REZUM--HAVE YOU HAD THIS DONE???????

Hi John

Isn't a month or so of recovery fairly common?  Did you have a larger median lobe?  Do you know how many insertions (steam blasts) you were given? 

Can you please describe your current symptoms and difficulty?   Sending good thoughts for your rapid recovery.

    Erik

 

To help tide you through this period, you might learn the technique of self-catheterization that JimJames on here has taught and explained so well on here. 

Could you show a link to that technique?  I have now been self-cathing for a month or so... but still feel it could be more comfortable and I get a LOT of resistance at the bladder neck...  thanks!

I think 16's are too big for me... 14's work, but am planning on trying a 12...

Just move very gently and make sure your catheter has adequate lubrication. I use "use only once" catheters and then dispose of them.

It's not exactly comfortable but when you have the Sensation that your bladder is completely empty that's a beautiful thing.

I agree big time... and I do use hydrophilic caths... just tried the self lube ones a few times... got a few "GentleCath" as samples...and didn't like them...  I do move very gently... but still think the resistance at the bladder neck may require a 12 for comfort instead of the 14's that do work... but are tight.  I think I'll avoid the 16's... no real reason to use them.  YES, that empty bladder feeling is GREAT... haven't had it for many decades... only since I started self-cathing...  Thanks!

Tucson, many of us are using the 12fr, including Jimjames. Sometimes I even go down to 10fr when I had problems. Hank

Need to cath frequently. It definitely gets worse before it gets better. If you don't want to live through the bad stage, get Urolift.

thanks, hank!  I sure wish I knew this... wonder why the UroDoc didn't try to start out small and go up if needed... those 16's are really hard on me... and the 14's are tight too... I am really looking forward to the 12's... and maybe will try a 10 too!  thx again!

The 12 may be better for you.  Most of the time they do start out small.  Good luck  Ken

My uro nurse started me out with a 12. I had so much bleeding problems the first 2 weeks and couldn't even get it through that I thought something was wrong with my anatomy. So I ordered the 10fr and finally was able to cath, and learn how to do it with the 10. Weeks later, with enough confidence, I moved up to the 12. I tried the 14 occasionally, including this morning, but always found that they are too tight, and sometimes left my prostate sore long afterwards.

I always have a box of 10 available just in case I have some inflammation or tight prostate that I couldn't get the 12 to work. Why don't I use the 10 all the time? Ittakes much longer time to drain the bladder vs the 12. Hank

Hank I don't usr caths. When I was in the hospital the day of surgery. But it was like 7 hrs later . My pee was going around the cath. And it was a 14 I yhonk. So they took it out and put in a 18. And I still continued to pee around the cath.

Dang, your nurse is sharper than my previous Doc.  He did a cysto and knew I had a very tight bladder neck and still gave me 16's... ( he also pushed hard for a Green Light, which I am not sure at all is the best option...) I am sure I need 12's or even 10's... my 14's work, but are uncomfortable and like you, I get a sore prostate...  unfortunately, I will probably have to wait a full month to get the 12's... I just got a month of caths on insurance... so am scrounging for samples...  thx!

I am sure it will be more comfortable and hope for no leaks.  Thanks, Ken

I wasn't happy after 9 days. I wasn't happy after 3 weeks, when I could barely dribble little bits. But by week six I was better than before and 2 1/2 years later, I'm really glad I did Rezum. Apparently, longer recoveries don't translate to poorer results. hang in there...it might be a few more weeks but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Wow that's good to hear! The kind of news keeps me going. Thank you

Thomas, why are you not trying cathing to find out perhaps your current problems after Rezum are due to strictures caused by scar tissues fusing together ? Hank

Why would I want to use a cath. I pee to much as it is

My mistake! I thought you have peeing difficulty. Hank

Tusc,

My Uro insisted that 16's, in the red rubber, were the best to use, and got offended when I told him I wanted 14's.  I think in a Urology office they want to use the type that is the fastest, and least trouble for them.  The 16's go in without bending, so may be more uncomfortable, but are faster and less trouble, in an office setting.  They have to do many patients in a day so want the least amount of problems.  His PA kind of understood, though and ordered me 14's. Since I have been ordering myself I get 14's in the red rubber and 12's in the hydrophylic's.  Next time I will try some 10's in the hydrophylic's.

Thomas

I guess I am impatient with doctors these days... my gastro Doc pushed so hard for a colonoscopy, refused to order a Cologard... I dumped him.  Previous UroDoc pushed hard for a green Light laser, without discussing alternatives or side effects... I dumped him...

I have never had an intermittent/one use cath put in at a Doc's office, but it is outrageous that he would insist on a 16...  I knew 16's were too big right away... then, after a few failures to be able to insert... one 16's caused me to bleed, that was it... 14's work... but I am looking forward to the 12's and 10's... I think they will be way more comfortable, and with my very tight bladder neck, doubt that I'll have leakage issues, unless I cath when REALLY over-full... I hear red rubber is more comfy than hydrophilic?  I might try to get a sample of those too...  I do not mind some extra time draining... 12's or 10's...  I want COMPORT!  ;-)

BTW:  Not sure where you are, but find a Doc that can do the HoLep... you may not choose to have that done, but it means the guy is probably way above average... IMHO.  And read reviews on Vitals and healthgrades... (dotcom) though people tend to post reviews if unhappy and not review if happy!

Skoal!

ob,

did you have a foley in and how long was it for? did you have to cic also?

 

can you tell me where you read about strictures caused by scar tissue after rezum? it s a side effect i hadnt heard and would like to read about it?

larry

 Does anyone know why we haven’t heard from JimJames in a long time? 

I was sent home with a Foley and the tools to remove it. My doc said as soon as my urine was no worse than pink I could remove it. It was fine so I removed it that night. I did CIC for about 2 1/2 weeks after that and probably should have done it a bit longer - and from what I've heard and read, I was an outlier - most people are at least functional without a catheter within 10 days. I didn't reach that point for much longer and wasn't out of the woods til about 5 weeks.

Good afternoon.  Change you can have get a stricture from any procedure that goes in and out of the urethra.  I got mine from having kidney stone surgery. My doctor 15 years ago went in and out of the urethra 3 week.  He did it in stages.  It does happen  Good luck  Ken 

Have not heard from him in a while.  I will send a PM to him and see what is going on  Ken

thank ken.

what about scar tissue? is that common in rezum?

With the doctor going in and out of the urethra it can happen.  But most of the scar tissue happen in side of the prostate from the steam after the tissue heal.  That is were you get the relief.  I also was reading that scar tissue from the surgery will require surgery with in the year after the treatment. They all have risk    Ken

Nope... hope he is OK... nice guy who helped this newbie to cathing out a lot.

Have not heard from him yet.  I sent him a PM  Ken

Thanks, Ken...  BTW, just today tried my first "12", a Coloplast Speedicath... I liked it... not a huge difference from the 14 "Cure", but more comfy... :-)

That is great.  It will get better every time you use it.  Have a great day  Ken 

Thanks, Ken!  I hope to try a Fr10 soon too... appreciate your help.

It's no problem.  You have to do what you need to do.  If you need anything Let me know  Ken 

thanks, Ken! 

Btw:  Just got a couple of samples of the Hollister "VaPro Plus Pocket" Cath... looks like a good thing for travel... or maybe to keep in car for emergency...  ever try one? I doubt I'll try, will keep all 3 for travel/emergency/auto...

Never have tried that one but I have 12 fr coude catheter  that is what my doctor gave me to try.  Only have them for emergency  Take care  Ken    

I see that JimJames has a thread about self-catheterization that he posted on 9 days ago.

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/self-catherization-an-on-on-off-strategy--591671?page=1

I just tried a coude cath, a 14... man, it really was uncomfortable from the start... felt like the lube was burning!  Cure brand "Ultra"... it DID seem to go past the bladder neck better than a straight... BUT... I'll never use one again... painful!!  bad batch??  Best,  JJ

Hey Buddy.  Sorry that you had a problem.  Did you read up on how to insert the coude catheter.  My doctor told me that the tip has to be up facing me and it should go right through the prostate.  They use them for men that have large prostate and stricture.  I explained that to a nurse and in school they do not show them about that type of catheter.  I hope you can find one that can help  Ken

No, not a bad batch.  I've used the Cure Ultras, both straight and coude, and felt the same burning from the lube.  It doesn't have anything to do with the coude tip.

After using them a few times though the lube didn't bother me so much.

I used a Cure sample before, don't remember if it was Ultra.  It had a stripe down the length to help with coude tip orientation.  I don't recall a burning sensation.  I also don't remember if had a water packet that has to be broken.  Some that use a breakable water packet don't lubricate well.  You have to tip them back and forth to distribute the water.

Thomas

This Ultra had the stripe... was pre-lubed, sort of like the Speedicath... but more goop.  I still think I got a bad batch... really stung... ah well, the regular Cure straight tips and the Speedicaths work fine...

Do YOU get a lot of resistance at the bladder neck before it goes in?  I hit  a sort of "wall"... have to wait and gently push a little... wait and gently push again...  sometimes takes 10-30 seconds before it goes in... sound normal?  Thx!

Thanks, George!  Jeeze... I wonder why the heck they would use a lube that stung?!!?!?  I find the Coloplast Speedicath to be really comfortable... you might order a sample see if it is better for you... why sting?  

Does the coude tip help get past the prostate, or the bladder neck... or both?  I have no problem sliding by the prostate with my straight tips, but the bladder neck gives a lot of resistance...

Yes, Ken, thank you... I lined it up ok...  George below said he had the same experience... hard to believe a big company would use lube that stung... and maybe I am a snowflake, but it really stung! I am going to try a different brand coude because I think it helped go past the bladder neck, which for me is the most resistance...

  Yes you have to try many to get the right one.  The catheter that my doctor gave me was.  ( He gave me a box of 30 )  The bran is BARD Care, Comfort, Choice  14 Fr Coude Sure-Grip coated silicone   I have them Just in case  Ken

I suspect the stinging is from some sort of antibacterial ingredient in the lube.

I have problems sometimes getting past the external sphincter (I think).  It's like I hit a brick wall before getting into the prostate at all.  The coude tip ones seem to work better for me when that happens.  With some of those I can back the cath out an inch, try and relax like I'm trying to pee, and then advance it back in and get past the blockage.  Lowering the tip seems to help as well.

I've tried the Speedicaths but for some reason I've never been able to get them in.  They always hit the brick wall and won't go past.  Coloplast was nice enough to send me a bunch of samples of their different products, both straight and coude, but I never got any of them to work for me.  Every body's different.

I've had intermittent success with the Cure caths.  Sometimes they'll go in and sometimes they won't.

The one product I've had consistent success with is the Lofric hydrophilic coudes.  They have two hydrophilic products, the Primo and the Origo, which I think are the same basic cath with different packaging.  They're the most comfortable catheters for me.

Tusc,   I do not get resistance at the bladder neck when using the red rubber catheters size 12, 14 or 16,  with external lube. I barely notice it.  I do get a little resistance with the Magic3 size 12 but not bad.  I get more resistance with the SpeediCath size 12 and have to slow down and twist side to side a little.  I get even more resistance with Magic3 size 14 and the most resistance with SpeediCath 14.

Thomas

I don't need to use a cath. I can pee on my own. But I pee like 8 to 10 times in 12 hrs.

When I need them I had to order a specific amount for insurance. If you can’t get it in and have to throw it out how do you get the insurance company to pay for more?

thanks, Ken, I might try a box of those... I tried a Bard 'CleanCath', coude, not pre-lubed, it worked pretty well... the most comfy I have tried is the SpeediCath 12, bit still had some pretty good resistance at the bladder neck... so maybe a coude in the same thing would work very well... my Cure hydrophilic 14's work fine... that is what I started with (samples), though my next order will be in the 12's... half Cure, half Speedicath.

I went back and read some of your comments on the Urolift... which is the way I am leaning... probably with a BNI at the same time... my UroDoc says that is a good procedure... though he does the HoLep too... maybe later in life (I am 62)... do you still think that was a good decision to do the Urolift?  could you summarize the side effects, recovery time, etc?  any leaking, dribbling, etc?  My guy does not like the green laser... or Rezum...       thanks!

Unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover my catheters, so I just pay out of pocket.

Hi, George, yes, I agree, must be the antibacterial... but still a bad idea... ouch!  I'm sure there are better alternatives, no other cath stung like that!

I am pretty sure my resistance is at the bladder neck, I thought it was the b-neck because when it pushed in just another half-inch, I was flowing... I think the sphincter is below the b-neck and the prostate... bummer to have the resistance so early!  The Speedicath is different, VERY comfy, but seems to be a little hardr to push through the resistance, then POP!  It gives a weird feeling as it goes through... must be a different tip design... have not tried a Speedicath coude but plan to... I forget, what size do you use?  I get less resistance with the 12's... might even try a 10... 16's are "iffy" and my prostate is sore after... got some bleeding once and that was it for the 16's!

I'll try to get a sample of the lofric coude... and thanks for your help!

Hi, Thomas,  I get 3 samples of the red rubber fr12, but I can't imagine being able to get this SUPER flexible cath to go past the resistance of my prostate, let alone the stronger resistance at my bladder neck! Do you not have much resistance at all?  How do you use... lube it and push in an inch at a time?

I tried a bard Magic3 16 and it wouldn't go in, very uncomfortable from the start, even caused some bleeding... "GentleCath" samples were losers too.   I too get resistance at the B-neck with the Speedicath 12, VERY comfy going in, but then resistance and a weird feeling as it pushes thru... sort of a POP... I think the tip must be a weird design that they should change... the Speedi 16's give too much resistance... I will try the "twisting" with my Speedicath 12's  George says try a "Lofric" hydrophilic... ever try one?  thanks!

Sorry to butt in... but I would recommend asking for your prescription to change... I do 4X/day but asked to go up to 5 so I have extras or spares... if you can't get it in, maybe need to go down a size or two?  16's were uncomfortable and I had several failures... went to 14's and they worked ok, but I think 12's are my correct size for now... and hope to try a 10 soon to see what that feels like and if any "leakage" occurs...  I suppose you could sterilize the used cath with alcohol, lube it up and try again... but better ask around, I am new to this... GL to you.

Just a thought... I wonder if your bladder is always near full... so you pee some, but never empty much, so have to go again in an hour... if you DID try cathing... you might find like I did that you have to go much less often, because your bladder is actually almost emptied, instead of just having a few hundred milliliters go out per pee.

If you can't bear cathing... maybe a procedure?  I am thinking about  Urolift, and in my case, need a bladder neck procedure at the same time... GL!

Hi Tusc -

I use 14's, but I've used both 12's and 16's too without much trouble.

George

My friend I think it is a very good procedure but it stands alone.  I would do the Urolift first without the the BNI.  The healing time would be 2 to 4 weeks no side effects.  I had a catheter in for 3 day.  You will have some spasm from the catheter.  The reason I say to it alone is you need to heal from one procedure before you have another.  There are no side effects from the Urolift and the Urolift will take the pressure off the bladder neck.  You may not even need it.  If you have the BNI it carries it's own healing time 4 to 8 weeks.  You will have leaking bleeding and you may get retro and there is also a lot of pain.  If you want to talk more PM me or I will you.  Have to get my son from work  Ken

Thanks again!  Solid advice.

Thanks, George, I am a little gun-shy on the 16's after some bleeding... I may have been impatient as a newbie and pushed too hard...   but maybe will try them again... I'd like to use up the ones I have... new orders will be 14's and 12's.

Tusc,  I think some of the catheters have a hard time getting past the blabber neck, because they scrape one side, and need to bend to do it.   The Speedicath does not bend easily.  The red rubbers will bend easily around the bladder neck.  12, 14 and 16 red rubber all go through the bladder neck easily. Red rubber 14s work best for me.  I squeeze lube onto paper then twirl the tip in it to coat the first 4 inches.  Then keep adding lube as it goes in.  The problem is the clean up afterwards if you want to re-use it.

Magic3 size 16 is too big.  I have tried the 14s and they go in with a little effort, but the size twelve goes in very easy.   The Magic3 size twelve narrows down toward the tip so that it is more like a 10 or 8 at the tip end.  It is made of silicone so is more flexible than the Speedicath.   It takes some time and effort with the Magic3 to get the water lube to coat the catheter evenly, and even then the lube is not as good as the Speedicath, however just good enough, for one time use.  The Magic3 is a little high in price, but my insurance pays for it.

For cathing away from home you usually want it to be fast, so the Speedicath 12 is the fastest and the Magic3 is second fastest, and a little less abrasive.

Thomas

Tusc,  If you have retention, I think it's also good to empty the bladder completely,  by catheter at least once per day.   Otherwise, you are always mixing old urine with new.  Some old urine may stay in the bladder for several days before going out.  This causes a high level of bacteria and can cause Urinary Track Infections, UTIs.

Thomas

Tusc,  I agree with Kenneth.  Do the Urolift by itself  first.  You may find you don't need BNI.  If you have BNI you may end up with RE and worse you may have some incontinence.   Try Flomax first to see what RE feels like, only it would be permanent.  When I take Flomax, it relaxes my bladder neck, and has causes RE, and also stress incontinence, when the bladder is full and I bend over.

Think about it,

Thomas

Thomas  I hated taking Flomax & Rapaflo.  Got Retro and it sucked.  Have you tried anything else to help relax your bladder.  Try Myrbetriq 50 mg or Cyclobenzapr 10 mg  They both relax the bladder and they do not cause retro  Have a good day  Ken

Thank you, Thomas, I will take you guy's advice... appreciate you both... I tried Flowmax, it made me feel  crappy... recently, tried Terazosin, and that stuff REALLY messed me up... it did work... but... heart rate 200+, BP way up, dizzy, anxiety... I am prone to side effects... and shortly after trying... I could no longer pee on my own, had to go to cathing.

Before that, I tried upping my magnesium intake to 400-500mg daily and it worked pretty well, also stinging nettle and pygeum... but only for a few months then stalled...

I am already a little tired of cathing 4X/day... think I'll go for the Urolift soon, IF my insurance will cover!  I hate to take 4 weeks off working out, I am not such a stud, but it relaxes my tendency for anxiety...   but worth it, I'm sure...  Thx again,  JJ

thank you, Thomas... I, unfortunately, am already having to cath 4X/day... and getting from 400ml during day, to 800ml at night or early morning... which I know is too much... I really would not like to go to 5X/day... so am trying to limit my fluids... I really fill the bladder while sleeping... there is a medical term for it, polynuria or some such...

This is pushing me hard towards a Urolift soon!  I am dealing with some strange abdominal distension, which occurred around 2-3 months ago and is still here... have been to 3 gastroDocs... they all can't figure it out ( I am losing faith in Docs, fast)... so will get an MRI soon to see what is what... I am paranoid about the gadolinium contrast, so am insisting to do a non-contrast first...

Otherwise, I would probably schedule a Urolift very soon... I'd like to get the abdominal problem out of the way first... COULD be bladder related, but cathing should have taken care of it if it was the cause...  getting older sort of sucks!  ;-)

Thanks, Thomas... I have some red rubber 12's, but they are SO flexible... I hesitate to try one, I can't see how the resistance I have would not make it bend BIG time and not go in... I guess it would not hurt to try...  Someone recommended LoFric caths for comfort... I like the Speedicath comfort going in... but... the tip must be funky, because it seems a little harder to push past the bladder neck than the Cure 14's... which lube up pretty well with the little water pouch, if I work the water around a little before opening...  I might try a Speedicath with a coude tip...  tho Cure 12's may be the go-to... I haven't tried them yet, but am fine with the 14's...

All this makes the Urolift sound pretty good, eh?  ;-)

 Regarding the abdominal distension  you want to make sure you limit eating food to no later than 6 PM 

@Tucsonjj: and getting from 400ml during day, to 800ml at night or early morning

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Tucsonjj,

With overnight numbers at 800 ml which is really high, as in too high for bladder recovery, have you taken a close look at what you are eating, for dinner in particular?  For a while, my overnight numbers were too high.  I looked into what I was eating, for dinner in particular, and by reducing my salt/sodium input, I have gotten my overnight numbers to stay below 400 ml which is the standard high number for bladder recovery.

Limiting fluids helps too.  I am self-cathing 4 times a day with the occasional 5 times a day.  Cutting down on my salt input had a lot to do with it.  I went from eating ham sandwiches to low-sodium chicken sandwiches.  I halved the amount of burrito mix in my Friday night burritos.  I usually don't read food labels and I started to do that and I was surprised what I found.  There is sh*t of salt in our food.  Changing my eating has helped a lot.

Steve 

Thanks, Steve, I didn't even think about salt intake making the overnight accumulation larger... and I DO take in too much sodium... I will try to cut back... I wonder if taking some potassium supplements with dinner would help... potassium is supposed to offset sodium intake, but, since it is a diuretic... probably would not help... and maybe make worse...  I cath an hour or so before bed, average around 400-500ml... that is what makes the big numbers so frustrating only 4-5 hours later...AND with limiting water intake during/after dinner!

BTW:  have you had or are considering a procedure?  I am leaning UroLift...

Appreciate your info!  JJ

Thanks, David, I tend to eat slow... starting around 5:30... often stopping closer to 7pm... nibbling while reading...  good advice, I'll try to knock off before 6...  did you know Buddhist monks stop eating after 12 noon?  maybe they have something, not too many with abdominal distension!  ;-)

I am hoping for a non-contrast MRI to make sure nothing is wrong... I wonder if at 62, my abdominal walls may have failed in some way... I lift weights and do treadmill, but have ignored abs for MANY years...  I have lost over 20lbs in 2.5 months... I hope due to much less appetite... so Docs are a little worried, but blood tests come back fine...

Skoal,    JJ

@Tucsonjj: I didn't even think about salt intake making the overnight accumulation larger

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Tucsonjj,

Before my severe BPH and AUR, I did not think much about my sodium/salt intake. Now I am watching it like a hawk.  David and I have communicated on this forum about it.  The family-member-MD got me looking at food labels now.  It has made a big difference.  My self-cath average is around 270 ml with only occasional over 400 ml events in the morning.

I self-cath within half an hour before I go to bed, even if I just did it an hour or two before.

As far as choosing a procedure, I am leaning strongly towards Rezum.   With the help of the family-member-MD, I have researched the various options extensively.  It is good to have a doctor that I have known for over 60 years to talk to. The urologist that I saw through my Kaiser health plan only does the "standard" TURP which I would only do as a last resort

Two weeks from tomorrow, I see another urologist who does Rezum.  They are outside of Kaiser so I will be paying out of pocket but Rezum is a lot less expensive (and a lot less damaging) than "standard" TURP.  This doctor focuses on "less invasive" procedures which is what the new school of prostate surgery is all about.  "Standard" TURP is very old school surgery.

Steve

Interesting, Steven!  I'll have to watch the salt intake... I don't think I am a salt "hog"... and my BP is fine... but after your comments and improvements... I'll sure monitor it... I did switch to Pink Himalayan salt, supposedly lots less sodium per serving... consider adding a Potassium supplement to your daily intake... from online:

"Potassium and sodium both also assist, as electrolytes, in the metabolic process. As a consequence, if you ingest more of one than the other, the other mineral will automatically be released to restore balance. So, if you eat a high-sodium food or meal, eating a potassium-rich food or taking a supplement will cause your body to release some of the sodium it was holding onto as potassium levels rise. The released sodium will then be flushed from your body."

Lots of different opinions as to the best procedure... I have been sort of convinced that the UroLift may be the best for now... you might check with kenneth1955 here, he has been helpful and has had the UroLift... he, like others, thinks the Rezume is a nasty procedure... lots of prostate damage (not much, if any with urolift), and it HURTS... my UroDoc, a very good one, dislikes it too... BUT... that doesn't mean it is not right for YOU... my Doc actually thinks the TURP is OK, but for me, likes the UroLift... maybe a HoLep many years down the road...

thanks again!  JJ

@Tucsonjj : I'll have to watch the salt intake...

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Tucsonjj,

When I first joined this forum 6 months ago, kenneth1955 first contacted me about the evils of Rezum and the virtues of Urolift.  I politely told him that I would rather trust the opinion of the family-member-MD that I have known for over 60 years and has practiced medicine for over 40 years than someone that I do not know on an Internet forum.

The deal with prostate surgery is the percentage of complications.  While more invasive surgical procedures like "standard" TURP are more effective in removing the obstruction, they have a higher percentage of complications.  Rezum is on the low end of complications while "standard" wire TURP is on the high end.

Greenlight laser TURP is in the middle, and because it cauterizes while it cuts, there is a lot less bleeding and the healing is faster.  In this day and age, I see little reason to have a "standard" wire TURP other than, that is what your urologist only does and they will not tell you about the more modern alternatives with less complications that are now available.

Regarding Urolift, before you consider any prostate surgery, you should have your prostate properly imaged to see how much it is enlarged and where it is enlarged.  This will help determine the best surgery method.  That is what a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) and a cystoscopy are for.  If your urologist does not do this before surgery, then find another urologist.

Pink Himalayan salt is New Age nonsense.  It is still 98 percent sodium chloride with some trace elements, one of which, potassium is responsible for the pink color.  At 98 percent sodium chloride, who every told you that it has a lot less sodium per serving told you a bunch of B.S.

Steve

I totally agree with you, including the Himalayan salt. 😀 Good advice! Hank

Steven.  As far has I know Tucsonjj doctor is doing or has done a bunch of test on him and his doctor has told him the Urolift is good for now.  We all on here have our own opinion.  I'm happy that you took the MD member of your family opinion.  I have a doctor and 5 surgical nurses in my family I can ask there opinion if I want but I'm going to do what I want.  It's my body not there.  What ever procedure you pick is up to you to pick what you feel is right for you and what side effect you can deal with.  Because when it come to a procedure the doctor is only giving you his opinion and does not know if it is going to work until it's done.  Not all procedure work for everyone that is why we have so many procedures out there.  Because we are all different and we all have different concerns.  Have a good day Ken   

I am not a salesman for pink salt... I read it is around 10% less sodium and has many more trace minerals... obviously, as processes table salt has virtually no trace minerals... maybe those articles are lying, but either way, no biggie.  IMHO, any natural unprocessed or minimally processed salt is better than table salt... you may disagree... OK.

I agree that trusting people I do not know on the internet should never be the sole component of a decision... you have a family MD... great... I don't know him... or you. Does a standard MD have the experience and knowledge of all the uroSurgery options, side effects, healing times, etc.... or does he get his info second hand from a urologist?  

Still... advice and people like you describing experiences is very helpful to me...

My new UroDoc is one of very few known to be expert at probably the most complex uro/prostate surgery, the HoLep... He trained under one of the best, Doc named Funk here in Tucson...  I think he deserves some respect for that... does YOUR urodoc offer that procedure?  What does your MD think of it?  My UroDoc dislikes the Rezum... but YOU get to make the decision, and I hope it goes very well for you.

JJ  My daughter use the pink and the lilac salt.  But I don't use a lot of salt.  Had High Blood Pressure at one time.  Don't have it anymore.  Take it easy  Ken 

@Tucsonjj :I agree that trusting people I do not know on the internet should never be the sole component of a decision... you have a family MD... great...

Tucsonjj,

Family-member-MD equals a member of my immediate family who is an MD, not the family doctor who takes care of everyone in the family.  They are an otorhinolaryngologist but they have a good friend/professional associate who is a urologist.  Both of these doctors have some off-colored jokes about bloody TURP's.  It goes with being a surgeon for over 40 years

The family-member-MD's concern about Urolift was having the clips/mesh around the prostate and participating in certain athletic activities - bicycling which already puts a lot of pressure on the groin area and skiing where falls could result in sudden pulls in the groin area.  But then this MD does 100 mile road bike rides and I do some extreme back country skiing.

Maybe kenneth1955 can comment on how Urolift holds up under long and intense athletic activity.

Whether it be Rezum or Urolift, having the imaging done before surgery will help both you and the doctor decide on how to proceed.

 

As far as the Pink Himalayan salt goes, salt is salt.  It is either collected by evaporating it from standing water or collected by mining it from halite deposits which were formed by evaporating it from standing water in the geologic past.  Since, I am a former geologist, this got me interested so I looked up the geology of the Himalayan salt.  It is from the Salt Range in the Punjab province of Pakistan and Precambrian in age.  Since you are in Tuscon, the bottom of the Grand Canyon is Precambrian so these salts are over 600 million years old.  Interesting stuff

Steve

Thanks

S

Good morning.  As far as I know once the clips have a heard to the prostate you can do a lot of stuff.   I go to the gym and do the bike and also run on the treadmill.  I know there have been a few men that have done a 5 mile run after a few month.  It is all up to the man and how fast they heal.  Have a good day  ken 

@kenneth1955 :I know there have been a few men that have done a 5 mile run

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Ken,

Thanks for the reply.  A 5 mile run is not that much.  How long are your bike rides?  I am curious how Urolift holds up under intense and long athletic activity.

Steve

Urolift will hold up.  Once the clips are a heard to the prostate you can do a lot .  Right now I am not going to the gym.  I have a monitor on for a month.  May have to have the A-fib ablation again.  But when I do go.  I do the bike for 30 to 45 minutes.  Then I go on the tread mill for 25 minute and 10 with the raise level.  5 mile is not much but it is a lot to put on your body after any type of surgery.  Ken 

Good points, Steve, I am a long time weight lifter, since I played ball in college... now, at 62, still enjoy lifting... just for general health physcial and mental... hope Ken sees this and responds... I'd hate to have to stop... I am already lowering the amounts lifted, due to getting older... IF Urolift prohibits that sort of strain... I'd have to seriously take that into the mental mix...

Yes, All teh natural salts are interesting... I think the reduced sodium content (around 10% less by most articles) if because there is simply other stuff in natural salt, trace minerals and probably fish poop... but I will still try to limit... I am putting out too much urine during my evening/early morning caths... thanks again for the info!

BTW: "otorhinolaryngologist"?? guy must be sharp... never heard of that! 😉

Otorhinolaryngologist: oto - ear , rhino - nose, laryn - throat. And yes, he is a very sharp guy. Urologist is a lot easier to say 🙄

Thanks, Ken, I guess we all need to watch our salt and sugar intakes... especially after 60... I might try Morton Lite salt... I hear that the potassium chloride in most fake salt is nasty tasting... but don't know for sure... 50% less sodium, maybe worth a try...

Hey, do you take a drink? Is booze really bad for urological tract, or are one or two OK??? I miss my occasional scotch and water!

Skoal!

No problem JJ. I do watch my salt don't use a lot when I cook Mortons Lite salt has 290 mg in sodium and 350 gm in Potassium . We do need the potassium in our body. For some reason when I have been in the hospital they also have to give me potassium. They tell me I'm low. Been a year for me. Can't wait to have this montior off so I can get back to the Gym.With drinking. At home I like to have a glass of wine. It is better for you then beer. I use to drink scotch when I was 18. Many years ago. But if I go on vacation to Vegas I drink Kahlua and Cream while im playing. If I fine the right hostess I have them coming before I'm done. Had 14 in one day Have a good day Ken

Ah... with that balance, 290 sodium to 350 potassium, you should be able to use as much as you want... the potassium should cancel out ALL the sodium... but... how does it taste???

BTW: Most people are deficient on potassium, can effect heart function/rythm too! Most people are badly deficient in Magnesium too... if you have heart trouble, I would sure look into supplementing 200mg minimum/day, more like 400mg.

I used to love Vegas, sent every year... usually got toasted... have not been there for a long time... 14 in one day, eh? Jeeze! I've been having some undiagnosed abdomen/stomach issues... have not had a drink for 3 months... CT scans soon... hope nothing too bad...

Skoal!

To me it taste like regular salt. I don't cook with that much. Let everyone put there own salt in. Right now just went and got by son from work so now we are having dinner. Did not eat all day. Were having Green bean, fried potatoes and pork steak with saute onions. Will be up for a while. Have to take my car in the morning. I have no brakes Never a dull moment I was in Vegas last year could not go this year but I hope next year. I have a lady fun that we have a good time when we go. Take care ken

Rather than taking pills to get magnesium and potassium, it's better to follow the Mediterranean diet which consists of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, some fish, olive oil.

In this diet you will get all the magnesium and potassium for proper blood vessel dilation, and heart muscle functioning.