Tamsulosin... for how long?

FWIW I've been on tamsulosin ever since I started original treatment (HT.and EBRT) back in early 2021. I'd had urinary problems, mainly night time  frequency, for many years. Oncology guy reckoned from siting of tumours in prostate that the cancer had nothing to do with urinary issues.

I still continue with tamsulosin now that PCa in full recurrence. I still haven't slept more than 3 hours at a time, during or post  treatment, 1st or 2nd time around. I did try stopping it after RT, but it made night time visits more uncomfortable.

Not aware of any specific tamsulosin side effects.

1. Good luck, Dave 

Hello DP857864 

So, I am aware you are in Canada and things maybe slightly different there but why do you have a restricted urine flow?  is this anything to do with:

* A poor flow before the cancer diagnosis?

* The prostate gland swelling after brachytherapy?

* The side effects of radiotherapy? or

* Did you have a large prostate to start off with and this has grown into your urethra slowing your flow?

Only my thoughts as a non-medically trained nerd but there must be a reason for the restricted flow in the first place.

(Oh - great win in the curling at the winter Olympics yesterday - it had me glued to the sofa!!).

Best wishes - Brian

The flow wasn't exactly "like an 18 year old" before surgery, but it has drastically reduced after the combined radiation treatments (not sure which caused what). 

Hello DP857864,

Like you, I'm not keen on taking unnecessary medication so tried weaning myself off Tamsulosin after finishing my treatment, initially stretching it from every 24hrs to 36 & then 48 over a period of a few weeks.  It was noticeable that my flow slowed down & I was visiting the bathroom again after 15 or so minutes so my bladder wasn't emptying fully.  As I have a predisposition to kidney stones I have to drink plenty of water & maintaining a good flow helps flush out any stones that may start to form.  On this basis I went back to taking them daily and haven't  noticed any side effects since doing so.

Best Wishes

Brian

Hello DP857864 

If that's the case I would continue taking the prescribed dose. 

You possibly need to have a word with your team - you may need a "flow test" to see just how much you are passing and how quick.

From what you say I have a feeling it may well be prostate size the issue here. One solution to this is a "TURP" operation, which you can have after Brachytherapy. 

You need a word with your team. Do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.