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Button Plasma TURP 4 weeks POST

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david75878
david75878

To all those guys deciding what proceedure to have. 

I had the Button Plasma TURP August 30, 2016 after 10 years of dealing with BPH. I am 61 live in Southern California and in good health.  I was getting up 3-4 times a night and taking Finesteride and Doxysosyn (same thing as Flomax). During this time I had a couple of trips to the ER for a total blockage. Probally the most pain I have ever felt is when you can't pee. Two days of a cathter and I was back to normal.

After years of dealing with the pills and urgency my prostate finally grew so big that it completely shut down my ability to pee. Of course this happened on the 2nd day of a cruise. Thankfully cruise ships have hospitals and catheters, but finishing a cruise wth a leg bag affixed to your inner thingh is not my idea of a fun vacation. Anyway, for another month I had a catheter due to not being able to pee without it. The doctor said that the prostate finally grew to the point where it was pressing on everything in the area. Spicy food, alcohol, coffee and sitting for long periods would set it off so I needed to make a decision on having a surgical proceedure.

I researched severeral different proceedures but finally decided on the Button TURP. (less bleeding, less complications, and no hospital stay)

I tryed self catheterization but was not willing to do that for the rest of my life and I had difficulity inserting the tube without alot of pain and bleeding. So got an appointment with a urologist who is young and up on the new proceedures. He recommended Urolift but soon realized that my prostate was too big so therefore the button was the next step. I went to another surgeon who also advised a TURP but only did the original one and I wanted something new and inovative. I decided on the newer version although they all burn or cut out prostate tissue just by different methods.

I went in for a 7 am surgery and was out by 2 pm with a cateter and bag, antibiotics, spasm and pain meds. The first couple of days had some pain and spasms but nothing ibuprophen couldn't handle. The cateter stayed in for 9 days which, was uncomfortable, but I am glad it was done. My Dr was big on leaving it in for longer than the usual 3 days. It allowed my prostate time to heal and the swelling to go down so he said.

On day 10 the doctor removed the catheter and  said see you in 3 months and everything was good. He said the prostate was the size of a lemon ( way over 100 G) and had pushed into the bladder. The proceedure took 1 1/2 hours and he was only able to remove 50% of one side and everything around the bladder neck. He assured me that was enough and said I should be good for the rest of my life. He also said that I should not have any issues with retro ejaculation because he only removed the side opposite to the seminal canal. ( Hopefully he is right haven't tested that yet)

He allowed me to go back to the gym advising me not to lift heavy and no sex for 30 days. No other warnings except that it takes 6-8 weeks to heal and up to 3 months before it's back to normal. His lack of concern was reassuring to me seeing I have read way too many horror stories about the TURP.

I pee with no effort, still wake up twice a night but at least I pee real good. Every once in a while I get itching inside around the prostate (I assume it is healing) and minor after burn when peeing. Not bad it goes away real fast. I notice it is usually after a hard workout or when I overdo things during the day. No more blood or pressure when I sit and I never saw any scabs in my urine as described by some.

So it has been 4 weeks since surgery and I am glad I did it. It feels great to pee again. Yes there is some frequency at times (usually when you stand up after sitting) but no incontenence. I get errections better than before and the sensation seems better. I haven't had sex yet but soon, so I don't know about what that will be like. For many years I had retro from the drugs and got used to it.  I am a little apprehensive about sex because of the DR's warning not to have it for 30 days. Don't want it to get swollen or have a adverse reaction. I have not found much about sex after TURP so I am still in the dark.

Anyway guys it wasn't as bad as I thought and I am glad I did it. Don't get me wrong, you are not up and about running around for awhile but at least you can pee, get erections and have some hope for the future. You need to take it easy because the proceedure is rough and that area does not like to be poked, probed, cut burned and messed with. Drink alot of water and do not get constipated!. Take those stool softeners. It is amazing how everything down there is tied together.

If anyone has advice on the sex issue please let me know. Hopefully that works without issue.

I will keep all posted as time goes and after ejaculation ( if there is any) because that is what seems to concern most of us about this procedure.

So far so good!

2 likes, 187 replies

187 Replies

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  • Billart
    Billart david75878

    Posted

    I had plasma button TURP yesterday. Catheter removed this morning. NO PAIN at all peeing, no problems so far. Pink pee but nothing too bad.They told me it would be like peeing razor blades....not so. I had zero pain peeing so far. It's only been 20 hours since the procedure. Reading Google you would think it much worse than what it really is. Dr Castellucci in Bradenton, FL has done well over 1000 of these procedures and really knows what he's doing.  

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Billart

      Posted

      I am happy that all will be fine with you.  You may be one of the lucky one.  There are man on here that still have pain and blood after 2 years.  Did he do a nerve sparing so you will have a less of a chance for retro or was that something you were not concerned about  Good luck  Ken
    • JerseyUrology
      JerseyUrology Billart

      Posted

      That is good to hear!

      Most men who have this procedure done end up quite pleased.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 JerseyUrology

      Posted

      Yes let's hope the doctor took his time and he will have a good out come on everything............... ........ On another note. I had a 1 hour 3 way call with the NEOTRACT company.  I talk with Ted who is the the inventor of the UROLIFT.  He called it his baby.  We had a talk about my concerns and some of the other men concerns with some of the doctor adding other procedures to it.  He told me that he and the other Doctors developed the UROLIFT so men that are concerned about retro or other sexual functions would have a choice.  And they will stand by the integrity of the procedure.  He will be talking with the doctor in Australia and in the UK about adding clips to the bladder neck and doing a Laser incision of the bladder neck.  You can not stop the doctor from doing it but Ted said they will not be able to use the UROLIFT name because the UROLIFT stands on it own.  When adding other thing it is no longer a UROLIFT procedure.  The protocol would chance.  Also he said if they are going to add something the patient must get all the information about what ever the doctor is doing and the side effect that it may cause.  I will be talking with him in 2 weeks after his sale meeting where this is going to be part of the meeting.  The UROLIFT does it job and must be done the way the trails were done.  Take care  all  Ken     

    • Billart
      Billart kenneth1955

      Posted

      Sorry for the delay. It's been 4 months now.  No side effects whatsoever. Never a twinge of pain. Good luck, Bill

       

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Billart

      Posted

      No problem Bill  That's good to hear   Take care  Ken

  • Ronk25
    Ronk25 david75878

    Posted

    David, great write-up - congrats on your great fortune - keep up the good work. Best Wishes to you. 
  • frank74205
    frank74205 david75878

    Posted

    Hi David,thanks for that info. How long were you in retention? I have the same problem enlarged prostate,?Did you do a urodynamics test before having the Button plaza turp? I have been holding off on Turp for several years ,i do CIC,i don't know what difference is in Button Plaza Turp ,or just Turp?T 88 years i old i  find it had to make a surgery decision,but it sure would be nice to have a natural void.

    Thanks 

    frank,

  • Guest
    Guest david75878

    Posted

    Can you tell me who your doctor was for the button Turp and where he’s located 
    • Billart
      Billart Guest

      Posted

      Hi David,

        It's been 4 months and zero problems. No side effects at all. Never had any pain.....not a twinge. Dr Sean Castellucci Bradenton, Florida. Good luck. 

      Moderator comment: I have removed the link(s) directing to site(s) unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

    • Billart
      Billart

      Posted

      For some reason the moderator removed the link to Dr Castellucci. Easy enough to find on google. 
  • jack85874
    jack85874 david75878

    Posted

    Thankful that I stumbled across this amazing forum, as there’s so much knowledge with first hand experiences.

    I’ve been struggling with BPH for about 18 years and had a bladder stone zapped about 12 years ago - and now with 2 recent u t i’s , a cystoscopy revealed another bladder stone. Urologist quickly tracked me for TURP, which she referred to as a “mini Turp”. The med asst handed me a stack of papers to review before the procedure which details potential issues, mostly that which is discussed here.

    Afterwards I felt like I was given the “bums rush” and I thought that somethings not right as there was no discusssion on alternatives , so I imagine the urologist only does turps.

    I was scheduled for the procedure (as well as lasering bladder stone) all on 6/1 but have  since decided I’m gonna bail on this or @ least delay it and see a second urologist this week for a second opinion. 

    I’ve read all the postings on this thread and they’ve been very helpful so much so that I am now more informed when I meet with the second uro this week. 

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 jack85874

      Posted

      Good for you Jack.  You do know that you do not have to a have TURP to have the stone removed.  Like you first one. How big is your prostate and are they sure that the prostate is the problem.  Yes it seams like you are or were being rushed. It is better to get another Urologist to see what they have to say.  Turp is not all ways the answer.  Please let us know  Good luck  Ken  
    • Billart
      Billart jack85874

      Posted

      Hello Jack,

         There are different forms of TURP. The Doc you go to will push the type they do. Some do more than one. One Doc, green laser, another traditional and yet another plasma button and maybe more. I think plasma button is the newest and for me at least, totally painless. My advice is do some research and decide what type TURP you want. Then find a Doc who specializes in that. Good luck.....Bill

    • jack85874
      jack85874 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Kenneth, thanks for your comments. Yes, re bladder stone. In fact that is one avenue I’m focused on, in whether or not a procedure is absolutely necessary. 12 years ago when first bladder stone was removed, the surgeon decided not to do Turp and I was grateful he wasn’t motivated by other reasons to just do a procedure .  Lastly, what’s pushed my buttons is that the uro pushing a Turp hadn’t even completed ful images to measure Prostate. 

      Have seen another uro for a second opinion who agreed that no scheduling should be done yet before full imaging etc. he doesn’t accept my insurance so he couldn’t do Ny procedure anyway so he had no money in the game. He personally does green light but when asked, admitted he’s hearing good outcomes for some with button plasma. 

      Seeing another uro later today to hopefully address stone and discuss options. 

      Regards, 

      Jack 

    • jack85874
      jack85874 Billart

      Posted

      Thanks Bill, 

      Remarks appreciated. 

      I was scheduled for the traditional Turp this past Thursday but bailed out on that. 

      There’s multiple reasons that I decided to cancel but one was the lack of being open and forthcoming on the procedure and never discussed other options. In fact, despite that I’ve been with this uro for about 5 years and was very comfortable, I’m disappointed in the rush of pushing the old “gold standard” Turp. 

      I saw an impartial uro surgeon last week who said my uro has a good rep but that my concerns were valid and he’s very surprised and confused why imaging wasn’t done to get the true size of my Prostate and that the cystoscope that was done should’ve produced a complete set (8) images butvwas not. 

      Turns out this second uro used for a consult could not be used by me since he’s out of Ins network but says he would need to view full imaging (trans rectal imaging) before recommending but he does green light and when asked, says he’s heard good outcomes on Button Turp. 

      Anyway, back to a third uro this morning who is in a practice that supposedly can offer different remedies but they’ll do the imaging first. And will be able to address the bladder stone as well. 

      Regards,

      Jack 

      I’m not convinced a procedure needs to be right now but I recognize that QOL would be great to be improved. 

      But also , absent of complete imaging, I remain unconvinced that I’ve been led correctly. 

      Hoping I get some answers today. 

    • Billart
      Billart jack85874

      Posted

      My Doc, Dr. Sean A. Castellucci is in Bradenton FL. I like him, but don't like his practice. Urology Partners..6 or 7 Docs, very big, very busy....too busy. Feel free to contact me anytime. Good luck, Bill

    • RockyA
      RockyA jack85874

      Posted

      had to cancel my surgery because I tore my quadricep off of my knee 5 months ago. I go back to my doctor this week and it might take an additional appointment to make this happen but to restate I have quite the oversized bladder. I can only expel a little over half of my urine which she tested that with a sonogram. The terp she's going to do on me is not the side that has the semen Canal but she's going to do the opposite side and shave it down. As a matter of fact my doctor says she has done this for pornstars and we both laughed but she wanted to reiterate to me it's only because my bladder is so large we have to do this. It's also my choice to only do a partial because I still want to ejaculate this is where I am and I'll let you know how it goes. It looks like probably later this one thing do not have the procedure done. You might want to talk to the doctor reference the above. It's quite important especially with health insurance that she's doing it because my prostate is very large. To ejaculate and she said that she can do it. I'll probably have it done in June I'll let you know... Good luck brother

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 jack85874

      Posted

      I know I have talk to my urologist you do not have to have a turp to just remove the stones You can remove the stone and that is it.  It also is how good your doctor is to help you not have any side effects.  Could the urolift help you.  It would open up the prostate and there is no cutting.  Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 RockyA

      Posted

      Not a fan of women urologist but good for her.  She seams to care about you and your concerns  Good luck  Ken
    • RockyA
      RockyA kenneth1955

      Posted

      I don't have Stones I never passed a stone it's just that my prostate is very enlarged. I thank you because I am going to ask about the urolift and see if that will help me in my situation. That was great information I appreciate that.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 RockyA

      Posted

      No problem.  My prostate was the size of a large lemon ( about 100 ml )  Been over 3 years that i had mine Urolift done still wide open.  When you talk to them they may be stuck on the one procedure and try to tell you no on the other.  Stand your guns.  It's your body.  ken 

    • Billart
      Billart RockyA

      Posted

      I wanted urolift. My Doc told me my prostate was too big at about 50mm. He said the urolift worked better with smaller prostates. Had plasma button and all is good. 
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Billart

      Posted

      I am glad that it did work out for you.  But your doctor lied.  They can do Urolift up to 80 and they are in trial with 100 and with median lobes.  He just want you to do what he does.  Take care  I hope all works out for you and you have no side effects..Ken
    • Billart
      Billart kenneth1955

      Posted

      He does both procedures, urolift and plasma button. He was speaking from experience, not lying. 
    • lee56659
      lee56659 kenneth1955

      Posted

      I know this is the internet and anything goes but to tell someone that his doctor lied to him when you don't know the doctor or the patient and you didn't hear the conversation is pretty irresponsible.  Urolift worked for you and that's great but it's not the right procedure for everyone and there's no way you can make that judgement if you haven't examined the patient (which I assume couldn't happen since you are not a doctor.)  

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Billart

      Posted

      Well it was up to you and if your happy it no problem.  Bur some men do not want to take a chance of the side effect.  Especially retro.  Good luck  Ken 
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 RockyA

      Posted

      Hey Rocky  I just read your post again.  And I could not get that one line out of my head.  I get that she is only going to do shave the one side of the prostate.  Ok.  And she said that she has done this on the porn stars.  How old were these porn stars that she has done this do.  Because men are under 40 and I don't think they have prostate problems.  Can you ask her please.  I also ask my doctor about this procedure.  It may be worth looking into Ken 

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 lee56659

      Posted

      Lee I know this is the internet and I am sorry for what I said.  It is just my opinion.   I did not know that the doctor does both.  But doctors tell you to start with the least evasive procedure. Which Urolift and Rezum are.  Not jump into major surgery.  No man should have to put his body through that just to pee better.  We have to stand up for our body's.  Life take away enough from us.  Have a great day  Ken

    • Billart
      Billart kenneth1955

      Posted

      It's all cool....no worries. Maybe I don't know what major surgery is, but plasma turp was no big deal for me. I was at the surgery center for maybe 3 hours. They also did a biopsy at the same time. I have low grade prostate cancer that we are just monitoring. Left with a catheter and was back the next morning for removal. The catheter wasn't bad at all. I told the Doc before the operation I didn't want retro...he said he would be carefull in that area and I don't have retro. When I say I had zero pain, I mean it. The nurse told me when I was leaving that urinating would be like peeing razor blades....so happy she was wrong. Not even a sting at any point. Urine was pink with small chunks for less than a week. Having your teeth cleaned is more painful. Really guys, this was no big deal. I was expecting much more.  Maybe I was the lucky one, but that was my experience. 

    • Billart
      Billart kenneth1955

      Posted

      Dr  Castellucci  has done over 1000 plasma button turps.....maybe he is just really good at it. No more problems urinating. Not one side effect.  100% satisfied.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Billart

      Posted

      Yes I think you were lucky.  And it was nice that the doctor listen to you about the retro.  You must have had a button plasma turp.  The doctor has more control on the button what he gets rid of. I'm happy that it did work out for you.  Sometime it does not work out.  But we are all different and we healing at different rates  Hope all continues for you  Ken.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Billart

      Posted

      Very Happy for you  Ken  It does take a good doctor  
    • bill1955
      bill1955 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Yes, it is worth it even if just to pee better.  Having had Button TURP a year ago, in the scheme of things it was a non-event.  It was a negligible inconvenience compared to the improved quality if life.  Don't be scared by what you read here

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 bill1955

      Posted

      Bill Has long as it work for you that is all that matters.  Being different we all have way of deal with our life.  Enjoy all you can  Ken  
    • frank74205
      frank74205 Billart

      Posted

      Hi Billart, Where is Dr Castellucci located? Were you able to have a natural void before button turp?\

      Thanks

      frank,

    • Billart
      Billart frank74205

      Posted

      Hi Frank, Dr Castellucci is at Urology Partners in Bradenton, FL. I could pee with flomax before, more trouble at night. No problems now and drug free. Never any pain and no side effects. I'm very happy with plasma button. Good luck, Bill

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