Biopsy Question

Hi, I had the same procedure (TP biopsy under local anaesthetic), I drove myself there and back without issues. Recovery was straightforward though I avoided cycling and swimming for a week. He will see some blood in semen for a few weeks which is normal. 

Hope this helps, good luck with the biopsy.

G

Hi,

just to say I know how anxious you feel - my husband had the same biopsy two weeks ago, and we were both really stressed about what it would be like - the consultant and 2 nurses were so kind and gentle with him, and he was back out in less than 15 minutes, with 27 samples collected. His PIRAD score was 5 with a 20 mm lesion, and enlarged prostate at 90grams.

I did drive there and back, as he was feeling stressed, and also so he had some company at the hospital - we have said we’re in this together, and I’m trying to be his rock while we wait for the biopsy results.

when I drive him home I’d thought to put a cushion in the car to sit on, his perinium area was feeling a bit sore, and he just rested for the day, took some paracetamol and drank lots of water and felt ok - little bit achy as you’d expect but honestly it was far easier than he thought it would be, and he slept like a baby that night! We had a couple of quiet days at home afterwards but managed a 6 mile walk on day 3. The only thing he did find upsetting was blood in his urine for about 7 days, but only because it kept reminding him of what was happening- so I suggested sit down wees and flush before getting up, which helped! 

his results are back and go to MDT this Wednesday so we hope we get an outcome relatively soon, whatever it is, it won’t be worse than the waiting as you always expect the absolute worst, and once we know what we are dealing with, we will be able to move forward 

tracey xx

Thanks for your comment. It’s good to hear a positive story.  I read your profile, I think we might be on a similar path so it’s good to read that your are doing well approaching three years later. 

Thanks Tracey, it’s so stressful is t it? A couple of months ago we had no idea that our lives would change so quickly. My husbands PSA level is 25, and MRI revealed numerous areas of concern and seminal vesicle involvement, so T3b, we now wait on next weeks bone and CT scan to see if there is any further spread, and of course the biopsy. I hope our experience is as positive as the one you had. One consolation for us is that the high PSA was discovered incidentally in a hospital blood test  following an accident, he’s asymptomatic so could have continued blissfully unaware for months or even years before any symptoms appeared, so we are glad it’s been found now. 

Wishing you well for your results and treatment. I’m sure we will talk again. 

It really is so stressful- but only been 5 weeks in reality, feels like forever! We’ve been on same path twice in last 3 years due to blood in urine and then bowel - but both times were clear and attributed to blood thinner side effects, I wonder if third time lucky might be too much to hope for? He requested the PSA due to increased wee activity when he’s had a few pints and more frequent getting up at night over last 6 months - we had both thought it would just be an age thing as he’s 69 soon. I really hope you get answers soon and a treatment plan gets underway xxx

Hi,

I had the TP with Local Anaesthetic... It was pretty straightforward,  a little undignified, and uncomfortable pain wise when they are taking the samples, but all in all I found it way easier than I expected... Recovery wise, I didn't have any really, I continued working the following days but was very sensible in my approach with lifting etc, and laid off all exercise for a few days  and heavy  weightlifting for a week ... I don't recall needing painkillers afterwards but some Ibruprofen would be handy...  I did have blood in my urine and semen, in the urine was a few days, and semen a few weeks, it's a little scary initially but You are prepared for it so not too bad... It's an experience that's for sure, haha, but I wouldn't worry too much...

I hope it goes well...

All the best

Jay

I had a TP biopsy. Drove myself there and back no problem. Bit undignified (that soon wears off !) The most painful bit (this is totally honest) was removing all the padding AND all the sticky tape that held it in place. I am not particularly hairy either !

Hi Porthleven

In the blurb I had from the hospital it was recommended that I didn't drive home afterwards so we got a friend to take us there & back as my husband doesn't drive.  I think it's more a case that using the legs to press the pedals may be a little uncomfortable & distract from normal safe driving techniques.

I actually felt fine on the way back as a passenger & we even stopped off at a roadside diner for a late lunch as by that time the stress levels had gone & I was starving.  No painkillers needed, slept well that night & apart from blood in urine & semen no after effects.  One thing I was careful about was when showering to be gentle with the area where the needles for the anaesthetic & procedure were inserted.

On a different matter, how come the profile name Porthleven (a beautiful spot)?

Best Wishes

Brian

Thanks for the advice. I’m attending with him so I think I’ll probably drive home, it’s about 50 minutes across Salisbury Plain. Porthleven was chosen as I was looking at a painting on the wall in my living room from the area, so chose that name, most of my family were Cornish and it’s a place I still love to visit. Hoping to return when all this calms down a bit! 

The only thing I can add to all the others is that on the night after the biopsy my bladder and urethra went on strike.

For about three or four hours I was unable to pee, which became pretty uncomfortable.

I was just considering going to A&E to get up close and personal with a catheter, when a small amount worked its way out. Oh good, I thought. I was right, but the word that we need to be thinking here is "dribble".

So, in the end, that was another 2 or 3 hours of my night spent sitting on the toilet waiting for my bladder to empty whilst playing many, many games of solitaire on my phone.