The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions

In a way they are telling you the truth.  But that is true with any procedure.  Where did you have yours done and how many clip did they put in.  Maybe he did not put them in right or you need more.  I had mine done 3 1/2 years ago and I am still wide open. Only 4 clips to on top and 2 on the bottom  The Urolift is made to open the prostate.  If you are still having a problem  It has to be the bladder.  Good luck  Ken 

The Urolift procedure failed to provide any relief. Then the doc diagnosed overactive bladder. The meds for that didn't work, so he went in for a look, and he found one of the clamps had punctured my bladder and a stone was forming. He said he could fix that, so he went in again, telling me the problem would be fixed. He removed some of the clamps, and he said he fixed the puncture, but I still suffer terribly from urge incontinence and frequency.

I know how you feel as I am into the sixth month and nothing is better. You know they promise you the moon and you get nothing.

Going back in in three weeks for them to go inside and take a look.

They say my prostate was not all that big and they put in 7 clips.

Sorry to here that.  The Urolift is made to open up the prostate which it must have done but you have a bladder problem.  If it is a bladder problem.  You have to fix the bladder not the prostate.  Good luck Ken

Hi Ken... I had mine done 1 year ago. 6 clips, no problems. BUT, my doc told me I'd still most likely still have overactive bladder, as my bladder became more muscular due to years of trying to force urine past my enlarged prostate.

I still have overactive bladder, but declined meds, as the retrograde ejaculation problems are a pain. I just make sure to void often and if out long, I'll wear a thin pad...just in case.

Why did he put in 7 clips.  It should have open you up  Mine was the size of a large lemon and I only had 4 put in 2 on top and 2 on the bottom.  That was 3 1/2 years ago.  And it is still wide open.  There must be another problem somewhere.  Good luck Ken  

Sorry to here that.  Your not on any med's  I would like to know how you end up with retro.  Did he do some thing to your bladder neck.  Your the first person that I talk to that got retro from Urolift procedure  Take care  Ken    

Good question on the 7 but it has been a loser for sure.

Really p****d me off when I saw what they charged Medicare.

Tried going off of meds and wheels fell off the wagon. Makes me wonder if I was number 1 in his book.

Before having it done I was warned by other Doctors to make sure and have the right Doc---I don't guess I did.

Did you find out how many has he done.  Hope things get better  KEN

Have not found out.

My procedure was total failure. 6 months 0 improvement, went in yesterday for another scope. MD said he put 2 clips in at the top but bottom was still closed. When I asked about putting 2 clips at bottom, he said we never do that? Now going on another drug to shrink prostrate, takes 6 months. If that doesn’t work talking about Green light. I’ll try new drug, but don’t like sound of green light.

Machog, that sounds odd.  When I was researching, before I had the urolift, I don't think I read anything but 4 clips, at a minimum.  When I had mine, they added a 5th, because my urologist felt it was not opened enough.  I don't think I have read of anyone having only 2 clips.  I hope they can figure out the best for you.  Bob

Machog, ditto Bob's response, I have never heard of just 2 clips.  I would call or email Urolift directly and get their opinion.  I would also go to another Urologist that has done this procedure on numerous patients.  I would not go the Greenlight route until I was certain that the Urolift was done correctly and there was no alternative.  As Ken says, it's your body and you are going to have to live with the decision for the rest of your life.  My two cents.

Mac  Where is this doctor coming from.  If he only put 2 clips in that is why the Urolift did not work because you are still closed at the bottom of the prostate.  You need to get him to put the other 2 in or see another doctor that.  He set you up to fail He is working his way to do a green light on you.  I would see another doctor  What did he put you on.  They do that  I had 2 on top and 2 on bottom done 3 1/2 years ago still wide open.  Please check into it.  They can put up to 8 clips in..  Be safe  ken    

Thank you George.  I just sent him a message He need to see another doctor to have the other 2 put in.  I have never hear of this they can put in up to 8    I still think he set him up to fail so he can do a Green light on him.  I hope he see another doctor I would not trust him with my body  Take care  Ken

Sorry buddy I have talk with my doctor and he told me the only way you can get retro if he but the bar to close to the bladder neck.  It is on some of the site They say the same thing.  We just had the 5 year mark from the trail and no one in the trail had retro.  I would try another doctor to see if they could do something.  Good luck  Ken

I had a very similar experience. And I got the same response verbatim from the UroLift company. Plus I’m now unable to have an erection. I’m depressed all the time and regret my decision to have the UroLift surgery everyday for almost 2 years now.

Hi Ken l was told that with urOlift only you did not require a catheter after treatment yet you had one for three days. Mine was only in for 1 day. Why is that?

Ken if your prostate was so large how did u get by with only 4 clips? Mine was 2 1/2 times normal size is that a large lemon not sure but he put 8 clips in and said without a little green light laser that it would not work because the prostate was pushing up against bladder. Really had to go with his knowledge over mine. Day 2 frequency urgency and slight burning. Early days Generally feel well.

I have a problem peeing on demand.  But When I was looking into the Urolift there were a few guys on that they had the catheter taking out and sent home and by night time they could not pee and ended up at the hospital to have a catheter put in.  It is really up to the doctor.  I had my Urolift done at 1 pm Monday and it was taking out Wednesday morning at 8 AM  You did not say What he use the Green Light on.  I still think the 8 clips would have been enough to keep you open.  But it's your life  Ken  

He said the prostate was pushing up on the bladder and without the addition of som green light the urolift would not be enough. My recovery is not bad did you have any constipation?

Good afternoon.  Well whats done is done.  You will never know if the Urolift would have worked alone.  There have been many men with a large prostate that had 8 clips and peed like a teenager,  Your doctor did what he wanted.  Yes Had a little a few days after.  I was give Docusate to help so I would not force myself.  You are going to have to deal with 2 procedure of healing.  Hope you do well.  I all ready sent a e-mail to the company. Of what is going on.  Take care  Ken

Hi, 

I'm glad you had such great results. Mine was a complete disaster and the biggest mistake.

I had the UroLift procedure in December 2016, the doctor put in 5 clips and it resulted in minimal relief of my urine retention and only a slightly improved flow. The major thing is it has resulted in erectile dysfunction. I spoke with NeoTract (the company that makes the UroLift device) and after several extensive phone conversations, they talked with my doctor (but could not disclose to me what he said about my surgery). And they left me with this nugget of an explanation, "Well, UroLift isn't for everyone. We hope you find a solution to your ED," then click, they hung up the phone.

My urologist who performed the surgery looked at me like I'm from another planet when I asked him about it and assures me the surgery was a "success". And that nothing he did caused my ED.

It (the surgery) has left me with a problem that I did have have prior to surgery, I have nothing but regrets over my decision to have the UroLift procedure and I am extremely depressed. My quality of life has sharply declined since December 2016. I have tried every ED pill on the market and spent thousands on penis injectables (Tri-Mix) and nothing has solved my ED.

Plus I'm still on all the meds that I was on prior to surgery just so I can pee.

I read all these forum posts about how guys are peeing like a teenager and have a sex drive that's through the roof after their UroLift surgeries. Well, I'm glad it worked for all you guys, but for me it has destroyed my ability to enjoy a quality of life that I had before.  I was 52 when I had the surgery. I'm 54 now.  I never imagined my sex life would end at age 52.

For guys considering UroLift, I advise that you really think long and hard about it and get ALL the information you can on the procedure and the doctor who will be performing the surgery.

It was the worst choice I have ever made in my life and I live with the consequences daily.

-Den

hi Den,

i had urolift done a year ago, I have perfect result. After reading your post, I like to give you a suggestion, please go to another well qualified reconstructive urologist who does the penile implant, asking him if you are a good candidate. You are too young to have lost sex life! There are few good urologists  in States who perform this procedure, I was told Medicare pays for this procedure for qualified patients. Good luck!

 

Den,

   I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. I too had a similar problem but I was 75 at the time of the surgery. Apparently my impotence is not related to the surgery but rather to the Maxflow medication which I continue to take. The surgery was a failure in that my urinating problem has not improved. I hope someone can help fix your situation. Possibly you need new medication.

Evdilos .  . 

Dan  I sent you a PM message.  Can you please send me the list of meds you are on before and after the Urolift.  Ken 

Thanks for the suggestion. At this point I truly don't want to have any more surgery in my pelvic region for fear of ending up even more worse off than I already am.

I appreciate the kind gesture. I am slowly coming to terms that I made a very bad choice and now I must deal with the consequences of that choice.

Den

Hello Ken,

i did not get the pm, I signed on profile page, but it says no message.

i was taking uroxatrol ( alfusozin) before urolift, but I was prescribed proscar, Flo max, rapaflo etc, I stopped them because of the side effects.

after urolift, I do not need any med, but use blue pill when I do sex. I do take saw pameltto complex at night. I still get up once or twice a night. But I do not have urinary retention. Thank God!

i do read your posting every time you write something. Just to compare myself and some in future to watch for, thank for your sharing!

hello Den, 

it seems like you try to blame yourself than your doctor, did your doctor mentioned prior to urolift that you might lose potency? I do not see how few staples on prostate gland could cause this problem. What does your partner at home say. Are you in U K or U S?  I would definitely get a second opinion from a well known urologist and go from there.

Thank you Dan.   I try to help where I can.  Dan is taking a pill that no man should take Jalyn.  It has a lot of side effect.  The doctor did not tell him about the side effects This pill can mess up your sex life.  I am trying to help him get it back if I can.  I do not know he has been on it for 8 years.  He was lucky that the pill did not do that to him earlier There was some kind pills with the other pills that had to do it.  Take care If you need anything just ask  Good Luck  Ken  

Hi Dan. 

Yes, I blame myself because i made the choice to have surgery. My doctor (as well as all the information I read about UroLift) told me there would be no sexual side effects from the surgery.So no, my doctor never mentioned that the surgery might leave me unable to get an erection.

My partner has been very supportive and tries to keep my attitude positive. but the depression is difficult to overcome. I am in the U.S.

Den

I was a health care provider team before I retired at age 65, I take vaigra, did you try that? I think you should talk to a psychologist, not psychiatrist, by talking you may get out of depression. Then try to find a group of urologists who have experience treating ED, they may prescribe medication  or offer some solutions. I do not believe you should give up easily. While I was in early 50’s, I did not even need viagra. You probably still working for making a living and have health insurance, you should make full use of it.

what matter is quality of life as health care professional always say.

hope this will give you bit of motivation to improve your “quality of life”

good luck!

what states are you in? May be I can point out some direction for you.

Thanks for the encouragement Dan.

I’ve tried every ED med (viagra,cilais, levitra  even Trinidad injections and none worked.

I’m self employed and have crap insurance.

I live in Tennessee 

Den

Tri-mix injectors not Trinidad 

Hello Den,

so you have tried all med and injections, it seems that penile implant might be a good solution. You probably want to do some research yourself by going online and study on this subject. Do you still trust your urologist? If not, you may want to find another group of urologits, I say group, because within the group, there are different sub-specialties, like kidney, bladder, prostate etc. I am sure there is a good urologist who can help you.

also try university of Tennessee medical center, they are research and teaching hospital, they can help.

good luck

Hey Buddy.  How you doing.  Have not heard from you in a while.  I sent you a PM message but no answer.  Thinking about you.  Ken

Hi Ken think l am slowly getting better Had my first woody since OP This was a relief because l was starting to worry still getting some urgency which is a pain when you go out somewhere . Ken l have a question for u? If u only needed 4 clips u should have not been that bad and maybe put off OP?

I am glad you are feeling better    Let's hope you have more improvement.  The reason I had it done was.  When I was having my stricture check.  I had a flexable cystacope in the office.  My prostate was the size of a large lemon and it was closed together.  He could not get the camera through to check the bladder.  And let me tell you it hurt. I had to force myself to go to the bathroom.  He put me on Flomax & Rapaflo After 2 week I said that's enough.  I did not like the side effects.( Retro )  I called my doctor and had it 4 weeks later.  4 clips was enough to get it open and I'm still wide open.  Ken.     

Andy.  Why do you think I did not need it done just because I had only 4 clips.  There was just another man on here this week that only hand 3 clips.  There was also when the Urolift came out.  We have a show here in the US called the doctor.  The one doctor had it done and he only had 2.  The urologist felt he only needed the  bottom of his prostate done. That is were the urethra close  Ken

Hey Ken, It seems to me that sending people home with their own catheter is a bit rough. My catheter was hooked up to fluids that were constantly flushing out the bladder. There was no chance l could take it out even though those bladder spasms hurt . It seems like a production line in the UK and the States l had to have general anaesthetic they would hear of local even though l had hernis with local Mind you l felt pain Wife took me shopping yesterday now that is real pain

You were sent home with a catheter with a flush.  That makes no since.  I was sent home with a catheter but was told to drink a lot of water.  The bladder spasms were the worse. I went back on Wednesday morning and they fulled it with 250 cc of saline and shot it out It went all over the floor.  I did wear a pad to make sure of linking or something.  Never had a catheter before.   I went out.  but I was glad I had the pad it only took me 20 minutes to get to were I was going but I had to pee so bad  I did not make it in the building.  I leg out of the car and that was it.  But the pad held it all.  Went inside and changed.  I had a general also.  Going with you wife seamed like fun.  But is she one of them shopper that like to look at everything.   You know you enjoy spending time with her.  Glad you doing better.  Remember you have 2 procedures to heal from so you are going to have double of everything.  Do rest when you can.  Take care Ken  

Thanks Ken