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
Johnp1955 charles40613
Posted
2 separate questions:
1 - Has anyone on this forum had Blue Cross/Blue Shield Arizona, and if so, has the Urolift procedure been approved or denied coverage for Urolift by that particular carrier?
2 - Does anyone have the name of an english speaking doctor in Europe (the continent) that performs the Urolift procedure?
My partner and I are considering doing a medical tourism trip to Europe so that I can use the money that might go to paying for the procdure here in Colorado (assuming the insurance company won't pay for it) to travel to Europe and have the procedure performed there at a lesser cost, and get to see some of Europe in the process.
thanks in advance
kenneth1955 Johnp1955
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good evening John. I don't know if this will help you. But I heard from my urologist office that medicare is going to appove Urolift January 1, 2017 Ken
gipsy kenneth1955
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Johnp1955 kenneth1955
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I'm not yet eligible for Medicare; however, once Medicare starts approving Urolift that will force the private carriers to pay for the procedure. I'll ask my urologist. He apparently wasn't aware of this when I saw him on Tuesday, although he knows that I'm not Medicare eligible, so he simply may not have thought it necessary to tell me. Thanks for the information.
kenneth1955 Johnp1955
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Johnp1955 kenneth1955
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Had the last testing completed today - the urodynamics testing - and the urologist called to let me know that with the previous testing completed on Tuesday, and now with these results, I'm a good candidate for the urolift procedure. So now the likely arguments with Blue Cross/Blue Shield Arizona to try and get it approved. I'm almost looking forward to the fight. I've seen a document online - and of course I didn't copy it at the time, and I think it was in pdf format - that showed a very large listing of insurance companies and their respective positions on whether or not they'd provide coverage for Urolift based upon the question: is urolift experimental? Has anyone seen this document? The Google machine is working overtime to find it, so far without luck.
gipsy Johnp1955
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kenneth1955 gipsy
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I feel it is still a good procedure. It has been around almost 8 years or more. If you don't want your prostate cut out and deal with all the side effect Do it...Ken
Johnp1955 gipsy
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My doc argues that the evidence is already in that it isn't experimental; however, the insurance companies are always way behind the curve. With Medicare covering it, at least in some places according to the Urolift/NeoTract website, and Kaiser covering it, I think it is a matter of pushing the insurance companies more and more. I was surprised to see Kaiser covering it, because they are huge on evidence based medicine. Clearly, at least for them, the proof is already present.
Johnp1955 kenneth1955
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I've been researching this procedure ever since I first learned of it a few months ago. I want to have it done; I just have to figure out the monetary angle. I so want to get off of the medicines and stop having to use the catheters!!
gipsy Johnp1955
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gipsy Johnp1955
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John, despite my reservation about my specific procedure I would say it is a good procedure, no pain, no bleeding and out of hospital next day, some even have it in the doctor's surgery😁
kenneth1955 Johnp1955
Posted
justin_1212 charles40613
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I had this procedure done 4 days ago and still TRYING to recover. DEFINITELY not as simple and easy of a procedure they would like you to believe. Still having all kinds of complications like bloody urine every time constant urination burning stinging sensation while urinating etc..... my life is miserable right now and i am just HOPING that it will get better and that i won't regret this and that it actual does some good at the end. So far not good. So far no improvements just miserable laying in bed with all the complications I mentioned above. Think twice before doing this because it's not as easy simple as you would hope it would could be
kenneth1955 justin_1212
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AZBill justin_1212
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Justin,
Some of the things you mention, a bit of blood and the stinging I would say should be expected for a few days. As far as laying about, I did little for about 4 days. At four days, I would not sound the alarm with what you're experiencing. The stinging and tinged urine should subside daily. But At 4 days, I was very similar. At 10 days all issues like that were gone and I was learning how to deal with emptying fully and knowing I couls wait to go.
Best to you...
Evdilos justin_1212
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Sorry to hear about your problemes. I know what you mean. The brochures do not mention the potential travails of the post Uro Lift procedure. I had to go to emergency 4 times. A terrible experience. It should clear up in a few days. I hope you will find some benefit.
Tony