Another Old Man issue: Holep and prostrate

[74-911]

I had a MRI/fusion biopsy 3 years ago (17 samples and all OK) and another MRI last year and no concerns per Urologist. However due to the issues of frequency particularly at night my Urologist is now suggesting I seriously consider the "holeP" procedure to re-establish a more normal flow.
Anyone out there in Pelican Land had procedure? are you happy with the results?
Pros and Cons ??

Appreciate any comments...
Thanks

[juanbenae]

Have you tried any of the prescription medications for this? Flomax works pretty well, and my doc has just set me up with a new medication with fewer side effects, and does not require the complicated requirements for using like the Flowmax.

[recycled sixtie]

I have had a turp operation. Turp means transurethral resection of the prostate to increase pee flow. Prior to that I had trouble peeing for two days. I took flomax but did not think it made much difference. I get up about every three hours during the night to go to the bathroom. I am 78. I have had a hernia op and need another one. Need a
tooth pulled now. I am very selective about ops so try to spend as little time in the hospital as I can. So I tend to live with issues unless absolutely necessary to get an operation.
Cheers, Guy.

[pavulon]

Holmium laser employment for urology is pretty common today. Seems reasonable to assume that you were provided with literature and resources at your appointment but will provide another below. It can be pretty tough for people to gauge the proficiency of their physician as a patient. If you can find someone who knows someone who has seen your urologist work, try to ask them the bottom line questions--would you let them work on/for you or your family? Is there someone else you trust more and why?

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17917-holmium-laser-enucleation-of-the-prostate-holep

Good luck and please do report your experiences.

[LWJ]

^^^that is THE question right there!!!

[74-911]

Originally Posted by juanbenae

Have you tried any of the prescription medications for this? Flomax works pretty well, and my doc has just set me up with a new medication with fewer side effects, and does not require the complicated requirements for using like the Flowmax.

I have been on Tamulosin (Flomax) for about 2 years and Finasteride for about 6 months. Tamulosin helped but Finasteride takes a while to work so not really sure if it is helping and has some side effects. Goal is to get off all the meds.

I have an appt with Urologist next week to get a lot more details, particularly about his experience, outcomes, etc. In particular would like to talk to someone my urologist has worked on per Pavulon..

Like Recycled Sixtie, I am 78, get up3-4 times a night and would like a high degree of confidence this will work.

Thanks for your responses... will update as things progress.

[Danimal16]

I was on tamsulosin for about 4 years. I suffered from the side effects so I had a urolift. The urolift solved the problems and I do not get up at all during the night. I understand that there are even better procedures with fewer side effects. I am very happy to be off the flomax.

[juanbenae]

Originally Posted by pavulon

Holmium laser employment for urology is pretty common today. Seems reasonable to assume that you were provided with literature and resources at your appointment but will provide another below. It can be pretty tough for people to gauge the proficiency of their physician as a patient. If you can find someone who knows someone who has seen your urologist work, try to ask them the bottom line questions--would you let them work on/for you or your family? Is there someone else you trust more and why?

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17917-holmium-laser-enucleation-of-the-prostate-holep

Good luck and please do report your experiences.

That is very strong advice. Some words that one should consider for any provider for any procedure an anesthesiologist will be involved.

Couple experiences I've had::

My 1st prostate biopsy was done by a traveling willberry physician's assistant that was cleared to do the procedure apparently. Felt like a road flare was inserted in my ass to the end of lil juan benae. It was one of the most uncomfortable procedures I ever had while conscious. Had one 2 years later by a Doctor of Urology and when he said "we are done here", I was like WTF?? It was hardly a thing.

Had my hip replaced 2 years ago. Once it was called for a bunch of friends and family were insistent about having the anterior procedure, not the posterior. Said I was a fool for considering the old, tried and true posterior method. Went and met the surgeon and asked why he did not offer the anterior procedure? He said I've been doing this method for 20 something years and I'm not going to practice a new procedure on my patients. Was off a walker & cane in 5 days.