The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions
Posted , 264 users are following.
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
ronald22430 charles40613
Posted
I recommend just going for it as the TURP is proven and if you find a quality urologist that is the one option that works -- no point in going through this multiple times with unproven solutions such as Urolift
kenneth1955 ronald22430
Posted
Sorry for your the problem with the uro-lift. Hope you can deal with the side effect of the Turp. Maybe you did not have enough implant. I have a friend that they only put 4 in and it was not enough. They went back in and put 6 he's great now.I had 4 works fine for me. No problem and my orgasm and ejaculation are inteanse. I would never go for a turp. They do more damage then good. Was it done by the same doctor. Maybe he did not do the urolift right so you would come back and have the turp done. Some doctors will do what they want and if you disacree they will get they way in time. Ken GOOD LUCK
Riverkilt charles40613
Posted
An update for my Urolift which was a year ago. I remain most pleased. Before I was assured that insurance would cover it. I had Arizona Blue Cross, Medicare B, and Medicare G with mutual of omaha. They all refused. Doc said the Urolift lawyers would go after them and the health agency where I work has a software appeals program and the boss said they'd use that for me. After the initial denials I received a bill for $18K USD. I called the doc's office and said I was my brother and that I'd found me dead on my living room floor clutching that $18K bill.
Last week I got an update. Someone worked some magic and all three insurance agencies paid. I was lelft with a balance of $1,200 to pay out of pocket but happy to pay that off...at least I can afford to. Often only up twice a night to pee now. Very pleased with the result in the first year - particularly sexually.....at 71 it takes longer but when ejaculation time comes I'm like a horny teenager. Good by forever Flomax!!!
jjjj57989 Riverkilt
Posted
kenneth1955 Riverkilt
Posted
I am happy for you. It's a year in a half for me. It works great. I would never be talked into the turp surgery. To much blood and the side effect are the pits. I hate why a doctor tells a patient that there will be no change. He does not have to deal with any. With my bill I have wellcare. I was approve for the surgery. 2 weeks after I got a letter from wellcare saying I was dinied 2 weeks after that got another letter saying the price was lowered to 1 cent. I paid 200 the day of the surgery so I paid 201 dollars Take care and enjoy. ( PS When you get older it does take a little longer ) I'm 61
AZBill charles40613
Posted
New patient here in southern AZ. 69 years of age. I was on Tamsolusin for about 4 years. Back in March I got in a jam and couldn't urinate. Got so backed up I had to have a catheterization in an ER. Although I probably should have got going sooner, this episode got me off dead center. Had the procedure, 'in office', yesterday (7/22/16). The doctor, as well as a Neo-Tract rep monioring the procedure put 4 implants in. They both seemed satisfied that it had gone well.
The total time in the office was about 2 hours with the procedure itself no more than 15 Min. Left with no cath. The next 12 hours were about as described. Difficult and painful starting stream and significant blood in urine. Drank lots of water and got up hourly all night. By morning no visible blood and a bit easier starting stream as well as now getting a bit more volume.
At this point I would rate the situation as 'so far so good'. Will post progress occasionally.
mcgillvn AZBill
Posted
Hi Bill,
I'm 67, had the procedure about 2 months ago now, and my experience initially was similar to yours. The post-op discomfort was over by the time 2 weeks had gone by. I'm now having "normal" functioning with both urination and ejaculation. It's a real improvement in daily life. Best wishes, hope yours goes as well.
nealpros AZBill
Posted
Hi Bill,
We're looking forward to seeing your future reports. Where was your Urolift done, by whom, and If was not covered by insurance, what did it cost?
Thanks for the info,
Neal
nealpros mcgillvn
Posted
Thanks,
Neal
AZBill nealpros
Posted
Prodedure was done in Tucson by Dr. Berry. Other info is that it was in office under Vallium and Oxyconton. The procedure is rather 'uncomfortable' but not excruciating. The sensation of the tool placing the implants is quite strange but as soon as the tool is removed I sat up and within 5 minutes I went to empty the water they'd put in to give the procedure area a flush...quite bloody. They then do a PVR measurement. I walked out of the office about 15 minutes later.
It's now Sunday morning and I managed a night with only two bathroom trips. There was significant pain in the forward penis area upon starting a urine stream on day two but as of this morning that seems to be lessening.
As of now we've filed with Medicare and my supplemental ins.
AZBill
Posted
It's now Sunday morning (7-24) and I managed a night with only two bathroom trips. There was significant pain in the forward penis area upon starting a urine stream on day two but as of this morning that seems to be lessening.
nealpros AZBill
Posted
Neal
AZBill nealpros
Posted
I was given some Percoset but wouldn't say I was 'on' it because the only considerable pain I've had is associated with initiating a urine stream. There is no sensation inside where the work was done so I've only taken two on the day after the procedure.
nealpros AZBill
Posted
Thanks again for the info. There's some medicine specifically for painful urination. I was hoping you had that.
How are you doing now?
Neal
AZBill nealpros
Posted
The past two nights were one bathroom trip nights. I'm just beginning to understand the adjustment that the ability to empty the bladder again brings. For years I went to the bathroom more because 'one was there' than needing to go, and the joke was that you just didn't pass up the chance to go.
Overall, I think things are going as I was told they should. Still some discomfort on stream start but that's about it. Go in for a post procedure followup in 3 weeks.
nealpros AZBill
Posted
Wonderful! Please keep letting everyone know how it's going.
Neal
mcgillvn nealpros
Posted
I'm in suburban Detroit, being treated through a urology practice associated with the Beaumont system. Doctors Shetty and Bennet, in consultation with the urolift representative, did the procedure. The sensation was just really odd, only slightly painful. They used Xanax 45 minutes before the procedure to make it easier on me, and it worked. It sounded like a staple gun being used to insert the devices (do they call them staples?), making a loud "snap". Because of prior liver issues, I try to avoid anything with acetaminophen, so I requested 5 mg oxycodone to have on hand for possible post-op pain. They gave me a 5-day supply, and I really didn't need that level of pain relief. It was only minor discomfort, and a little ibuprofen was enough. My experience was positive, and it's been a big improvement in daily life. Best wishes.
AZBill mcgillvn
Posted
Agree on the sound and sensation of the actual implant...very strange sensation.
I'm now 5 days post procedure and the experience so far is 'as advertised'. As I've noted elswhere, the return of the sensation of actually emptying the bladder is welcome. Still waiting for some increase of 'flow rate/volume'. But that may be a few weeks as there is healing still going on in there.