After two difficult days where my symptoms seemed to get worse things generally are much better today.
The pains in my right pelvis and leg had forced me to go back to using one crutch, on the left side, for walking outside the house. This was a step backwards as I had recently given up both crutches and was looking forward to longer walks to get fit again. Also, after starting the abiraterone about 3 weeks ago, the pelvic pain generally and my night frequency with difficulty both seemed to be much worse.
Dr Onc suggested trying tamulosin again. Previously it had caused headaches, dizziness and a blocked nose at night so I had stopped it after only one or two doses. This time, in combination with the abiraterone, side effects are much less and have improved with each day that I've taken it. I am generally less tired, I am not having headaches now and the symptom it was supposed to treat has improved greatly. By day I have no difficulty in emptying my bladder completely and without 'tricks' to get complete the emptying. By night I can sleep significantly longer, my bladder feels comfortable and I can empty it without the painful contractions I was getting until a few days ago.
My leg pains are better today and I can move about the house more freely. I still have stiffmess on rising from a chair but it wears off quickly. I have used a crutch to go shopping today but have not felt myself limited or making the pains worse.
Abiraterone is said to cause raised blood pressure. Tamulosin has a risk of lowering BP to the point of dizziness and fainting on rising from chair or bed. I feel fine on the two together, my BP is steady and toilet visits are no longer an ordeal. Interesting!
