Aquablation
 

I am posting this information with the thought that other older men may be going through the same prostate issue. Years ago I was diagnosed with BPH, which is a benign enlarged prostate. My prostate is three times larger than normal which restricts the flow of urine through the urethra from the bladder. This became even worse after I had a successful angioplasty in July 2022 and have used a catheter for the past nine months while taking Proscar to reduce the size of my prostate.

Tomorrow morning I will undergo a Aquablation. A water jet is guided by a robot (controlled by my urologist) to actually reduce the size of my prostate. For years, urologists have used lasers to reduce the size of the prostate.

I am expecting good results and will be able to pee normally. I will post the results of this procedure soon.

Thanks.

Good luck with the procedure…sending good thoughts your way.

Thanks very much.

Hope all goes well. Did you take any meds like Flomax?

Yes, I have been taking Flomax for the past several years. It helps some but unfortunately does not reduce the size of the prostate Also I have been taking Proscar for the last 9 months. It helps some, but once again, the size of my prostate needs to shrink. Thanks for your kind thoughts Tony. Thankfully everything is benign so far.

You should avoid the use of Flomax if you can. If you are of an age to have prostate problems, you are also approaching the age of cataracts. Flomax affects the muscle tone of your iris, and can cause complications in eye surgery, including permanent vision loss. The ocular effects of flomax can remain for years after use of the drug ends. Do a search on "flomax and eye surgery" and you'll see what I mean.

Best wishes - hope everything goes well!

I am looking forward to hearing about it. I’m not a candidate for it, I had a greenlight laser surgery in August 2020.

They told me it might take a while to notice a difference. The next morning I went to the throne and it startled me the way the pee rushed out.

I still get wood, but I am pretty much sterile. I was 68 when I got the surgery so I figured it was no loss.

The Auqablation surgery was performed yesterday morning with no complications other than some mild post surgery pain. My urologist said it may take a few weeks before my bladder relearns to pee normally. In the meantime, I will use a catheter. I was not aware of the flomax/cataracts issue. I will ask both my urologist and eye doctor for their thoughts. Thanks for your good thoughts and wishes.

Sounds painful, like a waterjet up the urethra. Hope it works. Reminds of the time I tried water-skiing at age 15. Got up on the skis and to maybe 25 mph when I went down butt-first. Quite an enema, poo'ed water for 30 min. Should have worn thicker swim trunks. I started getting "sudden urge to pee" around age 35, but hasn't gotten any worse 30 years later, and usually no problem with the flow, once started. The urge can fool either way, like suddenly goes away or caught up short. I know that I may not be able to control it, so if I feel the need while driving on the highway with no stop within 2 miles, I pull onto an offramp and squat beside the car, ready with "Officer, just checking a tire, no need to peer over my shoulder. I swear that puddle was there when I stopped, sir.", and beware of nosey Karens. Worst is to be caught in a big city where even fast-foods don't offer a bathroom (usually a permanent "being clean" sign on the locked door), and many used the phony covid-excuse the last few years.

I had the PAE method done. It involves putting small glass beads in the blood vessles supplying the prostate. Lacking adequate blood flow the prostate shrinks. I am 100% happy with it.

What age does this start at. I am approaching 60 and still urinate normally and without issue.

The age when it starts differs. With me it started around age 60. Best to have a regular annual exam with your urologist including a digital exam, MRI, and ultrasound of your bladder.

If you live in Southern California and are looking for a top notch urologist, I would receive Dr. Dikarian, Huntington Urological Services in Pasadena, (626) 281-3701. 800 S. Fairmount, Suite 412, Pasadena, CA.

Prostate 'fun' (not)
 

I'm well past 60 Y.O. and have been waiting for "the dribbles" to begin .

So far so good, I too now have reduced pressure in my stream and need to P. every two hours or so but I also drink more water than anyone else I know so I'm okay with the endless stopping or multiple getting up in the middle of the night as i know that more than a few toxins flush out when you P .

I hope this ends well for you, if it works well I'll ask me Kaiser Doctor, he's just now asking me to come in for a full checkup .