Postrate op

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi all, Iam kicking back at home loving life after my TURP op on my prostrate I can Void like a 14 year old again Id highly recommend it to anyone if you are having troubles Voiding, its my second TURP Op in 10 years.  Its been a 6 month trip to now, It started with a my annual PSA check up around April this Year which was higher than normal at 5,4 but I do have A Bi nine enlarged Prostrate.  So Doc refereed me to a specialist, then off for a MRI that was clear, Then another PSA test this time it was up to 8,2. My specialist though I had cancer for sure so off for a PET scan that showed up two small spots, So next a camera up the old fellow to look at the Prostrate that was not good I had bad scaring and calcification in there.  At same time I was out to the world they did the Biopsy, Tests back no cancer found for now a great weight lifted off my shoulders I tell you. High PSA is likely due to all the scaring and calcification aggravating the prostrate. So booked in for a TURP OP,  thats done and dusted and went really well. How good is Life, 4 to 6 weeks before I can drive our manual 4wd, so just kicking back at home and making sure I lift no heavy things and Walking around the yard, Bring on Chrissy and Travels for 2024, Either Cape York, WA or SA, any or all will be great. Craig   

[xcvator]

Good timing, I think that's what is planned for me Dooc doesn't think the psa tests are always a good indicator, got a referral to 1 quack and was told earliest was next April 

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi Xcvator, Yes if you have got a enlarged prostrate say 70 to 75mm like mine theses a good chance the PSA test is not that accurate for Cancer.  But I still did everything that was available MRI, PET scan, Biopsy,  to make sure for my peace of mind And Iam glad I did. Yes thats Right I got health Insurance and went Private hospital and it still takes a long time to get all the appointments to get everything done, I Hope you get it sorted and turns out a great outcome for you, Craig

[rags]

Thanks Craig, I did not know what TURP was so Googled it, I am sure others also were wondering so I have thrown in a link
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate-turp

[Harbourmaster]

I had one about 10 - 11 yrs ago. Turp is a new one on me when I had mine done it was called a prostatetectomy. And their right about don't do anything, was still in business then & got my wife to go to the warehouse with me. I'll be ok to push a trolly around I said, bloody near killed me was in a lot a pain that night. So when they say don't do anything they mean it. Speedy recovery mate.
Ps Craig if you come to SA you do know I'm now living in WA I hope

[Fizzie]

Good to hear it all came out well for you, Craig

[envee]

I'm 67 and I've just been diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Like you Craig, I have an enlarged prostate and had an MRI scan a few years ago because my PSA was high (around 5), which was clear.  That was a pretty uncomfortable experience because I have a Cochlear implant and there's only certain machines that can do the scan.  Earlier this year my PSA was 10 which seems to be a bit of a trigger, so got sent to a urologist who did a biopsy which has come back positive for cancer. I have no oither symtoms other than the high PSA number. Going for a PET scan next week, then have to decide what to do about it.  The urologist said there are 3 options, radiation, robotic prostatectomy, or open prostatectomy. 

My biggest concern is it's all going to interfere with my bowls 

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi Rags, Thanks for that, Yes its a Transurethal resection of the prostrate or a rebore they use special devise to remove bits of the postrate to make a bigger tube so the pee can come through it easier. And it works a treat I pee like a draft horse now, Craig

Hello Harbormaster, Ok thats great to here closer to your Fam nice one old fellow, Yes My wife is cracking the whip making me take it easy, I think a Prostatectony is where they remove the hole Postrate say if Cancer us, I just got rebored so I can pee better, If we come over to WA I will look you up for a Cuppa, Craig

Hi Fizzie, Thanks,  yes all good now, Craig

Hi Envee, Thats a bugger, But hopefully they got it early for you, It depends on your age, If you are in your 50s to 60s they like to take the Postrate out and do radium on the area left,  if older say 70s to 80s they do Radium I think, I could be wrong though.  Yes if removed they say it plays up with your bowels up to 12 months. If you have a good specialist they will know whats best for you, Good luck with it I hope every turns out well for you, Craig   

[Fizzie]

My biggest concern is it's all going to interfere with my bowls 

if removed they say it plays up with your bowls up to 12 months.

Not sure if both of those are typos or not

[Craig Tomkinson]

Thanks Fizzie, for that I corrected it, Yes bowls in stead of bowels, HaHa , Craig

[envee]

Not sure if both of those are typos or not

Nope, no typo. I won't be able to play bowls for a while after treatment and that's not good 

Thanks for your thoughts Craig.  I'm not too concerned to be honest.  Just something to deal with and get past 

[Craig Tomkinson]

HI Envee.  Yes thats a bugger about your Bowls you will miss out on playing them Ive always thought of given them a go one day , But I love my fishing to much to try them. Craig

[Bird]

This looks like fun for a good cause.
https://www.news.com.au/sponsored/a7e2f2c00ab0c9d08fc8f00c6c1265fb/one-mans-mission-to-take-on-bowel-cancer/

[Fox67]

Good result for you Craig.

I am 56 and have a family history of PC. About 18 months ago I thought my pee strength was not what it used to be so I decided to get my PSA tested (I did a test at 50 also). I had no other symptoms at all. At the time I remember there just seemed to be lots of cancer stories within my circle of clients and associates, so this also got me thinking about doing some tests. My PSA score had risen to 4.5 from 2.5 over the 5 years. Doctor thought I should do a follow up test and 10 weeks later my PSA was 5.3. Referral to urologist and over a few months I had an ultrasound, MRI, Pet scan and finally a biopsy last November. By this stage I knew I had an issue and urologist confirmed cancer with a Gleeson score of 3+4. This score is on the lower end of bad but my tumour was well entwined around the nerves near the prostate. I booked in for surgery asap and so had prostate removed (robotic) early January. My tumour was verging on escaping the shell of the prostate, that would have been a whole different ballgame, so I am so glad I acted when I did. Ten months later still haven't got my bladder completely under control (maybe 95%), but I have been very lucky in that it has almost been a non-event for me. I stayed home for 6 weeks and just relaxed and then was very casual at work for the next few months. If I had of waited much longer and tumour escaped, I would have been lining up for 7 weeks of radiation. I have had three PSA tests since January and each one has been undetectable for PSA. My two younger brothers tested when I was diagnosed, my youngest brother had cancer also an had his prostate removed at 51, had no idea he had an issue (his specialist also found a cancerous cyst in his bladder). I have two sons and they have to start getting tested at 35.

So the reason for posting this is that it is so important for us blokes to get tested early and regularly. It's an easy blood test, and could save your life.

[Foo]

Good result for you Craig.

I am 56 and have a family history of PC. About 18 months ago I thought my pee strength was not what it used to be so I decided to get my PSA tested (I did a test at 50 also). I had no other symptoms at all. At the time I remember there just seemed to be lots of cancer stories within my circle of clients and associates, so this also got me thinking about doing some tests. My PSA score had risen to 4.5 from 2.5 over the 5 years. Doctor thought I should do a follow up test and 10 weeks later my PSA was 5.3. Referral to urologist and over a few months I had an ultrasound, MRI, Pet scan and finally a biopsy last November. By this stage I knew I had an issue and urologist confirmed cancer with a Gleeson score of 3+4. This score is on the lower end of bad but my tumour was well entwined around the nerves near the prostate. I booked in for surgery asap and so had prostate removed (robotic) early January. My tumour was verging on escaping the shell of the prostate, that would have been a whole different ballgame, so I am so glad I acted when I did. Ten months later still haven't got my bladder completely under control (maybe 95%), but I have been very lucky in that it has almost been a non-event for me. I stayed home for 6 weeks and just relaxed and then was very casual at work for the next few months. If I had of waited much longer and tumour escaped, I would have been lining up for 7 weeks of radiation. I have had three PSA tests since January and each one has been undetectable for PSA. My two younger brothers tested when I was diagnosed, my youngest brother had cancer also an had his prostate removed at 51, had no idea he had an issue (his specialist also found a cancerous cyst in his bladder). I have two sons and they have to start getting tested at 35.

So the reason for posting this is that it is so important for us blokes to get tested early and regularly. It's an easy blood test, and could save your life.

And don't let Drs tell you every 2yrs, do it every year because a lot can change in that extra year! 

Foo

[Craig Tomkinson]

Great Stuff and well said Fox67,  I hope your cancer stays away finger crossed. , Yes my dad died from Prostrate cancer but he was 83. that why I started getting my PSA test done at around the age of 40. So far so Good, Craig

Hi Foo, yes that great advise, I always try and get my PSA test done around my birthday it reminds to get it done. Craig   

[Bookleaf]

My story echoes FOX67.
Went under the robot, some minor incontinence since (5 years ago)

Do not let the doctors talk you into "Wait and see", take the bull by the horns and ACT NOW.
If I (and Fox67) had taken this "wait and see" advice, then the outcome would have been nowhere near as good as it has been.

For those with some minor incontinence, BONDS have "slight leak" undies, available from Bonds online (and maybe their specialty stores).  I found these better than the lowest level of pads.  Much more comfortable and just as effective.

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi Bookleaf, Thats good to here you are liven life to the full now and hopefully cancer stays away, . Craig

[MDS69]

Good result for you Craig.

I am 56 and have a family history of PC. About 18 months ago I thought my pee strength was not what it used to be so I decided to get my PSA tested (I did a test at 50 also). I had no other symptoms at all. At the time I remember there just seemed to be lots of cancer stories within my circle of clients and associates, so this also got me thinking about doing some tests. My PSA score had risen to 4.5 from 2.5 over the 5 years. Doctor thought I should do a follow up test and 10 weeks later my PSA was 5.3. Referral to urologist and over a few months I had an ultrasound, MRI, Pet scan and finally a biopsy last November. By this stage I knew I had an issue and urologist confirmed cancer with a Gleeson score of 3+4. This score is on the lower end of bad but my tumour was well entwined around the nerves near the prostate. I booked in for surgery asap and so had prostate removed (robotic) early January. My tumour was verging on escaping the shell of the prostate, that would have been a whole different ballgame, so I am so glad I acted when I did. Ten months later still haven't got my bladder completely under control (maybe 95%), but I have been very lucky in that it has almost been a non-event for me. I stayed home for 6 weeks and just relaxed and then was very casual at work for the next few months. If I had of waited much longer and tumour escaped, I would have been lining up for 7 weeks of radiation. I have had three PSA tests since January and each one has been undetectable for PSA. My two younger brothers tested when I was diagnosed, my youngest brother had cancer also an had his prostate removed at 51, had no idea he had an issue (his specialist also found a cancerous cyst in his bladder). I have two sons and they have to start getting tested at 35.

So the reason for posting this is that it is so important for us blokes to get tested early and regularly. It's an easy blood test, and could save your life.

I am 54 and have been having annual biopsies since I was 51. I have cancerous cells in my prostate but at this stage not enough to warrant anything invasive. Funnily enough I had tumours scraped out of my bladder during the first biopsy like your brother. Haven't reappeared. About 3 weeks ago I was prescribed medication to increase my urine flow, piss like a fire hose was the expression my urologist said, but have been too scared to take them. Side affects are dizziness and no fluids when climaxing. I have another flow test in January so I better start taking them.

Gents as others have said above get tested. Start with an annual blood test.

[Fox67]

Thanks MDS for your story. I'm not sure if I could be comfortable with knowing I had cancer cells in my body without a plan locked in to have them removed. That was one of the things my urologist talked about, how we are all different with dealing with that news. I am pretty black and white, doctor said I had cancer, I said get it out, and asap, and then I got on with my life until I had the op.

[Craig Tomkinson]

Hi MDS69, I was on Tamsulosin Sadoz SR for a few weeks waiting for my TURP OP, I had no side affects at all, But I was told buy my Specialist that DuoDart does have more side affect like you said, Good luck with it, Craig 

[Aussie Iron]

I know this thread is old but I'll still add it to here as it is all relevant.

Going back about the time of this thread (13 months back) I felt a swelling in my lower stomach (prostate area). Yes, it was just a niggling feeling that my prostate was swollen. You know doctors appointments/tests a visit to the Urologist. Now this is what we call an  " US " problem (the wife and I). It was considered a minor problem that I would have to see him about in a few years time.

Well, We did get to talking with our Urologist about sex and it's benefits to releaving some of prostate problems men have. His short answer was that Tom Cr--se would not have problems with his prostate because of the benefits of his female friends. This got us thinking (I do, do it some times) that the young fella needs some help arising to the occasion at times. Some chemicals were purchased that help with that sort of thing. We have tried a few different ones and the one of choice now is Sildenafil citrate &Tadalafil in one tablet. What works for me may not work for you, there are plenty to try out there.

Cutting to the chase. I went to YouTube last night and in my feed was this video that is applicable to my problems and maybe to others. More or less what my Urologist told my Wife and I. I thought it my be of relevants to others out there.

Yes, the swelling has gone down and I feel fine. Need to keep up the tests at regular intervals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df6y_Nimbmc

Keep Well out there,
Dan.

[Hairs]

Hi Guys,
We need to keep this thread going.
Thank you to you that have posted, shared what you have been through or going through.
My add to this is,
We have two 4wd club members that have had the op, the first member is supporting the second.
He has stepped down from being a RFS captain and now reaches out to others that are dealing with this.
My own RFS has started his journey, I am trying to support him, he's a bloody proud man, finding it difficult to let others help.
Everyone is going to deal with this differently, just be there for them, as you, yourself would like if you were dealing with this.
Shout out, ask, you are not alone.
Take  care Swaggers.

You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.

[Fox67]

Hi everyone, good timing again on this post. I had my two-year post surgery follow up review with my urologist yesterday, and she said I didn't have to see her again, that was good news. My PSA has been tested every three months due to the cancer being on the verge of escaping the prostate when I had my surgery. I am now going to six-monthly PSA checks, and to date all results come back as "not detectable". I am turning 58 next month. I don't have full control of my bladder, that's probably due to me not being diligent with my pelvic exercises. I wear a Tena level 2 undies guard every work day, and that easily does me from 7am to about 10pm. My urologist says I should go to a level 1 guard (or no guard at all) to stop my brain being lazy. I wear Tena boxer undies to bed with no drama. On the weekends I sometimes will need to change guards late in the day if I have been sitting on my mower for a few hours, or doing other yard work. I have a small business with a team of twelve, and that can be a bit stressful at times and that stress can sometimes work against me. I also find that some drinks can have an impact on how leaky I am.
Anyway that's my story so far. All the best for those starting the journey.

[Bookleaf]

Further to Fox and the use of pads.
Bonds make a range of undies they call "Slight Leak Undies" (or some such moniker).
After my op some 12 years ago I also had slight leakage (and still do).  Tina 1 and 2 to the rescue then, but I found them a little bulky. Things settled down to using #1 consistently until I stumbled on the Bonds undies.

I now wear them 24/7 and find them very comfortable and easy to deal with.  Still have to change them during the day on odd occasions though.

They are only available online I think, and then not all sizes are in stock.
Sign up for their online advertising and order wherever they are available in your size.