My Urolift Recovery Experience
Posted , 27 users are following.
My Urolift Experience: In hopes of giving others an idea of what to expect: Good info from previous posters – Thanks!
11/13/18 - By way of background: I’m 63 years old; better than average shape for my age. Have had a slow stream for decades, and got up an average of 4-5 times a night for the past decade as well. I couldn’t hold more than ½ cup of urine in my bladder without intense need to go.Had procedure done at about 9:30 this morning. It’s now 6:45 pm. Had a local anaesthetic (like everyone), and opted for Nitrous Oxide (thankfully). Wasn’t too fun during the procedure, with moments of medium pain (I know, hard to gauge the seriousness of pain!). I’m usually fairly tolerant of pain. I figure I had worse than average symptoms, so didn’t see much choice but to have it done. Generally, I’d say the literature underestimates the amount of discomfort (to put it mildly); at least in my case. My doctor has done somewhere around 50 of these procedures; he’s pretty young, though (30?).
It’s now 6:45 pm, first day: After the procedure, Dr. said I could use the bathroom; but I couldn’t get a drop out, despite extreme urge. Stayed in the waiting room, and tried to go for the next hour or so … no luck, except for about a half teaspoon of bloody urine after about 5 trips. Decided to go home and try to relax. At home, I was able to pee about a tablespoon twice, but it wasn’t getting any easier. Pain was slight burning, but severe urge to pee that couldn’t be satisfied; and it hurt. When I tried to pee, I got a wave of pain (not stinging; just felt five times worse than if I’d had way too much beer) that required me to grab tight to a door frame. Pain lasted about 20 seconds. I told myself I’d wait until 3pm before returning to the office to get catheterized, hoping situation would get slowly better; but it didn’t appear to be going well … so … at 2pm, off I went, got catheterized, with much relief (but still a lot of discomfort). Now that I’m catheterized, I still have a very strong and uncomfortable urge to pee at all times. Also, even though the catheter is in place, I still seem to have to stand up in order to pee into the bag, and the pain is pretty high while I void (still about a tablespoon at a time). I have noticed that it’s getting ever so slightly better, though, with each episode (about every 15 minutes at this point). I just grab onto the doorframe, and grin and bear it. Have to go again urgently a minute after each pee session.Tomorrow morning I’m supposed to pull the catheter out. Man! Am I looking forward to that! (Being facetious here!).
A couple of tips so far: Dr. told be to take 3-200mg Ibuprofens (motrin) every six hours (600 every 6 hrs memory device). I wouldn’t go Against your Dr’s orders, though. Can’t imagine how uncomfortable I’b be without, as Ibuprofen is pretty effective for me. Also, get a good book to help get your mind off of it! I’m gonna try the TV after a while to pass the time (since I can’t easily pass the urine!).
Please note: Don’t want to scare anyone off of getting the procedure done; I’m sure the pain will be more than offset by the relief in a few days or so! Just know what you’re up against, and Man Up! In the lead-up to getting the procedure, I was led to believe that I’d be able to get back to a home improvement project the same day, and be back to mountain bike riding as soon as I wanted! Unh-Uh!
Will report tomorrow with more ...
2 likes, 66 replies
lester19220 daves_here
Posted
Recovery no different than any other procedure.
leon67555 daves_here
Posted
could you send me your phone number
heres my e mail
thanks
Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.
daves_here
Edited
Continuation - 11/15/18 8am – Went to bed about 9:15. Up until then, I had been going about 50ml a pop, accompanied by moderate amount of pain (which was slowly getting worse as the day had passed), even with the Ibuprofen. Woke up to pee at 11 pm, and couldn’t squeeze any out. Kept trying for an hour, and I got a couple drops of blood. At this point, I was a hurting pup, so I woke my wife, called my doc, and he told me to go to the ER (which I had been studiously trying to avoid). Folks there were quite good (though I haven’t seen the bill yet). They catheterized me, releasing 600 ml (about 5 times more than I can typically hold w/o a need to pee). I came home and went to bed. It’s now 8am, and I have a call in to the doc’s office to see what can be done. Meanwhile, I carry the catheter bag while I work around the house…
More later…
11/15/18 – 7pm – called office with questions this am, and the other doc (mine was in surgery) called back half hour later. Said he tells his patients to continue Tamsulosin for a while (my doc said nothing about this).Also said to use Ibuprofen “as needed”, so I’ll take it before going to bed (it does have anti inflammation properties, and will probably help me sleep). He said to take out the cath tomorrow am, and see if the swelling that blocks my flow goes away before the end of the day; so I’ll do it as soon as I wake up. He said to drink normally. The constant urge to pee with the catheter in (annoying, but livable) is from the catheter impinging on the bladder. BTW, the emergency room folks also checked my pee for signs of infection last night, and I was free of that. I spent most of the day laying oak flooring in my living room, with my catheter bag strapped inside my knee; no problem so far! Oh, and I pooped this am after skipping a day; no pain at all. I think I skipped the day because I just wasn’t eating as much; so don’t worry about poopin’ with the catheter in!
If I go into the office tomorrow to get re-catheterized, I’m going to suggest they come up with a handout on recommended recovery strategies; you’d think that would be a no-brainer! Shouldn’t have to search around for discussion groups when you’re suffering!
daves_here
Posted
Continuation - 11/16/18 - I woke up this morning, and with great anticipation, took out the catheter. I worked for an hour, and then got the urge to pee … and just got a few drops. So I called the Doc, and they scheduled me for another catheter at 1:30. During the office visit, I told him that they should have a handout of helpful hints for people that have trouble after the procedure. I said that I had been desperate the day after the Urolift, so had to go online to seek advice. He said that cases like mine were extremely rare, and made no commitment; I think that’s a mistake. I’ll bring it up again next time I talk to him.
I went shopping after being catheterized, and was fairly uncomfortable by the time I got home. The catheter bag position needed adjusting. Went back to installing my floor, but it got painful after about 1-1/2 hrs. Felt a strong urge to pee, even though I was catheterized. I’m guessing that my movements were probably bouncing around the water balloon at the end of the catheter, and irritating the bladder; which makes it feel like you need to pee. So I quit for dinner, and it’s getting better slowly. I was told to remove the catheter on Monday, and return to the office if the problem remains.
11/17/18 – 11 am - Slept pretty well, but got up twice to empty my bag. Ever since I got the new catheter yesterday, I’ve felt a constant urge to pee. I decided to firm up the catheter attachment to my leg so that it wouldn’t move around so much, yanking my peter to and fro. Soaped and rinsed it, including the catheter where it exits. Then I swabbed my doodle and the catheter with alcohol, put some Neosporin where the catheter exits me, and used straps from my two previous catheters to strap it firmly (but with some slack) to my leg. The doc said using the Neosporin was a good idea, to protect the end of the penis from irritation and bacteria. Note that this was my idea, not his; but he seemed to think it was a good idea (another idea for the “handout”). Taking it a little easier today, with frequent breaks from chores/work; but still get strong urges to pee every so often, so I stand there, relax, take the wave of pain, and pretend to pee. Trying to drink a little more, because my pee is fairly brown, and I hope to get it to run clear; but I’m balancing this against the pain of peeing (into the catheter bag).
daves_here
Edited
Continuation - 11/24/18 - Over the past several days, the pain associated with peeing has subsided, and the immediacy of having to pee within a few seconds of getting the urge has subsided almost to normal. I feel much better now that the ordeal is over with … but … I am now back to the state I was in before the procedure. I still have the same weak stream, and still get up five times/night to pee. In other words; 11 days in, I am no better off than before the operation (but am perhaps $11,000 poorer). I will wait a few more days, then return to the doctor’s office to find out what’s going on. Needless to say, I’m disappointed with the results at this point in time!
stephen54687 daves_here
Posted
Hi Dave,
Thank you for taking the time to write about your journey post Urolift.
I am pleased to hear that you are feeling more comfortable after, what seems to me, a pretty horrendous 11 days post op.
It is very dis-heartening to hear that you are 'back to square one' as it were with regards to your weak stream and the number of times you are having to get up at night.
Please keep us updated as to your progress.
I am currently awaiting this procedure after having to cancel it back in August due to AUR on the day. I have to admit that, having read about your experience, I am not looking forward to it.
Best wishes.
Steve.
daves_here stephen54687
Posted
Stay tuned, Stephen. I'll try and keep posting as long as I think it's relevent. My doctors (two Urologists) claim that my experience is extremely rare; not sure how truthful they are being about this. It could be that I will continue to improve; they say it takes up to 4 weeks, and I'm only at two. You might want to research the alternative procedures; I wish I had. My biggest concern now is that I may have to repeat the procedure in the next ten years, as they say it's only temporary. I got sucked into all of the positive press amongst the urologists about the non-invasiveness of the procedure. I guess I didn't notice the concerns about the temporary nature of the treatment. Anyway; your situation will likely be different than mine, as can be gleaned from the other postings. Good luck!
Lvscott daves_here
Posted
Because these procedures ARE NOT MINIMALLY INVASIVE -- rather, it's maximum profit for the Uro's.. Here's the deal.. Want bad BPH issues resolved? A few choices;
Do everything possible to change diet, research natty supplements. Many men have reversed BPH symptoms this way. often times BAD SYMPTOMS.. This is A FACT.
Skip these so-called minimally invasive procedures such as Rezum and UroLift, consider FLA and PAE (although less and less, as I research PAE, I don't like it. Don't kill prostate tissue by cutting off blood flow - could have other bad effects down the road health-wise.)
Surgery is last resort - Consider Holep, BUTTON TURP, Bipolar Turp (Mono Turp is terrible), possibly PVP. If your URO doesn't do a procedure YOU WANT, find another URO. In my opinion, too many men are too concerned about retro.. U want to pee at maximal levels? If so, get procedures PROVEN over the long term to work and ease up the obsession over retro ejaculation. Or, you hope these so-called minimally invasive procedures work..
Conclusion - these 'minimally invasive' procedures maximize URO profits, and not necessarily to our benefit! None of these procedures should be done without a full set of urodynamic testing, and should not be done with some form of general anesthesia. They are done with locals for the profit benefit of uro's, not us!
benThere daves_here
Posted
I just passed the 6 week mark and finally back to normal (Pre-Urololift) other than the deductibles and out of pocket expenses and painful memories) I had my followup visit, the bladder scan showed almost non residual urine so bladder emptying well. I get up fewer times during the night, sometimes not at all. My biggest problem now is with urgency that I didn't have before, so when I have to go, there isn't a lot of time to find a restroom. The Doc thinks that will get better with time. So I feel your pain, it sucks to go through all the drama and cost only to get back to where you were, but I think I am slowly making improvement and will end up a bit better although not meeting expectations. BTW I did not have to use a catheter but probably should have, I did not have any pain meds other than over the counter, and it really really sucked for the first two weeks, Sucked the third week, sucked a little less the 4th, etc.
benThere Lvscott
Edited
Have to agree with you there, I think Urolift is the primary thing my urologist does now, my procedure 5 clips was 16K, he was in the room about 15 minutes. I know there are support staff but still, when you do 5-8 a day, you can see the motive to maybe oversell it a little. The thing that p****d me off is how painful it was and how he just dismissed it as me being over sensitive. It is not a procedure that should be done with local anesthesia.
leon67555 benThere
Posted
I'm
very upset thinking i am going yo have this procedure 1-21-2018
i am very scarred ,
because i couldn't do the resune unless i was put out!!!
this urio dr thinks i will be fine...
but i don't tolorate pain very well....
what should i do???
JerryR benThere
Posted
Let's talk about URGENCY. Lately I have been using one of those sticky absorbent pads on the front interior of my under pants (bikini style). And every time I pee, I put a Kleenex around my penis tip, just in case 😃 Anybody got any better ideas. Anybody use "Depends?" Just looking for some good ideas until I can schedule a FLA by Dr. K.
timothy81571 benThere
Posted
Wow, No wonder my ins doesn't cover Urolift. That is crazy.
kenneth1955 leon67555
Posted
Leon
Are you having it done in the office or a surgery center. I had my done almost 4 years ago in a surgery center. I would not let them do that to me when I am up. If you do not tolerate pain well. You should be asked to be out.
There is pain and then there is prostate pain. Cutting yourself is pain full or even breaking your ankle that is pain But when someone is trying to attach a clip to the prostate that is to me pain. Had that happen to me 9 month's after I had it done. Never know that could happen ( I'm in the book ) My doctor informed the company. I let him try to put the cut back on the prostate of course I did not have anything for pain I just wanted it over. He could not do it . How many clips are they going to do.
The Urolift procedure is very good. It will open you up and help the bladder neck
Just talk with the doctor and tell him your concernsKen
daves_here leon67555
Edited
I'd have a frank discussion about your tolerance for pain with the doc. I have a pretty good tolerance for pain, but still used Nitrous Oxide, which helps, but it was still a little painful and uncomfortable. I managed pain by squeezing my fists and toes, and releasing them in an attempt to relax.
benThere leon67555
Posted
My urologist wants to make is sound easier than it is and just uses chilled lidocane and has his nurse hold your hand and talk to you (oral anesthesia) . It sucked really bad. They have had a few people bag it after 1 clip.Talk to your urologist I would make sure that he has a back up plan. I think Rezuum uses a spinal or prostate block.
If I had to do it again i would only do it under general anesthesia.
jpj6491 daves_here
Posted
Over one month out and I am where I was before Urolift or maybe worse. Do a TURP which research shows is more effective. My pain, burning, flow problems, are a mess and I guess I am one of the 1 out of 10 failures on this procedure.
jpj6491 benThere
Posted
They are failures at pain management so demand, DEMAND good pain control, prednisone, percocet, strong stuff. Do not let them blow you off on pain managment ... These docs want to protect themselves in a time of addiction and abuse. Not your problem.
kenneth1955 jpj6491
Posted
Check with your doctor. If it fails it was the way the doctor did the procedure. Did you have a median lobe. Maybe he put it to close to the bladder neck. Also it may take you longer to heal. I was good in 2 weeks
I'm going on 8 year 4 clips. Still wide openKen
david25288 kenneth1955
Posted
kenneth1955
Thank you very much for your informative posts on the Urolift procedure over many years.
I had the Urolift performed on me 2/2/23 which is now 5 days ago. It was done under IV sedation (Propofol) at my Urologists office surgical center where the do Urolifts once a month using IV sedation rather than local anesthesia. I'm glad I did it that way from information I read from you and others. When I woke up I already had a catheter bag strapped to my leg which was removed after one day. My Urologist surprised me after the procedure when he told me he inserted 7 implants into my prostate after telling me before the procedure I had a small sized prostate. I'll follow up on why 7 implants when I see him in 3 weeks. I've been experiencing many of the post Urolift symptoms reported by you and others: spasms from catheter, blood clots, urgency to pee, always feeling like I need to pee, pelvic discomfort, weak stream, and wondering how long is it going to take to feel somewhat normal again. I know it's been only 5 days since my Urolift procedure but this feeling I have to continuing to pee and getting up many times in the night to pee with little coming out is very bothersome to say the least.
Is a one to two weeks recovery period still realistic to expect? Again thank you and others on this Patient website for everyone's useful posts! David from NJ.
Markuson timothy81571
Posted
Interestingly, my insurance would ONLY cover it if done in the hospital under general anesthesia, and would NOT cover it if done in office under local anesthesia.