1. Community
  2. Men's health
  3. Prostate Problems

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and Tamsulosin

Posted , 15 users are following.

Barneybear
Barneybear

Hi.  My husband suffered urinary retention for the first time just over two weeks ago.  He was seen in A & E and urine drained via catheter.  Went home that morning with the catheter which filled with blood so back to A&E where they decided he needed a larger catheter and bladder washout.  He was admitted for one night.  He was discharged and told appointment would be made.   However the next day we saw a urologist privately who explained what he thought the problem was and ordered blood tests plus PSA and ultrasound.  He also started him on antibiotics and Tamsulosin.  Tamsulosin had a very quick good effect with his peeing.

When we saw the consultant again last week he said the PSA was 1 point something and blood tests and scan OK.  He has suggested he continues with the Tanmsulosin and considers TURP.  We've put that on the back burner for now but what really worries me : is he likely to have further retention or do the tablets prevent this.  I think I worry more than he does as it was such a shock!

Thanks for any help.

 

0 likes, 43 replies

43 Replies

Next
  • Pepasan
    Pepasan Barneybear

    Posted

    After a couple of episodes of retention, I've learned to use an intermittent catheter. I take it with me on journeys and holidays so that if ever I experience full retention again, I can relieve the problem myself without having to go to A & E. I find this very reassuring.

    • Pepasan
      Pepasan Motto

      Posted

      It's less uncomfortable than when a nurse puts a catheter in - more control and 'feel' for how and when to push, and when not, as it goes in. Uncomfortable at first, but when done a few times it's possible to get quite used to it.

  • Barnie
    Barnie Barneybear

    Posted

    I dont know anything about Tamsulosin....but I had retention (not able to go at all ) some 9 years ago.   I self catheter 6 times a day... It is not such a big deal if it comes to that.  I know there are operations you can have but I have not explored the possibilities . I know it is all  scary if you are new to this but when it is sorted out ...and it will be !!  so go with the flow (excuse the pun) and I know you will worry.   I have had scans etc but nothing showed up regarding the bladder or prostate,  so it is something that a lot of men get when you are over 50 ish

    and live with without complication. so please dont worry !!

  • bernard68450
    bernard68450 Barneybear

    Posted

    Have you got any information on residual volume retained in bladder, volume of urine he is peeing per second and size of the prostate?  This information will decide how long he can go with medicine (normally years).  Ultimately, some kind of intervention (TURP, green lase or any other treatment) will be necessary.  Do not hurry for TURP!
  • derek76
    derek76 Barneybear

    Posted

    How large did they say his prostate is ? TURP is an old procedure and HoLep or GL are newer laser versions with quick recovery and little bleeding. There is also non surgical options Urolift and PAE that you can google.

    Beware of  Tamsulosin as it causes sexual problems. He might be better with one a day Cialis.

    When I asked our practise nurse what is the most complained about drug she said  Tamsulosin. I sad yes by men but she replied No, by their wives.  

    Another warning if he was prescribed Cipro or a Fluoquinolone drug, look up the  latest warning on it by the European Medicines Agency or the American FDA

  • joseph34828
    joseph34828 Barneybear

    Posted

    Why not get a prostate ultrasound ?
    • Barneybear
      Barneybear joseph34828

      Posted

      He did have an ultrasound Joseph.   and when we saw the urologists for he results I think he said there was 35 mls residual of urine.  Might have got that wrong.  I expect he will confirm in his letter but think he is on holiday so there is nothing forthcoming at the moment.  It looks as though there are alternatives to TURP but hopefully we can wait for a while.  Oh I forgot to say that when we were seen in A&E they thought the retention had been caused by constipation and strong painkillers for a back condition although he'd only been taking those for a day or so.

    • Motto
      Motto Barneybear

      Posted

      Yeah, constipation can block the Uretha. Maybe try alternatives to the strong painkillers? Like the green weedy substance?. 
    • joseph34828
      joseph34828 Barneybear

      Posted

      Did the ultrasound  show that the median lobe  had become large and protruding  into the bladder neck?

      If so, surgery is what is needed.  Check out the HoLEP Procedure. I don't think that PAE procedure would reduce the growth if it's there already.

    • hank1953
      hank1953 Barneybear

      Posted

      Yes. Constipation and certain medications can cause his problem. If PVR is only 35ml, I would not suggest self catheterization. It is very useful but does carry some risks, especially for beginners. Hank
    • derek76
      derek76 Barneybear

      Posted

      That is a good explanation. Pain killers cause constipation and retention and the information leaflet probably mentioned it. 35mls residual is a minimal amount if you consider that a normal void is about 300 mls.
  • lester19220
    lester19220 Barneybear

    Posted

    If what he is presently taking stops working try a diuretic available by prescription.
  • Motto
    Motto Barneybear

    Posted

    These Neanderthal URO's always seem recommend TURP as mine did. He said he didn't think the more minimally invasive procedures get as good a result. It's the "gold standard." Well, before you drill a hole in me, I'm going to try something and I am exploring the PAE. I would try FLA next as well. 

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.