The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions

Although it is a male thing to want to be independant and self-sufficient,  as well as to hide,  any perceivable shortcomings about ourselves;  I would nevertheless counsel you to accept a lift to and from hospital rather than drive yourself.

Why ?   Well,  despite being residually independant and like

-minded to yourself about driving,  back in March I had to have a mini-TURP and BNI so that I could go on to have 42 sessions of EBRT for T2b,  P.C.  

Next day I was discharged early p.m.  My Partner and a male friend from Church were adamant to drive me and carry my bag respectively.  Just as well !   Because although voiding satisfactorily I had been  encouraged to continue drinking plenty and because I had started ambulating,  and with no warning at all,  my bladder let go before I'd even left the hospital.

I was padded up but,  even so,  I soaked an entire trouser leg.  At that early stage,  I had no sensation of ' going '  and no power to stop it.  My companions found the towels and plastic bags I had for swimming gear in the trunk and I made it home without further incident.  

Just to let you know that psychologically,  when something is unavoidable like that,  you don't actually feel embarrassed.  There is a dignity in the Human psyche that through compassion,  both shown and received,  transcends these conditions whether they be temporary or permanent.  

I have gone on to develop a metastasis in the urethra and this causes all manner of flow issues and difficult situations.  I have sanitized capped bottles placed discreetly and strategically in both my home and car.  If I have to use one,  I absent myself and do with as much privacy as I can find.    

And,  whilst observing all hygienic requirements,  normal life goes on with dignity,  without embarrassment and without mishap.

If I had been on my own my situation would quite obviously, have been far more difficult.

So why not have a ride ?   By then,  you will have earned it.

I think the reason I wanted to post this discussion is to focus very much on Urolift (and experiences of)…………which is classified by the British Association of Urologists as a minimally invasive procedure i.e. no cutting, removing etc. The consultant was quite clear that if I was to have a general anaesthetic then clearly you are advised not to drive for 24 hours under some insurance policies 48 but under a local it really was no different from going to a dentist really. If I was tired after the procedure, it was stress and nothing else. Whatever Albin does do I would always advise follow the professional advice because we are all different and one has to hope they know best.

good luck, I just had a urolift on Friday still recovering.

However, I'm sure that you can find a way to find a good doctor in San Diego through the internet or other means.

Good Luck

Amie, I am 71. I have been using  catheters for about 3 years now. I have to insert one 5-6 times a day. his often irritates my urinary tract, but I cannot urinate if I do not insert a catheter. I have been told that I am a good candidate for the Urolift. I have an appointment tomorrow, 10/06/16, with Dr. Cohn, at Scripps Encinitas, CA., to discuss the details. I am very apprehensive about the procedure, but the thought of using a catheter for the rest of my life is taking its toll on my outlook on life. I am extremely active and work out every day. I'm hoping that this works for me.

looking forward to your response 

thanks ,

I had the urolyft in October and I remember all too well the discomfort I felt plus the intoxication from the meds they gave me at Kaiser in San Diego so that there was no way I was competent to drive.  I'd suggest a driver no matter what since you may not be too coherent after the procedure.  I can tell you in my case it was at least another day before the meds wore off. Good luck with your procedure.