I'm 66 and am considering the Aquablation therapy. Here is the background:
Starting in about 2022 and into 2023, my urinary stream was weak, and seemed to be getting weaker. In mid-2023, I started having occasional incontinence at night. I did not wake up, and had no urge at all to go to the bathroom. I had no problems during the day. I finally needed to get some absorbent underwear to use at night.

I see a lot of people talking about getting up multiple times in the night to urinate. I would urinate, but without sensing the urge.

Finally, in 10/2024, I went to see a urologist (actually worked with his technician). He determined that I had a lot of urine retention in my bladder and used a catheter to empty it. He offered either a Foley catheter or a self-catheter. I opted for the latter. He prescribed an antibiotic. He also prescribed Tamsulosin to possibly help shrink the prostate. He said it doesn't always work (After later doing my own research on this I decided to not take it).

My PSA was over 7 (it had been as high as 11 in previous years). He recommended a biopsy to check for cancer. I had already looked into this, and didn't want them taking random shots and poking holes in my prostate in case they happened to find something. He then recommended a non-invasive CT Scan and MRI to see if there was anything suspicious. This made a lot more sense!

I was very careful with the self-catheter, but within a day I started having symptoms that turned out to be a UTI. I first went to urgent care and they gave me an antibiotic. That helped for a week or so, but then the symptoms returned.

In early November I went to the ER and they admitted me to treat the UTI. I was there for 3 nights. Lots of IV antibiotics and a CT scan. This confirmed the enlarged prostate and also kidney issues.

12/2/2024 - MRI summary: PSA 7.8, prostate volume 66.3 ml. Impression: No MR suspicious focal prostate lesion identified - enlarged prostate. PI_RADS 2: Clinically significant cancer unlikely to be present. I was glad to see that!

1/24/2025: Finally met the urologist. He did a cystoscopy to get a visual on what's going on. He recommended Aquablation.

It was my research on this that led me to this website. I have learned a lot and now have more realistic expectations. I have a consult with him on 1/31 so he can answer my questions and then schedule the procedure. I'll make sure my calendar is relatively clear for a month or so after the procedure just in case. I'm optimistic there won't be any serious issues, but I'm also a realist!

After reading many of the reports of people using Tamsulosin, Flowmax, and other medications, I'm glad I decided to not start on them.

Before all of this, I was sleeping through the night (with the absorbent underwear). I hoped to be able to eliminate this and be able to just sleep through the night like I did up until a few years ago. It sounds like with this procedure I will likely be resuming the absorbent underwear - at least for a little while.

It will be nice to be done with the Foley catheter. I've had it since early November. I've had it changed out twice (roughly 30 days) and, fortunately, that process was only slightly uncomfortable - and no pain! Because I have some things that are already scheduled, I probably won't do the Aquablation until early April.

I really appreciate the information provided here, and people willing to talk straight about their experiences. It is really helpful.

Any suggestions on things I should ask at the consultation?