Chronic Retention of Urine - Enlarged Prostate

Dear Howard,

I am concerned for you.  You need to go to A&E and explain to a Doctor what your situation is.  You need to have a catheter placed in 

asap in my humble opinion. 

Your could be causing yourself further problems in relation to your kidneys etc.

I'm sure the "Wise Men" on this great forum will echo my views.

Kind Regards

Brian

 

Hi Brian,

I'm not sure who the "wise men" are but I thought I'd chip in. I would, most definitely, go the an OP dept if you can't get satisfaction via your practice nurse. If you are not voiding urine it "backs up", becomes toxic and can damage the kidneys. You also become much more prone to infection. This happened with friends whose need for catheterisation was considered not urgent enough. They then had to recover from the trauma to their kidneys before they were considered well enough for surgery.

I had the misfortune to get prostatis after surgery and whilst enduring the 24/7 pain for 5 months, I searched extensively on the net for how I could minimise the impact of the symptoms. I mention this because I looked seriously at a number of protential factors that might be exacerbating the condition. I've posted my observations on this site under Prostate Problems/Prostatitis. One of the most significant things that emerged was the type of fluid intake which had varying degrees of impact on the pain/discomfort/illness management. You/Howard might find something that eases the intensiity of the urgency you experience for although you might be catherised, the urine is still passing through your bladder and passing over sinsitised tissue. Although I have now largely recovered I have found that my bladder remains sensitive and I have to continue to avoid certain fluids/foods. The most astringent and troubling has been caffeine, followed by white wine. I now avoid both. Having recovered, I glibly thought that it was all behind me but after drinking a full bodied Coke whilst out with friends (instead of decaff) I had to make five trips to the loo during the night. White wine or aciidic fruits have the same affect but slightly less so. I hope that there may be something in my post that is helpful. I wish you both well. Ben

I'm with Brian: get a catheter in. It's not as bad as it seems, and once in, you have a flip-flop valve that allows complete voiding regularly.

The thing you may be fearing is catheterising every time you need to pee. That's different and yes, I'd not want that either (I did go to A&E once when I thought I blocked). But a temporary one, which is fitted and stays in all the time until you have the TURP is a different proposition. It has its problems, but the relief from any urination difficulties is well woth it. I had one for 5 weeks ( then had a laser TURP done privately, as I didn't want to wait 3+ months and could afford the £5.5K).

Incidently, at 78, I don't think 67 is 'old'.

Good luck

At 80, I really do wish I was 67 again though 33 would be better as that was definitely my prime

Age is no barrier to modern prostate procedures they are not 'surgery'

The urologist in Newcastle who did my PVP later did a man in his 90's with as I recall had a 100mg prostate. 

Hiya Brian, it's the nights are the worst for some reason ( seem not to be able to go ) if it's because of lying down or not I don't know but I have a list of local hospitals and the opening times if I should need them.

Just a Thought here but did you know that a lot of car insurance firms won't cover you if you are fitted with an indwelling foley. ( mine doesn't so maybe an Idea for others to see if they are. )

A urologist told me that gravity helps!

hi inquisitive.

Can I have your 'ex-professional' opinon on this question: I was taking Andrews liver salts evey day to try and calm my irritable bladder problem, before it turned into a retention problem. Now that I have a catheter sould I stick to 'squash' or should I go back to the Liver Salts?

Thanks

(I'll read your blog later this evening....)

Dear Howard,

Thanks for the info - will check witn my insurance.

Kind Regards

Brian

Hi David, after reading my blog you may want to reconsider the liver salts. Long term use of it is not recommended anyway. I would concentrate on assessing the toxicity/acidity (to you at this tme) of your food/fluid intake rather than introducing "remedies" that may exacerbate your bladder discomfort. The dietary changes I adopted had varying amounts of success but I honestly believe that they made my life more tolerable. I hope his helps but they are only my observations about me and may have different outcomes for you. Ben

thanks ben - I'll lay off for now....

My urology appointment is in November so I guess tests will start the. The cath comes out week monday - so keep everythng you have crossed for me!

cheers

Thank you Ben for the information, I will look at Prostate Problems/Prostatitis thread.

kind regards

Howard.

Hi, Ian 

I've heard everbody talking about flip flo and wondered what this was so I Googled it and found out that the foley I was fitted with in the A&E on Saturday was a silicon size 16 with a flip flo between foley and leg bag.

if some one had said TAP I would have known sooner.....lol

regards

Howard

Hi Howard,

Not too long to wait.

Hope it all goes well when you have it.  Keep me updated.

Kind Regards

Brian