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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

1911 Replies

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  • dan93230
    dan93230 charles40613

    Posted

    I'm told Mrs. Maya Harris does it at Warwick Hospital on NHS.
    • peteratukhot
      peteratukhot dan93230

      Posted

      Thanks for your help.

      I have found a couple of hospitals near me, they are listed on the Urolift uk website.

  • Riverkilt
    Riverkilt charles40613

    Posted

    Just had Urolift 2 days ago.  I'm 70.  Doc put in six of those thingies.  No hint of pain yet.  Did spend the first two hours after in the restroom at the hospital peeing out chunks of tissue - some think.  No clue what part of me they were - but there were lots of chunks the first day or so...a few small ones day two.  Urine was blood red at first, now its sort of a pink rose' color.  Much better flow but often sudden urgency that nothing can stop.  Took 5 days off before having to return to work.  Have seen gradual improvement in decline of urgency and frequency.  Average frequency these first two days is about ever 40 minutes max and 12-15 minutes minimum.  No sleep of any sort the first night.  Some sessions of 45 minute or 1 hour sleep last night.  Trying just to rest up and let things heal.  I'm most willing to endure the post op healing...just have yet to read anywhere about it.  And curious where the chunks of me came from..urethra or bladder or prostate.  I remain optimistic and hopeful for improvement after healing.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Riverkilt

      Posted

      I am glad you did not have anytrouble peeing after.  I have know men that have had it done that they had to go back and have a catheter out in for a few days.  It's overy 3 month's for me and I'm great.  That first week was rough.  Had a catheter in for 2 days alot of clogs.  I had 4 implants put in.  No pain at all.  Just drink alot of water for the first week and relax if you can.  The chucks were most likey blood clogs should go away in about a week.  Take care and good health Ken    
    • nealpros
      nealpros Riverkilt

      Posted

      Are you certain those "chunks" weren't blood clots?

      Neal

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 nealpros

      Posted

      Thats what I told him.  They do no cutting when they do the Urolift.  He said they put in 6 implants.  So there is going to be alot of clogs.  I had 4 implants when I had mine done.  The first day was alot of thick blood.  He will be fine..Ken
  • Riverkilt
    Riverkilt charles40613

    Posted

    Well, I ain't no doctor...but I saw the chunks come out in the hospital...maybe some drug they gave me caused the blood to clot up but that would be scary...why some and not the other.  When I got home I used the pee filter thing I'd had to look for stones before and caught a bunch of stuff that sure looked like it used to be meat or tissue...but can't figure what it was...very red, texture of organ meat.  WInding up  70 hours since surgery.  Still having to urinate every 30-40 minutes, sometimes more frequently.  I amy hydrating on purpose so that may have an effect.  Still passing a bit of blood.  Good news is I'm peeing like a drunk teenager now.  What a joy that is!  Did get three periods of one hours sleep last night complete with dreams so must have been deep sleep.  Now just resting and hydrating and hopefully healing.  Still most optimistic and hopeful.

    As a former sales/marketing guy my one suggestion for the folks who promote Urolift is to get honest and open about the recovery time.  Talk about it!  The big deal for me was "how long will I be out of work?"  Found little specific about that.  Whatever the correct "average" answer is I think it should be promoted so that guys can plan their recovery time and days off from work.  That's what closed the deal for me when my urologist estimated I'd be good for work in 5 days.  Looks like he was optimistic.  When I asked him how many he had done so far he said, "About 20"  so I could have been his 17th or 23rd.  Feel he did excellent work.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Riverkilt

      Posted

      Hi it Ken again.  All of us heal at a different rate.  You should feel better in about 4 or 5 weeks.  I will be seeing my urologist in a few weeks and have to talk to him about something I found out.  I look at my summery online and found out he did a dilation of the urethra.  I have a stricture just before the prostate.  He never told me that he did it and I do not like surprises.  The first 2 day I had alot of blood clogs coming out around the catheter very thick.  Take care  Ken          
    • nealpros
      nealpros Riverkilt

      Posted

      Your recovery information will useful in telling the rest of us about a realistic recovery.

      Neal

    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081 Riverkilt

      Posted

      Hello Riverkilt,

      You have got a good positive attitude to both recovery and the current and expected future benefits of the procedure,  so you you should continue to go well;  and I expect when you are reviewed you will ask your Surgeon what the lumps of tissue were.  

      In the meantime I hope this may be of some help/reassurance :  When some years ago I had a urethroscopy to investigate poor flow,  due to the lightness of the anaesthetic,  I came round just as the the procedure was  finishing up.  My surprised Urologist said ' Oh hello,   do you want to see what we've been doing ?'   I was in no pain so out of politeness,   I said 'Yes'.   And watched the t v screen as the camera was pushed back up to and into my bladder with a running commentary from my Uro.  I remember seeing in the fluid swirling around,  that there were quite a lot of small pieces of flesh.  But then I lapsed back into unconsciousness.

      I healed well and urinated more freely after that procedure which,  from my Uro'/s point of view was a compromise as he suspected I had PCa ,  but at that stage I didn't want to investigate it further.   Subsequently my GP told me,  from the Uro's written report,  that I had been given something of a 'rebore'  ( his words ) at the time of the urethroscopy.

      Whether that was a deliberate act or the result of the equipment used I don't know.  But  I am guessing that your procedure and no doubts most in that region. Incur some relatively harmless collateral damage at least by virtue of unavoidable abrasion.  After all,  if not,  why would we bleed?

      Regards,  Dudley 

    • Dudley71081
      Dudley71081

      Posted

      P S.   I'm not 100% confident,   but I think their Urethroscopy equipment is,  or was,  the same size diameter.   But I am certain that the internal diameter of our Urethra varies a fair bit from individual to individual and so,   the different experiences.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 nealpros

      Posted

      Hey neal. Just letting you knnow whats going on. Still have not pee going on 31 hours. They talk to mt doctor he order a straight catheter to relieve the pressure did another ultrasound. There is alot in the bladder.  Also found bladder stones having surgery today only thing im worried about is one is attached to the bladder neck. Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 george18730

      Posted

      Thanks george just got done with the catheter. Could not get it in kept curling. When she finely got to the prostate i felt a pop. Got 500cc out. Still some pain but better going to have surgery in the morning. I will see my doctor when he us done with his patients what a mess. Ken
    • bob75564
      bob75564 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Ken, Sorry to hear. I did not know you were having trouble. Does your trouble have anything to do with urolift fasteners? Best of luck. Bob
    • jimjames
      jimjames kenneth1955

      Posted

      Bladder stones make sense given low ouput and low retention. Good luck with the surgery. Fwiw a "curling" catheter generally means you should go up a size, be it Foley or CIC. A Coude tip is another option depending on the anatomy of the obstruction. Ask if possible, for the "cath team" as opposed to a regular nurse. Also be prepared and vigilant for Utis and ask for antibiotics sooner than later. We are all rooting for you!

      Jim

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 nealpros

      Posted

      I guess it going ok. Not.much of a out put. 200cc from yesterday mostly blood. I am drinking an on iv fluid. Thank you. Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 bob75564

      Posted

      My doctor said that the clips were. In place and it was a open tunnel but don't know why i stop peeing. Had alot of bleedin. And pain when they put in the catheters. I only put out 200 cc from yesterday. Have no urge. To pee. Its mosly blood an urine. The spasm hurt alot. We will see i hope it hets better. Ken

    • bob75564
      bob75564 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Thanks for the update, Ken. Best of luck. Keep us informed. Bob
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 dan64553

      Posted

      Still alot of blood in bag. Giving me 1100cc a hour to see if it will clear up i may get to go home. Ken
    • mark02906
      mark02906 kenneth1955

      Posted

      You have a lot of guys pulling for you to heal quickly.  You and your "brothers" have provided me with a lot of information.  Hopefully, I can pay them and you back by reporting on any changes in my status.  Good luck.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 mark02906

      Posted

      My doctor will be here in about a hour urine is clear. Been drinking alot. No pain thank god the spasm stop. Well see what happens. Thank you all. Ken
    • AZBill
      AZBill kenneth1955

      Posted

      Ken, just got caught up with the thread. Sorry to hear about the problems. Best to you, hope things work out..
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 AZBill

      Posted

      Thank you. Getting ready to go home. They won't take the catheter out till monday. With the toruble they had. They are afraid i will not be a ble to pee. This way my doctor is there. He still does not know why i had so much trouble. Thanks. Ken

    • george18730
      george18730 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Ken, glad to hear you're heading home and the bleeding has stopped. Did the doctor, at least, rule out your Urolift procedure as the cause of your current issue?  Could he only guess that it might be bladder stones?  It seems strange that he cannot pinpoint exactly why you were bleeding. and in pain.

    • steve52719
      steve52719 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Speedy Recovery Ken. Glad to hear your going home. We are all pulling for you.  Steve 
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 george18730

      Posted

      Been home about a hour Having alot of bladder spasms.  My doctor said the the clips were in the smae place and the prostate was wide open. He also everything else look good.  So why did I stop peeing Who knows.  They catheter me 6 times and the pain was out of this world.  The one nurse started to cry and kept saying she was sorry.  I was sorry I could have jump off the bed. We will see what Monday brings Take care  Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 steve52719

      Posted

      Thanks Steve.  We will see on Monday  Can't want till this catheter out.  I have never had so much problems  Thank you  Ken

    • george18730
      george18730 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Wow, just wow.  Do you know if they strained the urine from your foley bag to see if you passed any stones?   Most of us that have had a catheter know it's uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt like you're describing. Were you able to get more than one doctors opinion on your condition while you were hospitalized?

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 richard11472

      Posted

      Thank you Richard.I have to go to my doctor on Monday  I hope all will be good.  This catheter sucks Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 george18730

      Posted

      I had my urologist and the one in the hospital.  My doctor seam to think it was the second sphincter that was causing them the problem.  I don't think so.  I was not fighting it I was relax I know they had to do it so.  I had one nurse crying because she said that she never saw anyone in pain like that from a catheter.  Let me tell you I could have jumped off the bed.  I have never had a problem like that before.  They did curl a few time but that did not hurt.  Tried 3 different sizes.  I can't wait to get this out.  The spasms hit every time I move.  Going to lay down.  I wish you all good health  Ken

    • dan64553
      dan64553 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Wonder why dr did not give you any drug for smooth muscle relaxant, that would relieve a lot of pain. Why did the nurse have to change catheter so many times instead of emptying the bag? From what you observe, it seems this episode has nothing to do with urolift procedure.if you can explain after your recovery, I think it will benefit many people who had urolift done. Again, wish you the best during recovery
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 mark02906

      Posted

      Just got home.  I feel for any man that has to go through this mess.  What I went through I would not wish this on anyone.  Monday can't come quick enough.  I wish you all well and God Bless  Ken

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 george18730

      Posted

      I forgot to say yes they did till I had the surgery.  No stones in the urine. Yes I know it should not hurt like that it can be uncomfortable but you should not have the pain I did. Even the urologist doctor in the hospital had trouble and it hurt it took her 3 time before she got it in...Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 dan64553

      Posted

      What was the problem after not peeing for 32 hours the doctor only order a straight cath to relieve the pressure.  The 2 nurses tryed 2 time.  Have to can for a male nurse from ICE that said that he would not have a problem.  It took him a while and for some reason only got it in a little because it was running slow.  They try to tape that one to my leg but it came out so they removed it  They only got 500.  This was at noon.  The next morning at 4:30am they ask me If I peed  I told them no.  Ten scanned and there was 700.  But instand of getting a foley they got a straight catheter again  That was a mess.  They did not put in a regular catheter until a hour later when the doctor did it.  All of it was a mess.  Never had a problem like that before...  Like I said  I don't wish that pain on anyone  God bless you all  Ken 

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955

      Posted

      Sorry about the spelling  Ken
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 mark02906

      Posted

      I want to say thank you to all you guys for your kind words.  It is something when you can change from one day to another.  God bless you all  Ken
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