Urethral Catheter & Slighly enlanged prospate gland

The 'solution', if it is that, does seem a bit extreme to me too. However, I would have thought there are many other things to check first: enlarged prostate (BHP; maybe dealt with by a prostatectomy; maybe some drug/pill). No doubt others will give better advice here than I.

I lived with a urine retention of 300 - 600 mL for years without much bother (tho' it may not have helped my bladder cancer recurrences). It was only when it got to 1.2L and back-washed into my kidney, causing an enlarged ureter and increased blood pressure, that I first had a catheter (to see how things improved - they did) and then the prostatectomy (which worked fine - only needing to pee every 4-6 hours now).

Remember, you can always have a second (or third) opinion.

Seems a strange decision for something that happens so seldom, are you in the UK? Surely to self catheterise at night to fully empty your bladder would be enough.

You do not say if you get up to the toilet during the night.

Have they checked the size of your prostate?

derek 76

Thanks for the reply, and I do live in the UK. My prostate is slighly enlarged very typical for someone of my age.

I would say 8 out of 10 nights I would get up to go the toilet. During the day I have no problem, but I guess from results so far that I am not empty my bladder. This does not cause me any problem

 It was from the Urological Surgeon. He reported that the normal plan was to insert an urethral catheter.  Maybe when I discuss the on-going management plan with the surgeon things may change.

 

Hello Ralph

The sequence of events as you have described them is puzzling. 

What additional information/ observations are you able to mention,  that might lead to a better understanding of your Consultant's comments ?

Do you have someone accompany you to your appointments

It would seem a good idea to revisit your Consultant and seek further clarification.

Good Luck

Regards,

Dudley

Does any any one have any feedback with regards to "private" verse NHS treatment with regards to this type of prospate problem.

I was wondering if there would any difference with the following treatment methods.

a) Consultant plus private treatment

b) Consultant/NHS treatment

I suspect the consultant with the private treatment with all the different facilities at his finger tips would have the advantage,

Going through the NHS I suspect the consutlant will get bogged down with other prorities,

 

I agree with others in that NHS probably has superior treatment options to private (the former are usually much larger hospitals with larger departments). The actual surgeons are generally the same. But for specific treatments, such as HoLEP prostatectomy as I had, then the private was just as good.

The main benefit of private is speed of appointment - I had mine done in about a week after the last consultation with my NHS uroogist. The NHS waiting time was months, something I wasn't willing to put up with 'cos I found the catheter unpleasant.

The cost for me was about £5,500 at Brentwood Nuffield. The 'hotel' side of the hospital was very good.- private room, etc.

The catheter was inserted because I was not emptying my bladder fully. The urine was going back into my kidneys, which through time would be damaged.

My first catheter dropped out, which was stressful My second catheter still working ok, not easy to get used to.

All set for a TURP operation, which hopefully will cure my problem