BPH

[renegade_7]

I have been on BPH meds a few years now, but lately this past year, especially more recently, I really find myself going quite often. About every 20 minutes I get the urge. This has happened a few times and seems to last a day or so. I was checked for a bladder infection but there was nothing in the urine. The urine is clear, as though I have been drinking all day. Started again this morning. I drink coffee, but usually decaf. Is this an effect of BPH or something else> I do exercise daily and drink at least 2-3 bottles of water or more. The meds I take are Finesteride and Uroxatrol. Anyone experience this or know what's going on here?

[Planetoid]

I've been on lots of different BPH meds, and combinations of meds over the years, and all seem to work for awhile and then the symptoms returned. Yah, I know damned well what it is like to have to pee two dozen times per day! No individual or combinatin of meds seemed to work for more than about 4 - 6 months, and then we'd have to try something else. When I switched meds again last autumn, I was determined to make it the last time, so when the effectiveness started to wane, I finally opted for surgery (PVP). It is still too early to know how things will work out in the long run, but for now, I am off the last three meds I was taking for BPH symptoms, and that can only be a good thing.

[renegade_7]

What is the PVP proceedure, is it the Tuna or Turp I have read about? I am considering the same as you, surgery,if it keeps up. Thanks for your reply. Anyone know more about the PVP?

[Planetoid]

The PVP is a Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate. It is essentially a form of laser TURP, but instead of using a resectoscope (sp) to "shave" away prostate tissue, they use a green laser to "vaporize" the prostate tissue, thus enlarging the passage for urine. The PVP is performed by some as an out-patient procedure, but I and many I read about on this site, have spent a night in the hospital afterward. That is much better than the typical 4-5 days hospitalization post-TURP, and there is much less bleeding, both during and after the procedure, than with a traditional TURP. Look around this site, as there have been many conversations about the PVP (green light laser), and other variations of the procedure; also, an internet search for PVP, BPH, and such will provide plenty of info.

[yarslew]

I went in almost 2 weeks ago for the PVP, but the doc had to do a combination of TURP (called the gold standard elsewhere in this channel) and PVP because I had some tissue he could not get with the laser. I spent one night, but everyone else that day had the PVP and went home an hour after the procedure. My brother had had PVP and had encouraged me to "hurry up and get that done." He had a week or so of less than perfect feeling, but was OK after that. After almost 2 weeks I am still having frequent urges, and usually only 100cc at a time. I have to get up twice in the night. My frequent urges are urgent,also. However, it's headed in the right direction, and the flow is great. I had problems for 6 years before getting this done, so the scoop is that it will take a little longer to get it all straightened out. My first void in the morning could take as much as ten minutes. I'd recommend the PVP from a good doc. Get it done and get the problems behind you. Don't risk the bladder and kidney problems that could occur. I was told in the uraflow test that I had much more (4 tiimes) left in me than I had put out, which meant I was frequently going to the bathroom and "draining off the top" only. When the doc saw that he said, "We need to do something." So we did, and I'm looking forward to this being one more problem I put behind me permanently.

[golffool]

I just had PVP surgery 6/25. I have sudden urges to urinate just as frequently as before but more urgent. My doctor tells me this will decline over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, I've had a few embarrassing moments when caught off guard. Let us know how you progress and I will do the same. Myexperiences have been much the same as yours.

[Planetoid]

I had a PVP in early March, and had some bleeding for about 6 weeks. Had pain issues starting just after the six week point, but that cleared up after a few weeks. Urgency was a problem for me also, for about the first 8 to 10 weeks, but all that has passed now. I know that to some, it may sound odd that I am happy that I can now go hours between voids, but for me, that is quite an accomplishment. Yes, it was a bit rough getting to this point, some times when I doubted the success, but I am now very glad that I finally had the procedure done, and happy with the results.

[yarslew]

Planetoid, it's good to hear your progress. Hopefully I will progress along the same lines as you. I'm now 6 weeks almost post turp/green laser combination. I have EXTREME urgency every time I stand from a sitting position where I've been for 30 minutes or more, sometimes less. If it were not for the urinal I brought home from the hospital with me I would have been in deep trouble a few times because of only one bathroom downstairs which may be occupied when I have to go (how dare they)? If I'm outside working around my semi-rural place I have to hurry to find secluded spots because I couldn't make it into the house. I don't wear underwear most of the time because that little extra time could spell disaster. It's ten times worse than before the surgery, and some of the most urgent times produce the least amount of urine. I just today told my wife I was beginning to get worried about it...and your post helps me be more patient. Anyone on here have any insight on sex after this? I've read the 4-6 weeks "suggestion," but just wonder if any damage, permanent or otherwise, might be done either before that time period or after if one were not progressing as he should. Thanks to all for sharing your story.

[Planetoid]

Yarslew, you are not alone on the urgency issue. I too live in a rural area, and one of the most difficult parts of my recovery was the basic field work. I finally had to use a brief/diaper when out on the tractor, as I couldn't even get off the tractor in time to pee behind a bush (or whatever was handy). That phase seemed to last only a couple of weeks, before things started getting better. We are all different, in both our procedures and the way our bodies recover, so it is good that you try to be patient.

I was worried about the pain I was having (on voiding), so the uro had me back in for another cysto; big mistake on my part. He had hoped to show me what he had done and how I was healing, but that was not to be. That cysto was the only painful one I'd ever had (out of seven), and I immediately went to my happy place, until he was done. Obviously I was still rather raw inside! Afterward he called a colleague because he was concerned about the continuing pain. They agreed that the healing was good, but slow, and that the pain should pass soon; I think it lasted only about another week. So you see, while it may take awhile, I think you will probably get through this too.

By the way, my uro told me that it sometimes takes awhile to retrain the bladder and sphincter, depending upon how intense the symptoms were pre-op, and how long a person had lived with those symptoms, but I am now pretty much recovered. I do admit to still using a pad on occasion, when I am woried about access to a restroom (better to be prepared), but have not really had any problems for the last 3 - 4 weeks. Something else to consider is that since you said you had a combination PVP/TURP, your healing may take a bit longer, more like with a traditional TURP. Anyway, best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[gott1936]

Planetoid, I have learned so much from your post on this website. Unfortunately, at 72 years old, I am still scared of having a cystoscopy unless it is an emergency procedure. Thanks again.
gott