Just had first raised PSA test. Very raised and a bit worried
Posted , 11 users are following.
Hi all. Early days I know but I've just had the result of my first PSA test, performed under a routine health screen through my work scheme. I am generally in very good health and am fairly active. (Aged 54)
Over the last few years I urinate more frequently than I used to but haven't noticed any recent deterioration, I don't have to get up at night very often but control that to some extent by my fluid intake, usually a cup of tea around 2-3 hours before bed. I don't have any problem with going unless I leave it longer than I should and I'm bursting when I have to go twice in relatively quick succession in order to empty my bladder.
Other than these symptons, nothing at all. I had a DRE around 3 or 4 years ago and my prostate was deemed to be fairly normal, possibly slightly enlarged with a normal feel to it and a second DRE last week just after my PSA was taken was thought to be the same by a different doctor. I was asked if I wanted a PSA and understood the pros and cons and decided I would like to have one but the doctor phoned me today to tell me the results and gave me the bombshell that my reading was 9.48.
She has given me all of the usual reassurances about it being inconclusive and not to worry etc but I thought I would get some opinions from here after receiving some really good advice last year after I ruptured my achilles tendon! I'm not in any rush in trying to get a biopsy and am happy to wait for a second test in a month or two, I guess I'm looking for a flood of people who had equally high first readings and did not subsequently have PC diagnosed. Any opinions or experiences gratefully received.
Thanks
0 likes, 44 replies
craig84609 chris13067
Posted
In my case I would have a 3T MRI done and if it shows an area of concern then get a biopsy done. For me a biopsy would be the last resort. There are new tests like the 3T MRI that can and will show PC and if it doesn't show it then there really is no need to do a biopsy. A biopsy can be harmful and the decision to have one not taken lightly.
chris13067 craig84609
Posted
That's kind of where I am Craig but don't want to p*ss off my consultant by messing around with our questioning his suggested treatments!
caz11527 craig84609
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I agree Craig. These high powered scanners are so detailed and I would recommend anyone to attempt to have one if at all possible. If this too shows areas of concern then biopsy would be the next most logical step. At least then the consultant knows which area to target for biopsy and it's not so random. I know also that some men, like my partner, with a higher than normal PSA level, feel more content if they have the biopsy to definitely rule out the possibility of Pca. It is a hard decision and everyone is different.
chris13067
Posted
richard98806 chris13067
Posted
chris13067
Posted
Just got home from having the TRUS biopsy. Not pleasant at all and glad that's over with! My prostate is apparently enlarged, approx 60cc and the lesson that was showing on the MRI is around 3.5mm. Fingers firmly crossed for the results which i have an appointment to get next Thursday.
The biopsy want horrific but with 12 stabs to endure after the initial 2 anaesthetic jabs, once 4 or 5 had been done the prospect of the rest wasn't nice. The nurse who did the procedure was fantastic though and made the experience much better than it might have been.
geoff90305 chris13067
Posted
I understand though in the UK, where you got the MRI, you get no radiologist report of the findings. Maybe this is because the public hospital carried out the tests on request of their doctor. Sort of leaves you in the dark about the whole process..
Good luck with the biopsy results, assuming they give you the actual results, and not some general statements.... If they mention Gleason score, hope for them to be Gleason 6 or less. Research Gleason scores before you have the meeting with hospital doctor so you are better informed to ask the doctor the needed questions relevant to what Gleason score. Maybe all BPH, and you have no issues at all.
Geoff
caz11527 chris13067
Posted
Sorry to hear all that has been happening with you Chris. Just catching up now. At least the biopsy part is over, I know that my partner said that after the first few samples you knew what was coming! Discomfort was the main thing he talked about rather than pain. The consultant radiologist did his, the nurse stayed at the other end making sure he was ok! Usually the results take up to 2 weeks but if you have appointment to get yours on Thursday that's not so long to be waiting and worrying. You are in good, experienced hands and everyone will be doing their best to get you sorted. Hopefully you won't have bleeding for too long. take care. Caz
charles61038 chris13067
Posted
Chris, it is good that the biopsy part is over. When I had mine last year, I really didn't know what to expect. Some doctors give an injection to numb the area... I was only given a topical cream which really didn't do much. I remember the sound from the gun taking the biopsy, which reminded me of a nail gun. I flenched with the first sample that was taken and the doctor told me to try not to do that again... which was easy for hime to say. He should have given me a block of wood to bite on. I wouldn't want to go through one of those again. My biopsy indicated slow growing non agressive prostate cancer. A Gleanson score of 6. I had many treatment options, or even active survailence. I decided to get treatment to rid myself of the cancer. Since it was slow growing, I had time to consider options. I hope you have the same opportunity. I decided on Brachytherapy - a one time treatment option done as an out patient. It has been a little over a year since I had it done and everything is back to the way it was before this whole thing began. I wish you the best of luck.