PSA after BPH surgery
Posted , 7 users are following.
When my BPH was first diagnosed in 1995 my PSA was 5.1 and I had a biopsy that proved negative. After it went up to 7.0 I had another negative biopsy. I decided then that an enlarged prostate meant high PSA and did not have another. By the time I had GL/PVP in 2004 my PSA was up to 9.8.
After the procedure it came down to 5.0. As my prostate regrew it went back over 7.0 After a Thulmium/ Holmium procedure in 2013 it dropped down to 0.74. My GP recently suggested another PSA test and it came back as 0.52 so I doubt if I'll ever have another one.
0 likes, 9 replies
Waffalobill derek76
Posted
My insurance considers a psa preventative testing. They pay for it. Long as they pay for all of it they can do them as often as they want. My primary wants me to have one cause its been just over 2 years. I dont think i need it. Last one was .04. Maybe next year. Not gonna make a special trip for it. Do it next time they want labs done.
keith42667 Waffalobill
Posted
I had a psa at my last medicare annual. Consult with GP; he said it was a 9. He gave me a round of antibiotics to see if that would bring it down. I guess he thought it could be a UTI or something even though I was having no symptoms. After two weeks, it was down to a 7.
I know one thing guys on this forum have said is: a) PSA is not really THAT good of an indicator of prostate cancer and b) I'd been doing cic for about a year and that can irritate the prostate enough that it could cause a spike in my level. My doc told me that it was either the antibiotics experiment or I would need a biopsy.
Its past time for me to have another check. The last I knew it was still between 5 and 7.
derek76 Waffalobill
Posted
When I had my second one I had a massive bleed after it and was kept in hospital overnight.
Later that night a Urologist in to see a patient asked why I was there. He said in Norway they call biopsies without any PC symptoms PSA terrorism.
nick67069 derek76
Posted
My PSA was in low teens when doctor wanted to do biopsy. Instead we agree on 3T MRI, which is much better option. Result was negative... When I was diagnosed with autoimmune problem, PSA went to 24-25!. Again instead of biopsy, I have done MRI. No trace of PC.
Here in Japan they tend to use MRI as a better option to biopsy. When you do biopsy you are taking samples from the prostate tissue. Even if you have PC, if you miss the spot, biopsy will come back as negative. Add to that chance of infection and bleeding .. and the question is why do biopsy?
derek76 nick67069
Posted
I'm sure the MRI is the much better option but what is the cost difference for your health provider ?
nick67069 derek76
Posted
Japan has single payer healthcare system, and my cost is ~$65-$70 for 30%co-pay. I have not asked how much would have been to do biopsy, but suspect cost would not be determining factor.
derek76 nick67069
Posted
From what I've read the Japanese system seems to be very good. The do though seem to be very keen on colonoscopies, Is that in any way because of the Japanese diet causing colon cancer?
nick67069 derek76
Posted
Not sure if they are "very keen on colonoscopies", but they do provide regular checkups, and based on those tests may recommend further analysis. As far as Japanese diet, I think it is one of the healthiest in the world, reflected in longevity. I think they are #1 in the world.
derek76 nick67069
Posted
Here there is a reluctance to do them even in families like mine with a history of colon cancer. I told my last two GP's about it and got a why from one and a questioning look from the other.
When I eventually had one that was clear the probe stimulated my vagus nerve and my BP dropped to 49/29 and heart rate to 30bpm and I went into AF and spent the afternoon on a drip.
The japanese evidently has a lot of salt in it.