New to this

It’s stufill here replying to my post. I’ve done the obvious thing and googled it. Adverse reactions to catheters are not uncommon.  I guess I just wanted to talk to someone. Been awake all night. 

Quite normal stufill, they will monitor you regularly to see if you still have urine retension, if thats the case they will re insert catheter . I have prostate cancer so ive had plenty catheters good and bad . 

Thanks.  Much appreciated.

Good morning Stufill and welcome to the group. That must have been a shock to find yourself in hospital but it may have its benefits if you can have some tests to see if you do actually have prostate cancer whilst you are there as it will speed up the diagnosis process. Our community champion Brian Millibob went through a similar situation so I have tagged him in but you can read his story by clicking on the picture next to his name. For information on the tests needed, what the results mean and types of treatment I usually refer people to a book which you can download for free with this link.

https://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/js_prostate_cancer_guide_for_patients_ezine

Pain with a catheter can happen as the bladder can go into spasm trying to push out the foreign body - there are drugs which can help reduce this. The spasms can last for 24/48 hours until the body gets used to the catheter. Identifying where the pain is can help determine what the best treatment is. Alternatively they might want to try and replace it. Urine retention can have serious side effects on the kidneys and is something you want to avoid.

As you say, you will have many questions and I hope we can reassure you that you can live well with prostate cancer. If it is found early then you will be put on a curative pathway but even if this is not possible then there are many treatments available to keep it under control for years. A high PSA does not automatically mean that you do have cancer so take it one step at a time.

Hello Stufill 

A warm welcome to our exclusive club, although I am so sorry to find you here.

I started off my journey, just like you with a catheter in hospital - as Alwayshope said in her post if you have clicked on my user name or avatar you will have read the story.

There can be pain with a catheter and there are many reasons, incorrect fitting, your body rejecting it or it may well have triggered because it's irritated of the cause of the problem.

It would help us to help you if we knew your PSA readings and if you are having bloods done in hospital ask for your eGFR reading (Kidney function - this should be 60+).

If the catheter is still painful and you are still retaining urine, my (none medical) advice would be to ask for it to be removed, wait a couple of hours and as for it to be refitted gently without using any force to get past your prostate as it may well be enlarged.

I had my catheter for 10 months and in the end I was almost sorry to see it go as it had resolved my problems and was a great help.

I hope this helps, stick with us and come back with any questions.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks for that. I’m sure I will have many questions once they have finished with  the tests.

Thanks Brian. My last psa reading was 100. The doctor called me quickly after that result and made the appointment with the Urologist.  He felt my prostrate and said right there it was cancerous. This was a shock as I thought you’d need an mri scan and biopsy before confirming this. Awaiting the mri scan - should be today.

Hello Stufill 

A PSA reading is only an indicator of cancer - it's confirmed by an MRI scan and a biopsy but with a PSA of 100 - sorry to say I would say, yes you are heading to a Prostate Cancer diagnosis. If it's any consolation I was where you are a few years ago sat in a hospital bed with a catheter thinking "what the fu*k" and my initial PSA was 182!

Stick with us - it's a great supportive group - we say it as we see it and are open and honest but we are here to support you and your family. We've all been where you are now and know just how you feel.

Keep asking the questions and we will give you the answers - nothing is too trivial.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks again Brian. Just read your story and have to say it’s a bit daunting. A colleague of mine was diagnosed last year and got it whipped out. He’s fine so far. I thought. ‘Sounds like a plan’. No doubt there will be many pros and cons to this though.

Good Morning Stufill 

Ay, "whipping it out" is OK as long as circumstances are right - the cancer is still 100% within the Prostate and it's not trying to go "walkabout". 

There are many routes to the final destination and each one is tailored to your specific diagnosis and whilst I wasn't offered surgery - I probably wouldn't have gone down that route as I am a wimp.

One thing I would say at this point is keep away from Dr Google (I know it's tempting) and use Prostate Cancer UK. Macmillan, Cancer research UK and this Community for any "research" you are doing.

Life with cancer isn't too bad - I am typing this on my balcony in Turkey - it's 11.30 here sunny and it's almost beer and kebab o'clock! .

Best wishes - Brian.