Possible trapped nerve from enlarged prostate

Hello Rivelin754583 

I am sorry to read of your issues in this department - I can't help you from personal experience. however when it comes to Prostate Cancer I am becoming a bit of a nerd  and read as much as I can about it.

Yes there are nerves running through the Prostate but my understanding is these are there for prostate health and help with the sexual function going. I understand however that an enlarged prostate can affect the pelvic nerves which in turn deal with the functions you are having issues with.

I had a TURP operation to shave part of my prostate (as it was blocking my urethra) and some of the pre operation questions were asking me if I had issues with any other bodily functions so I assume it's a known issue.

Sorry I can't give you a specific answer but my issues - not being able to pass water  - were different.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Rivelin754583 , it doesn’t sound like anything normally associated with PCa.  I don’t know how long you have been on HT but normally that would shrink a tumour, so if caused by that, I would assume it would get easier over time.  Sorry I can’t help but sounds like you have had other checks already, so hopefully nothing sinister.

Thanks for your replies.It seems everyone has their own issues and for the first 15 months of Hormone treatment all was relatively good as I was basically comfortable.

This issue is getting me down rather too much for my liking as I cannot enjoy day to day life.There’s that little black cloud in the morning which takes some shifting.

There are so many people living with chronic pain from so many causes other than cancer and my heart goes out to them.

At the age of 77 with a lovely wife,2 lads and grandchildren I really feel that I should be more grateful and appreciative.At heart I really am but I do want to enjoy the rest of my life as comfortably as possible,but dont we all.

Best wishes to all the helpful and supportive contributors across all the forums

Hi again Rivelin754583 , it is obviously impacting your quality of life and I am sorry to hear that.  When things are good we take so much for granted!  I did wonder if there is any pattern to the discomfort.  Is it there all the time - overnight, when walking, after going to the toilet, if your stools are hard or loose etc?  Anything that might indicate what is causing it.
I hope you get to the bottom of it (sorry I couldn’t resist )

Thanks David,

No real discernible pattern and having discounted other possibilities the trapped nerve theory seems as plausible as anything.
Passing wind or stools certainly offer some relief and in general the stools are normal .

Hopefully between my oncologist team and GP who I spoke to today something will be proposed to alleviate the discomfort.

I must say that when I actually get up and do something it’s not on my mind as much as I anticipate.So perhaps the answer is to push through it and stop dwelling on it.

Just an update on my situation having this morning had my 3monthly visit to Weston Park Sheffield.

Hopefully my very general comments may be of some use to others although my particular discomfort did not seem to be experienced by others.

Firstly I cannot quote chapter and verse on my state of play as others can because I have never asked other than to ask whether the Apalutamide is doing a job.I have been on this since January 2024,and it brought the PSA down from 57 to a stubborn 7 or 8.

However I am approaching the age of 78 so my main concern is that I feel OK which is definitely the case at the moment and long may it continue.

First and foremost the pain in the backside has miraculously cleared up after the last month which in itself was such a relief.I had been to my GP about 6 weeks ago and after discussions he did prescribe Pregabolin which supposedly helps with neuropathic problems and is also an antidepressant.Whether this has done the trick or other reasons I have no idea.

So no radiotherapy for the time being which had been on the cards or chemo,Just keep taking the tablets and the Prostap and it seems that I am more fortunate than many in that my hot flushes are notoo much of an issue,no moobs,etc.I have certainly got muscle wastage but that does not impact much in my life.I can still bowl and carry the shopping bags.

Just to add my specialist had the results of recent MRI scan which was fine and a CT scan on torso which showed “no significant change” whatever that might mean.

So the game of snakes and ladders continue and today I feel that I have climbed a few rungs which feels good as Christmas approaches.

I wish all the best to those at their various stages of consultation and treatment and many thanks to others who use this Forum

Hello Rivelin754583 

Well that sounds like a very positive post and not only is your treatment keeping the cancer at bay - the pian in the backside has gone.

I am with you here - take the positives, keep on the medication and carry on with life.

Thank you for the update.

Best wishes - Brian.