Melatonin, etc.
Posted , 12 users are following.
Since discovering this site a few months ago, I have both added to my knowledge regarding BPH and learned new ways to try to cope.
First off, I detect a bit of prognosis pessimism on these pages for those who do suffer this condition. Namely, that it has to get worse and that some get-tough "procedure" is inevitably in every sufferer's future.
Maybe so on inevitability, but my own experience goes back 30+ years (hard to believe, for me. But true.) I was in my early 40s when the pee syndrome first kicked in. Now about to turn 73, I am in good health overall, still have sexual desire and spring in my step -- and have yet to let anyone cut or laser me down there. (Even as my uro has suggested TURP as a "once and for all" relief from the nighttime hassle.)
Now the good part: I have pieced together so much good strategy from folks here that I can now say my BPH is quite bearable. What was 4x in the night is now 1x in the night for info gleaned here.
The latest "miracle" of sort: a 3mg melatonin tablet taken each night around 8pm. The supplement had had the remarkable effect of allowing me to sleep through the discomfort of a full-feeling bladder that is not-so-full. (Possible downside, I have to pee with even greater urgency when I do awake, but the melatonin + the "techniques" noted below collectively have resulted in a now 1x per night need that doesn't seem harmful.)
In summary, I have adopted the following:
Melatonin 3mg
Compression socks daytime at work (as a part-time delivery driver)
Very limited fluids -- if any -- after 7pm
BP meds in the morning 'sted of at night (these meds enhance the urinary urge)
Alfuzosin at night (tried to go without recently to see if a difference...and there IS a difference. Relaxation of the prostate seems the importance of this drug, as it feels. With no discernible side effects.)
I have yet to eliminate caffeine -- coffee in the a.m. and occasional "therapeutic" chocolate are still in my routine. And I have yet to try chilled salt-water bedtime enemas which I have read about. But the latter is my next hopefully "breakthrough" addition.
Bottom line: these things collectively have helped considerably and are perhaps worth sharing.
If only they could help everyone. For those beyond these remedies as workable, you have my best wishes.
Thanks again to all the contributors here. You've changed my life quite a bit -- when quite a bit truly matters.
1 like, 26 replies
Howard31850 owen35669
Posted
Thanks Owen for your post - good for you!
I would just add that I also have been taking for alfuzosin for many years just before bedtime. I read that its effectiveness is greatly enhanced if taken at meal time and not on an empty stomach. Since trying that it does seem to work much better for me.
Good luck
Howard
owen35669
Posted
Yes Howard. I had heard and do the same.
lester90053 owen35669
Posted
Have you discussed this with your doctors and if so what is their reaction?
rdemyan owen35669
Posted
I'd just like to add that melatonin is available in a liquid form. Taking it this way might result in less overall liquid intake just before bedtime (pills are supposed to be taken with water).
I have no trouble falling asleep. But sometimes after waking up to urinate, I have trouble getting back to sleep. This is when I take the liquid melatonin.
derek76 rdemyan
Posted
Does taking it so late not take the effect into the next day.
owen35669 rdemyan
Posted
Good idea...less liquid by liquid melatonin. The trick for me is to try to avoid waking up to urinate as much. The melatonin has cut my awakenings. And I take it around 7 so I will feel fully awake next day. I guess you have to experiment with your own body cycle.
And in answer to another question here: my uro doesn't know. Yet. I see him again for a once-annual in April.
rdemyan derek76
Posted
Good question, Derek. I haven't given it much thought.
I don't take it every night, but when I do it is usually between 3 and 4 am.
I haven't really noticed a drowsiness effect the next day. That might be because I tend to have high fasting blood sugar (but I am not diabetic). I actually just completed a 7 day study using continuous glucose monitoring. It seems that I have early morning high blood sugar 30 to 60 minutes before rising. Perhaps that mitigates any drowsiness from taking the melatonin. Also, I don't drink coffee and have never needed caffeine to wake up.
john53959 owen35669
Posted
Owen,
Funny thing...that is my middle name....anyway.... I have just started Melatonin this week.....what a coincidence seeing this post. I was sent to me as a promo by Verified Nutrition, a supplier of my "Prosta Genix" I also take. I noticed that since taking the Melatonin that I have only got up once each night...I usually get up 3-4 times. So must be working. I am in early stages of looking into what best options
in case this BPH gets worse later. I am 62, started with urgency issues about 14 years ago at age 46-47. Never even heard about BPH until this past year. My former GP ( USA in California) was treating for over active bladder.
tom86211 owen35669
Posted
Bought 5mg melatonin yesterday, cut a tablet into quarters, and took the 1.25mg portion 1/2 hour before going to bed last night. Made me feel a bit "heavy" and slightly drugged but I was able to sleep in longer stretches. Don't really like the feeling. This is a powerful drug - can't imagine taking higher doses, but it absolutely does work. Now, if there was something else that helpsme sleep without the feeling of being drugged up I am all for it.
Tom
owen35669 tom86211
Posted
Know that pillow commercial on TV. They work! PM me if you need more specifics! (I have no interest in the company. It just works...
owen35669
Posted
And try taking the melatonin 4 or so hrs before bed...unless you need to be sharp in the eve. You should sleep well and then be wide away and rested for next morning. 1/2 of a 3mg does it for me.