Prostate

H had an enlarged prostate removed 2 yrs ago.
Having had no previous symptoms, he got up one morning and was unable to pass water. Trip to A&E resulted in a catheter being fitted. He had to continue with this for 8 wks whilst taking tabs, before the surgery could take place. He was in hospital for a week until they removed the catheter and he was allowed home. He had a couple of check ups at outpatients and was then discharged. He's had no problems of any kind since. Fortunately there was no cancer just an enlargement

My H had prostate cancer diagnosed 6 years ago. Prostate wasn't enlarged but PSA levels rising. He had bone scans etc and it hadn't spread so treatment offered was either radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. The dilemma for us was if he opted for the former & cancer recurred he couldn't have surgery afterwards. The next choice was keyhole, or full op. They hadn't done many keyhole ops here at that time, but much more common now. The other choice given by surgeon was nerve sparing, risking leaving some cancer cells behind, or wider excision. So many decisions, plus deciding upon best surgeon. He opted for the radical prostatectomy, and the surgery and recovery, plus catheters for few weeks was hard going. He was incontinent of urine for about 10 weeks after surgery, this is usual, but difficult for a previously fit chap. I think this varies quite a bit going by others we have spoken to. Thereafter he has been fine, no further incontinence and regained fitness levels and no recurrence. Has regular blood tests. Erectile dysfunction is another quite common problem after surgery, but this is treatable. Hope this helps.

Thank you, yes it does help. Its all robotic keyhole with a very experienced surgeon. Much appreciated.

Has your husband had cancer diagnosed? My husband had had years of symptoms - raised PSA, tests for cancer, all sorts of problems with peeing. Very long story. After lots of faffing around with the NHS, which was exceedingly stressful, we finally paid for a HOLEP operation. Basically removal of the middle of the prostate by laser. You can google it. It cost £6700 but we had it done within one month of deciding to pay for it. Very quick recovery, one night in hospital only the smallest of side effects 7 weeks on. The tissue is sent away for testing - no cancer after 13 years of worrying. In this area this procedure is hardly available on the NHS. Bit evangelical about it. Worth every penny if you can raise the money!

My husband had prostate cancer about 17 years ago, it was treated with radiotherapy - a daily trip to the hospital for 33 days, but it was worth it. It was only a small growth, one which could have remained that way quite harmlessly for the rest of his life, but it was considered wise to remove it. Has to go for yearly PSA check ups, a small price to pay.

deaneke sounds like your H is fortunate to have robotic surgery with an experienced surgeon, which I think is very important. I am sure they will have gone thro side effects with you both and hopefully with this type of surgery his recovery will be fairly quick. I just wish more men would share their experiences as this is such a common condition, am always encouraging my H to spread the word. He's out on 9mile walk with ramblers at the moment. Hope all goes well.

I've been away with no wifi, thanks for your advice.

Thanks everyone, been away with no wifi! Janep57, yes my husband has prostate cancer so I am unsure if the HOLEP will be suitable.

My DH has prostate cancer, which has been treated with hormone reduction and radiotherapy (the daily hospital trips for 7 1/2 weeks). His PSA levels are now right down. He had no symptoms, it was just picked up when PSA was added to his regular blood tests. Six monthly checks for a couple of years then annually. We were lucky, no surgery required.

Thank you NonnaW, was he in discomfort after radiotherapy and if its not rude, how old was he when this took place?
Lots of questions to ask the consultant!

My DH had a prostatectomy just over five years ago. All was ok till just before last Christmas when a colonoscopy revealed not only Diverticulitis, but also a ridge(?!) in the bed of the prostate. This together with raised PSA is now finding us wending our way to Urology next week! Obviously we are somewhat apprehensive as to what the consensus will be. Also disappointed, as we had hoped we'd seen the last of cancer. Has anyone else had this sort of recurrence? If so what was your experience if you are willing to share that is.

Deaneke, if your husband is like me, write down the questions, I always seem to forget to ask something. I see the consultant re my kidney pain tomorrow morning, am starting to get very apprehensive about the cause.

Sorry deaneke, only just logged on again. No, he was lucky, no discomfort at all. He is 66, his only problem has been the weight gain from the hormone reduction, he has put it on round the middle which he hates. He has been lucky, no problems with it at all. Good luck.

Pompa - excellent idea to write down the questions. I always write down the answers, too. No-one's complained yet! Good luck with your appointment.

Didn't find out much from consultant, however when he hear who had carried out my original surgery, he became very interested, and wanted to chat about him as he seems to be a God to Urologists. He is organising a CT scan that will show all the things I am worried about, including cancer.

Pompa - you've been operated on by God? You can't go much higher than that. Good luck with the CT scan, sounds as if your consultant is doing all the right things.

LOL, given the prognosis of my local hospital, I suspect God may have had a hand in me being here 40 years on.
Apparently prior to Professor Blandy there was no such thing as Urology, it was just part of another discipline, he developed it into an 'ology of it's own, his books are still the standard urology text books. (so i'm told)

We have been yo yoing backwards and forwards to urology after my husbands psa level of 15. All tests inconclusive except that he was left with chronic orchitis from a prostate biopsy....15 months on and it is still problematic and limits what he can do as too much physical activity causes very painful flare ups. Urology have discharged him, unhelpfully with vague 'well you can go to a pain clinic'. We are now trying acupuncture to see if this helps. His psa level is still highish and the prostrate big but symptoms reasonably under control with tamulosin. I have to go to every appointment as he just wants to escape (hates hospitals with a vengeance!) and does not listen or ask questions! Men!

My husband had his prostate remove by robotic prostatectomy three years ago and due to cancer. Although his PSA is now low at present he is having incontinence problems to the extent of a constant flow of urine which he's unable to control. I just wondered if anybody else had a husband with this problem so long after surgery?

Hello Kernowrose Have just seen your post and am so sorry to hear of your husband's ongoing problems. My husband was not given much info re incontinence to be honest prior to surgery, so it did come as a shock to him afterwards as he'd previously been a fit chap. His cleared up after a few months but a friend of his who had keyhole, not robotic surgery is still incontinent after more than 2 years and has tried lots of different therapy. I think he has now been offered surgery but is unsure whether to proceed with this. Has your OH discussed with consultant? Unfortunately it is mentioned as a (rare) side effect but when you are keen to get rid of the cancer you don't really think about it.