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Long struggle with Prostatitis and now concerned about latest symptoms

Posted , 6 users are following.

brian21335
brian21335

Just turned 38 and for 5 years I have had chronic non bacterial prostatitis on and off during that time. For almost a year I had few if no symptoms at all but a month ago I have been hit hard with pain. I suffer from lower back pain which is sometimes terrible, pain discomfort when I sit, pain in the pubic area, and rarely urinary symptoms. Seeing urologist in two weeks and will have a PSA test but scared with all this pain maybe I already have or had cancer for a time. Not sure what others notice before diagnosis but I hate feeling this way and the anxiety of possible cancer terrifies me. Any suggestions or positive thoughts? I did have a PSA two years ago during a flare up and was normal if that matters. 

No blood in urine and no weight loss 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen brian21335

    Posted

    Dear Brian

    I'm sure that it is not cancer but if concerned ask your doctor to do a psa test so when you see your oncologist the very slight possibility of a raised psa is known.

    All the best. Richard

    • Pepasan
      Pepasan RichardKen

      Posted

      Oncologist? He's seeing a urologist!

      Oncology is only appropriate once cancer is identified.

      Also psa is a very broad test as it only identifies that the prostate is troubled - it can be raised quite high and not necesarily be an indicator of cancer. So many other issues can raise the psa level.

    • charles61038
      charles61038 Pepasan

      Posted

      Pepasan is right on that - when the prostate is troubled the PSA level can rise.  When I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer and my PSA was at 5.6, I developed protatitus after having the biopsy. I was given a regimen of antibotics for 2 weeks. I had already been given the results of the biopsy showing the cancer cells... but after taking the antibiotics for the prostatius, my PSA was down to 2.0. But I still knew I had the cancer cells and I wanted to get rid of that all together. That is why I decided to get treatment and be done with it.
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Pepasan

      Posted

      Yes typo, apologies. I only suggested the OP had a PSA check as he already had a reference point test a few years ago and if it has gone up significantly it would be a concern.

      Cheers Richard

    • Pepasan
      Pepasan RichardKen

      Posted

      That's OK - I just thought I should point out the typo as it might have been alrming for Brian21335

  • charles61038
    charles61038 brian21335

    Posted

    Hello Richard, I've had boughts of prostatitis a few times over the years. The first time I experienced it I was also probably in my 30's. Antibiotics worked for me. As for having prostate cancer, I would think you don't. And I know the anxiety that you feel, but the chances are slim that you would have prostate cancer. Especially at your young age. Get you PSA checked and that should reassure you. I'm sure your urologist is giving you a DRE to check your prostate. That in itself can show any abnormalities of your prostate that would be of concern. It is important that men get their PSA checked during regular annual physicals. So don't jump to conclusions on this one. You will probably get a prescription for antibiotics to relieve the prostatitus.

    I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. Fortunately it was caught early and it was of a non agressive type. There is no pain involved. The PSA blood test was the factor that caused alarm. My PSA was at 5.6. A biopsy showed the cancer cells. in 2 samples out of 12. Although I was a good candidate for active survailence, I opted for treatment just to be done with the whole ordeal. After researching side effects and treatment options, I decided on Brachytherapy which is low dose radiation seed implants. It is a one time treatment done as an outpatient. It takes about 45 minutes and your done. I will go for my 1 year 6 month check up in about 2 weeks. At my 1 year point, my PSA was at 0.1. All side effects gone. So for you, I don't think you should worry about prostate cancer - but it is good that you have your PSA checked annually.

    The best of luck to you, Charles

  • et0hman
    et0hman brian21335

    Posted

    Along with my cancer, I several small prostate stones.  My doctor told me ( as well as some research ) they can form after/during a prostate infection. 

    Get the PSA test done. If the number is troubling, I suggest a MRI. That helped my urologist to identify where to concentrate the samples taken. 

    My cancer was in the front left side. A DRE (several done)  they felt nothing out of the ordinary. 

    So get it checked. 

  • craig84609
    craig84609 brian21335

    Posted

    At your age PC is unlikely, especially with low PSA. Prostatitis is the likely culprit and it can be tough to get rid of. Get with your urologist or if it turns out to be a tough case then contact an infective disease specialist. I had it and my uro was fearful that I had PC, so much so she was talking biopsy even before a PSA was done. So I had the bloody PSA test done and it was so low that it wasn't worth talking about. It was .22 and I am 48 years old, so unless PC runs in your family don't be worried about it.

  • aksns61
    aksns61 brian21335

    Posted

    Your urologist should be able to perform several tests to determine the origin of the infection and irritation. He should also be able to advise you about any cancer. Prostatitus usually causes the PSA to go whacky, as well as the meds to treat it with. Sorry to hear about your condition. Best of luck.
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