Hello, I have been reading comments here for awhile. Have had BPH for 20 years. Been on Flomax, Cialis, Finasteride and they seem to no longer reduce my nightly bathroom visits. My urologist is going to do a Uro dynamics study, then a cystoscopy with an anal probe to check prostate size. He wants to do an Aquablation on me. I had previously refused a Turp from him because of the sexual side effects, especially retrograde ejaculation. I mentioned to him that I was interested in a Prostate Embolization. He said they had done a dozen and the results were not very good. Of course the subject of retrograde ejaculation came up. I told him i did not want a procedure that caused that or ED. His comment was your on Flomax so you must already be experiencing some of that. This gave me the impression that he really did not understand why this is important to a man. Can you share some if your thoughts on the procedures mentioned and your experience with the PEA and Aquablation? Thanks!
From your description, it sounds like you have not experienced retrograde ejaculation as a side effect from taking Flomax (Tamsulosin). I took generic Tamsulosin for several months 0.4 mg twice a day, and didn't experience RE. In fact, my ejaculations were stronger and larger while I was taking it. So obviously not everyone experiences the same side effects. I also wanted to avoid RE and ED. My original urologist recommended a bipolar TURP, but I self-cathed for almost a year while I researched the options available. My eventual choice was Rezum, which was an easy and effective treatment for me. That was 2+ years ago and everything so far has worked out well. I'm now 68 years old.
Hi. I've been on Finasteride and Tamsulosin for about 6 to 7 years now and I don't think they work. I'm not sure that they ever did. My surgeon offered me an op if things didn't improve. I didn't fancy that as, apparently, I'd have to have the op every 18 months to reduce the size. They would NOT remove it completely SO, for now, I'm putting up with it. It's affecting my job as I work outside and in different areas There's hardly any public loos about so what am I meant to do? I can't use a pub or restaurant as they expect you to buy something, supermarket loos are out of order or vandalised if I come across a public loo which is open and clean I'm VERY lucky I do carry a bottle just in case. We need more free public loos. A lot were closed down years ago to save money I assume, well we need them back now. Theirs a larger older generation to cater for now so the councils and government should realise this and help out more.
Hi Bill, Unfortunately I can't answer your query but as I write I'm sat in a hospital having had a bladder stone removed. During the numerous investigations I had leading up to the operation I was told my prostate was very large and I was advised to have a TURP , an invitation that I turned down for the reasons you mentioned - as well as possible permanent incontinence. As I'm now 66 I have found these concerns don't get taken into account. I already have ED and my GP simply offered me Viagra rather than investigate why I had it. Much is made of the fact that it could be an early sign of heart disease but this wasn't even discussed. However it seems ED can also result from an enlarged prostate. I have therefore been prescribed Tamulosin and Finasteride. I've taken my first Tamulosin tablet this morning. I was interested in the variety of possible surgical interventions you mentioned. It seems here (I'm in the UK) a TURP is the only game in town. I'll be interested to read if anyone has had the alternatives you mention. Meanwhile very best of luck and I hope you find a solution that works.
Sorry can't even spell it properly yet, Tamsulosin .
I took tamusulin for 4 years until it no long worked. My trips to the bathroom took longer and longer and my life revolved around bathrooms and not being able to empty my bladder. I have a large prostate and when i had a checkup with the uro he said absolutely needed to do something now, that i was damaging my bladder. I chose a bipolar turp because he guaranteed id have a flow like i was a kid again. I 10 weeks post surgery and my flow is very strong. For me getting my freedom back far out weighed the side effect of re. My sex drive is 100% back after the use of flowmax for years. Im very pleased with the outcome.
How long were you in hospital for the turp?
Whoever has an op every 18 months ? How big is your prostate ? You have endured it too long and for the past 16 years there have been new procedures being developed yet people are still having TURP. I had GL Laser surgery on my 75grm prostate in 2004 with quick recovery and no after problems. It regrew over the years to 135gms and I had Thulium/Holmium surgery similar to HoLep in 2013 when I was 79 and again a good recovery. What are you waiting for ?
TURP is not the only game in town and is now low down the leauge and in danger of relegation. I decided in 1994 that I would never have it after a series of articles on its consequences in either The Guardian or the Telegraph although there are newer TURP versions now and it is no longer the preferred NHS procedure. Another good option is the Newcastle Freeman hospital website as they were one of the first to ditch TURP. Several posters here from well out of their area as I was have asked to be transferred there. Go to the NHS or NICE web sites and search for up to date procedures. Some surgeons so jealously guard the only procedure they do that they keep others secret. My local urologists claimed that was all that was available here and failed to mention their colleague who was doing Thulium/Holmium until I saw a locum who gave away their secret.
Thanks Derek, that's very useful to know . Worth learning more I think before my 3 month review. Alternatives are definitely a secret where I am.
Where are you ? I've heard of several areas like that. Problem with the NHS is that they now go for the cheapest and non stay procedures.
I had a PAE almost 3 years ago, and while it didn't reduce my symptoms as much as I would have hoped, it help enough so that I no longer need to take any meds (tamsulosin, which caused horrible nasal congestion).
Rich
I had a PAE last year (July). It had to be done in two procedures, right side through the wrist, left side femoral. Recovery is very slow. I am only now seeing some positive results. I was getting up 10 times a night prior to the procedure, now I am down to 3 or 4. It is expensive, but covered by insurance. My copays added up to over $7000. The insurance paid $60,000. You are fortunate to be in an area that offers aquablation. It is not widely available but has received a lot of praise.
If you don't have an enlarged median lobe, the risks/rewards of a PAE seem to be worth a try. It didn;t help me - partly because of enlarged median lobe. I am following the FLA procedure now.
Best of luck!
Royal Derby but if they we hoping to get me out quickly it hasn't worked out that way. i came in Tuesday and won't be going home until tomorrow at the earliest . Bear in mind I haven't been in for a TURP , just a bladder stone zapping. They wanted to do both ops at the same time though. That said I never felt pressured.
That's not so good as I already get nasal congestion .
Where did you have it done? I had mine with Dr Bagla almost 3 years ago... covered completely by Medicare and Medigap, and total billed was only around $ 20,000. And recovery was relatively quick.
St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO. My Doctor was Samir Gadani.
Were you not aware of that prior to the procedure ?
I thought that bladder stone zapping was day surgery.