I had that procedure 2 years ago. Although my memory may not be the best, I remember PAINFUL experiences; this was not one of them for me, Frank. Maybe this offers the possibility that yours will be easy, too! :-)
Good luck!
Hi, Thanks for that info. Did you have to run these tests before procedure?
Urodynamics, Cystoscopy, Prostate ultra Sound?
Thanks,
Frank, yes those tests (prostate ultrasound, cystoscope, urodynamics) are pretty standard tests performed by urologists to determine prostate size, presence or absence of median lobe, and if present size thereof, help rule out prostate tumors, and make certain bladder function has not been compromised by long term bph or that there are other additional problems coexisting (co-morbidities) in addition to bph that would need to be corrected before proceeding with UroLift or other prostate interventions being considered such as prostate artery embolization (PAE), or TURP.
Frank before UroLift I did have bladder retention of urine even after peeing. This is called incomplete bladder evacuation. Ultimately I was having total obstruction of urine flow and was just barely able to pee at all. I was given a couple of oral medications to sedate me prior to the Urolift install and those were highly effective. Yet I could respond to the physician during the procedure if asked to do something, so the procedure itself as painless. The install was completed in 20 minuted give or take a minute. I had no pain at all after the procedure and was able to pee but with effort. Beginning the next dap peeing was quite difficult and remained so for an additional 24 hours as my prostate was swollen from the procedure. However I was able to void 200 mL/ hour mostly in dribbles during that time so I got little sleep because just about the time I was dozing off I would awaken to pee, but only dribbles. Not fun but no pain. 3 days post procedure my urine flow was coming back nicely and by the 4 the day I stopped FloMax and have not used if since. To summarize the procedure was pain free, recovery was uncomfortable but tolerable, requiring no pain medication, the only pain I ever experienced was the cathertizations required for urodynamics and cystoscope and those were short lived, hence tolerable. I had no bleeding during of after the install but on first pee I did have a very tiny drop of blood but that was it. So, my advice is don't waste your energy being frightened as you will be getting a wonderful gift for your efforts: ability to pee and have sex normally without giving either a second thought.
Bill - Congratulations on your succcess with Urolift!.....I hope you make a full recovery fast..
Hi Bill, Thanks for al the good info on Uro Lift.I hope you have a speedy recovery. Do you know if i could have general anesthsia,for this procedure?
thanks,
Frank, that depends on the doctor. My guy does it in his office, under local. (I had something given orally.) To go under general, you might have to be in the hospital, with an anesthesiologist. So MUCH more expensive if you care about that. My experience was similar to Bill's. No pain during the procedure, although it SOUNDED like a staple gun going off inside me each time he installed an implant. That was weird, but NOT painful! Talk with your doc about it. If you require being sedated, you may limited your opportunities!
Frank when I had mine in 2015 I had general in a hospital. I was there maybe 4 hours total. Went home a hour after it was done..Ken
I just read cartoonman's response, and I'll second that.
Hi Ken, maybe you or someone else has an answer to my problem?I have a Medicare advantage plan HMO--The worst mistake i ever made. I was told to change networks so i could see this urologist that does Uro Lift. I had to wait 3 weeks for exchange to take place in other network. Today i saw my new PCP ,asked for a referral to his urologist office ,they said he is not in the network ,i could only see him if i had a PPO. New registration starts Oct 15, i cannot use this PPO plan unti Jan !st 2017. This is crazy i have to keep this catheter [foley in me until Jan !st.-for a medical evaulation on Uro Lift? E=If anyone has an answer to this i would greatly appreciate it.Here is the final blow ,even if your Dr,is in the network ,but not on staff at the hospital you want to to ,you can't go to that hospital. HMO are the worst plans ,it looks like i'm stuck till the ist of the year.
Unbelievable!!!
That is the way the insurence comapanys are. Do you get it worked out Sorry to hear that Frank Ken
You are in an unfortunate bind, for sure! Sad to read. And yes, I was warned to stay the hell away from Medicare (DIS)Advantage... not everyone knows. That said, two thoughts: (1) Why a Foley? Any reason you can't self-cath? I had one week of Foley, two eyars ago--- and hated it. Have self-cathed as needed ever since, and it's a WORLD of a difference! (2) Unless you insist on being totally sedated, the Urolift can be done in the doctor's office, not in hospital. That might make a difference. I had my Urolift last December with only a local, and it worked just fine.
Can you get rid of the Foley?????
Hi, Why do you have to sel cath? You had a uro Lift? I don't get it?
Thanks for the info,
Blown out bladder that doesn't self-empty, plus small (38g) prostate, that filled in tight again a few months after the surgery. Have a return visit to the Urolift doc scheduled for late this month, to see whether another round of implants will open the little sucker up enough to solve the tightness. It's a chance, but worth the chance. No TURPS in my future! :-)
THanks for asking...
Cartoonman How many did they but in the first time. I know that Chuck had to have 8 implant put in before it worked great I had 4 implants and for some reason my prostate got smaller Had to have them tighten Stll working good Ken
Glad to hear all's good with yours! :-) How long ago was your procedure?
I had 6 implants last December. The doc is willing to add up to 6 more. My prostate's so small, I wonder where he will put them! :-) Must remember to pack my KILT for the return flight; tight jeans NOT the appropriate outer wear, post-op!! :-D
I had mind done April of 2015. Had 4 implant put in All was fine until December. I know something was wrong. Had some pain in the groin and orgasms were very pain full Went to my urologist and he told me that I had a prostate infection Was on Cispro 1000mg for a month. He did a scope at the end of feb found out one of the implants let loose. Went in for repair. When he went in he had to tighten at the implant My prostate got smaller. ( Don't know why ) He thinks it was the Cispro but he can't be sure. A week later I had emergency surgery. I was peeing blood and was having bladder spasm. The doctor that did the surgery was not mine so I made him sign a paper that my prostate was to stay in tak and there was to be no cutting of it at all. They did not know why I was bleeding. He did sign after 15 minutes. I told him I will not have the surgery unless he signed it. I had 3 blood clogs around the prostate from going on my blood thinners. He burn them Was in the hospital for 3 days with a 24 hour flush. 3 way 24Fr catheter I was happy when that came out. I was told that it would never have happer if I would have waited a week for my blood thinners. I just did what my doctors said. Will all is good now I have no problems on no meds. Just was checked My stricture is good my prostate is still small and bladder is great. PSA is 0.7. So I have had some problem so I know what some of the men are going through. I would do the Uro-lift again if I had the chance. I would not do any of the others. To many side effects. I guess were he place the implants the first time were not right. He may get it right now. I had the surgery at 1PM and was home at 4. I also had a catheter put in. I have a problem peeing on demand so my doctor throught it was best. Came out 3 days later and had no problem just a little burning. Do have some pads with you. Just in case. I had them in the first day I hope all goes well for you. Take care Ken
You might be able to either pay out of pocket, or appeal their decision within that company because of the medical necessity of your situation. Finally, if nothing else works, self cathing will be better than having an indwelling catheter that long. There are other threads on this site which will tell you about self cathing.
Neal
Yes Frank If they give you a problem. There are many men on here that have worked out the kinks of CIC Listen to them Ken Sorry Neal Have a good day
Bill and Others - I have High Retention, ~ 300-500ML, and can not VOID normally and I had a Rezum on August 15th. I keep having unsuccessful Trial Voids...Why?....