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

Has anyone out there had a "Prostate Artery Embolization??

Posted , 210 users are following.

ChuckP
ChuckP

I had one on September 10th, 2014 and would love to compare notes with anyone else that has had one.   Thank You.  ChuckP   PS Some people just call it a "PAE" for short.

8 likes, 2499 replies

2499 Replies

Prev Next
  • Pipeline113
    Pipeline113 ChuckP

    Posted

    Many Thanks for the replies.

    Those in the USA, did Blue Cross Blue Shield cover any costs for the PAE?

    • bruce19007
      bruce19007 Pipeline113

      Posted

      My HMO, Kaiser Permanente covered it.  $50.00 co pay.  Had to travel to another city though so it cost me about $1,000 altogether.
    • Camster
      Camster Pipeline113

      Posted

      Hospital is working on this at the moment. Will keep you posted. Was told the key is to convince the insurance that it is medically necessary and appropriate.

      Using Avodart to get me through a tough patch at the moment. I know the potential side effects. Doctor trying to keep me open until I get PAE scheduled. Can it be used every other day? Any ideas on how to keep the side-effects down?

    • ChuckP
      ChuckP Pipeline113

      Posted

      No, they would not pay for my PAE- I spent $10,000 out of my own pocket.  If it had worked it would have been worth every penny. But since Iam still getting up 4 times a night I would say it was probably not worth the hassle and expense I went thru.  Although I must say Iam completely off the Avodart and the Tamsulosin and my sex life is now very normal.  And if you don't mind me saying I really enjoy the big "explosion" again and making my wife messy.  I guess its a "man thing".
    • ChuckP
      ChuckP Pipeline113

      Posted

      Nope-not a penny.  It cost me a total of around $10,000 out of my own pocket.  Still getting up between 3 and 4 times a night.  Sex life is great as Iam off the Tamsulosin and Avodart but frustrated with the nightime bathroom trips. 
    • sergio72874
      sergio72874 bruce19007

      Posted

      In what city did you have your PAE done? Was it a Kaiser Permanente hospital? Was it a success?
    • bruce19007
      bruce19007 sergio72874

      Posted

      Kaiser Hospital in Oakalnd, CA.  Dr. Douglas Hadley, Interventional Radiology.
    • t90373
      t90373 bruce19007

      Posted

      Did you have a 2nd PAE with Dr. Hadley?  If so, is there any improvement?  Have there been any negative side effects from your PAE?

      I've recently switched over to Kaiser and met with the Chief of Urology for consultation.  He didn't make any recommendations, but just wanted me to be informed about the risks of various procedures.

      Anyway, he said I should be careful with PAE as he's seen many promising procedures go bust throughout his 25 year career.  He said since I was relatively young (48) that I should be careful on what I decide to do as all surgical procedures are irreversible, and I may not be happy with the results.

      Now I'm confused and don't know what to do--just want to get back to normal.

       

    • nealpros
      nealpros t90373

      Posted

      Remember that the PAE is done by an interventional radiologist, not a urologist. A urologist will NEVER recommend a PAE because they make no money on it.

      Neal

    • caringbah
      caringbah t90373

      Posted

      t9, your urologists response is exactly why I have no respect for them. What a smarmy response! They are scared stiff that they are going to lose half their business because the interventional radiologists have a vastly better procedure that will make TURP obsolete and they either know it or are in denial. 
  • lou051947
    lou051947 ChuckP

    Posted

    I have an enlarged prostate. When I exerize it hurts and I become stricken with pain. This can happen on a freqent bases. I live near Inova and think a reduction

    in prostate may help me. Have you had any pain associated with enlarged prostate?

    Thanks so much

    • Roseland
      Roseland lou051947

      Posted

      My prostate was 150ml, which I reckon qualifies as large, but I had no pain on exercising.  Are you sure it's the prostate and not a hernia?
  • lou051947
    lou051947 ChuckP

    Posted

    Yes, i have all the signs and symtoms of prostitstis and enlarged prostate, 70 plus grams size. My systoms kick in after play golf for example or going to the health club.

    Been treated by Eurologist and Internist

    • Roseland
      Roseland lou051947

      Posted

      If you have prostatitis you should see your doctor without delay; he may prescribe a course of antibiotics.  It can restrict your ureter and damage your kidneys by causing a back pressure.  As far as I know (which isn't much) an enlarged prostate which doesn't have prostatitis shouldn't hurt.
    • lou051947
      lou051947 Roseland

      Posted

      i have had chronic non baterial prostatits for 20 years. Had many antibiotics over the years. Thanks for your concern. Maybe it's just all prostatitis and nothing more. I just think an enlarged prostate and prostatitis contribute to the pain and a reduction in size may help
Back to top
Prev 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.