Infinite
I don’t know how many entries I will make here but this seemed to be the logical place to post my experiences.
Visit to the Urologist Update
So I experienced my first transrectal ultrasound today. It was a litter uncomfortable but only lasted about 45 seconds. The doc was just estimating my prostate size: 20-25 grams. So the Aquablation is out. My prostate is too small. That leaves TURP or Rezum as my only options. Honestly, neither of those two is very appealing.
TURP seems like a draconian solution and Rezum sounds painful. Both have long healing times. My doc does Rezum as an in-office procedure. TURP is done outpatient.
My problem is a long term one. I have had a weak stream my whole life. Back in the early 2000’s I had a transurethral incision of the bladder-neck procedure done but my prostate was small. Now it’s my prostate squeezing in on two sides to restrict urine flow.
She told me that since I can’t tolerate drugs like Flomax a procedure was my only option. I am emptying my bladder completely. Wait and see is out as straining will eventually damage my bladder.
So no good options…
If any of you have had either procedure please chime in with your experience. I am interested in near term and long term experience.
11/272023: I got a referral for a second opinion. The new doc’s office said it will be at least two weeks before they can schedule my appointment. She said they needed to review my case.
Visiting the Cath Lab soon and I’m scared
Back in the ‘80s my aunt died while this procedure was being performed. Now it’s my turn in the cath lab. Apparently, I flunked the digital angiogram so my cardiologist wants to get actual visual confirmation.
Is it really safer now? That’s what some are telling me.
Comments
Srgfgahs 10 months ago 5
I’m sorry for posting this so late. The only thing they found were ‘ lumps and bumps’. No stents needed! My cardiologist was originally concerned about some narrowing in the artery on the descending left side of my heart.
I passed the tilt table test last month too.
It looks like I am experiencing autonomic nerve dysfunction. It is causing me to pass out during showers, bending over, standing up. I just have to be more careful. I broke my left fifth toe and later banged up my knee.
Plus I am experiencing visual disturbances and slurred speech apparently associated with migraines. They found a lesion in my left temporal white matter but said that too was associated with migraines.
But at least my heart is ok and I didn’t have a stroke.
Srgfgahs 1 year ago 4
I survived my visit to the cath lab. My doc decided to go through my arm but I was prepped for both groin and arm access. Fortunately, it turned out to be a non event. The doc reported I had only lumps and bumps in my coronary arteries. To get the whole story I’ll have to see my Medical Cardiologist. No stents needed.
Srgfgahs 1 year ago
Thank you all for your thoughts about this. I haven’t been contacted yet to schedule the procedure. I just want it to be over.
Stingabit 1 year ago
Ive had 2, was awake for both. Had stents put in. Back at work after 3 days.
TM48 1 year ago 2
I’ve been through the cardiac cathlab three times in the last 3-4 years. I was also fearful of what might happen. I had three totally different experiences each time. The first time, all went well and I was asleep for the whole thing. I was diagnosed with three serious blockages and was then scheduled for triple bypass surgery a few days later. I had the bypass surgery and all went well for about a month afterwards when I suddenly had chest pains. A trip to the ER revealed I was having a heart attack….just a month after having triple bypass surgery! At that time, It was also determined that ALL THREE of my bypasses FAILED! I then had another trip to the cathlab where I was to have 3 or 4 stents placed. My cardiologist was able to get one inserted through my wrist. I WAS AWAKE through that entire procedure as the anesthesia DID NOT PUT ME TO SLEEP. I watched the whole procedure on the monitor and talked to the cardiologist the entire time, despite being given more “knockout juice” through the IV…but I remained conscious. He continued the procedure telling the assistants that as long as I was not in any pain or discomfort they could continue. At the conclusion of getting that stent placed, he told me I would have to come back in a couple days because the next two stents HAD to go through my groin. For that third cath lab visit a few days later, I WAS COMPLETELY And DEEPLY knocked out. I woke up in the Cardiac ICU, in the SAME room where I “recovered” from my failed triple bypass a month earlier! During that third cathlab procedure, an artery was punctured and I almost bled to death! But the worst thing that happed was that much of the hemorrhaged blood ended up in my scrotum! The nurses told me I had a conditioned they affectionately called “The Basketball Hematoma“. My entire right leg, scrotum, lower abdomen were totally BLACK in color. It took an entire month for that scrotal swelling to subside to a point where I could put on a pair of jeans! Fortunately, I’ve been fine since then…
Wolfgirl66 1 year ago 2
It is safer now, but anything can happen. Please tell your cardiologist of your concerns and ask questions about what they hope to find and the solutions. I've had many since 2005
a few were more involved than just a look around. Good luck and safe recovery.
🐾
Hospital Skin Check
I now know why they do a skin check when you are admitted to the hospital.
Last week I went to the ER due to transient blindness in one eye and some dizziness and fainting episodes. They decided to keep me for observation to figure it all out.
Once I was transferred to a room the fun began. All the usual pokes, prods and disrobing. The gave me a hospital gown. I didn’t care as I was scared about possibly losing my vision.
One of the last things they did before I could lay down was a skin check. I’ve read about this here but never personally experienced it until last week. They uncovered sections of skin and noted any bruises, bumps, sores, and scratches. One of the two nurses doing this told the aide to note, “He has scratches on his back and a few puncture wounds.“ I told them I had a cat that likes to jump on my back, climb up to my shoulders, and stand there while I walked around. They said, “That’s ok, we just need to document what you came in with so we know it didn’t happen during your stay here.”
If you have ever used a valet service to park your car you will know they do the same thing to your car before driving it away to park it. I couldn’t get that concept out of my head. So I related this to those present.
“That’s right Srgfgahs, that‘s exactly why we do it. From then on I felt like a car with a headlight that went out then back on while my air filter was clogged and a tire or two was going flat.
This is my first attempt at blogging so be kind but constructive.
Comments
timberwolf421 4 months ago 1
I had the Urolift procedure done on July 21. It is a procedure that is normally done on prostates that are like yours and mine. My experience so far has been good. My biggest problem since being released back to full duty has just been soreness, 4 implants later. Best of luck to you!