Partly because no one wants another first world angst mental health thread, let's talk about the other fun in my life - if nothing else, to remind blokes to get checked out.
Been having issues for a few months - hesitation, not emptying properly (repetition?), low flow, occassional urgency and dribbling. So being over 50 thought I'd better get it checked out - my FiL died of prostate cancer last year at 85, 5 years after being diagnosed, I have a relative in his late 60s who is running out of treatment options 17 years after being diagnosed, so better safe than sorry.
PSA test came back normal, went for the finger up the bum test this morning (seriously, people do that for fun?) which also suggested nothing too serious to worry about, and have been prescribed Tamurex to see if that helps on the bladder front
Anyone been down this road before and want to share any experiences?
I got diagnosed with an enlarged prostate when I was 48 - PSA And other tests OK. Saw a consultant at the time, but because I was under 50, not eligible for any treatment under NHS. Surgical procedures pretty drastic with lots of potential side-effects.
I took some drugs for a while, but didn’t make any difference.
Main symptom is that I need to wee a lot - sometimes every 30 minutes in the morning but it gets better throughout the day and rarely need to get up at night. I work from home so can live with it.
I do need to get checked out with the doctor as haven’t been tested in 4 years.
Uff :-(. Have had elevated PSA for a few years now. Fingers up the bum, MRIs, biopsies (oh what fun!) - no sign of You Know What (knock on wood) but the constant worry (even if I think there isnt a problem) is a pain in the ass (yes).
Timely. 57, had a scare a few years ago with high PSA. Monitored for a while, high but steady so had an MRI and biopsy which showed nothing of concern. I was then having PSA tests every couple of months to monitor but that fizzled out during lockdown. I have a lot of the symptoms you describe (and have had for a while) and have just had my first post Covid PSA test and it's crept up a bit more. The doc has referred me to urology so I'm expecting possibly another MRI/biopsy. I'm a bit worried tbh.
Years ago (mid 40s) I was getting up several times a night so went down the prostate road, kept wee diaries, then had a test where they slide a tube up (you know where) into your bladder, fill you with water then measure how you empty etc (not a great day, cos they leave the tube up there while you're having a wee and it goes EVERYWHERE). Ended up with a diagnosis of low hormone that suppresses your kidney function overnight so take supplements for that and it's got things back to being manageable.
On the fascinating subject of prostate biopsies, I have had the "stapler up the bum" trans rectal sort and the "shoot my tender bits full of holes" trans-perineal template sort, and in retrospect (haha) I'd not have the TR - it's too hit and miss (I am not a doctor, at least not a bumhole doctor) and leaves doubts as well as an arse like an abattoir. I'd prefer the template biopsy, even if it is a bit more demanding.
(MRIs are another matter - I find them strangely relaxing :-). )
The doc has referred me to urology so I’m expecting possibly another MRI/biopsy.
It should be just the MRI now as there's a new technique for checking on enlargement and possible cancerous growth using the scanner. There should also be some ultrasound checks on emptying which can be a bit high stakes. Arrive with a full bladder, ultrasound then off to the loo followed by another ultrasound to check on retention. The problem comes with the arriving full and avoiding an accident and the staff being ready to see you at that moment!
Due to the size of my prostate (about the size of a small orange or 20 times too big) I had TURP (a rebore) in late 2020 to allow my restricted bladder to empty. I can now empty what little space I have rather than retaining 100ml of urine. If it's appropriate get on the list and wait for up to 2 years for your name to come to the top for the operation. While you're waiting get the Squeezy app and do those pelvic floor exercises. Don't skimp on this! It has changed my life though my flow rate is not much better than before the op.
On the fascinating subject of prostate biopsies, I have had the “stapler up the bum” trans rectal sort and the “shoot my tender bits full of holes” trans-perineal template sort, and in retrospect (haha) I’d not have the TR – it’s too hit and miss (I am not a doctor, at least not a bumhole doctor) and leaves doubts as well as an arse like an abattoir. I’d prefer the template biopsy, even if it is a bit more demanding.
(MRIs are another matter – I find them strangely relaxing :-). )
Only had the TR. Uncomfortable rather than painful and certainly a bit bloody for a good while afterwards. If I have to have another I'll go with your recommendation for a TP template. I'll say 'DrJ sent me' is that OK? I've just had an MRI on a knee injury (I'm falling to bits) and nearly fell asleep.
Disappointed this thread isn't called PSA: PSA
I'm on Tamsulosin for benign enlarged prostate. It's great - I no longer need to get up to pee repeatedly in the night and daytime pees no longer take 15 minutes. Highly recommended.
Enlarged prostrate here - Tamusolosin daily for about the last 5 years. Still peeing twice during the night and fairly frequently during the day. I guess I'll have to be reamed out at some point (I'm 67 now), although I'm not looking forward to it (a friend had it and had a few 'complications'). You're supposed to be tested for cancer and any further enlargement every so often, but it seems to be up to you to suggest it.
Having just entered our 60’s my twin and I have both started down this path in the past 6 months, both with the same low flow symptoms but no other ones- both of us have had normal (less than 1) PSA tests, normal digital examinations (oh joy) and both prescribed tamsulosin. It has helped us both but if you have normal or lowish blood pressure take the warnings about postural hypotension and dizziness seriously. In the packet it suggests taking them in the morning with breakfast, very strongly recommend taking in the evening (my GP didn’t specify and I followed the instructions and felt dizzy and crap in the afternoons - now advised to change to evening). Just be careful when getting up in the night- don’t jump up straight away.
Well that's hot the conversation started - yes "PSA PSA" would have been neater.
Really don't fancy the biopsy option, but seriously, having to arrive at hospital with a full bladder, what could go wrong!?
I'm a bit concerned about the dizziness/low blood pressure side effects, as I tend to get that anyway
I’m a bit concerned about the dizziness/low blood pressure side effects, as I tend to get that anyway
My brother was told from the start to take them in the evening-he has had no issues with dizziness during the day at all. I’m hoping for the same.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 4 years ago. The diagnosis came as part of a series of other interventions into my inner workings including a colonoscopy which highlighted I have diverticulitis and an endoscopy which diagnosed something called Barrett's Esophagus.
I can't remember the exact order of events but a blood test as part of this wider process highlighted a PSA level which was concerning so was referred for an MRI and a biopsy on my prostate - big tip don't ride your bike afterwards and go to a meeting as when I inspected the pad they had put on it was totally sodden with blood and had nearly leaked through to my trousers. The biopsy result was a Gleason score of 7 and appointments with a urology consultant and an oncology consultant followed. The main issue was that the surgeon wanted to do surgery and the oncologist proposed one of the many radiology options, so no real medical advice and overview about which route was best. In the end I chose to do the final option, 'Active Surveillance', which meant get a PSA blood test every 3 months. After about 3 years of tests my PSA suddenly increased quite significantly which led to a second MRI and biopsy (quite strange having a conversation with the guy doing the biopsy about where I grew up and other non-medical topics). Strangely the result of the biospy came back as a Gleason score of 6 which seemed odd as its highly unlikely that the cancer will get better on its own, so I assumed the biospy had managed to miss the higher grade cancer. Went through the consultation with the surgeon wanting to do the surgery etc, but a really comprehensive telephone conversation with an oncologist helped me decide to go down the surgery route but she suggested delaying it for a few months as this was at the height to Covid and she felt it would be better to avoid being in any hospital at that time unless you absolutely had to.
Had the operation at the end of last year and am about 95% back to normal with a couple of notable exceptions - one being the difficulty getting an erection and orgasm (getting support - not literally - with both from the hospital), the second being my already small bladder seems to be even smaller and I seem to need to go for a wee even more frequently than I had pre-operation (which was also quite often particularly after a couple of beers). I have fortunately managed to avoid the post-op stress incontinence and leakage which affects many prostate cancer patients. The biopsy of the prostate showed it had a Gleason score of 7, and fortunately there were no traces of cancer in the margins as they term it.
Worst things about the process were the embarrassment of every appointment where someone wanted to shove something up where the sun doesn't shine was accompanied by a supporting cast of young attractive female junior doctors and nurses. Oh and having to wear a catheter for nearly 2 weeks.
Happy to give any info or advice to anyone going through the prostate cancer journey - just PM me.
Timely thread! My dad is a waiting a rescheduled TURP at the moment, second one (first was 15ish years ago). My brother has bladder issues and has a permanent catheter (multiple co morbidity).
I'm fully expecting to need treatment in the coming years (early 40s currently) as I'm finding I need to pee frequently during the day. I'm assuming it's hereditary?
Does anybody find they drink less to reduce the risk of being caught short? I often get dehydration headaches because I don't take on enough fluid. Almost certainly subconscious so's i don't need to go to the loo so often..
Does anybody find they drink less to reduce the risk of being caught short? I often get dehydration headaches because I don’t take on enough fluid. Almost certainly subconscious so’s i don’t need to go to the loo so often..
I do sometimes limit what I drink, but it can be very random how intake affects me - sometimes I can drink normally and it doesn't affect me, some mornings my first drink of the day sees me peeing every 20 minutes till midmorning.
The only good thing about my first template biopsy was that the consultant managed to get the cancerous cells as one of the samples! I'll take that over a lottery win.
Tamsulosin and finasteride were my prescription for 5 years before the TURP at 56 (like my dad, though he had to have a second one which I hope I'll avoid as it was a new op when he had it). The finasteride is supposed to shrink the prostate while being monitored and give back a little bladder capacity.
Definitely take the Tamsulosin at night as it helps to be asleep whilst your muscle control over the venous system is relaxed. You can't fall over if laid down!
More Cash, I think I've recently been down exactly the same course of symptoms and tests as you. My PSA is normal for my age (62) and the 'finger' on two separate occasions revealed nothing abnormal. Both my GP and later Consultant were both confident it was Prostatitis. Nothing serious, more an inconvenience!! That said I also had symptoms of aching balls and the odd pain in my 'appendage'.Tamsulosin for me and also antibiotics. Either or both have w calmed the situation down and I'm feeling much more normal.
The other thing I should mention is are you confident you don't have Kidney Stones? If they are rattling round in your Kidney or Ureter then they can have an impact on your urinary urges. It might be a good idea if whilst they are scanning for one thing they scan for another!
Two words I didn't know the meaning of a year ago... flexible endoscopy!
though reading the above I think I've got off lightly so far
I work in a GP Practice as Mens Health clinical lead…. I stick my finger up mens arses on a daily basis. Oh the laughs we have…..
I had prostate cancer diagnosed 8 years ago and subsequent surgery, so far so good..
I was diagnosed with BPH after a telescope examination. I'm only 34. Started pissing lots in the night etc. I was told i'd need to go onto Tamurex or similar...
...instead and i don't know why, I gave up drinking sweetened drinks and caffeine...and found the symptoms went totally away. Orange Squash particularly makes me piss like crazy.
Give it a go!
Hi team. Quick question. Enlarged prostate noticed by doc while getting something else checked. Late 30’s, no real symptoms.
Blood test booked for Monday. Am I right in thinking I should lay off the bike this weekend?
Depends, it can elevate PSA riding the bike. Difficult to say as I'm regularly checked after snip/corrective surgery knackered lefty and I'm on testosterone, so they check PSA every year - was more often at first, but been on it 8 or so years. Might be best to rest just to get a baseline.
The prostate exam itself can raise hormone level and my GP advised leaving it a few days before getting my PSA level checked so probably best to lay off any activity that's going to give your rear a pounding until you get the blood test.
Thanks team. Sounds like sensible to not ride on Sunday, certainly!!
Another longish term (about 5 years) tamsulosin user here for BPH. Had 2-3 PSA tests with normal results probably about 3 years ago now so should probably request another. I've not had any side effects from the tamsulosin which I take with breakfast.
Another tamsulosin user here. Dunno if it tells you on the little Please read this leaflet in the pill packet (I never read them), and it's not talked about often, but that stuff ruins orgasms! Not sure if I need to say more! 😛
I too was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2021 aged 56, Gleeson 7. Very similar story to Philby, thereafter. My dear old Dad died of it 14 years ago so I opted for surgery which was done in May 2021 at The (Wonderful) Christie, Manchester. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to get diagnosed (mri then template biopsy) and then to have the nasty walnut removed. Yes, side effects of no more stiffys but hey ho - I'm here! No incontinence either - but I did work hard at this, exercising etc...
I had no symptoms as such - just an achy left bollock. Cannot stress enough - if you've any doubts, at the very least, get a PSA test. You never know, it might just save your life!
I processed 100 X approx 4 prostate needle core biopsies today at work tool from 7am to 3pm, so tedious! but don't stop getting symptoms checked out and not even just because it keeps me in a job
Thanks team. Sounds like sensible to not ride on Sunday, certainly!!
No sex, running or riding for 4 days before the PSA test as these all raise the levels.
Those of us with enlarged prostates should be aware that you're likely to pass blood in the urine after bike riding. Big prostates have a fragile blood system which is liable to leak when battered over rough ground.
An excuse for a full suspension bike!
The prostate exam itself can raise hormone level
I don't know about hormone levels, but eyebrow levels certainly went up
The plus side was the doctor had small hands. The downside was she was crazy fit 😂
Cheers @sandwich. I refuse to run as a matter of principal so a weekend off the bike it is.
When I had my exam the doctor said "Its quite common to get an erection during the exam." I said "Its OK doctor I don't have an erection" he replied "But I've got one" 🙂
