Enlarged Prostate/BPH - What is the best/most effective operational procedure ?

[BigStar]

5 hours ago, drtreelove said:

I have a similar experience. With a wellness-oriented MD's guidance, low carb diet, exercise and TCM, I have been able to drop all Rx meds for BP, BPH and GERD and have those conditions reversed, as well as full recovery from hip replacements, and a to return to an active life style.  

Great. Low carb + exercise, staying fit, is, I think, also responsible for my not being bothered by BPH symptoms so far at age 73. Somewhat slower flow is about it, so far.

[Purdey]

Went to see a doctor recently about a lump on the palm of my hand. Left hand so it wasn't caused by what you might think. People at the office told me they knew what it was and that it could be cut out by surgery.

When the doctor saw it, he confirmed it was not cancer. I asked if it should be cut out as mentioned by others. He laughed and told me when he practiced in the USA, patients would come in with articles or medical books and told him what to do.

He lay my hand on the table, scrubbed the palm with alcohol, picked up a large syringe filled with anasthetic and pushed it into the lump without any anasthetic and there was a spray of clear liquid. It hurt but he put the anasthetic in afterward and said, there was no need for an operation. What I learned was:

1. Don't take medical advice from anyone who doesn't have MD after their name

2. Go to a good hospital with a reputation

3. Ask to see a specialist, especially in the case of the OP

3. Do what he suggests.

You may ask questions, but he or she is a specialist for a reason.

[allanos]

20 hours ago, Wardp said:

So what tests are needed pre surgery? Apart from psa and digital exam, do es an ultrasound give the urologist enough info etc?

Free PSA test is somewhat more indicative than PSA alone. Ultrasound is not

definitive but is a strong guide.  A biopsy is the only way to detect cancer for sure.

[Mark Nothing]

The symptoms of my prostate problem were flow and dribble problems.  Hard to control stream.  Multiple night time trips to the toilet.

 

I completely resolved the problem a few years ago by changing my diet to more fruits and salads.  Drinking distilled water.  And an hour a day exercise, walking.  And eliminated as many stresses and aggravations from my life as possible.  And a few other things too.

 

I did not consult doctors or have any experience with tablets or medical procedures.  Good luck resolving it.  It can be done.

 

 

[jerrymahoney]

Just to note:

 

Causes

It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087

 

Causes of benign prostate enlargement
The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it's believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older.

The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow.

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/

ENLARGED PROSTATE CAUSES
The exact cause of BPH (enlarged prostate) is not known. Most men will experience prostate enlargement as they get older. 

 

https://healthcare.utah.edu/urology/conditions/enlarged-prostate/
 

[Wardp]

I am going to cut out dairy and excercise more,also riding my bicycle with all these new speed bumps in Pattaya is not helping my prostate.also intend having an ultrasound to get an idea of the size of my prostate etc,they did find mild calcification on a scan years ago,I think I will pay avisit to BNH in the new year.

[actonion]

23 hours ago, GarryP said:

Rezum is also available at BNH.

Any idea of costs  at BNH?

[scubascuba3]

3 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

Just to note:

 

Causes

It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087

 

Causes of benign prostate enlargement
The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it's believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older.

The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow.

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/

ENLARGED PROSTATE CAUSES
The exact cause of BPH (enlarged prostate) is not known. Most men will experience prostate enlargement as they get older. 

 

https://healthcare.utah.edu/urology/conditions/enlarged-prostate/
 

I wonder if TRT stops or reduces the growth

[thailand49]

I recently went through the process with my brother back home under his Medicare plan once it was getting close to Thailand opening up. 

The hospital here in Pattaya or the doctor screwed him over for two years then all of a sudden recommended Rezum because it had not become availablein May of this year it was 200,000

Baht. 

Prior to his trip we arrange all the necessary Doctors appointments. I know everyone's pain tolerance is different it isn't much for him. I had did the research already but said nothing to him so not to get him pshych out. 

To double check he had a biopsy to check for cancer when result was negative he had choice of medication or a procedure which it was embedded in his head already Rezum. 

Everyone talks about the procedure and at my age my flow at times? I have a very high pain tolerance think I will need something down the road

I read about enlargement in spite of so many having it why there isn't better treatment or solution because when you think about it sticking a rod up you penis Not Painful,  not once but a few times. LOL,  

When he had the biopsy they had to poke holes everywhere to get samples. After procedure he came running out to the bathroom said blood everywhere during Rezum he had a rag to bite down so he wouldn't scream in pain. I just hope someone finds a better and less painful way. ????

[BigStar]

5 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

Just to note:

 

Causes

It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087

 

Causes of benign prostate enlargement
The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it's believed to be linked to hormonal changes as a man gets older.

The balance of hormones in your body changes as you get older and this may cause your prostate gland to grow.

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/

ENLARGED PROSTATE CAUSES
The exact cause of BPH (enlarged prostate) is not known. Most men will experience prostate enlargement as they get older. 

 

https://healthcare.utah.edu/urology/conditions/enlarged-prostate/
 

Just to note. From your article cited:

 

• Aging. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half do so by age 80.
• Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems.
• Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH.
• Lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower your risk.

 

I wonder if many here are in fact overweight, have various symptoms of metabolic syndrome (strongly associated with insulin resistance), taking the meds, and don't exercise?

 

With increased testosterone level, prostate volume showed a significant linear decreasing trend. These findings provide evidence of the relationship between testosterone and prostate volume.

     --https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-93728-1

 

And it turns out

 

Best exercises to increase testosterone

 

As mentioned earlier, not all exercises affect T levels in the same way. Here are some of the best exercises that can help increase testosterone.

Resistance training

Resistance exercises are proven by research to help increase short- and long-term T levels.

 

Resistance training like weightlifting is the best type of exercise to boost testosterone in both the short and long term. It’s been found to be especially helpful for men.

 

WOT?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for men

HIIT is another proven way to boost testosterone, but only in men.

Cardio

There’s no evidence that cardio has any impact on your T levels, no matter your sex. In fact, too much cardio may reduce your T levels.

     --https://www.healthline.com/health/does-working-out-increase-testosterone#exercises-that-increase-t

 

Edited December 29, 2022 by BigStar

[jerrymahoney]

3 minutes ago, BigStar said:

I wonder if many here are overweight and don't exercise?

I wonder how many here have a

• Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems.

At least per the 3 links above, it would seem that lifestyle considerations are way down the list of possible causes.

Edited December 29, 2022 by jerrymahoney

[BigStar]

23 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

I wonder how many here have a

• Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems.

At least per the 3 links above, it would seem that lifestyle considerations are way down the list of possible causes.

But families share similar lifestyles. So the child of an obese mother is more likely to be obese also, for obvious reasons. The implication of "it's me genes" isn't really warranted to relieve one of personal responsibility, sorry.

 

However, if it did run in the family, then that would be an important reason to try one's best to counteract that malign influence by actively attempting to mitigate it by working on the other risk factors. The principle holds true for various other issues.

 

You might also learn the difference between ordered and unordered lists. Even ordered lists may not be in order of importance.

Edited December 29, 2022 by BigStar

[jerrymahoney]

Top of the list of possible  causes for all 3 links: Unknown

[Dart12]

On 12/27/2022 at 5:20 PM, PeVee1st said:

I currently take a 400mg tablet called Tamulosin daily and it has kept my enlarged prostrate in good order for the last 12 years.

My PSA Tests are always very good and my prostrate has not enlarged further in that time.

I saw a Urologist 4 months ago and he told me that I had no problems and my urine flow rate was good.

In Thailand the drug is marketed under the name "Harnal".

A druggist in Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 15, PS Pharmacy, Google them, will post it to you at a very good price plus 100 thb postage.

I hope this helps.

You have their line account? or actual name to search for?  

thank you

 

[BigStar]

57 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

Top of the list of possible  causes for all 3 links: Unknown

Well, that's IT then. Pig out, sit on the sofa, and paddle around in a pool. Chase after docs & meds, enjoy the problems and complications, get your scans, biopsies, TURP (if it's not cancer), and hope you don't end up like @ThaiPauly.

 

No, thanks.????

 

Unknown, BUT

 

It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

 

Oh, does that make some sense? WHAT hormone might rather critical? ???? What helps the balance of that hormone?

 

I'll go with the obvious rationality of mitigating the known risk factors, thank you--not only for BPH but as well for all the other chronic diseases of metabolic syndrome. Been working great so far, as one might reasonably expect, and seems working well for @drtreelove.

Edited December 29, 2022 by BigStar

[GarryP]

4 hours ago, actonion said:

Any idea of costs  at BNH?

Unfortunately, I don't know. This is a link to the page on their website. https://mbrace.bnhhospital.com/en/rezum/ 

Edited December 29, 2022 by GarryP

[Sheryl]

On 12/28/2022 at 11:47 AM, rhodie said:

Korat

[Sheryl]

Worth noting that dome  posts in this thread have conflated BPH with prostate cancer.

 

Ent8rely different conditions and different range of treatment options.

 

 

[GarryP]

3 hours ago, thailand49 said:

I recently went through the process with my brother back home under his Medicare plan once it was getting close to Thailand opening up. 

The hospital here in Pattaya or the doctor screwed him over for two years then all of a sudden recommended Rezum because it had not become availablein May of this year it was 200,000

Baht. 

Prior to his trip we arrange all the necessary Doctors appointments. I know everyone's pain tolerance is different it isn't much for him. I had did the research already but said nothing to him so not to get him pshych out. 

To double check he had a biopsy to check for cancer when result was negative he had choice of medication or a procedure which it was embedded in his head already Rezum. 

Everyone talks about the procedure and at my age my flow at times? I have a very high pain tolerance think I will need something down the road

I read about enlargement in spite of so many having it why there isn't better treatment or solution because when you think about it sticking a rod up you penis Not Painful,  not once but a few times. LOL,  

When he had the biopsy they had to poke holes everywhere to get samples. After procedure he came running out to the bathroom said blood everywhere during Rezum he had a rag to bite down so he wouldn't scream in pain. I just hope someone finds a better and less painful way. ????

I was under general anaesthetic for the treatment. In fact it is recommended that patients have at least local anaesthetic.  

[Rimmer]

Troll post has been removed

[GarryP]

2 hours ago, BigStar said:

But families share similar lifestyles. So the child of an obese mother is more likely to be obese also, for obvious reasons. The implication of "it's me genes" isn't really warranted to relieve one of personal responsibility, sorry.

 

However, if it did run in the family, then that would be an important reason to try one's best to counteract that malign influence by actively attempting to mitigate it by working on the other risk factors. The principle holds true for various other issues.

 

You might also learn the difference between ordered and unordered lists. Even ordered lists may not be in order of importance.

My father had it and was on meds for more than 20 years before he finally had TURP about 3 years ago. He was very fit and active, eats healthily and is not overweight. I am fit and active and am not overweight. I'd say in my case there is a pretty good indicator of genes playing a part.     

[carlyai]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Worth noting that some  posts in this thread have conflated BPH with prostate cancer.

 

Entirely different conditions and different range of treatment options.

 

 

Yes, sorry for confusing the thread.

[PFMills]

5 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I wonder if TRT stops or reduces the growth

Could be the opposite 

[PFMills]

4 hours ago, thailand49 said:

I recently went through the process with my brother back home under his Medicare plan once it was getting close to Thailand opening up. 

The hospital here in Pattaya or the doctor screwed him over for two years then all of a sudden recommended Rezum because it had not become availablein May of this year it was 200,000

Baht. 

Prior to his trip we arrange all the necessary Doctors appointments. I know everyone's pain tolerance is different it isn't much for him. I had did the research already but said nothing to him so not to get him pshych out. 

To double check he had a biopsy to check for cancer when result was negative he had choice of medication or a procedure which it was embedded in his head already Rezum. 

Everyone talks about the procedure and at my age my flow at times? I have a very high pain tolerance think I will need something down the road

I read about enlargement in spite of so many having it why there isn't better treatment or solution because when you think about it sticking a rod up you penis Not Painful,  not once but a few times. LOL,  

When he had the biopsy they had to poke holes everywhere to get samples. After procedure he came running out to the bathroom said blood everywhere during Rezum he had a rag to bite down so he wouldn't scream in pain. I just hope someone finds a better and less painful way. ????

Seems ‘sounding’ is out for you then.

 

[BigStar]

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

My father had it and was on meds for more than 20 years before he finally had TURP about 3 years ago. He was very fit and active, eats healthily and is not overweight. I am fit and active and am not overweight. I'd say in my case there is a pretty good indicator of genes playing a part.     

Interesting. Of course, they can, as it seems in your case. One never knows which genes, specifically, one will inherit, hoping they're the good ones.???? Doing what you can against the negatives as you have has been to your credit. 

 

One of my profs at uni had very high cholesterol run in his family, on his father's side. Father died early. He had it also: he put up a long fight to try to bring it down with meds and exercise, but only cardio.

 

He always remained somewhat overweight, however. He and his wife were great cooks. Despite his efforts, he died in his late 50s. I wish his obit had given the exact cause of death. Most likely had something to do with his inherited problem, either directly or indirectly through his attempts to fight it; but we're all subject to fate anyway. (This is not to endorse the What, Me Worry "It's all me Fate: git nekkid" principle of ANF Poster Longevity Science.) One thing can bring down all the rest, as posited by the Anna Karenina principle.

Edited December 29, 2022 by BigStar

[thailand49]

4 hours ago, GarryP said:

I was under general anaesthetic for the treatment. In fact it is recommended that patients have at least local anaesthetic.  

Procedure was done in Doctor office he was given a local,  as I noted he isn't good with pain men like us call guys like this pussy LOL nevertheless the thought of something going up you penis!

 

Edited December 29, 2022 by thailand49

[thailand49]

4 hours ago, PFMills said:

Seems ‘sounding’ is out for you then.

 

????

[Negita43]

Not sure if this if "off topic" but here goes - about 15months ago I had a prostate MRI in the UK it showed that I possibly had a small cancer. Last week I had an MRI at the Bangkok Hospital here in Thailand, it showed a possible cancer (80%) with exactly the same dimensions as the first one (which rightly or wrongly gives me some comfort), my PSA which had been rising steadily appears to have stabilised at around 22.

Of course, both the UK doctor and the Thai doctor want to do a biopsy. I do not want to have one - my reasons:

1. I'm 79 (today as it happens)  whatever a biopsy might show has to be seen in the light of my actuarial life expectancy of 7 years - do I want to go through months of chemo to maybe prolong a inevitably deteriorating life by a few months?

2. Having a biopsy has risks and I do not want to take the risk of jeopardising my current (apart from a loss of cartilage in the right knee - but that's another story) reasonably fit and healthy state.

Quality over quantity being my watchword.

Of course, I would like to do everything I can within the above parameters to address the prostate issue so the question is, does anyone have any suggestions as to my next course of action?

Thanks

 

[Mark Nothing]

8 hours ago, BigStar said:

Well, that's IT then. Pig out, sit on the sofa, and paddle around in a pool. Chase after docs & meds, enjoy the problems and complications, get your scans, biopsies, TURP (if it's not cancer), and hope you don't end up like @ThaiPauly.

 

No, thanks.????

 

Unknown, BUT

 

It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

 

Oh, does that make some sense? WHAT hormone might rather critical? ???? What helps the balance of that hormone?

 

I'll go with the obvious rationality of mitigating the known risk factors, thank you--not only for BPH but as well for all the other chronic diseases of metabolic syndrome. Been working great so far, as one might reasonably expect, and seems working well for @drtreelove.

I believe in cause affect, not unknown origin.

 

Authors I have read, claim inorganic minerals contained in denatured food and tap or bottled water cause BPH. Over the course of a lifetime, the body is overwhelmed by the inorganic minerals and those that can not be eliminated are deposited throughout the body. 

 

Regarding bph, the inorganic minerals stick like concrete inside the bladder wall and it prevents normal expansion of the elasticity of the bladder leading to the urgent, frequent need to urinate.  Also the lifetime of buildup in the prostate leads to prostate enlargement and flow and dribble problems. 

 

I tested the authors theory and used myself as a guinea pig with success.  I quit adding excessive inorganic minerals into my diet and started drinking distilled water and eating more fruits and salads which contain organic minerals which more easily flush out the inorganic minerals, plus other protocols can too.  It has been a real pleasure returning to normal prostate functioning.

[4MyEgo]

On 12/27/2022 at 3:31 PM, Pumpuynarak said:

Urolift

I had the Urolift procedure done back in my home country in 2014, it was a day procedure, checked in at about 12pm if memory serves me correct and went home at about 7pm.

 

After the procedure, I had no discomfort or pain until about 10pm as the medicines/drugs were wearing off and was advised that I would feel discomfort, and was given some heavy duty pain killers, the pain is best described as having contractions believe it or not, they only lasted a few hours as the pain killers kicked in.

 

No tablets since the procedure, and no problems since, as for whether you can get the procedure here, I have no idea, but best to research it.

 

Prior to the procedure I was on Flomaxtra tablets prescribed by my GP for about 3 years, they didn't really slow the amount of times I was going to the toilet in a day, after the procedure to date, I wake up around 1.30am and about 5.30am to go to the loo, before the procedure it was at least half a dozen times during my sleep time, which as you can appreciate isn't what I would consider a a good nights sleep.

 

I don't know what your symptoms are, but below is what the Urolgist wrote to my GP, copy and pasted for your information.

 

Thank you for referring this 53 year old gentleman with a several year history of lower urinary tract symptoms, consisting of frequency and nocturia. His prostate symptom score is relatively low at 8, but his nocturia is particularly irritating to him. He denies any urinary tract symptoms and has no family history of prostatic malignancy.