Just diagnosed

If the blood is more than just when you are peeing, then I think calling 111 was a good move. However, if it is just when you pee maybe it is nothing to worry about. You are a worrier so maybe it seems worse than you think xx

Thanks all. It seems to be just when I pee but I am in a total panic at the moment. I have only had my usual cup of de-caff tonight. Should I be drinking more? I need to sleep tonight because I was up a 4am this morning and I am exhausted. Better check my temperature I could have Sepsis.

Kind regards James.

Temp is 36.1

That is normal, don't panic.

Hi James and Gina

Just got back in from a meal out with friends.

Wow what an evening you have had. Thanks Gina for your support you are a star and James, everything is normal. I know how you  feel and worry but as Gina has said everything is normal and can be expected.

Thursday is a day off to chill and relax and then Friday it's the biopsy and then you can put your mind at rest and really let your hair down.

As I said  before the support on here is amazing - it was for me when I needed it and there's always someone for you.

Best wishes -as ever.

Brian.

Thanks Brain and Gina. I am so mentally and physically exhausted that I may have to cancel the Biopsy until later because it is apparently very painful and invasive and causes problems and side effects for a long time after it is done. There is also a 1-500 risk of Sepsis which is a killer.

Kind regards James.

Hello James

I am, following your thread but have not really intervened as I am acutely aware of your anxieties. As a fellow sufferer of anxiety, I did not want to make you feel worse. However, perhaps I might be able to help you in advance of the biopsy?

first, I would strongly advise you not to postpone this because the sooner you know the results the sooner you will know what you are dealing with and will gain some sense of control.

second, the risk of sepsis is very much minimised these days. This is because they no longer reach the prostate by going through the back passage ( an area loaded with bacteria). Instead, they go through the perineum which they can swab clean to eliminate surface bacteria. Also, they give antibiotics before the procedure in tablet form. That said, the last I read was that they are now questioning the need for antibiotic cover.

Third, my husband had his biopsy at the end of last year. He was well dosed up wits local anaesthetic. He said it was not the most pleasant experience but it certainly was not unbearable.this seems to be similar to what most men say. You can always tell them to stop if you find it too bad but they will , of course, still recommend a biopsy but, potentially, if you are not high risk, under a general anaesthetic.

finally, the medical services are so very aware of septicaemia these days that they are very alert to the need for early treatment . As a retired nurse, I  looked after lots of patients with septicaemia when working ( I worked with high risk patient) and we never lost a patient - antibiotics are very very effective!

I do hope this helps and that you can bring yourself to get through the procedure and come out the

 other side wishing you had not been so worried. Let us know how o you get on!

Good Afternoon James

I understand your worries however you need to get to the bottom (no pun intended) of your Prostate Issues and although it's a slow growing cancer it can be a killer.

I think you may have been reading and influenced by the internet and the basic facts of the transperineal biopsy are that is is safe, there is a small amount of pain once the samples are being taken and like all procedures there are side effects.

With this cancer you lose your dignity but remember the medical professionals see it every day and it's being done in your interests. The biopsy is done under a local anesthetic and the sharp pain you get is 2/3 times when they collect the samples.

Once it's over you will be given anti-biotics to ensure you don't catch anything nasty.

You have an appointment - many people on here would give their left hand to get one - be brave, take the plunge and go for it - if you put it off now it will pray on your mind waiting for the next appointment which may be months away.

Worried wife above has stolen my thunder but she is 110% on the money.

If it helps I am free tomorrow - if you want/need company I can be there for you.

It will all be over Friday night - one less thing to worry about.

Best wishes

Brian.

Thanks Brian and worriedwife. I have also found out I may need a catheter and bag to go home with. I have had these in hospital before and if you move around it is very painful.

Kind regards James.

Hello James

If you do need a catheter - it's not a problem. If you read my journey I had an indwelling catheter from 24/12/21 to 5/11/2022 over 10 months!! In that entire period including changes of catheter every 12 weeks the only issues I had were 2 faulty bags resulting in wet socks and shoes .I had NO pain at all and overall it became part of me.

From my understanding of the procedure it's highly unlikely you will need one - just as it's highly unlikely you will need an overnight stay.

At the outset of the appointment tell the staff of your anxiety and fears and they will work with you.

I think you are reading to much into the "might" and "may" happen. On the day you will be fine. You will sail through it and then it's onwards and upwards towards a treatment plan.

Best wishes

Brian