[rekall]

Hello,
What specific dangers, if any, are involved with mixing Avodart
+ Flomax {prescription medicines for BPH which I am currently taking for about a year now} with natural {herbal} and homeopathic prostate remedies and herbs {which I have also been using hopefully to improve results}?
Was in the hospital in April 2008 for what was diagnosed as 'obstructive uropathy' and they convinced me of the necessity of inserting a folley catheter {was retaining well over a liter of urine} {creatinine was over 6 and there was anemia; Since then blood tests are much closer to normal but blood counts are still a little low and creatinin is a little high}
When they first removed the catheter a month later I could not void at all. I got them to give me prescription to avodart and a few months later was able to void small amounts but not sufficient. They have already done a biopsy which showed 'atrophy' and 'chronic mild prostatitis but no cancer.
On November 18, 2008 sonogram of kidneys showed hydronephrosis had resolved and no shadowing calculi observed; It also showed 'prominent prostatic hypertrophy {'prostatic gland is estimated to measure at least 7 x 4 cm in maximum tansverse dimensions'}. The cystoscope done last month showed 'very large prostate with large medium lobe'; 'IMPRESSION: Large prostate with {large} medium lobe and floppy {neurogenic} bladder'.
The doctor who did the cystoscope wanted me to have a TURP but stated that I still may have to use self intermittent catherization because of the floppy bladder. I do not want TURP and would consider laser, microwave or radio frequency but my insurance with these clinics will only cover TURP.
In the meantime I am scheduled to see nephrologist in a couple of weeks and nurse told me to come in for voiding trial when I feel like it. Avodart claims efficacy for up to 2 years and if the next voiding trial shows any progress I am considering using intermittent self catheriztion instead of leaving that indwelling folley catheter which another doctor had suggested is part of the problem {he said I have gotten used to the catheter and that is part of the voiding problem when it is removed}. The catheter I am on is with a plug on end and with it I seem to void normally {through the catheter}. Do you believe intermittent self catherization could help my problem while I am waiting for the Avodart, Flomax, and assorted natural remedies to be effective {hopefully}?

[mrcoyote]

Well, since many people viewed your post and nobody answered, once again I will give you my opinion, but.....remember.......this is just an opinion and I'm not a doctor. OK. It seems you're on the right track.
I can only tell you what my urologist told me over the years of dealing with BPH and the drugs to treat it.
I took Flomax and about 12 homeopathic supplements per day for a few years. This included things like Saw Palmetto, Selenium, etc. I'm sure you know the ones that are claimed to help. My doctor allowed me to do this, but said he had no "proof" they would help me, so I did anyway. It worked for years until finally, last year, they and the Flomax (even doubling the dose) didn't help. I quickly got in trouble with inability to urinate. The one thing you never want to happen is a kidney infection from not being able to urinate, so whatever and however you can prevent that, I believe, is the key. One thing my urologist told me before doing my laser TURP was that Avodart MAY prevent him from doing the TURP with a laser and that he would try it once he got in there, but.......if the prostate didn't respond properly to the laser because I had been on Avodart, he would have to go to the conventional TURP (roto-rooter). It turned out that he did it with a laser and did an incredible job. So, keep in mind, using Avodart MAY jeopardize a laser TURP if you had that in mind. I think I remember him saying that the drug shrinks the prostate cells, and when he uses a laser, it may or may not respond appropriately. Urologists....you can voice your opinion here if you care to, but I think that's correct.

Another thing I remember discussing with him was the supplements and their effect on a PSA test.
He thought that some of those things I was taking might be skewing the PSA either up or down, but he didn't really know since my PSA was all over the place from test to test. Negative biopsies too. I have
since stopped the supplements and have a stable PSA and as I said, a great result from the surgery.
There are some side-effects of it, and you should be aware if you ever decide to go for it. But it was the best thing that I ever did.

I understand about the catheter. You can become dependent on them, no doubt. I never did, but I was only short-term with that. In my opinion, again, anything is better (incl. self-cath.) than taking a chance the bladder will not void and an infection will get into your kidneys. If you think prostatitis is painful, you have never experienced a kidney infection from a backup of urine! And it's much harder to cure than a bladder infection (another really painful situation w/ cramps, etc.).

One last thing: I did give my urologist permission to the the conventional TURP if he had to, and I would do it again knowing what I know now. Yes, it's a bit longer healing time w/ some bleeding, but it's the "gold standard" and very effective if done properly (board certified urologist only please!!!).
Retrograde is nothing compared to the relief and ability to finally be able to enjoy your life. Right?

I hope in some small way, my comments have helped you. That's why I'm writing on this forum and for
no other reason. I've been there.