Has anyone had laser prostate surgery?

[xylophone]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Whatever, anyone going in for the prostatectomy should realise that it is indeed a life changing operation, even if life saving.

Good point you make tbl, and I wonder how many guys have had a prostatectomy when it wasn't really necessary??

 

In fact in your post you said that, "I wish I had just had the laser surgery to open up the urethra so that I could pee properly (my only symptom was difficulty peeing)".

 

So having said that I wonder why your specialist suggested a prostatectomy when a TURP could have been the answer?

 

As it happens, things have moved along now and the Da Vinci machine can work small miracles by avoiding the nerves and delicate tissues which can cause all sorts of nasty side-effects, as you know.

 

As I have said in the previous post or two, so saddened to hear of your experiences and I wish you all the very best.

[rumak]

On 5/21/2019 at 11:43 AM, BritManToo said:

Called into Fascino pharmacy (Suthep Rd) today to see if I could find a lower price for Finasteride 5mg.

They wanted 1,050bht for a packet of Firide 5mg, that's 250bht more than the same packet in my SanSai corner pharmacy (800bht).

 

I thought Fascino were supposed to be cheap? 

Do you know about Dara pharmacy.......across from Dara school ?   usually cheapest !

Also easy to get to from san sai  ....check it out

Edited May 22, 2019 by rumak

[rumak]

1 hour ago, xylophone said:

Exactly the same words as I said to my doctor/surgeon in New Zealand when he was undertaking the DRE.

Imagine my surprise when three years later on a return visit to NZ, at which time I always visited him

because he was such a fantastic doctor, he told me that he had left his wife and had a new partner, and his partners name was Graham, and I thought he was joking so I made a limp wrist comment and action to him and he didn't smile, telling me that he always suspected he might be gay, but never did anything about it, despite having a wife and two children!!

 

It was then that my mind flashed back to the many times that he had performed a DRE on me.............?

 

I may add that he is the best Dr I have ever had as well as a great surgeon, and I told him so.

and he replied ...."bend over please "   ?

[rumak]

I only had the finger test once, years ago.   didn't like it.   my psa is very low,  and only symptoms I have are a weak stream.   sometimes a little difficult getting started (at night).  Don't know how weak before i should be very concerned,  but not going for meds at this time .   This thread is helpful in learning, thanks

 

[xylophone]

18 minutes ago, rumak said:

and he replied ...."bend over please "   ?

Bad boy.............a great doctor and I was mortified that I might have offended him.

 

12 minutes ago, rumak said:

Don't know how weak before i should be very concerned,  but not going for meds at this time .   This thread is helpful in learning, thanks

If you become unable to pee; have frequent urges to pee but pass very little; have to get up several times in the night; have a UTI due to retained urine in the bladder, then you probably need to act.

[BritManToo]

44 minutes ago, rumak said:

I only had the finger test once, years ago.   didn't like it.   my psa is very low,  and only symptoms I have are a weak stream.   sometimes a little difficult getting started (at night).  Don't know how weak before i should be very concerned,  but not going for meds at this time .   This thread is helpful in learning, thanks

 

My PAS is 2, couldn't pee at all.

Don't leave it to the stage i arrived at, catheter is no fun at all.

 

[rumak]

37 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Bad boy.............a great doctor and I was mortified that I might have offended him.

 

If you become unable to pee; have frequent urges to pee but pass very little; have to get up several times in the night; have a UTI due to retained urine in the bladder, then you probably need to act.

thanks,   that is helpful.   The only one on that list is I do have to get up several times a night ( average of 2)

I really think that is "normal" for a great majority of men over 60.  I will look further into it,  but have yet to

get to the point where just cannot pee.  Daytime any problems, but still fairly weak.

[rumak]

12 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

My PAS is 2, couldn't pee at all.

Don't leave it to the stage i arrived at, catheter is no fun at all.

 

Have you narrowed down the meds to one that works the best ?   I am not going to take a "cocktail" , not as brave as you (and not desperate yet).   How is the recovery coming along?

[BritManToo]

10 hours ago, rumak said:

Have you narrowed down the meds to one that works the best ?   I am not going to take a "cocktail" , not as brave as you (and not desperate yet).   How is the recovery coming along?

Can't really tell, was taking too many at once.

But Doxazosin (3mg) definitely effects the flow quite quickly, with a lag of about 4 hours after taking the pill.

Blockage seems to have gone, possibly due to the Levoflaoxacin antibiotics, on my 20th dose out of 30, no torn tendons so far and I've been walking 3.5-7Km/day.

Saw Palmetto and finasteride are more of a long term project, supposedly up to 6 months to shrink the prostate (if at all).

 

But weeing relatively normally now for 10 days, blockage gone, retention low or zero.

Edited May 22, 2019 by BritManToo

[elektrified]

13 hours ago, rumak said:

Do you know about Dara pharmacy.......across from Dara school ?   usually cheapest !

Also easy to get to from san sai  ....check it out

Indeed not "the cheapest" LOL but very competitive. Prices went up 25+% to cover the cost of renovation. You can ask for a discount if you buy a 3 month or more supply. They do have some of the best stocks in the city for a retail pharmacy.

[elektrified]

12 hours ago, rumak said:

thanks,   that is helpful.   The only one on that list is I do have to get up several times a night ( average of 2)

I really think that is "normal" for a great majority of men over 60.  I will look further into it,  but have yet to

get to the point where just cannot pee.  Daytime any problems, but still fairly weak.

Sounds like you would benefit from one of the alpha blockers. I take Alfuzosin and never get up at night anymore.

[rumak]

7 minutes ago, elektrified said:

Indeed not "the cheapest" LOL but very competitive. Prices went up 25+% to cover the cost of renovation. You can ask for a discount if you buy a 3 month or more supply. They do have some of the best stocks in the city for a retail pharmacy.

only thing i get there is  Systane  eye drops     350 baht box    450 baht most places

Also  Xalatan really cheap for those that use it  ( glaucoma)  

[rumak]

5 minutes ago, elektrified said:

Sounds like you would benefit from one of the alpha blockers. I take Alfuzosin and never get up at night anymore.

Thanks.   I will read up on it.   I am almost 70 and only take ONE medication which is for high eye pressure.

Unfortunately no way around that.   Rarely, rarely have anything I can not fix without drugs.... But they are

great when all else fails.  I just don't want to be a daily user until necessary..

HERE is my latest "discovery"  .    My stomach was not right,  on and off.  I think many can relate.  My friend takes a pill every day for acid reflux.   A few days ago I came across a recommendation to drink baking soda with water.  Discomfort gone !    anyone interested should read about it...

[scubascuba3]

A few days ago I came across a recommendation to drink baking soda with water.  Discomfort gone !    anyone interested should read about it...

What symptoms were you having? and what baking soda dosage? i bought some myself but only used once as I've got Lansoprazole to take for 3 months

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, elektrified said:

Indeed not "the cheapest" LOL but very competitive.

Which one(s) are the cheapest?

[rumak]

1 hour ago, elektrified said:

Sounds like you would benefit from one of the alpha blockers. I take Alfuzosin and never get up at night anymore.

this site has some good info............ and user reviews

www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-77236/alfuzosin-oral/details

[rumak]

30 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

What symptoms were you having? and what baking soda dosage? i bought some myself but only used once as I've got Lansoprazole to take for 3 months

don't want to overlap on this thread.   Use google .  this one i like : 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-benefits-uses

1.  

I use half teaspoon with about 4 ounces warm water.    Remember:  the medical "profession"  does not want you to use

cheap natural remedies,  so there are always warnings from those opposed to scare you away.  I often had symptoms that were most likely IBS  related.  gas, a little pain, etc     gone after 2 times with baking soda

Edited May 23, 2019 by rumak

[xylophone]

4 hours ago, elektrified said:

Sounds like you would benefit from one of the alpha blockers. I take Alfuzosin and never get up at night anymore.

Yes they would be worth a try and I did mention Alfusozin and Cardura in a previous post and they would be worth investigating

[xylophone]

16 hours ago, rumak said:

thanks,   that is helpful.   The only one on that list is I do have to get up several times a night ( average of 2)

I really think that is "normal" for a great majority of men over 60.  I will look further into it,  but have yet to

get to the point where just cannot pee.  Daytime any problems, but still fairly weak.

Research shows that when men reach the age of 65+ or thereabouts, a large percentage of them can expect to have some sort of prostate/urinary problems due to BPH, so as you say it is probably considered quite "normal" to the medical profession.

 

Before you go to bed try the "double voiding" technique which helps empty the bladder a little more, and you can read up on this on the Internet as it is something which many urologists encourage us older guys to do.

[rumak]

59 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Research shows that when men reach the age of 65+ or thereabouts, a large percentage of them can expect to have some sort of prostate/urinary problems due to BPH, so as you say it is probably considered quite "normal" to the medical profession.

 

Before you go to bed try the "double voiding" technique which helps empty the bladder a little more, and you can read up on this on the Internet as it is something which many urologists encourage us older guys to do.

you know,  recently I did notice that I could do that ( usually before going to bed ) . I didn't think much about it till i saw the wording (double voiding)  as part of the reading on this thread and internet.

Now I get it and will make an effort to do so .  It is surprising that the second time it is actually easier.

So good point and hope others here take notice .

[connda]

On 5/21/2019 at 9:14 PM, anchadian said:

Harifin 5 at my local pharmacy in Bang Khae B550 for 30

Can you list a GPS coordinates for your pharmacy and the name.  That's cheap!

[Tracyb]

On 5/22/2019 at 6:59 PM, rumak said:

I only had the finger test once, years ago.   didn't like it.   my psa is very low,  and only symptoms I have are a weak stream.   sometimes a little difficult getting started (at night).  Don't know how weak before i should be very concerned,  but not going for meds at this time .   This thread is helpful in learning, thanks

 

Here’s a thought......

One thing I learned after having a flexible cystoscopy about a month before my surgery was that my bladder was under a great deal of stress from having to work so hard to get urine out and past my enlarged prostate.  The term is trebeculated.  I also learned that I have at least one large diverticulum in my bladder...again because it was pushing so hard to urinate.  These factors were instrumental in my decision to go ahead with the thulium laser surgery 10 days ago.  Morale of the story???  Don’t mess around waiting to see if it will get better.  It won’t.  It can only get worse especially if your bladder breaks down and stops working.  Can you say “permanent catheter?”  

 

Low psa levels are not a sign that you don’t have BPH.  My psa was 1 point 2. (1.2) and had been forever. My BPH was so severe that my prostate was nearly completely blocking my urethra.

[GarryP]

3 minutes ago, Tracyb said:

Here’s a thought......

One thing I learned after having a flexible cystoscopy about a month before my surgery was that my bladder was under a great deal of stress from having to work so hard to get urine out and past my enlarged prostate.  The term is trebeculated.  I also learned that I have at least one large diverticulum in my bladder...again because it was pushing so hard to urinate.  These factors were instrumental in my decision to go ahead with the thulium laser surgery 10 days ago.  Morale of the story???  Don’t mess around waiting to see if it will get better.  It won’t.  It can only get worse especially if your bladder breaks down and stops working.  Can you say “permanent catheter?”  

 

Low psa levels are not a sign that you don’t have BPH.  My psa was 1 point 2. (1.2) and had been forever. My BPH was so severe that my prostate was nearly completely blocking my urethra.

Most definitely. My PSA is 0.59 and I most certainly have BPH, although not too severe at the moment. My dad who has suffered with it for about 30 years told me, only the other day, not to wait around and to get myself to a doctor. It has seriously impacted his life and does not want me to go through the same ordeal.  

[bprhodes]

Here’s a thought......
One thing I learned after having a flexible cystoscopy about a month before my surgery was that my bladder was under a great deal of stress from having to work so hard to get urine out and past my enlarged prostate.  The term is trebeculated.  I also learned that I have at least one large diverticulum in my bladder...again because it was pushing so hard to urinate.  These factors were instrumental in my decision to go ahead with the thulium laser surgery 10 days ago.  Morale of the story???  Don’t mess around waiting to see if it will get better.  It won’t.  It can only get worse especially if your bladder breaks down and stops working.  Can you say “permanent catheter?”  
 
Low psa levels are not a sign that you don’t have BPH.  My psa was 1 point 2. (1.2) and had been forever. My BPH was so severe that my prostate was nearly completely blocking my urethra.

My story is nearly the same. I resisted the drugs and lived with BPH for several years. I recently had a cyctoscopy (great fun) and the inside of my bladder looks like it’s 150 years old. Thoroughly trebeculated and diverticulated. I’m now on a cocktail of Avodart, Tamsulosin and 5 mg cialis. Symptoms are improved but I’m probably just postponing eventual surgery. DO NOT wait for the symptoms to get intolerable. Damage is virtually irreversible.

[anchadian]

2 hours ago, connda said:

Can you list a GPS coordinates for your pharmacy and the name.  That's cheap!

BANDIT Pharmacy (translated from Thai). telephone number is 02-4159060.

 

I very much doubt you'll find any other pharmacy cheaper.

Edited May 23, 2019 by anchadian

[rumak]

1 hour ago, Tracyb said:

Here’s a thought......

One thing I learned after having a flexible cystoscopy about a month before my surgery was that my bladder was under a great deal of stress from having to work so hard to get urine out and past my enlarged prostate.  The term is trebeculated.  I also learned that I have at least one large diverticulum in my bladder...again because it was pushing so hard to urinate.  These factors were instrumental in my decision to go ahead with the thulium laser surgery 10 days ago.  Morale of the story???  Don’t mess around waiting to see if it will get better.  It won’t.  It can only get worse especially if your bladder breaks down and stops working.  Can you say “permanent catheter?”  

 

Low psa levels are not a sign that you don’t have BPH.  My psa was 1 point 2. (1.2) and had been forever. My BPH was so severe that my prostate was nearly completely blocking my urethra.

I went back and saw that you were supposed to have a follow up today.  How is everything ?  Will you now need to take medication every day ?    I am thinking all is well, (hope so) as you are posting and not telling of any problems.   I appreciate your advice....   Just also wondering how you came upon dr wittawat and if there were other drs that you also considered..  I guess I will be heading to a dr soon !

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎5‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 10:29 PM, xylophone said:

Good point you make tbl, and I wonder how many guys have had a prostatectomy when it wasn't really necessary??

 

In fact in your post you said that, "I wish I had just had the laser surgery to open up the urethra so that I could pee properly (my only symptom was difficulty peeing)".

 

So having said that I wonder why your specialist suggested a prostatectomy when a TURP could have been the answer?

 

As it happens, things have moved along now and the Da Vinci machine can work small miracles by avoiding the nerves and delicate tissues which can cause all sorts of nasty side-effects, as you know.

 

As I have said in the previous post or two, so saddened to hear of your experiences and I wish you all the very best.

Thanks.

I had cancer, and a TURP won't cure that, so it wasn't suggested.

The surgeon says that had I waited longer ( I waited 3 years after diagnosis as on the low end of the scale ) the cancer would have gone through the prostate wall and spread. 

So basically, I'm still alive years after I would have died with just a TURP, but not enjoying them much.

I was never in Thailand to visit temples, if you know what I mean, and all that stopped after.

[d4291797]

My story is nearly the same. I resisted the drugs and lived with BPH for several years. I recently had a cyctoscopy (great fun) and the inside of my bladder looks like it’s 150 years old. Thoroughly trebeculated and diverticulated. I’m now on a cocktail of Avodart, Tamsulosin and 5 mg cialis. Symptoms are improved but I’m probably just postponing eventual surgery. DO NOT wait for the symptoms to get intolerable. Damage is virtually irreversible.[/quot


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[d4291797]

My story is nearly the same. I resisted the drugs and lived with BPH for several years. I recently had a cyctoscopy (great fun) and the inside of my bladder looks like it’s 150 years old. Thoroughly trebeculated and diverticulated. I’m now on a cocktail of Avodart, Tamsulosin and 5 mg cialis. Symptoms are improved but I’m probably just postponing eventual surgery. DO NOT wait for the symptoms to get intolerable. Damage is virtually irreversible.

Guys for those really troubled by BHP ,and don’t feel comfortable going down the Turp, or drug routine ,and the associated side effects.

Google Supra pubic bag.
After radiation treatment for PCA I had a stricture in the urethra.

Well easy fix ,and not as daunting as it may sound.
They just put a catheter in the base of the bladder and the line goes to a leg bag. By passing the old fella!
Cost about 50000 baht.
No side effects at all , no meds !
Sorted!


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Tracyb]

Sorry for the large font below.....can’t figure out how to make it smaller

 

Hi folks,

 

Here’s a follow up from my earlier posts about my Thulium laser surgery (ThuLEP)

 

I went to see Dr Wittawat late this week for my 10 day follow up visit.  I reported that I still had no pain, just a very infrequent uncomfortable feeling in the “affected area” if I sit for too long on a hard chair or ride for too long in the car, bumping along down the road. I had occasional pink urine at the very beginning of my urine stream, maybe twice a day, but that is gradually disappearing.

 

My frequency of urination is manageable and is now at the rate of about once every two hours.  I still get up 2-3 times a night to pee.  It never hurts to pee.  No burning sensation.  The flow is excellent.  We discussed some techniques to help train my bladder to reduce the frequency.  Try to hold for fifteen minutes when you get the urge....then go.  Gradually, he said, the bladder will relax especially after any remaining inflammation and irritation diminishes.

 

I’m drinking about 3.5 liters of water a day..... helping to keep the urinary tract flushed out......and keeping bowels regular to avoid constipation and any associated straining which is NOT a good thing when healing the prostate.

 

The doc instructed me to stop taking Avodart...no longer needed.  I stopped taking Flomax the day of the surgery so now, no BPH meds. Yea!  I remain on antibiotics for another five days....Lovofloxacin 750mg. once a day.  I must also remain away from the Gym for at least two more weeks and then begin working very gradually to come back to my prior level of workout being careful to avoid any heavy weights for the first month back there.  Aerobic exercises ( no running though) and stretching only.  I’m not the body-builder type so I never do heavy lifting anyway.

 

The he told me I don’t have to go back to see him....unless I experience any problems...e.g. blood in urine, restricted flow, etc.

 

I’m happy with the outcome so far.  I’m cautiously optimistic

( because I don’t want to fake myself out into thinking that I’m fine and can go back to my everyday routine just yet) and I’m taking the opportunity to rest, relax, and calm my mind.

 

So that’s it from my “neck” of the woods.  If you have any questions....don’t hesitate to message me or comment here.

 

Thanks to everyone who have been in touch with messages of encouragement.  I appreciate it.

.

Edited May 25, 2019 by Sheryl
reduce font size