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
2019Guy charles40613
Posted
I'd be surprised if you were talking about general anesthesia for a Urolift. That's a very serious situation involving lots of drugs, an anesthesiologist or other specialist and a real operating theater. The lighter alternative that would work very nicely is a shot of propofol or maybe even Versed. Twilight sleep, you don't remember a thing. That's what they typically give for colonoscopies and endoscopies and suchlike. I had it years ago for a broken nose repair.
mark09977 2019Guy
Posted
My procedure was done under the awake and drive yourself home.... while i had no complications and all was successful, i definitely would not recommend it. Very painful despite the numbing and laughing gas. i think general anesthesia is also extreme.... i would have been happy with the twilight alternative. In the US your insurance company will have a say.... but can always be appealed. Mine wanted me to do the Turp and took 4 months to fight them over it.
kenneth1955 mark09977
Posted
Hey Mark
Glad you stood your ground.
5 years ago I had my Urolift done in a surgery center next to my doctors office. All it cost be was $200. I had no problem with the general anesthesia.
You can still find some doctors that will do it that way. Every thing is the cost and the time.
Ken
Chiefton 2019Guy
Posted
I could see Versed as a possible alternative but blocks and gas or a pain shot such as I got did not work. For the way mine went, animals are treated better by a Veterinarian than I was. I knew I was in trouble when the doc turned on an aromatic misting machine, music and the nurses handed me 2 plastic hot dogs to squeeze to mitigate the pain. I should have left right then but my doc said it doesn't hurt. That was total BS.
Bbs1960 mark09977
Posted
Did you have the nerve block also with the gas?
kenneth1955 Bbs1960
Posted
No man should have to be put through that pain. Good luck
My doctor still does his in the surgery center with a general anesthesia he feel it is better for the patient.
Ken.
Deltoid charles40613
Posted
Yes, medicine has come a long way. I read in a text that the cowboys out on the range carried a catheter tube in the brim of their hat, and when necessary, would self catheterize. The Englishmen of that period carried their tube in a hollowed out section of their cane. We have however, come a long way since that time.
For the person getting the gas and block, I would have them explain exactly how that will work before I signed off on it. Chiefton , I think the surgeon who butchered you, should have to go the procedure himself under the same conditions. We are in the 21st Century now.
kenneth1955 Deltoid
Posted
We need to read any paper that is put in front of us before signing. I read everything. I had a few nurses try to rush me and tell be it is all standard. I told them no problem I'm reading it anyway.
Everything is in a rush. Take time to read the fine print.
Take care......Ken
Chiefton Deltoid
Posted
We all have a belief that you trust your doctor as they are supposed to be the educated experts. My lesson has been learned and I pass my "p**s poor" (humor intended) experience on to others before they go through this. As I have learned, flat rate payment is the apparent reason that doctors now try to cut corners. They are looking out for themselves and we, as patients, need to realize what is taking place and look out for ourselves. This site has been phenomenal as you are hearing from the patients and not from pharmaceutical sales persons, doctors or anyone else with a monetary gain involved. Like everyone else here, we are patients and not doctors, but I have seen many who have had doctors who have their patients care and needs before their monetary situation and others who do not. I say it again, you are your own best advocate to watch out for yourself.
Bbs1960 charles40613
Posted
Any one had a prostate block before, what is it like?
kenneth1955 Bbs1960
Posted
Hey Buddy
Never have any kind of block for any of my surgery. I was always put out.
I think that is the way any surgery should be.....Ken
Good Luck
bert33901 charles40613
Posted
I'm still not sure about the best way to send a message out to everyone so sorry for any inconvenience. I had the Urolift procedure in September and have had issues since. 2 times on a catheter, first time immediately after the procedure for a week. The 2nd time was 6 weeks later when I developed urinary retention. Things began to improve after the 2nd month however I continue to have irritation just as I start to urinate. It is a strong pain but goes away after the urine starts flowing. I'm scheduled to go in for a cystoscopy in 2 weeks and wonder if it will show anything. I've read a bit about interstitial cystitis that presents with symptoms but does not always have a detectable cause. Has anyone had this problem?
Bbs1960 charles40613
Posted
well having the procedure on tuesday
gas and nerve block will be used
prostate 42cc no median lobe
little nervous hope all oks well
Bbs1960 charles40613
Posted
obstructing left lobe right lobe mild obstructing
Bbs1960 charles40613
Posted
had urolift on tuesday afternoon, yesterday ok, but a lot more sore today and passing more clots today than yesterday. guess its like an injury the 2nd and 3rd day is worst than the 1st.
Deltoid Bbs1960
Posted
Yes, it will take a couple of weeks to heal. Urinating was between uncomfortable and painful for a couple of weeks. I was okay putting up with that because I was able to go home without a catheter.
Deltoid