pre-aquablation

Men's health
1

70 years old. Active at gym, sex with my wife of 50 years (2-3X’s /week). Prior to biopsy was: Urinating okay throughout the day with night night urination 1-2 times.

PSA for the past 5 years: 4.41-5.07. Jumped up in 2022 to 7.4 bc sex and workout at the gym. No physician or lab tech ever stated that you want to refrain from those two things.

Our family physician was concerned bc of my enlarged prostate. Saw a urologist and first option was to get a biopsy. I then inquired about the MDX prostate urine test for cancer. Results were 60% no cancer/40% chance of cancer. with 14% chance of aggressive of the 40%.
I then asked for an MRI w/wo contrast and it showed that I had three lesions: Two were PiRad3 and One was a PiRad5. The PiRad5 was of concern bc of the likelihood of it being cancerous. My prostate was also 182 cc’s. Extremely large twice the size of a 40 y.o.

March 28, 2023 had biopsy of the of my prostate (7 biopsies in the lesions and 12 biopsies throughout my prostate). All 19 biopsies came back benign for cancer. I am blessed with the no cancer results but now I have an extremely enlarged prostate

Two days after the biopsy, March 30, 2023, I couldn’t urinate. Went to the urologist and they put a foley catheter in. Waited two weeks and removed it but 6 hours later I couldn’t urinate. Catheter placed back in. Waited another week. Pulled the catheter and couldn’t urinate again. Catheter inserted again and then tried the third time and had to have it inserted again.

Just remember, you have options.

Moving forward…my wife (after hours of research) and I met with the Dr. to discuss aquablation on April 21. He answered all of our questions and I knew that this was the procedure for my BPH.

I am scheduled on June 5, 2023 to have the aquablation. I attempted to have the catheter removed one last time when it was going to be 5 weeks till my aquablation procedure. Again I urinated for 6 hours and then it closed up and I was unable to void. Hence I am wearing a leg bag (catheter) for 6 1/2 weeks at the present time. While I am dealing with the catheter issue, I can’t wait to have it removed. At the time of my procedure I will have a catheter in for 9 weeks.

23 more days, as of May 13, until the procedure. Can’t wait to get it done…urinating and sexual function is of my utmost priority.

I am looking for any tips regarding the post-surgical procedure that will enhance my recovery.

Thank you in advance for any advice that you might all have. I will keep the patient information site update after the procedure.

2

Can you try intermittent catheterization instead of Foley? Many on this site do it including myself. When I first started my Urologist's office showed my how to do it, and gave me catheters to take home. They also put a running prescription to the catheter supplier, which I am still using after 5 years.

3

Steve -

I am 59 yo and had Aquablation in February. I was urinating like I was 40 years younger just 24 hours after surgery with very little blood and discomfort. My prostate was approx. 50g, but with a large median lobe.

I had surgery on a Thursday, and went back to work on Monday. I was able to get back to exercise in 10 days. Everybody is different, so you're experience may not be the same. The recovery time varies, but the results are worth it. According to my surgeon, by 3 months patients are fully recovered.

It's been 14 weeks since my surgery and I am completely recovered, with no restrictions. I have experienced no side effects either. Good luck with your procedure.

-Chris

4

Thank for your reply. I looked at the self-catherization route and did some research. While it sounds tempting there is a high rate of infection and now that I am 16 days from having the aquablation I going to maintain the foley catheter as there is an end insight.

5

Thanks Chris for your reply. I am happy that you have had great results. While I am a bit anxious I know that this is the right path for me. As you said everyone is different....I am hoping that I have the same results as you. Can you give me an idea on when you started sexual relations after the aquablation procedure? Countdown to aquablation is 16 days. (6/5)

6

Steve, I was back to normal sexually after 3 weeks. No blood or pain. You may have similar results, but don't be frustrated if not. Just take things slow after surgery and allow yourself to heal. You'll be very pleased with the end result. Good luck!

-Chris

7

Thanks so much, your comments are helping me deal with this.....12 more days to aquablation....can't wait.

8

Hi Chris, I have a question for you. Are you on Flomax or Finesteride after the aquablation? Or did your MD take you off of it after the aquablation....Please advise. Thank you