So my journey started with just a curious discussion with my GP regarding prostate cancer and any screening that was available, I had no symptoms but was concerned I was getting to that age (early 50s) where I felt I should at least be checked out. He was quite dismissive and explained even if I had cancer I could potentially live for 20 years or more then gave me some stats that were supposed to reassure me.
I felt like he was just trying to fob me off but left the appointment with at least a PSA level check added to my other blood result checks I was going in for.
The first check came back I was close to the threshold for being referred to urology, I think 3.7? So they put me on a 6 month recheck, the next test put me over the threshold, I'm sure the next one was 4.2?
Urology were really quick to get me in for an MRI and in the meantime I had a DRE which showed a benign feeling prostate, so a little reassuring at least.
But a this point I was still fearing the worst.
I always been fit and well, taken healthy life choices.
The MRI result in Jan 2021 was fairly bland, the option of a biopsy was offered but after discussing with the consultant he was in agreement that a further monitoring of my PSA and increasing my threshold to 6 before being referred again was the best way forward, I really didn't want to poke about with it unnecessarily.
So now 3 month monitoring of my PSA showed it steadily increasing to 6.84 so I was referred back to urology in december 2024 and my PSA level was at 7.6 they got me in for another MRI super quickly before christmas and I had a horrible worry over the festive period waiting for my results.
This time it showed a PI RADS 4 left anterior peripheral zone 2cm upper to mid gland, no idea what this means but it was concerning enough to need a biopsy.
I had the TRUS guided biopsy procedure done under local anaesthetic, it was quite painful and I was in a bit of discomfort for a few days after.
I got the results in early feb which showed no sign of any cancer but I was offered a further matrix template biopsy which I think takes more samples from all over the gland, just to be sure.
I was relieved but still concerned for my elevated PSA and lesions showing on my MRI.
But still in 2 minds whether to proceed with another more intrusive biopsy if I'm clear of cancer in the areas of concern, if it's not broke don't fix it right?
Everyone is telling me to just get it checked and have full peace of mind.
So last friday I went for my op under a GA this time, I was able to pass urine straight away but noted each time it was progressively getting more painful, I told the staff at the day surgery and they said it would clear up in a couple of days.
I was given an antibiotic, paracetamol and ibuprofen prior to the op and have been taking the paracetamol and ibuprofen since but saturday morning I phoned 111 I was in so much pain passing water they got me in to a walk in centre, I was hoping for some UTI antibiotics but they just fobbed me off with drink plenty and it will pass. They did check for infection but my urine was fine, I guess it would be having an antibiotic in my system already and the source of the infection is where they jammed a catheter into me I guess during the op? It would be too early for an infection to show anyway I guess?
So imagine the scene out of The Green Mile where Tom Hanks character is going to the loo, that's me right now...:(
I feel I know my own body enough to know this isn't going to clear up on its own, I've since been to see a pharmacist for advise and he said insist on UTI antibiotics before it turns into a nasty infection.
So a further update - I phoned the emergency number they gave me for out of hours / weekend, if my pain meds were not coping, I have a really high pain threshold anyway but this is off the scale of anything I've ever experienced, so early sunday morning they got me in, tested my urine again, examined me, gave me some more pain meds and an anti-biotic, also a prescription for more, which I'll pick up monday morning. They even scanned my bladder with ultrasound to check I was emptying it ok.
The doc added that if there is no UTI showing in my urine the antibiotics will not help? He said he would call back after they did further checks on it? I'm not holding out much hope of getting a call back.......
Still in pain with it and not improving...
A hot bath seems to help ease the pain to a 9 out of 10....10 being extremely painful but normally it's completely off the scale.
Any tips welcome on relief others have found would be greatly appreciated?
I've just run out of options now
Good Afternoon PD Flyer
I don't like bothering busy medical staff
That's just where I was when I ended up being admitted to Hospital with a PSA of 182 and an eGFR of 8 (Kidney function). If you feel ill then keep telling them until you are sorted. (You can read my journey by clicking on my avatar).
Because of my Kidney Function I was put on a saline drip for 10 days and told to drink at least 5 litres of water a day!!
We are all different but if you feel ill - the staff have a duty of care. As Alwayshope said my wife is a retired nurse and sympathy only comes out when I am in a hospital bed!!
Best wishes - Brian.
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