PAE Questions

Hi Patrick,  I had my PAE June 2nd of this year. I felt some relief in about 10 days. I never did the catherizing so I can't speak to that side of it.

I don't think that anyone on this blog has mentioned the embolization of the rectum or bladder. Never heard of it. 

I can speak to the working part and lifting stuff after the procedure. 

About 4 dys after the procedure I started lifting things etc. I own a campground and had to work and get it open. Long short of it I think that I must have ruptured the artery a bit inside my leg because I became very black and blue from the inside of my leg down to my knee.

It took two weeks to clear up with really no pain. They say to wait two weeks to "work" and do physical things. I think that I proved them right on that. Having said that we are all so different and it is hard to say what will happen to you.  

Lastly my doc had done over 200 PAE's when he did me. I think experience says a lot. On this blog someone suggested that whoever does your PAE should have at least 50 under their belt...no pun intended.

PS I can now sleep through many nights, used to get up 3,4,5 times. I can still have some frequency issues during the afternoons. Everyday can be different. Hard to figure out why.

Good luck

Hi Patrick,

You seem to be in a similar situation to me when I had it done on 9/28/15.  I was 58 years old, had gone in to retention 14 months earlier prompted by taking antihistamines, was on a Foley catheter for 2 1/2 months and was self cathing 3-4 times a day and taking 8mg Rapaflo at the time of the PAE.  The procedure has helped a little (there's still hope for more improvement) and is definitely worth a try.  I'm self cathing 1-3 times a day and still on the same drug dosage.  The downside risks are minimal.  The way it was explained to me is that there would probably be some slight embolization of the rectum and seminal vesicle (which, I think, could make you sterile), but not enough to effect the rectum's function.  I was 90% over most effects of the procedure itself after 2 weeks.  You may want to wait a little longer to do heavy lifting if they go in throught the artery in your leg (as it could open up if not completely healed).  Dr. Isaacson usually goes in through the wrist. (in my case - he needed to do both)

I would suggest that you call him (Ari Isaacson at UNC Healthcare) to double-check anything I've said and get more info.  He's a great guy and takes the time to explain.  He's also done the second most in the US.  Best of luck and I'll be interested in comparing notes on our progress! 

If your doctor was completely incompetent, and or drunk, you could have those side effects. I agree with Patrick. Get someone who has done a lot of them, and Dr. Isaacson is great.

Neal

Patrick,

you our can start white collar work immediately, but I would hold off on any heavy lifting for a few weeks. I had my PAE 9 months ago with Dr Isaacson at UNC. He is great. The risks of rectal or seminal damage is VERY rare, but with any procedure there is always the possibility that mistakes could be made. Most, if not all of the radiologists doing this procedure now are at the top of their field and the equipment they use is perfected. To be safe they have to list any possible problems, but no problems are expected. It is kind of like going to a gun range. There is a possibility you may shoot yourself in the foot, but who does that? 

 

So many USA responses on PAE. Has anybody had this or Urolift done in the UK and what were the results?