hifinutt
hifinutt
keep us posted , hope all goes well
prostate cancer,
- Thread starter graystoke4
- Start date
NeilR
pfm Member
I did my first PSA test recently as part of a general health check, and then a retest. the results came in at between 3 and 4 which is just below the borderline for further investigation (at least here in CH). I am a keen cyclist and it is known that cycling can elevate PSA values slightly. A quick finger test showed no significant enlargement and the doc said it felt normal, but suggested regular retesting every 6 months to monitor for changes.
She would also schedule an MRI if I insist on it, but didn think it was necessary at this point. Let’s see what the values are in 6 months.
She would also schedule an MRI if I insist on it, but didn think it was necessary at this point. Let’s see what the values are in 6 months.
hifinutt
hifinutt
wise planning . monitor any symptoms and watch
les24preludes
pfm Member
Enlarged prostate is fairly common with age. It can get to the point where you can only barely pee, and that's when you need a timely operation without delay. Happened to me - I had one third of the prostate removed. I had to go private since it was in lockdown and nothing was available on the NHS. Cost me £7,500. All went well with no complications and erection is still OK though probably a bit less than 100%. I got very anxious when I could hardly pee - it's a very disturbing experience.
Mike Reed
pfm Member
I bet! A fit table-tennis colleague in the noughties, then in his upper 70s, woke up one morning and couldn't pee at all; no real warning. Among all the medical horror stories concerning other people since, I'll never forget that one, Trying to remain reasonably hydrated as one ages (not easy) is, I feel, an understated provision for bladder health.
artoly
pfm Member
Thanks hifinutt. After nearly a year's wait for the biopsy, the newer specialist reversed that and doesn’t think it is warranted at all, so I'll take that as positive. Ongoing monitoring seems to be the order of the day, and a prescription for Doxazosin, which I'll do some more homework on before committing to. It sounds like a forever drug.
Ponty
pfm Member
As of my very recent experience, transperineal (thank goodness…). My process was PSA, MRI, biopsy. After the second PSA (6.1), 2 months after the first (4.8), I had an MRI within a week. The consultant reviewed the MRI and wanted a biopsy, which was scheduled a couple of weeks later.
Best of luck.
Good luck @graystoke4 The best thing about a problem is discovering it early enough to deal with.
Mike Reed
pfm Member
What form did the biopsy take, Ponty? (I'm in total ignorance here). Having had one on my nose, I can't think of anything worse.
Ponty
pfm Member
Well, not the most pleasant of experiences, I have to say. Although I’m told the new process is a hell of a lot better than the old one, where infection was a common occurrence. 23 samples collected, took about half an hour. Wouldn’t like to do it again in a hurry.
Sue Pertwee-Tyr
Accuphase all the way down
Best wishes to you, Greystoke. Hope all goes well and the best possible outcome for you.
hifinutt
hifinutt
you are a brave man ponty , my dear bro had loads of bone marrow biopsies in his hip , he just shrugged it off and accepted it resolutely . incredible guy and extremely brave . me ... i would run a mile unless you sat on me !!!
Mike Reed
pfm Member
Sounds like selecting carpets ! Samples from where. Ponty? Testimonials or somewhere else? I really am 'orribly higgorant of these medical things; possibly for the best but unfortunately I'm also inquisitive.
Big Tabs
looking backwards, going forwards
the bone marrow biopsies that I have assisted with are painful procedures - necessary, but far from pleasant.
I've had a transperineal biopsy on two occasions in an NHS hospital (Ipswich), where they take multiple tissue samples of the prostate using a needle in the region described by the nurse in technical medical terms as "between bum & balls". Sounds horrible, and indeed not particularly pleasant and rather undignified, but not as painful as it sounds - so I wouldn't be too fearful if you find yourself needing one (I've had worse trips to the dentist). Often the unpleasantness of this sort of thing is more in the mind than the actuality.
One of my best mates has just had surgery. Prognosis is good but, along with Graystoke, I would urge anyone with any change to get a test and/or scan. His readings from the test were slightly above the line and he was told 'Well, we'll do a scan if you want one'. His response 'You're damn right I want one".
If he hadn't insisted on a scan he'd be quietly dying none the wiser.
If he hadn't insisted on a scan he'd be quietly dying none the wiser.
Ponty
pfm Member
Not brave, but very thankful for a proactive GP and consultant. If there’s a problem I’d rather know and work out how to deal with it. TBH, the worst bit was the anaesthetic needle going through biffins bridge. The rest of it was fairly uncomfortable but tolerable. I was mainly chatting about the six nations during the procedure. Hope your brother is doing OK.
hifinutt
hifinutt
Ah thanks ponty , sadly after a year of painful and stressful treatment he never made it ..you may have seen me mention lighting a candle in Manchester Cathedral for this incredible chap taken too soon .nothing to do with prostate cance though but i would not have his bravery ...more likely to get a plane to Zurich !
Ponty
pfm Member
Very sorry to hear that. Think I’d be on that plane also. You’ve just got to get on with life and take the good times when you can.
