Prostate and Bladder Issues: What to do?
I am a 68, nearly 69, year old man that has had bladder issues for years. I had green light prostate surgery 8 yrs. ago which helped for a while. Now, my prostate has had some regrowth and I have developed several bladder diverticulum. I have had just about every bladder test possible. I also have some incontinence issues, and manage by wearing diapers when necessary. I'm ok with that. My urologist had me on a combination of tamsulosin and finastride, but have not realized much of a difference. I'm a bit afraid of some of those drugs because I have read that they could mask the development of a more serious prostate cancer.
My urologist suggests that I may be a candidate for surgery, but what kind? Turp or total removal of the prostate? I have also read that turp sometimes needs to be repeated. Don't want that to happen either. What to do?
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My husband (76) had the Urolift procedure done to clear his ureter and it works ok. However, by the time he had that done, his bladder had lost all flexibility but it was okay for a couple of years. Then, he got an UTI--he did not want to go in to the doctor until I had to take him to ER. Long story short, the hospital measured urine output, but did not consistently use ultrasound to determine if he was emptying entirely. And that is the crux of the matter. Constipation (you're supposed to poop every day as an elder!) blocked the emptying. The Depends worked awhile for the leaking, but you are susceptible to a URI if you wear them all the time. Another ER visit within weeks and he came home with a Foley bag until UTI resolved. Three weeks. Now he is using a Cure catheter and really likes that he is not leaking at all. Usually, he does it in the morning, midday and at bedtime. It does decrease the emergency bathroom visits. We have backup antibiotics incase he notices a UTI. I hope this helps you on your journey.