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

Bill-

It is good to hear of your excellent outcome.  I think I owe you a debt of gratitude because I think your postings here were part of the reason I  saw Dr. Bagla for the PAE, and so far my results appear to be developing similar to yours.   Recently I have been able to sleep through the night on a few occasions, without having to get up.  And less daytime problems, as with car trips, as you mention.  Or walking around WalMart or BJs.  So at less than 2 months after the procedure, my quality of life has improved a lot.  

I will say that in contrast to others comments on urologists, though, I will say that my local urologist did not try to dissuade me when I asked him about PAE.  I told him about my internet research, and mentioned Dr. Bagla (who was then at Inova) as well as a few other radiologists who were doing the procedure.   He was initially noncommittal, but then got back back to me in a day or two to tell me that there was an interventional radiologist at my local hospital who was now doing PAEs.  I spoke to that local MD, who told me that he had just started them, had done one or two, and could easily put me on his schedule.

So I think some urologists can be open minded about PAE, even tho' my guy did not come up with the suggestion that it was a possible treatment for my problems (which his prostate biopsy made much worse--and necessitated the PAE).    

But after some additional investigation, I decided that experience counts and it would be worth the 10 hour drive to Virginia to see Dr Bagla for the PAE.  Glad I did.  Seems to me now that he has a "few tricks up his sleeve" from doing so many of these procedures, that seeing him was well worth it.  In retrospect, I just might have stayed longer in the Woodbridge area afterward, and put off the long drive home a few days.  That many hours on the road was not much fun just 24 hrs after the surgery.    

KMD, 

   Glad to hear about your success with the PAE.

I know that there are some really good people out there that are also doctors. I just personally have been through hell with 3 urologists. One example is that I now have Peyronie's Syndrome which is a bent penis when it is hard. Well a sadistic urologist did that to me when he inserted a scope up into my bladder. He did that without any lubricant. Ouch!

It is difficult to say anything nice. I have had two other terrible experiences as well.

Continued good luck to you! 

 

Sounds great, thrilled for you that Dr. Bagla's procedure has work for you and has given you a better quality of life. I'm scheduled for my procedure with dr. Bagla soon, reading your post as well as others who've experienced relief is a blessing as I have done my due diligence in researching pae for more than a year now. I've also spoken with dr. Bagla on 4 different occasions, and have confidence in his ability to help me. My confidence is at a high point based on our conversation and his vast experience.

My belief is that they want to see whats going on in there and so that there are no surprises and that they can map their route through the arteries to the prostate. As I understand it we are all vastly different wired and tubed so to speak.

Yes some of us are allergic to the dye.

Day Two:

1.  No problems making it to the bathroom during the night.  Only got up 2 or 3 times.

2.  This morning removed femoral catheter dressings (both sides).  No evidence of bleeding.  So far no blood showing up anywhere.

3.  Worked a full day with a couple of close calls as sometimes the urge is very strong and comes out of nowhere.

4.  Could have wished for more information about what to expect the day of procedure and after.

5.  If I had it to do over, I'd have listened to my girlfriend who advised getting a hotel for the night before and next day.  As it was, I took a 2 hour train ride in the early a.m., thinking I'd walk out and take the train home after.  That would not have been doable in real life.

burninglove,

I agree with you girlfriend on the hotel. I had similar problems on a long ride home the next day, with many urgencies.

I found recovery occurred quickly after the 3rd day. Take it easy for a couple days.

I took Advil for about 5 days after which helped I believe because it is a anti-inflammatory.

Thanks John!  You were exactly right about day 3 being the turning point.

Day 3:

1.  What a difference a day makes!  Still some urgency before bed, but then slept through the night straight through.

2.  Woke up refreshed.  No urgency.  Lots of energy and about 200% better.

3.  Worked full day and felt like a new person.  No urgency, improving stream and volume.

4.  Looking forward to more positive changes!

For me it was day four. 

11 months later it still gets better and better....pee like a horse, get up once a night and my prostate has shrunk from 120cc to 80cc. 

Day 4:

1.  Pretty much a repeat of day 3.

2.  Noticed some bruising rising up around femoral cath sites, but no indications of a major leak.

3.  Noticing some improvement in sexual responsiveness and erection quality.

4.  Kegels having an effect on bladder residual again.

5,  Wondering how long I need to keep from straining the femoral repair sites and when I can seriously exercise legs again.