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
executive1 charles40613
Posted
I now hear that they are doing a new procedure the PAE I think it is called where the reduce the blood flow to the prostate and it shrinks. That sound s good to me. I will check it out in case I need further procedure.
AZBill executive1
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I'm sure there are numerous factors that contribute to the perception of a successful procedure outcome. I've just been struck by how many of the ones described as less satisfactory than expected are also associated with a side note that the application was done outside the parameters set by the manufacturer.
Agree, there are a number of new solutions on the way. Although I hope the Urolift is a permanent solution, even if it's not, I expect it to bridge the time for other more elegant solution to evolve.
roland89296 charles40613
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Hi all, it's been a while, but as they say 'no news, good news'. I had my Urolift 15 mths ago. Until now, no problems. I sleep well, often through or wake up only once. My quality of life has improved by 90 per cent. There were a few moments where I felt a bit uneasy and had an urge to pee again at night but usually stoped after 1 or 2 days. That made me a bit nervous. Once I even went for a check-up with my Urologist just to be sure but everything was fine. I had a minor enlargement of my prostate and took Flomax. I did not like the side effects so I decided to do a Urolift. I have no regrets and am glad I have done it, I am years old.
roland89296
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kenneth1955 roland89296
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Nannyduncan roland89296
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My father, 95 yr old retired AF Major, had the Urolift procedure done Oct. 21st. 2 days ago. He is still in the hospital. Had so me clotting in bladder. They hooked him up to a 3 way catheter and he got the super pubic tube in surgery. Dr. Zamip Patel. Orlando. I am hoping he comes home soon. How is the recovery process? I am worried about infecting and or clots.
kenneth1955 Nannyduncan
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Nanny It will be fine That is my doctor I think he is great. After a week I was fine but I'm 30 years younger then your father, Dr patel will do what is best for him Let him relax in the hospital Ken
frank74205 Nannyduncan
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Hi I hope your dad is doing well. Could he urinate before the Uro Lift?
I'm 87 and have this problem.Iwish all the best for him!
paul29249 roland89296
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bruce74642 paul29249
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yes, but I don't remember the drug name. I took a capsule an hour before, and another immediately prior to the procedure. I was concious, but groggy during and after the procedure.
bruce74642
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I also took pain pills after trying to alleviate the burning sensation I felt upon peeing, but they did little good. Luckily, that pain subsided after 4 or 5 days, It's still just barely uncomfortable to pee, but hardly noticeable.
Johnp1955 paul29249
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jon10032 charles40613
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I just had the urolift 5 days ago and am baffled by several of the comments. I was out for the procedure and when I woke up, the pain was a 10, especially during urination. 5 days later, I still have considerable pain during urination and cramps in my lower abdomin. The frequency has not yet decreased. I was just informed from my doctor that the burning during urination could last for 4 weeks. I went off pain meds and am taking Advil like candy. I've had second and third thoughts about having this procedure. Still peeing as much as before, only now it burns like crazy.
steven07153 jon10032
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I had the procedure exactly one month ago yesterday. For at least the first 8 days I had intense pain and had varying flows. Slowly, it's getting better and my flow is much better but not where I'd hope it will be. It's still a little sore but much better. But I also have questioned my decision based on the pain. Since I've had other surgeries I've learned to take the pain meds to avoid the pain. I did that since they claim you won't get addicted if it's only taken for pain.
mal7896 jon10032
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Pain for a few days due to catheter I think. It was very uncomfortable
Burning when peeling lasted maybe a couple of weeks
kenneth1955 jon10032
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steven07153 mal7896
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I had the urolift and was taking proscar prior to the surgery. It was causing sexual side effects as described--i.e. orgasm sort of without much feeling--and since the procedure my orgasmic function has somewhat returned. I'm only 4 weeks out. I wonder MAL7896 how long between procedures? I am aware the prostate continues to grow. But this was the first urolift comment where I saw it was done for a second time.
kenneth1955 steven07153
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steven07153 kenneth1955
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Thanks for the information. Unfortunately it confirmed what I already thought was the case--that the procedure may be done more than once. I was taking flomax, proscar/avodart--and it got to the point where the meds interfered with sexual function and they no longer worked as my flow significantly reduced. At least now there is no flow problem (4 weeks out). I had 5 "staples".
mal7896 steven07153
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First one was done sept 2015 with 4 bands
Second one 12 months later with another 4 bands for a total of 8
My prostate was growing around original bands
I suspect this was due to TRT which I have now stopped
Flow is quite good now but I still get up on average 3 times a night to urinate. Caused by stretched bladder I've been told
jimjames mal7896
Posted
Hi Mal,
Has your doc actually measured how much retention you have now either via office bladderscan? Do you know the average volume of your night time voids. Yes, a stretched bladder can cause multiple night time voids but it can also be just simply excessive nightime urination (nocturnia) which can be normal as we get older. Knowing your post void residual and the volume of your night time voids can help narrow the cause down. It's important because a stretched bladder and nocturnia are treated different ways.
Jim
frank74205 jimjames
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office said to wash hands of course ,i use the speddi cath Fr 12 ,then to bend the catheter to around 6 inches so it goes in with less pressure. Now i read you should not touch the catheter, only by the funnel end. This for me makes it very difficult to insert. Is this the way you self cath?
Thanks,Jim,
jimjames frank74205
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Yes, that is the technique I use. Can you explain the problem you're having? Are you OK until you get to the prostate and then find that the catheter is starting to bend and not going past the prostate? Are you using a Coude (curved) tip or a straight catheter?
I'm not sure what the nurse means by bending the catheter to 6 inches? If you're not feeding the catheter in by the funnel, how are you feeding it in. Other than the contamination issue, I found the Speedicath very slippery to hold onto when I initially tried to feed it in by holding the catheter itself. Gloves helped some but that added another step and still not as sterile as holding it by the funnel where you never touch the catheter at all.
Jim
frank74205 jimjames
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thanks for this info.
jimjames frank74205
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Depends how streched (flaccid) the bladder is. They told me that mine was too flaccid to ever be able to empty my bladder enough without a catheter and they turned out to be wrong. I was able to rehabilitate/treat my flaccid bladder over time by giving it a rest via self cathing. That doesn't mean it will work for everyone but I'm sure it will work for many.
Jim