Can someone explain my prostate symptom?

Posted , 14 users are following.

I am 73 years old with BPH, (Prostate 40 gms by Ultrasound). I take Alfuzosin, every night, and Finasteride, once a day. I've been doing well for the past few years. My only complaint is urinating 1 to 3 times a night. Lately I've had a new stressful symptom that maybe someone on this forum can help me understand.

Occasionally during sleep, I wake up with a strong urge to pee. I go to the toilet but can't get the stream started, no matter what I do. . . . just a few drops. I go back to bed, lie down for 3 to 5 minutes, and then again get up to pee. This second time, everything functions normally. I have had this experience about once a week for the past 4 weeks. This series of events is very disturbing to me since I don't understand why the urinary retention corrects itself in just a few minutes, and I fear that someday it might not correct and I'll be hurriedly off to the emergency room for a catheter. Any ideas about my intermittent short-lived urinary retention? I appreciate any ideas or comments you might have.

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  • Posted

    Oh. And wouldn't it be nice if a dedicated urologist would browse this site now and then to try to lead the flock in a "right" direction. Maybe we'd all learn a lot more, from both sides of the coin.

    • Posted

      Most urologists find it unprofessional to comment here although they do browse it.

    • Posted

      Hey All

      Jersey use to be on and answer some question but have not see him on lately. It would be nice to hear from one now and again......Ken

  • Posted

    Quite normal for someone with BPH at your age. If retention worries you it's a good idea to keep a few CIC catheters on hand with lubricant.

    • Posted

      I've thought of that. But I haven't seen my (TURPY) urologist in about 9 months. Can I get a few CIC catheters without a prescription. I'd feel better just having them in my home.

    • Posted

      After 9 months it's time for a uro checkup anyhow. He can order the CIC's for you or give you an Rx or he might have a different solution. Good luck.

    • Posted

      HI jerry

      im 52 and have been self cathing for a month or so. its actually very very easy and i use one most nights to fully empty my bladder before bed . Its daunting to begin with but its not painful at all and only takes a couple of minutes . Good to have them in hand to avoid a trip to AE. In the UK you can get them on presciption

    • Posted

      Good afternoon

      Glad your doing well. Keep up the good work...................Ken

    • Posted

      Thanks Lvscott. What would you recommend for a catheter novice like myself. Just to have on hand. Would prefer lubricated.

    • Posted

      Well, have you ever cathed before? I'm not exactly an expert. I've cathed a few times to learn just in case of an emergency.

      Red Rubbers require you to purchase separate lube. I've heard those are good to start with. I've used Bard Magic 3 Coude Tipped Hydrophillic caths (Self-lubed with sterile water sachet), and GentleCath Coude Tip hydros. I've tried straight tips and although it 'gets in there,' had some blood with those.

      Many people on here like those lo-frics and Coloplast Speedi Caths.

      I don't think it's really necessary for a nurse to 'show you' how to do it with all the videos out there from the individual cath companies and YouTube videos.

      Cathing is rather easy to do as long as you relax and don't get freaked out over it. If you get over anxious, tighten up, etc, etc, that's where bleeding is going to happen and other issues.

    • Posted

      Your urologist will teach you in a few minutes and will order the correct ones for you.

    • Posted

      hi Jerry

      i personally use the Coloplast speedi compact caths.

      personally I DO, recommend a nurse shows you how to do it as not all caths may be right for you . for example the thin bendy ones are no good for me as i just cant get the traction to get them past my sphincter muscle whereas the compact cath is a bit more rigid and allows you to use a bit of pressure . A nurse will make sure you get the type that suits you and will give you the confidence to use one . Its a bit daunting at first but after a couple of go's its actually really easy and pain free .

      interestingly, after using a cath for a while my natural void has improved ?! maybe it has dilated my uretha allowing more urine to flow but there is a very noticable difference which a welcome side effect for me .

  • Posted

    try using your pelvic muscles (kege l) just before you actually get to the toilet. when you're in from of toilet release the tension. should have a better stream. i tried it last night and it helped.

  • Posted

    Hi Jerry,

    I had symptoms like this along with a lot of other things. I think moving about loosens things up a bit. My biggest problems was always after I had been sitting still for a period. The worst ever was after sitting in a cinema for 2 hours without moving. I strongly advise you to get it sorted surgically. Don't wait for it to become an emergency.

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