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
ChuckP charles40613
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Does anyone out there sleep with a "C-Pap Machine"???? I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and would love some input as to what to expect.
mcgillvn ChuckP
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My wife has sleep apnea and was severly affected by it. It's now been about 5 years since she did the sleep evaluation and got set up with a cpap machine. It's been a huge improvement in overall wellness. You might have some hassle getting the right mask and learning to use it, but it's worth it!
ChuckP mcgillvn
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mark44157 charles40613
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kenneth1955 mark44157
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You had a Uro-lift done and there was bleeding. What did the doctor hit. You will have some bleeding but it should clear the first day. That is how mine was. I did have a little after the catheter was taking out . That was 1 1/2 years ago doing fine. What did the doctor say about the bleeding. And what is he going to do..Drink alot of water and it may go away. Don't rush into anything please give it some time..Take care Ken
mark44157 kenneth1955
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The dr are not sure why I am bleeding. It's been 5 days now and no sign of improvement. I have had know been told that surgery has been booked for 3:00 pm today. The consultant is coming to see me at 12:00 and the decision I have is that they ether they just try to clear up the bleeding or I go for the laser procedure with all the risks that entails. So I have some thinking to do
kenneth1955 mark44157
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I know this may be to late but I would just tell them to clear up the bleeding and no Laser. I have a feeling that the laser was the way the doctor wanted to go in the first place. I would not trust hime to do anything. You should not have been bleeding that much in the first place I hope all goes well. I'm sorry but I don't trust him Ken
mcgillvn charles40613
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Update, 3 months after the urolift procedure--quick recovery, immediate improvement in weak stream, most minor issues resolved after 2 weeks or so. But for the last month the stream is noticeably slowing down, getting weaker, probably a sign of repeat urolift to come, or another solution altogether. This seems right in line with a lot of the experiences reported here, It's not yet a problem to spend a few more seconds peeing, but definitely headed the wrong direction. At least it still feels like I can void, much improved from before the procedure.
icejohn charles40613
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I thought I'd let you all know of my procedure. Having researched options, my procedure of preference would have been PAE but my consultant said that best result were on large prostates and mine wasn't large enough so I opted for Urolift.
It is now the early hours of Friday 18th. I had urolift done on Wednesday 16th in Chester (UK), so less than 2 days ago.
This is the first day the procedure has been performed at Chester and I was 3rd on the list. My urology consultant, Mr Awsare, performed the procedure with an experienced mentor from another hospital present for guidance. He told me that I would be released the same day if I could pass water OK.
I had a general anaesthetic and was out for about an hour. When I came to in recovery I felt the need to go and was given a bottle into which I passed a small quantity of blood. I was taken to a ward a little while later where I was given a jug of water and offered lunch, I opted for a cup of tea and a sandwich. Eager to be allowed home I guzzled the liquids and, not long after, managed to pass water. It was quite short but streamed better than I had expected and started out bloody but cleared somewhat towards the end. I did get a stinging/burning sensation, worse at the end of the flow when I was finishing. Half an hour or so later I went again, similar to the first time but more of it this time and almost clear towards the end. After this I was give clearance to be discharged but had to wait at the hospital for medication, which consisted of paracetamol, ibuprofen, 7 days of 1-a-day Tamulosin and a 3 day course of antibiotics. During the time I was waiting I needed to go a few times with extreme urgency. Each time my flow was far better than before the op and with just a hint of blood only at the start. between times I had an amount of discomfort underneath (I can only describe it as being like a moderate toothache) and had to sit on one cheek. I went home and the frequency and extreme urgency continued together with the stinging sensation. I also noticed that each time I went I felt that I needed a bowel movement which didn't happen at first but did later. When it did the discomfort underneath eased off. Throughout the night I awoke 4 or 5 times needing to go. Each time the stinging was still there, there was no obvious blood in the urine and the flow remained pretty good. The next morning continued in a similar fashion but throughout the day I was able to go longer between visits and the extreme urgency wasn't quite as bad, although the stinging was still there. (I operate an airport transfer taxi service and did a job from Manchester to Ellesmere Port in the afternoon without any real discomfort).
That brings me up to my bedtime now and I'm still only experiencing minor discomfort. (Just had to break off and go again, good flow and clear as you like). If things continue improving like this I will be more than pleased. I'll try to come back with more updates as times go on.
nealpros icejohn
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Neal
AZBill icejohn
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Thanks for the update. Other than the actual procedure process which differed from mine, your post procedure experience has many similarities. I'm at 2 months now and happy with the result. I'm actually going on an international flight soon and not concerned at all about what, for the past 3 years, would probably kept me from even thinking about it.
frank74205 icejohn
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Thanks for that info. Did you have urine rentention? I do, and don't if can quailfy Uro LIft? .I will know Oct 4th . I believe i would go with general anesthesia, at 87 years old. i hope this is the decision?
mcgillvn frank74205
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Icejohn's account was thorough, well said, and matches my experience pretty well, with a few differences. It sounds like his post-op symptoms were quite similar to mine, but more intense. His, much more medication; mine had no general anaesthesia, a xanax 45 min. before, and nothing else besides 5-day prophylactic cipro. Before the procedure I had requested a 5-day supply of oxycodone, which experience has taught me is best for post-op pain. After the procedure I took a couple ibuprofen (not prescribed), and found no need for the oxycodone.
We're all unique, responses vary, keep all those caveats in mind. As I've reviewed postings here, I've found several reports of urolift needing a refresh procedure. Mine was the first week of June, and now at a little over 3 months I've noticed a weaker stream, particularly as urination ends and the bladder empties. With little discomfort, and immediate improvement in symptoms, I'm happy with it so far, even with the weakening stream. I'm still far better off, and I wouldn't hesitate to have a do-over when necessary. Best wishes!
frank74205 mcgillvn
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Hi< I like the idea of taking oxycodone for pain ,i never took this medicine ,is this like morphine? I.m 86 years old ,and hope i can quailfy for the uro lift.
Did you have any pain with this procedure? Do you have an opinion on why not do general anesthesia?How were you when you had this done?
mcgillvn frank74205
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The 5 mg oxycodone is a small dose of a direct opiate pain reliever, no acetaminophen or codeine derivative. It'll hit the pain with fewer side effects, but it will mess up the GI tract. I'd say avoid if you don't need it, but make sure you have it if it's available to you.
I'd describe pain as momentary, fleeting; the sound of the implants being placed was a bit startling, like a loud stapler. I'm 68; no medical training, so talk to an anaesthesiologist. There may be very good reasons for a general, I'm the essence of an anecdote!
frank74205 mcgillvn
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mcgillvn frank74205
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I've posted several updates in the urolift secton of this forum, check them out. My symptoms were relieved immediately, very little problem. I might need a do-over, which seems common enough with urolift. Size and shape of your prostate, amount retained after attempting to void, etc.....all those things affect the medical recommendation. Lots of complaints about TURP show up here, probably a good idea to get a 2nd opinion.....but if that's your best medical option, it's been the standard for a long time.
kenneth1955 frank74205
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Frank don't let hime do a turp on you. Havr the uro-lift it's works great. He want to do the turp because there is more money in it Ken
frank74205 kenneth1955
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Hi Ken, Just got back from urologist. They removed catheter ,and gave me a 6 hour void. It has been 5 hours ,still can't pee.I have been on medicine 3/12/months. i dont think this medicine is going to shrink my prostate?this is the third void test in 3 months. I HOPE ITS MY PROSTATE AND NOTHING ELSE.I will see this other urologist 10/4 ,he does Uro LIft. My Research,says the Green LIght VIP is less invasive then turp?Have you heard anything about this ?At almost 87 years old ,maybe i will catherize myself.
kenneth1955 frank74205
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Sorry your having a problem. See what the urologist says on the 4th. I don't think it's your prostate I think you have a lazy bladder. Yes a green Light is better less bleeding I hope you can have the urolift done Also maybe CIC would work for you Take care Ken
frank74205
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hi Ken, I have tryed to get in touch with- bruce81068 . He doesn't answer. He had a uro lift done in Chicago U.I.C. and wanted to find the name of the DR that did his URo LIft. He did a good job. Is there a way to send a private email on this forum to reach him?
Thanks,my friend
frank
kenneth1955 frank74205
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