacson (at UNC) and Dr. Bagla (in northern Virginia) , have done the most.
Best of luck!
I have PAE scheduled for next Tuesday April 23, 2019.
I spoke with Dr Bagla, but i am going with a doctor at UCLA. This forum raves about Dr Bagla, and it makes me nervous that no one here knows about Dr Justin McWilliams at ucla. He told me he has done 80 PAE procedures with good results. I do feel good about having the whole UCLA team on my side and I volunteered for his 3 year study.
I live in Los Angeles, and I feel I am better off going with someone local to me.
Bobcats,
I would be 100% comfortable with Dr. McWilliams. Being able to have this done locally is a big plus. No air travel, no hotels, you just go from home and recover at home. The UC teams are top of the line, and 80 operations is a lot - so he is very experienced in this procedure.
My PAE was easy and comfortable (done in Northern California). Only discomfort was being in the recovery bed for hours after. My bladder kept filling up so I requested a Foley catheter at about 1pm and drained off 600ml of urine. Went into the hospital at 7am, released at 4pm. Foley removed before I left. If you are over 5’10" they will likely do the procedure through the femoral artery. If you are shorter they can go through the wrist and you don’t have to be horizontal in a bed for hours after. Ask Dr. McWilliams what the plan is.
My very best, Tom
i am 69 with no LOBE problem and concidering PAE in Tampa Florida with DR CLIFFORD DAVIS Who has done many if any one is interested near TAMPA Good LUCK! TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL USF
Hi richp21-- I was wondering why the PAE did not help you? Did they put you on antacids? and antibiotics before PAE? I read where it takes 90 to 150 min and you have to be on your back the whole time?Is this right?Tha n ks for this info.
frank,
Bobcats, Good luck on your PAE. Kindly let me know how long the procedure takes?
Thanks
frank,
Frank,
Yes, you’re on your back and comfortable and relaxed. I found it to be a pleasant experience. No pain or discomfort. Now, once in the recovery bed I did experience discomfort. My back didn’t like the bed and was hurting, so had to have some pillows put behind me, then my bladder kept filling up. I went to the bathroom at 7am then by 1pm I asked for a Foley catheter. Nurse drained off over 600ml of urine, and then I felt comfortable. Didn’t get released until 4pm, so was in the bed on my back and horizontal for many hours - very bored. Just wanted to get up. They have to keep you in that position so the puncture site in the right femoral artery doesn’t bleed. Was told that could be a big issue.
So, once the Foley came out and I got up I went to the bathroom, was released and once home had to get through the next few days with increased Flomax and Tylenol. The discomfort lasted about a week. and after the second week was completely OK. Then, you just wait and hope that all worked. In my case, results were minor because of the shape of my median lobe.
However, I did go off Flomax for a year, then had to go back on it again. I believe the prostate began to enlarge at that point again.
Tom