Rezum Procedure

Men's health
1

Hi All,

I'm Ted from San Jose CA in the US. Had the Rezum procedure completed in my doctor’s office on Thursday, 16 Nov 2017 to alleviate my BPH. Here is the log of what has happened so far. Hopefully this is helpful in what to expect. I will attempt to post my discussion for each day every few days.

Patient info: 65 YO, 192 lbs (87kg), 6' (436cm), diabetic type 1 for 51yrs, A1C 6.5 level,  Flomax for BPH since ~2013, Prostate ~50cm. Have had weak urination flow since my 20's. I work full time as a Facilities Mgr.

A few days prior to procedure - started taking probiotics, and more fiber and stool softener. Increased my fluid intake and decreased my intake of solid food.

16 Nov 2017

One hour prior to the procedure at home I was directed to take 1 Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (10mg-325mg Tablet). Within 30 minutes of taking it, I started feeling its effects.

At the Doctor's office - 1.5 hrs after taking the HA tablet, the doctor gave me a short duration general anesthesia in my arm. Did not know the procedure was done until I was getting dressed. Did not feel anything. The entire procedure (from the anesthesia to when I was getting dressed was about 45 minutes). I left the doctor’s office with a catheter and leg bag. Catheter will stay in until 27 Nov (partly due to Thanksgiving holiday and weekend (23-26 Nov). Thought I'd have it out no later than 22 Nov. 

Once home I took my first pill of Levofloxacin (500mg -antibiotic, 1/day). No pain but some discomfort from the catheter moving around when I moved. Had some blood in urine. Drank a lot of fluid, herbal teas and water.  Empty ~300 ml from the bay every 2-3 hours. Ate lite meals. Went to bed feeling fine. Got up 3 times to empty bag.

17 Nov, 2017

Feel OK and continued same routine. Took one Levofloxacin (500mg) tablet. Took a nap for ~1.5 hrs. Woke up and my vision was totally blurry. My wife contacted the doctor's office and they prescribed a different Cephalexin (500mg, 4 x day). Found out on-line but not through the doctor or pharmacist that the Levofloxacin has a black label  ((("increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. In February 2011, the risk of worsening symptoms for those with myasthenia gravis was added to the Boxed Warning. In August 2013, the agency required updates to the labels to describe the potential for irreversible peripheral neuropathy (serious nerve damage).&quot))  My vision took several hours to return after taking the Levofloxacin.  First bowel movement since the procedure. Some bleeding coming from the penis. Once in a while in the urine bag , there was one or two piece of bleed clots. The rest of the day went without a hitch. (no pain).  

18 Nov, 2017

Feel OK and continued same routine. Food intake is on the lite side. Eggs, soup, chicken, veges, apples (good fiber), peanut butter, pretzels. Staying away from things that have red in them.  Continued taking probiotics, fiber and stool softener. Bowel movement some bleeding coming from the penis. Started new antibiotic Cephalexin  4 x day. Walked around a little 15 minutes twice at our apartment. I'm typically pretty active.  Took first shower since the 16th. Felt good and relaxing for the 15 minutes in it.

2

Thanks Ted for posting. Good reporting. Hank

3

Do you have any concerns about retro ejaculation.   Hope all works out for you. Ken

4

I don't think you mean a 50 cm prostate, perhaps 50 cc?

5

Thanks Ted for your post. Looking forward to hearing about your full and wonderful recovery. God's speed. J

6

Good to hear! It may take some time to heal, but most men who have this performed are quite pleased

7

He means 50cm3. Cubic centimetres. The specific gravity of prostate tissue is 1, so that is 50 grammes.

8

Hi Kenneth,

I had no concern of that happening. From what I've read about it, there appears to be 0% chance. My doctor has also not seen any occurrence. 

9

Sorry for the unit mistake. It's 50cc.

10

That is good to hear but we had about 5 men on this site a few months ago that had it done and ended up with retro.  Going to have to read up on it again.  I would like to know were your doctor got his information.  Hope all goes well for you.  Take care  Ken

11

Thanks ted75005.  This post was helpful.  I'm looking at Rezum after the New Year.  Your updates will be much appreciated.  Seems like you have a little anxiety.  I could be wrong.  What guy wouldn't be anxious after a prostate procedure.  I've heard nothing but great things about this procedure.  Probably doesn't seem "minimally invasive" from your perspective right now.  BELIEVE me.  There are many procedures out there that are a LOT more invasive. Give yourself some time, my friend.  And DO keep us updated.

12

Hi alan1951. You're right about being a little anxious. Who wouldn't be even for this simple procedure. Won't feel totally comfortable until the cath. comes out and then how things progress over the follows few weeks. Good luck with your.

13

Hello Alan.  I hope all goes well with you procedure.  Did your doctor give you all the informatin on any of the side effects after the procedure.  Did he talk to you about retro.  I was reading a trail on 100 men that had the procedure.  3% had total retro and 5.3 % had parcel retro.  Just as long as you doctor talk to you and you don't get a surprise.  I don't think men like change that much.  I don't care what procedure a man has just as long as they are well informed.  There were a few men on here that only let the doctor do the right side.  They did not want to take the chance of retro.  The were under 53.  God bless to all and have a great holiday  ken

14

Progress report

19 Nov, 2017

Feel less discomfort from the cath. The biggest problem is over the night time when I have to empty the cath bag. Have had no negative reaction from the new antibiotic Cephalexin. Bowel movement some bleeding coming from the penis. Went for about a 30 minute and felt fine. Eating somewhat lightly, but drinking herbal teas, water quite a bit (100 oz (2.96 l)).  

20 Nov, 2017

Same as on the 19th. I did drive my car to the grocer.  Felt fine but a little slow in getting in and out of the car. Of interest is that I have experienced a couple of partial erections. It does get somewhat painful with the cath. 

21 Nov, 2017

Same as on the 20th. I did walk our Jack Russell terrier dog today. He's fairly slow being >15 yrs old, so no problem walking him. Had no bleeding from the penis. Keeping busy by doing work on my computer. It's amazing have much you can get done without getting constant phone calls while at work. 

22 Nov, 2017

Went out driving again today for shopping (4 stores) prior to Thanksgiving. No issues. Energy level is good and would like to do more. A little tired of sitting around. Went up one flight of stairs. Still drinking fluid a lot. Had a few drops of blood from the penis during a bowel movement. Forgot to mention that there hasn't been any blood in the urine (cath bag) since the second day (17th) following the procedure. Blood pressure readings this morning were 121/68 HR 61. Wanted to indicate that this is typical for me and I'm not on any meds. 

15

Ted that is great.  What leg to you have the bag on.  I found out the the left leg is best.  I was in the hospital last week with a kidney and bladder infection.  Had the catheter for 8 days.  in the hospital laying in bed got very lets say up and coming.  Never happen to be before.  Your doing so well let hop you can get that catheter out soon.  Take care and God bless  Ken

16

Update to my Rezum procedure performed on 16 Nov, 2017

23-26 Nov, 2017

I've increased my activities and getting around easier with the cath. Still some small bleeding during bowel movement. Getting up 2-3 times per night to empty bag.

27 Nov, 2017

Went to Doctor and the Cat was removed. Urination was easy and strong with just a slight amount of pain. I totally feel that the strong urination flow is due to having the cath in for 11 days. Have good level of energy.

28 Nov - 05 Dec, 2017 (19 days after procedure)

Urination stream strength has decreased everyday. On the 5th, I feel that it is better than I was prior to the procedure but not that much better. During each urination I do get a a small amount of blood at the beginning of urination and then it is clear. I think the blood is coming from near to the end or middle section of the urethra, which hasn't healed. Was expecting this to stop by now.  Just small discomfort during urination. I urinate more frequently during the day now than prior to the procedure due to urge. I get up 1-2 times per night, which is similar from prior. I still am taking 1 Flomax pill in the evening and will continue the dosage until I see my doctor in 11 Nov. 

17

Ted  glad your doing somewhat better.  Give it some time don't rush anything.  Bet your glad the catheter is out.  That is a blessing.  Just relax and try not to do to much  Take it easy  Ken   

18

Ken - Thanks for the continued encouragement. I'll be back to the urologist in a couple of days to see what he thinks. Can't wait to start some exercise again. 

19

That is great hope all goes well with you at the doctor.  I hope you can get off that Flomax.  That pill sucks.  It took 2 weeks to get out of my system .  Thank god all is back to normal.  I know you will do good.  Rest and try to relax  Later my friend  Ken  

20

Update to my Rezum procedure performed on 16 Nov, 2017

06 Dec – 10 Dec, 2017

Urination stream strength has stabilized. I feel that it is better than I was prior to the procedure but not that much better.

11 Dec, 2017

Visited doctor today. After asking him about the procedure he informed me that he injected steam into 7 locations. I was surprised to hear that I received that many, given the size of my prostate. He said that my urine flow rate could fluctuate, but most likely it has bottomed out. He said that I’m in this transitional phase where my body should start absorbing the dead prostate cell over the next 3-5 weeks.

12-15 Dec, 2017

All traces of visible blood are gone. No noticeable change in flow rate. Drinking a lot as I have in the past (~64oz or 1.9L) per day. Get up ~1 or 2 times a night.

16-19 Dec, 2017

Noticed an increase in urine flow rate strength and feeling that my bladder is empty. Get up ~1 or 2 times a night.

20-27 Dec, 2017

Urine flow rate strength continues to increase from previous period reported. I’m emptying my bladder in about 15 seconds. No pain or urination during urination. This rate is shorter than I have ever remembered. Continue drinking a lot. Get up ~1 or 2 times a night. Still taking Flomax as I have prior.