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Is HoLep recovery worth the procedure?
I had Holep with a Dr. in Boise-Urologist Austen Slade. Today makes 10 days post surgery. I’m 51 in general good health, no allergies or underlying issues. My BPH was at its max , complete blockage. Prostate and Median Lobe. I could not no. 1 and a catheter was being recommended indefinitely. A cystoscope exam with my surgeon showed I was one of few patients with this condition that can be treated with possibly preserving all / most sexual functions. That being said. Here is my experience ( so far)
My outcome doesn’t represent all outcomes as different patients have different experiences and health risks. Post procedure, my catheter was removed in less than 14 hours, with the ability to use the restroom after a supervised test run by 5 am the next morning.
Since I showed no signs of distress, coherent, no fever , or pain (slight discomfort ,yes) it started off really good. After several drs discussed my progress I was released.
Follow up calls were daily for a few days.
Day 2-4 surprisingly , urine remained clear. Also most bathroom trips , occasional light blood and a sting that subsides quickly especially with ibuprofen.
Today is day 5 , some blood today in the evening , dismal sting , but zero pain since after surgery. Completely mobile.
Day 10 only thing left is a numb feeling in the area treated. My bathroom health is 100 percent restored. If there’s any irrepressible symptoms or damage. It’s too soon to know.
It appears to function but I’m avoiding any excitement for 4 weeks.
As of now, Not straining or lifting anything heavy. Drinking loads of Water for first week to keep flushing. Resting is also important.
Wishing you all future patients a speedy recovery and may your pathology test be negative as well.
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Very happy for your experience so far.
This is really a dilemma for me, trying to choose which treatment with so many options and risks.
I would probably go your route but the long travel for me, Georgia to Idaho, scares the hell out of me. Did you get on an airplane right after your procedure? How far did you travel? Hawaii?
Thanks,
Paul
Yes. By plane from Hawaii. Left 7 days later
"A cystoscope exam with my surgeon showed I was one of few patients with this condition that can be treated with possibly preserving all / most sexual functions. "
I'm wondering what particular details of your anatomy facilitated that observation by your surgeon. Did you wear a catheter on your trip to Boise?
Sorry for all of the questions.
Paul
A Boise urologist was excited to try HOLEP on me, though I had previously a TUMT and laser PVP. Every urologist is gung-ho, it's great, minor symptoms, everything will be awesome. I asked the local doctor, "how many have you performed?" He replied, "oh, about 200 so far." I informed him that he was already 10 years behind the leading doctors in the states, and no, I declined to go ahead with a third surgery.
Net-net is that every person is different. I see NO way for a doctor to predict what your outcome will be. The first doctor in Florida neutered me almost, despite him showing me videos of happy men experiencing TUMT...when there were already better procedures available! Stupid me for not researching! It was scare tactics with urine retention that rushed me into the horrible and painful TUMT.
The conservative path is to stay on flomax and self-cath. You get used to it, it's fast and predictable. You will have side effects with surgery. It's just the magnitude. Per the maxim, you can hope for the best, but you better plan for the worst outcome. And that could have a serious impact on your life as it has mine.
Note: this is just one mans experience.
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5 ReactionsIt’s important to get a Dr with the knowledge, training and Experience. The Dr I saw in Boise Idaho , had over 700 holep( and counting) and has additional medical training (Fellowship) specifically in Urology, making him the best choice in that metropolitan area. I flew in from Hawai’i
Hi. Sorry you’re in pain and discomfort.
In all the years, I had this pain and discomfort nobody ever performed a cystoscope on me until I got to Idaho and that’s where they discovered. I had a possible chance of preservation due to my specific condition
I had median lobe issues, not the entire prostate, but I was completely blocked like a ball valve. Except one day ( peeing) it went away and never came back.
No, I did not wear a catheter to Idaho. I refused it and just roughed it having to go to the bathroom six times an hour sometimes for a few drops most of the time burning. It was the worst last couple of years of my life.
All I know is that when they finally got a look inside closely, they saw that they did not have to remove everything but they recommend that I did I chose the preserve surgery