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The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions

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charles40613
charles40613

Would it be possible to keep this thread purely about Urolift and a means of sharing experiences from those who have undergone the process and invite debate from those considering it.

The Urolift process plus pros and cons are accurately described at many a website. Other very long threads discuss in detail BPH and other treatments such as TURPS, laser tend to overshadow people looking for advice on Urolift.

So for me, tired of getting up in the night. Tired of the medication and its side effects, tiredness and ED. Quality of life getting me down. I am 60 and reckon to be pretty fit and active.

I underwent this treatment (as an alternative to TURPS) 2 weeks ago at one of the 5 or 6 clinics/hospitals that appear to offer this treatment in the UK. It really was as simple as described on the web.

I had a 30 minute consultation with the consultant whereby he explained the procedure.

The treatment was booked for 10 am., it took about 15 minutes. I had it done under a local anaesthetic. To be frank if you are used to having your prostate and other bits probed there is no pain. It is just the thought of it you have to come to terms with. After the treatment you have to drink a lot of water to flush your system but I was allowed to drive home by dinner time.

First warning here. I did have to stop probably every 15 minutes with a sudden need to urinate. Fortunately I took a urine bottle from the clinic !

I could write for ages but will see what response I get to this post. I know on the day I was there, 4 other blokes were having the procedure and I sensed there was a regular flow of patients.

I’m now going through the period whereby I’m asking myself is there any improvement? It’s only 2 weeks in. I’m not sure is the answer at the moment. We are all different and recovery and improvement I am told does take time anything from 2/3 weeks to 2/3 months maybe longer. Your system needs time to readjust, I understand that, I don’t know how much time but I’m due for a follow up next week. I'm remaining positive.Would welcome comments from others.

18 likes, 1911 replies

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  • kenneth1955
    kenneth1955 charles40613

    Posted

    Hello Guys.  This is a update on my Urolift.  It is day number 7 Had it done a week ago.  I slept tru the night for the last 3 nights.  No more pain and no more blood.  My flo is great and I think it will get better.  I had 4 implants.  Do not let a doctor talk you into any procedure that cuts the prostate. You will be having the problem not him.  When they start cuting the prostate you may pee a little better but your sex life is gone for most.   Make sure your doctor explanes everything and you yourself look at all the information that is on the internet.  I live in Orlando fl  I'm 59 and can't wait to get on with my life.  All of it....Ken 
  • william65914
    william65914 charles40613

    Posted

    i am now 3 weeks post-urolift.  I am going like I did when younger, with just once a night.  I stopped taking the dreaded finasteride and its unbelievable the sensations it was robbing me of in the sex department.  Had a catheter overnight, which i removed myself.  Pain when urinating stopped last week.  I had a few days of urgency and wore an adult diaper for about 5 days in order not to embarrass myself, especially since I was flying out of town (that was three days after the procedure).  I am 69 and everything seems to be doing well.  I take levitra daily, which I found help control the BPH symptoms.  Physician aiad it is not a problem to continue and may be somewhat preventative of continuing enlargement.   It may also help counteract some of the dreaded symptoms of the finasteride.  I am pleased with results!
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 william65914

      Posted

      I am very pleased with my urolift only 7 days.  I am not taking any of the pills  Dry orgasm are not fun  I had a catheter for 2 days had more pain fron that they anything.  Take care and happy healing..Ken 59 Orlando fl 
    • Yankeegame
      Yankeegame kenneth1955

      Posted

      Hi ken, who did your Urolift, I live in Maitland.  How is the Urolift holding up after 3 years?

      Alan

  • dan93230
    dan93230 charles40613

    Posted

    Hey Charles, eager to read your 6 month update. How's it going? I may get Urolift done next month. Still deciding.
    • ChuckP
      ChuckP dan93230

      Posted

      The biggest issue Iam running into is the procedure is only approved by Medicare in 13 states and  you need to check with your "insurance carrier" as they may not even cover it. 
    • dan93230
      dan93230 ChuckP

      Posted

      I'm with IMG. They said over the phone it would probably be covered. But we'll see when I seek formal pre-certification.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 dan93230

      Posted

      Dan this is Ken  Had it done 2 weeks ago Fekk great no getting up at night and not on any pill anymore.  Easy as can be.  Take care and good luck  
  • william65914
    william65914 charles40613

    Posted

    Not sure where you received the infromation that Medicare only covers it is selected juridications.   That is not my understanding.  If you have a medicare Advantage plan,the carrier could be denying it, but be sure to appeal.  Pleae though check the source of your info about limited Medicare coverage.  
    • ChuckP
      ChuckP william65914

      Posted

      If you go to the NeoTracts website it says "approved by Medicar in 13 states now".   I called the office and asked for "who has done this procedure the most" and they sent me around 6 names and numbers.  Iam working with a guy in Illinois but I live 500 miles away in Nebraska.  They are going to send me all the "pre-authorization info and CPT Codes" and then Iam going to take them to BC-BS of Nebraska and see if they will cover it or not.  I will have full Medicare as of "August 1st, 2015".  My plans are if everything works out is to have it done in early august by the guy in Illinois.   Iam very excited about getting this procedure done but hope and pray I don't get my hopes dashed with a big fat "denial" from the insurance company.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 william65914

      Posted

      I don't know about these insurance company.  Listen to this.  My doctor told me about the uro-lift and I said yes because I look it up before.  Talk to the nurse to set it up and 2 days later got the ok for them in written.  Was fax to them.  I have Well care with is Medicare I live in orlando fl.  Well went for my 2 week checkup all is weel and good. Got my mail to and a letter from wellcare.  They said the surgery was denied.  How can they do that.  Had the same problem last year was in the hospital with sipsis.  Had IV's for 6 days and went home with a pic lice Had IV'Sfor 12 days.  The meds were delevered the next day pay my 90 dollars.  3 weeks later I get a call saying that the meds were appoved and for me to can and have them sent  I was allready off them by that time.  I don't these insurance company know what there doing  Ken        
    • ChuckP
      ChuckP kenneth1955

      Posted

      This is what scares me to death about these insurance companys.  You need to get with them and appeal the whole thing.  Get an "authorization number" from them.  Iam just guessing now but I bet this whole procedure is probably around 15K in costs or maybe even more.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 ChuckP

      Posted

      Hey Chuck this is Ken  I'm not going to worry about it  The nurse got it  approve 2 days after I set it up.  Has it in writing.  Sometime I don't think they know if there coming or going.  Had the same problem with meds ladt year
  • ChuckP
    ChuckP charles40613

    Posted

    Is there a website I can go to and get lots of documentation on the acceptance of this procedure???   Documents that medicare covers it and the FDA has approved it and how many doctors are now doing it etc etc.  The more info the better as Iam preparing my self to fight with my insurance carrier.
  • ChuckP
    ChuckP charles40613

    Posted

    Has anyone had their insurance company deny this procedure???   It looks like Iam going to run into this problem.  Does anyone know the cost of it if you pay it out of your own pocket????  I realize it will vary from Doctor to Doctor. 
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