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Going for Tulsa Pro
I've posted here a few times over the last year and have read most of the posts from others. I was diagnosed in January 2024 through an ultrasound biopsy (it should have been MRI guided), followed by a PSA test CT scan, MRI, and Decipher test. My cancer is not aggressive, but there are three growths in my prostate. My doctors recommended a full ablation, and I’ve decided to go with the Tulsa Procedure at UCLA with Dr. Steven Raman.
I’ve waited until now because I believe Medicare will begin covering the procedure on the 1st. of 2025. Earlier this year, I switched from a Medicare HMO plan (Blue Shield) to Original Medicare with a supplemental plan, where Medicare covers 80% and the supplemental plan pays the remaining 20%. It’s been incredibly difficult to determine whether Medicare will actually cover the procedure, as I’ve received conflicting information. However, I think they will.
I considered going back to an HMO with United Health Plans, which includes UCLA physicians as in-network, but no one could guarantee that they’d cover the procedure either.
Anyway, I thought I’d document this journey. It begins on January 5th, when I’ll check into an Airbnb hotel near the procedure location. This is two days before the procedure. I’ll have to fast those 2 days and completely empty my stomach (I’ll spare you the details). In the best-case scenario, I’ll wake up with a catheter and a “burned out” prostate. I’ll need to wear the catheter for at least two weeks. Hopefully, they'll get it all 🙂
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BobbieGene
I am hoping to use the TULSA treatment, if I qualify. And I am also a veteran with full VA benefits. I am not looking for the VA to fund the treatment. I could not find any information within the VA Libraries or even doctors who were familiar with TULSA or a POC .... so with the lack of transparency and red tape at the VA to discuss the issue of TULSA treatment. I am going to decide the "when and where" and my insurances will cover the cost. However I don't know if VA needs to have input... Could you provide me any type of POC or even a reference of the VA's opinion?
BGJCL
As a Vietnam veteran my prostate cancer claim is covered under the VA because of Agent Orange exposure. But TULSA isn't covered. The Dr. at my VA clinic never heard of TULSA. I did my own research and asked them to refer me to OU which they did. I had to pay for the procedure out of pocked but the VA covers the Dr. visits and other treatment. I go back June 3rd for a follow up MRI. VAs involvement depends on your disability status. If you haven't already applied, you should file a claim for your cancer.
Received my PSA result a few days ago, it is a 0.10 ng/mL. I had TULSA on 28 Feb, 2025 and this is the 3 month full gland ablation post treatment PSA. At the two month mark I began to lose my sex drive and have some mild ED, that I think is likely from low Testosterone. I see my local Uro tomorrow to discuss the PSA and low T. All in all, very pleased with TULSA, no regrets.
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3 Reactions85 and you only have 3+3=6? How many cores of the biopsy? If strait up Adenocarcinoma and no other variants you should consider Active Sur valence. Up to your Drs of course, and I am not one, but why mess with 3+3=6. That is really considered pre-cancerous by Oncologists.
You should ask for a Prostox test by MiraDx. This test tells you if you will have any Grade 2 or higher GU long term issues after SBRT treatment. Some Drs don't know what this test is, but Mayo Jax gave me the order when we were consider SBRT. Mine came back that I was at a 95% change of having long term GU issues at or above Grade 2. I also looked at IRE (NanoKnife) but was told I am not a good candidate because my tumor measurers 2.2 cm, too large. So I am going to do TULSA PRo instead. My tumor is in the transition zone so it makes me a great candidate for TULSA Pro. They said I was a textbook patient for it. Let's pray it works long term for me.
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1 ReactionAgree, if the tumor is on the rear of the prostate, or the prostate is small, then HIFU is best. HIFU goes through your rectum. If you have a normal or enlarged prostate and your tumor is on the front of the prostate then TULSA PRO is best since the probe goes through your urethrae
Hey Paul -
Checking in to hear how the Tulsa-pro procedure went for you with Dr. Raman. I’m scheduled to have it done next month with him.
@pdcar4756
Hi - who was your doctor ?
@ribz99
You'll be happy you made the decision to go with the Tulsa procedure with Dr. Ramen. Everything works, and my urine flow is probably better than it's ever been. The first 12 hours after the procedure are the worst. You'll have a strong urge to urinate, but you'll have a catheter. They'll give you meds for that, and they work. The next day you'll be learning how to deal with the catheter. Pay attention when the discharge nurse tells you how to care for it, you have to keep it clean, the last thing you want is an infection. I would say the most important preperation is to get some pants that will accommodate your catheter bag and hose. Take those with you the day of your procedure. Icwore Levis, big mistake. They make pants specifically for this. At home, I cut a hole in the side if a pair of PJ'S, kept the hose inside the pj's pant leg and hung the bag on the outside of the hole I cut. That worked great. After a week, You'll go see the urologist, that catheter will get removed in a split second. It's painful but it's over before you have time to react. THEN, they make you pee to be sure you can empty your bladder. It's going to be difficult, but you'll do it. After that it's going to be had to pee, especially for the first few weeks. I was beginning to think that it was never going to get better, but at 6 weeks, my stream was good. You'lk see bloid in your urine for weeks. They removed most of my prostate, but not all. I'm able to reach orgasm with an erection that is as good as before the procedure, which is ok. Very little ejaculate. It's been about 8 months now and I'm super happy that I chose Tulsa. NO negative side effects which is what we all hope for. Best of luck to you, and tell Dr. Ramen hi from me. You made the right choice.
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2 ReactionsHas anyone used Dr Scionti in Sarasota Florida? His Google reviews are awesome