Watchful Waiting.
Posted , 7 users are following.
I have been following the discussions on this site with interest as I am 61 years old and have BPH with an elevated PSA of 5.1 and my urine flow is restricted but manageable. My BPH was diagnosed around five years ago when my PSA was 4.7 and so far I have avoided any medication and have opted for watchful waiting by monitoring my PSA every four months. Should the PSA level shows a significant increase I will then have a high resolution MRI scan and needle biopsy in case of cancer.
As the slow urination problem is likely to increase I am interested in what I might do to manage this problem and am reassured that self catheterisation may be possible as an emergency intervention. (I am a sailor and a complete blockage is a bit of a concern when I’m days away from help) I am going to obtain a free sample of a compact single use coated catheter in order to try it for myself.
For the technically minded, I found an excellent article on Transurethral Resection of the prostate by Matthew A Collins, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Urology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University. Although primarily intended for surgeons, this article has given me a much better understanding of my prostate.
1 like, 9 replies
jimjames CaptainAl
Posted
Also, if you have an enlarged prostate, get one with a "coude tip" so it doesn't snag your prostate when inserted. 14 French (14F) is the usual starting size. Of course, ideally go over everyting with a doctor.
I would also practice some at home, so if an emergency arises, you won't be doing it for the first time.
FYI "single use catheter" is a often a mis-used term. Almost all catheters sold -- with the exception of hydrophillic catheters -- can be used multiple times, in fact up to two weeks. This is common practice. Hydrophillic catheters, because of their unique slippery coating, are truly single use and must be discarded after being used.
Hopefully, you have a urologist who can show you how to use the catheter. If not, there are a number of videos online.
I've been self cathing on a regular basis for a couple of years now and it has allowed me to avoid getting an operation. I don't know what your exact situation is, but a restricted flow often goes with a retention and high pressure condition. Both of these can lead to serious kidney damage if not treated either by an operation, or something like self-catherization.
I assume you've had bladder/kidney ultrasounds on at least a yearly basis? If not, you want to have them to rule out any kidney issues caused by urinary retention such as hydronephrosis (water in the kidney).
Jim
derek76 CaptainAl
Posted
As my prostate grew from 35grams to 75 my PSA went from 5.0 up to around 9.8. Big prostate = high PSA. After having a PVP in 2005 my PSA went back down to 5.1.
How big is your prostate?
supercargo CaptainAl
Posted
When you say you are a sailor, is that on deep sea, coastal, or leasure ?
CaptainAl supercargo
Posted
supercargo CaptainAl
Posted
Yes I can see your point, the USCG may not appreciate a call
jimjames CaptainAl
Posted
Jim
lander CaptainAl
Posted
sorry to be terse Al but have you told your doc about the full extent of your problem?
also just sticking a self cath up & into your bladder for the 1st time without any professional instruction or advice is imho a seriously bad idea.
you should be consulting a urologist - the problem will not get any better & you can almost be guaranteed it will get worse.
cheers
CaptainAl
Posted
I've really not received much help from my doctor or urology department (as yet). No scans so don't know the extent of the prostate enlargement or bladder retention, nor have they carried out flow tests, etc. However my latest PSA which has increased to 6.8 from 5.1 in April - which is a bit of a concern. Will have it checked again in a few months and if the increase persists will arrange for a scan and biopsy. I'm also going to enquire about additional tests as suggested on your replies and discuss self catheterisation before trying it out on myself.
Thanks again for all your support, Al
jimjames CaptainAl
Posted
The scans have nothing to do with your PSA going up or not. My PSA has always been under 1, but my kidney and bladder scan showed not only significant retention, but also Hydronephrosis which is a swelling of the kidney due to urine retention. Untreated, this can caus permanent kidney damage. So don't wait, make an appointment with a urologist now to prevent things from getting worse in the future.
Jim