I recently read that we can learn a lot from urine and blood screenings before undergoing those scary biopsies. While I am in Bangkok where would you suggest I go to  get those tests done; I mean should I see a urologist or can a G.P. write up the prescription? That's before I go back to my remote island. And I must say I'm already on tamsulosine. 

I think your best bet is to see a urologist.  

 

I'm not sure there are many GPs in Thailand. Every doctor seems to be a specialist.

Ah, okay, thank you

 

I agree, see a urologist. Preferable one recommended by Sheryl on The Health Forum.

I think an experienced urologist can do all the blood and urine tests, then check with his finger any irregularities with the prostrate.

With me the urologist said the problem with the prostrate is usually 1 of 3 things.

For me it was a burning sensation that did not show up as an infection on any tests but from the urologists experience he thought low grade infection that is difficult to treat, so antibiotics for a month to start with then a flow test. 

 

I see, I got the list of urologists posted by Sheryl but in 2016, is it still relevant? Thank you

 

 

I am followed by Dr. Charuspong Dissaranan .

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/doctors/Charuspong-Dissaranan

Thank you for the info.

7 hours ago, sanabavy IV said:

I see, I got the list of urologists posted by Sheryl but in 2016, is it still relevant? Thank you

 

 

Yes, it is.

 

Why are you concerned about a biopsy? Has a doctor recommended one? 

 

Nowadays prostate biopsies are advised only if a special type of MRI indicates probability of a clinically signifcant cancer... and such MRIs are done only if other tests and exams indicate a need.

 

if you are on Tamsdulosin then unless you self-prescribed it, you  have likely been diagnosed with BPH, very common in older men. How old at yoh and who prescribed thd tamsulosin? 

 

 

 

 

Hi. I haven't seen a urologist yet but my physician prescribed it to me.I'm 76. What he also told me, 6 months ago before I started traveling, is that it can take some time before I get an appointment with a specialist in Reunion island; so I decided to start the process here. At least as regards "tests and exam" to quote you.

My concerns about those specific biopsies come only from what I currently read in various forums and media...

Thank you Sheryl for your care and attention.

Consult one of the urologists on the list. 

 

They can do blood test (PSA and, if PSA elevated,  free PSA) which will give a baseline for future comparison. If PSA us elevated, fhe ratio between PSA and free PSA will help distinguish elevation due to benign hypertrophy (very likely at your age) from elevation due to cancer. 

Watch out for BKK Hospital Chiang mai. Urology .We had a terrible experience 2 months ago.

 

13 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Consult one of the urologists on the list. 

 

They can do blood test (PSA and, if PSA elevated,  free PSA) which will give a baseline for future comparison. If PSA us rkevated, fhe ratio between PSA and free PSA will hrlp distinguish elevation due to benign hypertrophy (very likely at your age) from elevation due to cancer. 

Thank you again, I have an appointment tomorrow at Bumrungrad hospital.

13 hours ago, LOUIS65 said:

Watch out for BKK Hospital Chiang mai. Urology .We had a terrible experience 2 months ago.

 

Okay, but no, I'm going to consult at Bumrungrad Bangkok.

On 2/22/2025 at 8:15 PM, sanabavy IV said:

I recently read that we can learn a lot from urine and blood screenings before undergoing those scary biopsies. While I am in Bangkok where would you suggest I go to  get those tests done; I mean should I see a urologist or can a G.P. write up the prescription? That's before I go back to my remote island. And I must say I'm already on tamsulosine. 

You can't go to a lab or any hospital for blood and urine tests. Even some clinics (GP) offer this service.

To interpret the results you have to see a Doc.

On 2/23/2025 at 9:19 PM, Sheryl said:

Consult one of the urologists on the list. 

 

They can do blood test (PSA and, if PSA elevated,  free PSA) which will give a baseline for future comparison. If PSA us elevated, fhe ratio between PSA and free PSA will help distinguish elevation due to benign hypertrophy (very likely at your age) from elevation due to cancer. 

Is there a reference to the recommended bph drs?

On 2/22/2025 at 8:15 PM, sanabavy IV said:

I recently read that we can learn a lot from urine and blood screenings before undergoing those scary biopsies. While I am in Bangkok where would you suggest I go to  get those tests done; I mean should I see a urologist or can a G.P. write up the prescription? That's before I go back to my remote island. And I must say I'm already on tamsulosine. 

include in your daily diet cooked tomatoes or tomato paste - red fruits/veggies for the lycopene which does wonders for the prostate.  add to whatever pharma your urologist prescribes.

7 hours ago, olongapo said:

Is there a reference to the recommended bph drs?

https://aseannow.com/topic/936921-urologist-recommendations/

 

On 2/22/2025 at 8:15 PM, sanabavy IV said:

I recently read that we can learn a lot from urine and blood screenings before undergoing those scary biopsies. While I am in Bangkok where would you suggest I go to  get those tests done; I mean should I see a urologist or can a G.P. write up the prescription? That's before I go back to my remote island. And I must say I'm already on tamsulosine. 

A new urine test is being developed that will reduce the need for biopsies and MRI screenings.

https://news.vumc.org/2024/04/18/new-urine-test-has-higher-diagnostic-accuracy-for-prostate-cancer/

Of course, it will take longer to be available here, but its approval in the US will probably be accelerated with the Trump people taking over at FDA, etc. Also, standards for approving tests are less stringent than for drugs.

I had read somewhere about that test but I didn't even know it was still pending application...