Turp experience and questions
Posted , 128 users are following.
Hi there,
JUst wanted to share my experience with my turp surgery. I'm 45yrs old, too young some say for me to having prostate issues but I put it down to my father side of the family (my father and uncles all currently suffer from enlarge prostates)
For the last couple of years been suffering from weak urine stream, having a full night sleep and waking up in the morning with the urge to go wee just to wee a small trickle. I also suffered from time to time having blood in the urine.
Went to see the Urologist, he did some testing, test on the strengh on my urine flow (very weak the doc said) he put a camera up my penis to see inside and we could see clearly that my prostate was enlarge and was putting pressure on my bladder which probably explained why sometimes I could see blood on my urine. I have a benign enlarged prostate, no cancer worries which is good.
While I decided if I wanted to have surgery, doctor put me on Avodart. It did help but I wasn't sure if I wanted to take antibiotics for the rest of my life. Avodart temporary reduces the size of the prostate but if you stop taking it, you will still have the same problem again and it will only get worse.
Dedided to have the surgery, I had it three weeks ago. spinal block, stayed in hospital one full day with a catheter inserted. Catheter was removed the following day in the morning, had to urine a few times into a container, followed by a scan machine pressed to my belly to see how much urine was left in the bladder. Passed the test and was allowed to go home that day at midday.
I can see the immediate benefit of the surgery where my urine stream is very strong. When I get up in the morning with a full bladder, no more urine trickle, just a strong urine flow. On the other side, I'm still suffering from post surgery effects, for example, frequent urges to go to the toilet and pee ( I probably go every 40 to 60 minutes) blood on the urine and pain (burning/stinging) everytime I have to take a piss. The doctor says is normal for this symptoms to happen and it will take weeks before everything is back to normal. how long? it depends on the individual. I can get an erection, it feels a bit different and I will suffer from retro ejaculation ( I was warned about this)
Anyone that had Turp done, how long it took until you where pain free? (no blood and pain) Did you take any medicine to stop the pain or the bledding?
Thanks for reading,
Henry
6 likes, 509 replies
lou43014 pty10
Posted
My urologist has scheduled me for TURP surgery. He has not told me of any other solutions that may be effective in my case. I was wondering if anyone had experienced other methods for BPH that were effective. I feel TURP is very invasive and would prefer another option.
uncklefester lou43014
Posted
Many here will tell you not to go with TURP, I'm one of them. I was scheduled for TURP then read up on it. I decided against it Do some research
art123 lou43014
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I concur with others to research your options. I first tried Urolift (urolift.com ). This procedure is minimally invasive and done in the doctors office. However, it didn't work for me. Then I went with TURP and this was very successful. Surgeon said he had better control removing tissue using the TURP instruments over using a laser. Probably, in the end like everything else, it comes down to the competency of the practitioner which is hard to evaluate.
lou43014 uncklefester
Posted
bob120 lou43014
Posted
I had a TUMT in 2011. totally ineffective. I had Green light laser in 2012 and 20a3. Partially effective in obtaining a good stream and eliminating retention. I had the turp in 2015. It was the most effective in removing retention and giving me a full stream, I've been taking dutasteride for two years (probably will take it for life). It has been effective in reducing the progressive growth of the prostate and lowered my PSA from 8.6 to 1.6. No side effects that I have noticed. I still get up 3 to 4 times a night. Once the obstruction in the prostate is removed many still have night time urination due to bladder issues. The prostate procedures don't solve them. I use two 1 liter plastic urinals in a basket by my bedside. I can sit on the edge of my bed and urinate in the dark and get right back to sleep.
dalebf lou43014
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lou43014 dalebf
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Thank you for your reply. I will discuss this with my urologist (I hope he's familiar with the procedure).
lou43014 bob120
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Thank you for your reply. I hope I don't have any bladder issues.
edward_97123 pty10
Posted
I'm new to this discussion though have had three separate prostate sx over the past 5 years and offer some observations. The three procedures were: green laser prostate tissue vaporization in Jan 2012, traditional TURP in April 2012 and a repeated TURP in Aug 2017. In 2012 I decided to go with the green laser sx per urologist recommendation. It was less than successful due to need to remove large volume of prostate tissue. Post laser symptoms were far worse that pre procedure. Urologist then recommended a bona fide TURP which was completed three months post laser. The results were far better vs the laser: improved flow, fewer urination episodes, no dysuria or hematuria. However, first six months post TURP were rather inconvenient due to urge/incontinence. First three months post TURP I essentially had no control over voiding. Bladder seemed to have a life of its own and would spasm (contract) without warning. Urine release was nearly instantaneous and very forceful - nearly impossible to contain. Required using absorbant pads and being very observant of nearest facility. These conditions eventually improved though process required at least 6 months to revert to a more normal controllable voiding pattern. Urologist prescribed 20 mg oxybutin tabs to manage spasms but was mostly ineffective in modulating voiding intensity. Voided volume was in the range of 100 - 120 mls/episode and required the noted 6 month period to increase amount voided.
In 2017 I began developing hematuria (bloody urine). Used services of different urologist since I had relocated. He determined evidence of urethral strictures, possibly scar tissue from earlier two procedures and recommended addressing the strictures via surgical removal. Upon further review and using a cystoscope, he also decided my prostate had regrown and should be reduced in size using a traditional TURP protocol. Sx was uneventful and I was discharged next day with an indwelling Foley. Most uncomfortable for the 12 days it was in place. As reported in other posts, Foley placement results in bladder spasms that are very intense. Mine were approx 30 minutes apart with a 1 minute duration. Urologist scripted 10mg oxybutinin and 50 mg Myrbetriq to temper the spasms. Neither did much to reduce their duration or incidence. Foley pulled after 12 days and I subsequently experienced minimal bleeding or clots. Very small number of tissue samples appeared in urine appeared in urine 2 - 3 weeks post Foley removal though they were the size of a "BB" and no pain associated with their passing. The one unresolved issue is urge/incontinence. Presently, 40 days post TURP I am experiencing urge/incontinence similar to the 2012 TURP. Bladder spasms unpredictably and forcefully meaning it is essential to be mindful of nearest facility. Stream is very strong though, given fluid inatke, occurs every 2 hours or so. NIght time incidence area approx 3 hours apart. Urologist indicates I should expect the urge incontinence to continue for another 2 months minimum.
In my experience and opinion, TURP is a significant surgical procedure. It will disrupt your life for 2 - 3 weeks post procedure due to catheterization and urination management. Then another 2 - 4 months, at least, with urge/incontinence issues. Of course, everyone has different physiology and responds to sx differently. Nevertheless, if you decide to proceed with a TURP, be prepared for disruption to your routines for a few months after the procedure is complete.
I'm happy to entertain comments and questions. Thanks for reviewing this narrative.
hank1953 edward_97123
Posted
john15876 edward_97123
Posted
My god
My brother you have been through the mill! I have had an enlarged prostate since 23 now 61 suffered over the years until the drugs came out I started taking at 48 but not like I should have I thought vitimans would do the trick wrong! Locked up on cold meds got worse and worse should have sought out an expert at 53 finally after going to the er to be cathed I sought out help at 60 finally after last lock up and cathed for a month my dr said u ready to fix it? He does every procedure and told me Turp is his
Most successful and I did not bite until a month later another lock up cathed back to his office and said ok next day Turp hell for 90 days of pain passing scabs and
Mental s**t thank god for heating pad ice and Xanax now feeling much better he said after procedure expect 3-6 months recovery with what I removed
From you and no redo in my lifetime
Just watch for cancer it is no pony ride for all but I suffered for years and some here with the crystal balls and part time dr's can be miss leading
bob120 edward_97123
Posted
Very similar to my situatuation. Had GL laser in June 2012. Not that successful. Still had anywhere from 125 to 250mls PVR. Urinating was like my urine was coming through broken pipes, had to lean from side to side to empty out. Lots of pain and bleeding for about 10 weeks. Dec 2013, had hematuria and blood clots. Had second GL to remove more tissue, trim the bladder mouth, cauterize the bleeders on the prostate and bladder mouth, and remove a whole bunch of bladder stones the size of bb's. Required 8 pints of whole blood. Another 8 weeks of pain and bleeding, urgency and frequency. June 2015. Ultrasound had showed my prostate was up to 305g. Dr. said it was growing like a weed, the largest prostate he ever dealt with. A few weeks later had a second hematuria. Dr. couldn't get a GL machine on short notice, did a classic turp to remove tissue, cauterize the bleeding. Sent tissue to pathology, showed no cancer. Needed 6 pints of whole blood this time over the next month. Needed a second procedure after two weeks to cauterize the bleeders. Two weeks later was scheduled for a third procedure on Monday, as I'd been bleeding for a month, but the bleeding stopped Sunday night. Much better result. Pain and spasms just lasted for total of 6 weeks. Didn't take anything, just would hyperventilate to get my mind off them when they came. Stream finally good. PVR down to 32mls. November 2015 asked for an ultrasound to measure the prostate. Was 205g. I asked to be put on dutasteride to shrink the prostate. Nov 2016 did another ultrasound. Didn't shrink the prostate but only grew to 235 g. Will be on dutasteride for life. No side effects. None of the procedures stopped getting up at night. Still get up 3 to 4 times a night. Use a bedside urinal in the dark so I can get right back to sleep. Realized once the obstruction was gone, getting up at night was a bladder issue, low capacity.
andrew95836 pty10
Posted
Hi I have come home from hospital after having my prostate cored out but unfortunately I cannot urinate.. feel robbed off by doctors because of my age of 63. But I am trim and fit 63 year old man.. Had catheter out today and was cheer agony trying to pee.. after waiting all day for it to work had to be catheterized agsin and feel so down . Feel wirse niw than before i went in.. Have to go back In 2 weeks .. do you have any help on this PLEASE..i am desperate .. Had 5 months if being catheterized and don't want it anymore.. Had usual cramps.. spasms and clots.. but burns like hell when trying to pee but nothing comes out.. so down.. any advice..
hank1953 andrew95836
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edward_97123 andrew95836
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Andrew: Sorry to hear about your blockage - most uncomfortable to go through and attempt to address. Perhaps you have an occlusion in your urethra or bladder outlet. With catheter pulled, granulated tissue (scab) could have dislodged from Sx site though remained in urinary tract and blocking urine flow. Could also be a stricture whereby you urethra is being blocked by inflamed tissue recently "cored out". I had a TURP several weeks ago and Foley remained in place for 12 days post procedure. That 12 day period was uncomfortable due to bladder spasms and a general sense of bladder distress. However, once Foley was removed, those symptoms subsided. Also sloughed small sized clots 3 - 4 weeks after Foley was removed. Clots were approx 1/4" diameter and never larger than 3/8" which meant that they would unlikely block the urinary tract. Also had a TURP 5 years prior to most recent one and that Foley was pulled 2 days post procedure. Soon after that episode, I was sloughing much larger clots than was the case recently. Fortunately for me, they never clogged the urinary tract though were of a size that could have. Given these two experiences, I'm just thinking that keeping a Foley in place for a longer period post procedure may mitigate possibility of urinary tract occlusion or blockage. An extended cath period will likely mean several days of discomfort which can be offset by a lesser probability of urinary retention/blockage - a way more serious condition.
All of this is offered simply as an illustration of a slightly different approach to post TURP catheterization.
By the way, having been through two TURPs and one GL procedure, in my own experience I've found that the uro professional staff just might downplay the serious nature of such procedures. While not quite the level of open heart sx, TURP is a significant procedure with significant post sx discomfort, inconvenience and disruption. Of course, everyone's case is different though complications can occur such as post sx blockages. And they must be addressed immediately. Expect discomfort no matter which option is pursued. Eventually, that discomfort should subside and with a return to some sense of normalcy.
Best of luck with your ongoing treatments.
hank1953 edward_97123
Posted