Prostate cancer
Discussion
rovermorris999 said:
Another procedure to be made widely available to reduce an enlarged prostate. Not heard of this before.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1271018...
I've been aware of this for a few years since my mum saw an article in the Daily Fail about it. Wasn't available through my health trust at the time and i've been considering it privately as i need something doing and that appears to be less invasive as some other procedures, such as TURPS.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1271018...
Edited by rovermorris999 on Sunday 5th November 11:44
will mention to doctor next week when i have my meeting
AstonZagato said:
Very interesting read.
It looks like I'm starting down that road aged 60.
I few mild waterworks niggles and so went to the GP. PSA came back at 26(!!). An urgent referral to Addenbrookes prostate clinic went in yesterday.
Might be nothing serious but it will be whatever it is. I'll deal with it.
Can I echo the constant refrain in the thread - FFS get yourself checked. Yes, that might involve having a finger pushed up your bum (for which you pay good money up West, allegedly) but still get checked.
Ironically, I seem to have skipped the finger up bum stage, as the GP said that the hospital will do that and there's no point in subjecting it to me twice. I suspect he didn't fancy me.
A brief update on my prostate journey.It looks like I'm starting down that road aged 60.
I few mild waterworks niggles and so went to the GP. PSA came back at 26(!!). An urgent referral to Addenbrookes prostate clinic went in yesterday.
Might be nothing serious but it will be whatever it is. I'll deal with it.
Can I echo the constant refrain in the thread - FFS get yourself checked. Yes, that might involve having a finger pushed up your bum (for which you pay good money up West, allegedly) but still get checked.
Ironically, I seem to have skipped the finger up bum stage, as the GP said that the hospital will do that and there's no point in subjecting it to me twice. I suspect he didn't fancy me.
It’s not good news.
The MRI results were about as bad as they could be.
Large tumour. Tumour has spread to my bladder, the muscle around and at least one lymph node.
Inoperable. Treatable but not curable.
Second consultant opinion has confirmed that view.
More investigation required. CT scan booked (to look for more spread). Bone scan (to see if it has made it into my bones). Biopsy (needle up the ‘taint’) to work out how aggressive it is. Should have the full picture by the end of the month.
Immediate hormone treatment to supress my testosterone (you can call me Loretta).
Chemo to follow once they have the histology.
They think I still have years. Not sure how many though.
Some positive signs - I was with someone yesterday who had a similar tumour, and he was three years post-diagnosis and seemed no worse than me (and I have no serious symptoms), so you’ll have to put up with me for a while yet.
Oh and a fun “Brucie Bonus”, I have an asymptomatic kidney stone that the MRI picked up, so that has to be dealt with at the same time.
The NHS has been outstanding – all credit to Addenbrookes. Absolutely faultless.
My private medical insurance? No so much.
The NHS got me into their scanners faster than I could change my diary and offered me dates before private. Highly efficient and everything pings up on an app immediately, so I have a clear picture of my care pathway. (my wife being a consultant in the same hospital may have something to do with that but I’m told it’s so quick that it has made little difference).
My insurer (the one beginning with V) has been dreadful. They have refused to cover me until they have reviewed my past medical history (which will take some weeks). They are clearly looking for ways to wheedle out of any claim/costs. Admittedly they have been handed the sh!ttiest end of a very large sh!tty stick, as I have only been with them 18 months (I changed firms). But they seem to be hoping that either I have done all the heavy investigation in the NHS before they have to lift a finger or that I am clinically insane and have sat on (pardon the pun) a life-threatening cancer for 18 months so I can have my care in a more comfortable hospital (in which case they can disallow the claim). W@nkers. They admit that they are on the hook for the kidney stone though...
AstonZagato said:
AstonZagato said:
Very interesting read.
It looks like I'm starting down that road aged 60.
I few mild waterworks niggles and so went to the GP. PSA came back at 26(!!). An urgent referral to Addenbrookes prostate clinic went in yesterday.
Might be nothing serious but it will be whatever it is. I'll deal with it.
Can I echo the constant refrain in the thread - FFS get yourself checked. Yes, that might involve having a finger pushed up your bum (for which you pay good money up West, allegedly) but still get checked.
Ironically, I seem to have skipped the finger up bum stage, as the GP said that the hospital will do that and there's no point in subjecting it to me twice. I suspect he didn't fancy me.
A brief update on my prostate journey.It looks like I'm starting down that road aged 60.
I few mild waterworks niggles and so went to the GP. PSA came back at 26(!!). An urgent referral to Addenbrookes prostate clinic went in yesterday.
Might be nothing serious but it will be whatever it is. I'll deal with it.
Can I echo the constant refrain in the thread - FFS get yourself checked. Yes, that might involve having a finger pushed up your bum (for which you pay good money up West, allegedly) but still get checked.
Ironically, I seem to have skipped the finger up bum stage, as the GP said that the hospital will do that and there's no point in subjecting it to me twice. I suspect he didn't fancy me.
It’s not good news.
The MRI results were about as bad as they could be.
Large tumour. Tumour has spread to my bladder, the muscle around and at least one lymph node.
Inoperable. Treatable but not curable.
Second consultant opinion has confirmed that view.
More investigation required. CT scan booked (to look for more spread). Bone scan (to see if it has made it into my bones). Biopsy (needle up the ‘taint’) to work out how aggressive it is. Should have the full picture by the end of the month.
Immediate hormone treatment to supress my testosterone (you can call me Loretta).
Chemo to follow once they have the histology.
They think I still have years. Not sure how many though.
Some positive signs - I was with someone yesterday who had a similar tumour, and he was three years post-diagnosis and seemed no worse than me (and I have no serious symptoms), so you’ll have to put up with me for a while yet.
Oh and a fun “Brucie Bonus”, I have an asymptomatic kidney stone that the MRI picked up, so that has to be dealt with at the same time.
The NHS has been outstanding – all credit to Addenbrookes. Absolutely faultless.
My private medical insurance? No so much.
The NHS got me into their scanners faster than I could change my diary and offered me dates before private. Highly efficient and everything pings up on an app immediately, so I have a clear picture of my care pathway. (my wife being a consultant in the same hospital may have something to do with that but I’m told it’s so quick that it has made little difference).
My insurer (the one beginning with V) has been dreadful. They have refused to cover me until they have reviewed my past medical history (which will take some weeks). They are clearly looking for ways to wheedle out of any claim/costs. Admittedly they have been handed the sh!ttiest end of a very large sh!tty stick, as I have only been with them 18 months (I changed firms). But they seem to be hoping that either I have done all the heavy investigation in the NHS before they have to lift a finger or that I am clinically insane and have sat on (pardon the pun) a life-threatening cancer for 18 months so I can have my care in a more comfortable hospital (in which case they can disallow the claim). W@nkers. They admit that they are on the hook for the kidney stone though...
AstonZagato said:
AstonZagato said:
Very interesting read.
It looks like I'm starting down that road aged 60.
I few mild waterworks niggles and so went to the GP. PSA came back at 26(!!). An urgent referral to Addenbrookes prostate clinic went in yesterday.
Might be nothing serious but it will be whatever it is. I'll deal with it.
.
A brief update on my prostate journey.It looks like I'm starting down that road aged 60.
I few mild waterworks niggles and so went to the GP. PSA came back at 26(!!). An urgent referral to Addenbrookes prostate clinic went in yesterday.
Might be nothing serious but it will be whatever it is. I'll deal with it.
.
It’s not good news.
doctors appointment for me tomorrow re higher PSA and will be pushing for further investigations again
My best wishes to all those undergoing treatments.
When you get to a certain age you take an interest in this thread and understanding the prostate and the actions of taking a pee!
At 59 I can sleep undisturbed throughout the night and not need a pee, in fact when I get up after 8hrs it's more a ritual of taking a pee than actually needing one.
It's in the day that I seem to be suffering. Around midday after I've had a few cups of tea and a pint of water after exercise in the morning the need to visit the toilet starts. Flow rate seems OK, unless I hold it too long and then starting is slow and when it stops I don't feel empty and end up going again within 30 mins. Otherwise I seem to be going for a pee every hour or so (with a degree of some urgency if I hold it too long) until the mid to late evening before bed. Crimping off a few times at the end of the main flow seems OK. I've not done the correlation yet but I do enjoy several mugs of tea throughout the day but this is nothing different to what I've done all my life so no more than usual.
I had a PSA test and full DRE urologist check up in 2018 as part of a health check up with my GP where some blood was found in my urine. After all the tests nothing was untoward (urine clear at the urologist visit) and PSA level was 1.3.
So now I'm wondering what to do next as other than frequency I've not got any other symptoms. Anyway I thought a PSA test would be a start and I found a charity that carries out the test for £25 to save booking in at the GP and being sent for a blood test. Went along, and thought it will be a finger prick, but it's a full blood sample that's analysed in the lab and the results come back by email the next day. In and out within minutes. The results were PSA Total: 1.82; Free-total ratio: 0.4 which they say is a 'Green Pass' with recommended follow up in 2-yrs.
Has anyone had the daytime only issues and any advice? If it carries on my thoughts are go to the GP with the PSA results and submit to the DRE and see what they recommend.
For info the charity I used (they offer the service across the country) is https://gfct.mypsatests.org.uk/
When you get to a certain age you take an interest in this thread and understanding the prostate and the actions of taking a pee!
At 59 I can sleep undisturbed throughout the night and not need a pee, in fact when I get up after 8hrs it's more a ritual of taking a pee than actually needing one.
It's in the day that I seem to be suffering. Around midday after I've had a few cups of tea and a pint of water after exercise in the morning the need to visit the toilet starts. Flow rate seems OK, unless I hold it too long and then starting is slow and when it stops I don't feel empty and end up going again within 30 mins. Otherwise I seem to be going for a pee every hour or so (with a degree of some urgency if I hold it too long) until the mid to late evening before bed. Crimping off a few times at the end of the main flow seems OK. I've not done the correlation yet but I do enjoy several mugs of tea throughout the day but this is nothing different to what I've done all my life so no more than usual.
I had a PSA test and full DRE urologist check up in 2018 as part of a health check up with my GP where some blood was found in my urine. After all the tests nothing was untoward (urine clear at the urologist visit) and PSA level was 1.3.
So now I'm wondering what to do next as other than frequency I've not got any other symptoms. Anyway I thought a PSA test would be a start and I found a charity that carries out the test for £25 to save booking in at the GP and being sent for a blood test. Went along, and thought it will be a finger prick, but it's a full blood sample that's analysed in the lab and the results come back by email the next day. In and out within minutes. The results were PSA Total: 1.82; Free-total ratio: 0.4 which they say is a 'Green Pass' with recommended follow up in 2-yrs.
Has anyone had the daytime only issues and any advice? If it carries on my thoughts are go to the GP with the PSA results and submit to the DRE and see what they recommend.
For info the charity I used (they offer the service across the country) is https://gfct.mypsatests.org.uk/
Interesting about the charity doing PSA tests. When I clicked your link I realised it was the same organisation that conducted my PSA test that my employers arranged for everyone, but I didn't realise they were a charity. How did you manage to get a test with them as it looks like they just visit companies to test their employees?
There could be a chance you have an enlarged prostate, which I have, and causes me to need to pee more often that I used to, and with my bladder waking me up by 7am every morning. My enlarged prostate was diagnosed at the hospital urology appointment (that my GP arranged) when the did the old finger test! I never received any follow up advice on possible future treatments though.
There could be a chance you have an enlarged prostate, which I have, and causes me to need to pee more often that I used to, and with my bladder waking me up by 7am every morning. My enlarged prostate was diagnosed at the hospital urology appointment (that my GP arranged) when the did the old finger test! I never received any follow up advice on possible future treatments though.
Edited by The Gauge on Friday 17th November 18:09
The Gauge said:
Interesting about the charity doing PSA tests. When I clicked your link I realised it was the same organisation that conducted my PSA test that my employers arranged for everyone, but I didn't realise they were a charity. How did you manage to get a test with them as it looks like they just visit companies to test their employees?
I’ve just had a look and they’re doing one at my local golf club - open to the public.Yes the charity is engaged by a lot of private companies to test their employees it appears. For example if you are a Freemason attending Provincial Meeting at Blackburn this month you can book it for free.
There are public events which is one I went to and coordinated by a member of the golf club where it was held. I didn't mind paying the £25 as I booked a slot near home, turned up and within 5 mins I was seen and not long after out the door on my way home. If I'd gone to the GP first I'd then be told to book a blood test that would likely be a few weeks out with a trudge to the hospital or wait for one at the surgery.
So the only thing I've missed out on is the digital exam. When the consultant did it in 2018 he 'examined' all the nodes the force of which had me on the ceiling. From memory the GP was much more gentle and something I'll pursue for peace of mind rather than any other gratification.
Funny story when I went for the PSA test the phlebotomist regaled a story of an old boy who turned up asking where the screens were as he went to undo his belt saying "I've washed my bum 4 times this morning" to which she replied "Love, I don't care how many times you've washed it I'm not going down there, I'm only taking blood"! She also advised that if a high PSA count came back to make sure you state you have other symptoms otherwise there's a risk they will just recommend surveillance rather than invoke any further investigations.
There are public events which is one I went to and coordinated by a member of the golf club where it was held. I didn't mind paying the £25 as I booked a slot near home, turned up and within 5 mins I was seen and not long after out the door on my way home. If I'd gone to the GP first I'd then be told to book a blood test that would likely be a few weeks out with a trudge to the hospital or wait for one at the surgery.
So the only thing I've missed out on is the digital exam. When the consultant did it in 2018 he 'examined' all the nodes the force of which had me on the ceiling. From memory the GP was much more gentle and something I'll pursue for peace of mind rather than any other gratification.
Funny story when I went for the PSA test the phlebotomist regaled a story of an old boy who turned up asking where the screens were as he went to undo his belt saying "I've washed my bum 4 times this morning" to which she replied "Love, I don't care how many times you've washed it I'm not going down there, I'm only taking blood"! She also advised that if a high PSA count came back to make sure you state you have other symptoms otherwise there's a risk they will just recommend surveillance rather than invoke any further investigations.
CoolHands said:
I’m early 50s no symptoms but getting nervous reading the thread, when should you start being checked (if ever) even if you have nothing wrong?
I think it can be part of the over 50s health check that some GP surgeries perform. If you ever need to have blood taken I'd always ask if they can do a PSA count as well. Although I get the impression some GPs are reluctant as it's not an exact science so you could have a normal PSA level but still have prostate cancer and there's the risk of a false negative/positive.I believe as we age the prostate naturally gets bigger but for some it doesn't press on the uretha where problems and symptoms can occur so it doesn't outwardly cause an issue.
CoolHands said:
I’m early 50s no symptoms but getting nervous reading the thread, when should you start being checked (if ever) even if you have nothing wrong?
There's a growing view that men should know their baseline PSA number.Then any increases can be plotted again that. Even if those later number are within 'normal' , but a big % increase, it could be a useful indicator to investigate a bit more.
In the past precautionary testing was seen as unhelpful, because PSA gives so many 'false positives'. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies after high PSA, and biopsies have some risks.
If I understand it right, MRIs are now done before a biopsy.
These have no downside, should spot real problems and carry no risk. (but are not a cheap investigation).
A close friend of mine (late 50's) got a regular set of tests, and it showed high PSA. Finger, MRI, Biopsy all done, and it was cancer. He had the prostate out, and all seems good now. He had no symptoms, and while he may be a real outlier, it has made me think about the value of a precautionary PSA. Or the new tests mentioned above.
The other thing is to be aware of what's normal for you, in terms of peeing, pain etc. I am low for PSA, but this thread has helped me be aware (not hyper vigilant) about changes from normal.
In fact the thread is just great. Fair play to all the men who contribute. I was a lurker, as I wanted to learn more when my friend got his diagnosis this year.
I am no expert, have no personal experience, so others may have better insights on this.
Thanks again men, for the thread and the contributions.
Had my biopsy yesterday afternoon.
The anticipation was definitely worse than the event. It really isn't as bad as it sounds.
Read on by clicking if you want to know more but don't if you've just eaten.
After the now obligatory flow test (weeing into a funnel), and filling out the standard I-PSS form (about symptoms), the doctor takes you through the procedure and its risks. He then gets your consent form signed. Into a backless gown (so chic) and up the corridor and onto a chair with stirrups. The chair rises up and reclines back. The bottom end is fully exposed - not the most dignified position, especially as the doctor is now at head height with your gentleman's sausage and rusty sheriff's badge. Clearly one's wedding tackle dangles down over the crucial area, so that gets taped out of the way (proud to say that mine needed extra tape...).
He then gets the ultrasound probe (it looks rather like the wife's hair curling wand), lubes it up (thank God for lube) and slips it straight up your Gary. I'd have prefered to have been taken out for dinner first but I suppose this is the NHS). "Relax" he said. Easier said than done.
With the ultrasound in place, he starts to numb the area. A couple of "sharp scratches" to my 'taint' and then the main event begins.
He inserts a long hollow needle up behind the scrotum (again you feel a scratch as it goes in and it's not exactly comfortable). He then sends another sampling device through that needle and into the prostate. When he pulls the trigger there is a snap and it feels as though someone has pinged your insides with a rubber band - enough to smart but not enough to really affect you. He needs to do this 12 times but all through that initial needle hole (he maneuvers the sampling device). I had to count them down in my head to make sure I knew when it would be over. When one was more uncomfortable, I mentioned it and he immediately put more local anaesthetic into the spot - don't be a martyr! He does move the ultrasound probe around - at one stage it felt like he was trying to lever my virgin ring into an oval.
And that was it. I had a bit of initial bleeding from the site - but nothing a normal plaster couldn't cope with. They also gave me a giant panty pad thing to put in my underwear in case of bleeding. I did use it but I had no leakage.
Today, I've got a nice large hemorrhoid - and to be honest, that "Farmer" is the only pain I'm feeling.
All-in-all, best classified as "uncomfortable" rather than anything worse.
Histology will take three weeks to come back. Bone scan next week.
And then dealing with my kidney stone.
The anticipation was definitely worse than the event. It really isn't as bad as it sounds.
Read on by clicking if you want to know more but don't if you've just eaten.
After the now obligatory flow test (weeing into a funnel), and filling out the standard I-PSS form (about symptoms), the doctor takes you through the procedure and its risks. He then gets your consent form signed. Into a backless gown (so chic) and up the corridor and onto a chair with stirrups. The chair rises up and reclines back. The bottom end is fully exposed - not the most dignified position, especially as the doctor is now at head height with your gentleman's sausage and rusty sheriff's badge. Clearly one's wedding tackle dangles down over the crucial area, so that gets taped out of the way (proud to say that mine needed extra tape...).
He then gets the ultrasound probe (it looks rather like the wife's hair curling wand), lubes it up (thank God for lube) and slips it straight up your Gary. I'd have prefered to have been taken out for dinner first but I suppose this is the NHS). "Relax" he said. Easier said than done.
With the ultrasound in place, he starts to numb the area. A couple of "sharp scratches" to my 'taint' and then the main event begins.
He inserts a long hollow needle up behind the scrotum (again you feel a scratch as it goes in and it's not exactly comfortable). He then sends another sampling device through that needle and into the prostate. When he pulls the trigger there is a snap and it feels as though someone has pinged your insides with a rubber band - enough to smart but not enough to really affect you. He needs to do this 12 times but all through that initial needle hole (he maneuvers the sampling device). I had to count them down in my head to make sure I knew when it would be over. When one was more uncomfortable, I mentioned it and he immediately put more local anaesthetic into the spot - don't be a martyr! He does move the ultrasound probe around - at one stage it felt like he was trying to lever my virgin ring into an oval.
And that was it. I had a bit of initial bleeding from the site - but nothing a normal plaster couldn't cope with. They also gave me a giant panty pad thing to put in my underwear in case of bleeding. I did use it but I had no leakage.
Today, I've got a nice large hemorrhoid - and to be honest, that "Farmer" is the only pain I'm feeling.
All-in-all, best classified as "uncomfortable" rather than anything worse.
Histology will take three weeks to come back. Bone scan next week.
And then dealing with my kidney stone.
Edited by AstonZagato on Saturday 18th November 15:28
AZ, they used to ping the probe through the wall of the rectum from the hair curler up the jacksy. Military grade antibiotics the day before, on the day, and a day after tries to prevent infections caused by inoculating your prostate with faecal matter. My digestive system was upset for a year afterwards. A chum of mine had sepsis after his biopsy. A trans-perineal biopsy must carry far less infection risk.
A quick update from me. I've had two doses of Zoladex now; the injection in the stomach.
So that is seven weeks in. So far, I don't feel much different. I haven't experienced hot flushes yet, though I do feel more tired later in the evenings I think. My sex drive has virtually disappeared. However, they say it's like being manacled to a madman, which used to be true in my forties and fifties, but not so much nowadays. So no great loss there, I suppose.
Radiotherapy should start in March or April latest.
So that is seven weeks in. So far, I don't feel much different. I haven't experienced hot flushes yet, though I do feel more tired later in the evenings I think. My sex drive has virtually disappeared. However, they say it's like being manacled to a madman, which used to be true in my forties and fifties, but not so much nowadays. So no great loss there, I suppose.
Radiotherapy should start in March or April latest.
Armitage.Shanks said:
My best wishes to all those undergoing treatments.
When you get to a certain age you take an interest in this thread and understanding the prostate and the actions of taking a pee!
At 59 I can sleep undisturbed throughout the night and not need a pee, in fact when I get up after 8hrs it's more a ritual of taking a pee than actually needing one.
It's in the day that I seem to be suffering.
For info the charity I used (they offer the service across the country) is https://gfct.mypsatests.org.uk/
it's funny how we all view our own symptoms...... the pang of envy at your overnight lack of issues when i consider my 3-4 visits in the night. Sometimes its only a couple and others its more.When you get to a certain age you take an interest in this thread and understanding the prostate and the actions of taking a pee!
At 59 I can sleep undisturbed throughout the night and not need a pee, in fact when I get up after 8hrs it's more a ritual of taking a pee than actually needing one.
It's in the day that I seem to be suffering.
For info the charity I used (they offer the service across the country) is https://gfct.mypsatests.org.uk/
Daytime, as I work from home i take on a lot of fluids and can be peeing every 30 minutes. When i'm working away from home i deliberately limit my fluid intake to ease some of the pressure but it's still a PITA overall.
but if your daytime regime has become more frequent than a PSA is a good start to check on things and at least get in the system for periodic checks to ensure your levels aren't on the up.
Again, I've had friends that hit 5 and were treated for cancer whereas as i've averaged 15 for years and have only pushed the doctors now that it has risen to around 20.
AstonZagato said:
Had my biopsy yesterday afternoon.
The anticipation was definitely worse than the event. It really isn't as bad as it sounds.
Read on by clicking if you want to know more but don't if you've just eaten.
After the now obligatory flow test (weeing into a funnel), and filling out the standard I-PSS form (about symptoms), the doctor takes you through the procedure and its risks. He then gets your consent form signed. Into a backless gown (so chic) and up the corridor and onto a chair with stirrups. The chair rises up and reclines back. The bottom end is fully exposed - not the most dignified position, especially as the doctor is now at head height with your gentleman's sausage and rusty sheriff's badge. Clearly one's wedding tackle dangles down over the crucial area, so that gets taped out of the way (proud to say that mine needed extra tape...).
He then gets the ultrasound probe (it looks rather like the wife's hair curling wand), lubes it up (thank God for lube) and slips it straight up your Gary. I'd have prefered to have been taken out for dinner first but I suppose this is the NHS). "Relax" he said. Easier said than done.
With the ultrasound in place, he starts to numb the area. A couple of "sharp scratches" to my 'taint' and then the main event begins.
He inserts a long hollow needle up behind the scrotum (again you feel a scratch as it goes in and it's not exactly comfortable). He then sends another sampling device through that needle and into the prostate. When he pulls the trigger there is a snap and it feels as though someone has pinged your insides with a rubber band - enough to smart but not enough to really affect you. He needs to do this 12 times but all through that initial needle hole (he maneuvers the sampling device). I had to count them down in my head to make sure I knew when it would be over. When one was more uncomfortable, I mentioned it and he immediately put more local anaesthetic into the spot - don't be a martyr! He does move the ultrasound probe around - at one stage it felt like he was trying to lever my virgin ring into an oval.
And that was it. I had a bit of initial bleeding from the site - but nothing a normal plaster couldn't cope with. They also gave me a giant panty pad thing to put in my underwear in case of bleeding. I did use it but I had no leakage.
Today, I've got a nice large hemorrhoid - and to be honest, that "Farmer" is the only pain I'm feeling.
All-in-all, best classified as "uncomfortable" rather than anything worse.
Histology will take three weeks to come back. Bone scan next week.
And then dealing with my kidney stone.
You give a good account, thanks.The anticipation was definitely worse than the event. It really isn't as bad as it sounds.
Read on by clicking if you want to know more but don't if you've just eaten.
After the now obligatory flow test (weeing into a funnel), and filling out the standard I-PSS form (about symptoms), the doctor takes you through the procedure and its risks. He then gets your consent form signed. Into a backless gown (so chic) and up the corridor and onto a chair with stirrups. The chair rises up and reclines back. The bottom end is fully exposed - not the most dignified position, especially as the doctor is now at head height with your gentleman's sausage and rusty sheriff's badge. Clearly one's wedding tackle dangles down over the crucial area, so that gets taped out of the way (proud to say that mine needed extra tape...).
He then gets the ultrasound probe (it looks rather like the wife's hair curling wand), lubes it up (thank God for lube) and slips it straight up your Gary. I'd have prefered to have been taken out for dinner first but I suppose this is the NHS). "Relax" he said. Easier said than done.
With the ultrasound in place, he starts to numb the area. A couple of "sharp scratches" to my 'taint' and then the main event begins.
He inserts a long hollow needle up behind the scrotum (again you feel a scratch as it goes in and it's not exactly comfortable). He then sends another sampling device through that needle and into the prostate. When he pulls the trigger there is a snap and it feels as though someone has pinged your insides with a rubber band - enough to smart but not enough to really affect you. He needs to do this 12 times but all through that initial needle hole (he maneuvers the sampling device). I had to count them down in my head to make sure I knew when it would be over. When one was more uncomfortable, I mentioned it and he immediately put more local anaesthetic into the spot - don't be a martyr! He does move the ultrasound probe around - at one stage it felt like he was trying to lever my virgin ring into an oval.
And that was it. I had a bit of initial bleeding from the site - but nothing a normal plaster couldn't cope with. They also gave me a giant panty pad thing to put in my underwear in case of bleeding. I did use it but I had no leakage.
Today, I've got a nice large hemorrhoid - and to be honest, that "Farmer" is the only pain I'm feeling.
All-in-all, best classified as "uncomfortable" rather than anything worse.
Histology will take three weeks to come back. Bone scan next week.
And then dealing with my kidney stone.
Your biopsy was slightly different to mine, I didn't sit in a chair with stirrups, instead laid on my side with my back to the person performing it, That meant I wasn't really aware of what was happening, just what the person was telling me was going to happen.
Interesting that you had the needle through your tinter between your balls and @rse, as I really don't know where they put the needle with me, at the time I assumed up my @rse, but having read your account maybe not? Though I was made to take an antibiotic before leaving the room, and given a few more to take the following day, so I wonder if that means the needle did go up through my @rse?
Either way I felt no pain whatsoever, (I've typed my account a few pages back) and just felt a slight twang as each of the 12 samples were taken. I recall afterwards wondering why I had been so worried leading up to it, as there had been no need.
I also had to wait 6 weeks for my result, as the letter they should have sent at the 2/3 week stage was never sent. had to keep chasing it up, and eventually had to turn up at the hospital to ask for my result. Thankfully all clear.
Edited by The Gauge on Monday 20th November 16:45
kevinon said:
If I understand it right, MRIs are now done before a biopsy.
YesPSA test > if hight referral to Urology Dept > finger up bum > ultrasound on stomach to see bladder > MRI > then wait a few days for the result.
With me they saw something on the MRI and gave me a date for a biopsy.
I predict the main problem is getting the PSA test done as GP's don't like doing them as they are so inaccurate. My employer arranged them at work for male staff, and mine came back a bit high. Rang my GP to try and get a 2nd test and told her that my bladder was weaker than it was, waking me up early morning and not feeling fully emptied after I'd been etc. I think that prompted her to err on the side of caution, perform the 2nd test and then refer me to the Urology Dept. I'm very grateful she did.
I think the worse case scenario (other than not bothering to have the test done) is to get tested, not have symptoms and get a low result, as that doesn't mean you're ok. You really want a high result to trigger an MRI
Edited by The Gauge on Monday 20th November 16:53
CoolHands said:
I’m early 50s no symptoms but getting nervous reading the thread, when should you start being checked (if ever) even if you have nothing wrong?
Depends really. Do you have any bladder issues - needing to go often, weak flow, not fully emptying, going during the night etc? These seem to be some of the symptoms of prostate problems, whether that be cancer or like me just an enlarged prostate.If you don't then your GP might not do a PSA. If you have then they should. Or click the link posted earlier about the charity who perform PSA tests, and book yourself one, thats who did mine.
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