Going with Focal Laser Ablation for BPH

Had the procedure last Friday, June 28 at Loyola University with Dr. Kevin McVary and a full operating room staff including an anesthesiologist and her resident, a Urology resident to help Dr. McVary, and a couple of nurses. I opted for light anesthesia but I was completely out. The procedure lasted around 20 minutes with 13 steam injections for my 93 gram prostate. I would not have wanted to do it awake. Dr. McVary said it went well. There was some pain, for which they gave me oxy plus Tylenol. That knocked it down but not completely out. I stayed in the hospital overnight because I didn't have anyone with me but otherwise would have been released. In retrospect, I'm glad I stayed overnight. Was quite uncomfortable and needed attention from the nurses with the catheter collection bag, pain meds, etc. It was also nice to have meals brought to me and all the assistance I needed. I'm a healthy, active guy and usually pride myself on being self sufficient, but was in a fair amount of pain and glad for all the help I could get. This surgery is not as minor as I thought it would be.

Travelled by air from CHI to Hartford on Saturday, with foley and leg bag. Uncomfortable, and probably too soon to travel.

Went out to dinner with my mom upon arrival in Hartford. Had a painful bladder spasm and leaked around the foley, enough to make my whole backside wet--- embarrassing .

Removed the foley later that evening and decided to self-cath the rest of the way. I'm using way more catheters than usual due to the the spasms about every 2 hours. So ordered more on a rush basis from my supplier, 180 Medical. Heard from Dr. McVary that this is not unusual and I should not worry, improvement will be gradual. Wearing pads in my underwear to prevent a recurrence of the other day. Have been sleeping a lot, and no energy. Taking about 750 mg of Tylenol every 4-6 hours. Not able to pee yet but hopeful.

Stopped wearing pads after two or three days, but still using 10 or more catheters per day and having painful bladder spasms though they are less frequent and less intense as time goes by. Still can't urinate and get pretty severe burning sensation when I try. Dr. McVary says this is normal since I was in complete retention and it may take 3+ weeks before I can urinate. After 3 years of self-cathing, I guess I can wait a little bit longer. Getting tired of it though. Down to 4X per day on the Tylenol, or 750mg about every 6 hours, including when I get up at night.

Will keep you all posted.

Best wishes

today is 3 months since my FLA with Dr.K, so far results are exceeding my expectation,

I had minor complications due to self catheterization, had twice my foley inserted, for a total of 3 weeks, second time due to UTI, and got RE, but mu urine flow is just great, I had measured my flow rate about 4 weeks post FLA and was 13.7ml/sec, as of now it's 16.6ml/sec, those are averages from numerous measurements, and are outstanding results for someone of my age, no ED, no incontinence, thank you Dr.K and Donnie

hi j12080. thanks for all your posts they are very insightful. i am new to the severe bph journey as the meds (flomax) were working for me but are not now. so i am faced with the surgical option. i am 57 and have an enlarged median lobe which as you know acts like a ball valve at the bladder neck causing severe blockage of urinary flow. my uro says its a simple fix with a median lobe turp. he claims he could do it in office in approximately 20m minutes with a foley cath for 2 or 3 days after. i currently self cath as i can only get very little out on my own. i had a cystoscopy a month ago and could go a little better before i had it. i hope to be able to go better as time goes on as i believe the procedure caused swelling or it could just be obstruction, anyway not sure if you still get messages from this forum but i would love to talk to you sometime as i am cosidering fla with dr. k.