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Aquablation: Post-surgery expectations
After decades of pills to (partially) manage BPH, I am scheduled for aquablation at Mayo JAX in mid-Feb. Has anyone had that procedure done? What was post-surgery like? What were your experiences regarding regular vs. retrograde ejaculation?
My expectations are high. My general health is good+ (71 yo), my prostate is enlarged but not massive, my PSA's suggest no cancer concerns. The surgeon expects a low-risk procedure (no incisions I believe) and a quick recovery (unless something unexpected pops up). I appreciate it's impossible to predict surgical outcomes with certainty - I would like to hear of others' experiences to help set my expectations.
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Thank you to everyone who has shared your experiences w/ Aquablation.
I am scheduled for this procedure on Oct 15 with Kaiser Permanente in Lone Tree, CO.
I will keep this site updated on my progress.
I am 83, 5' 8" & weigh 155#. I have been in excellent health my entire life. I have had a gym routine for the past 40+years , 3 to 4 days/week. I am still hiking, skiing & dirt bike riding.
I have been struggling with declining urination for probably 8 to 10 years. Two years ago, I developed a UTI, needed a catheter for 5 to 6 weeks & went on Flomax & now Finasteride.
Fast forward to August 11, another UTI, antibiotics, catheter for a week, infection cleared. After catheter was removed, I could not urinate. Catheter went back & in I contracted another UTI last week.
Having a catheter for 2 months has been a challenge.
I am hoping for a good result.
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3 ReactionsQuestion: I'm 7 weeks post Aquablation. Recovery went pretty well and everything on schedule. Was cleared for sex after a month. First couple of times experienced small to moderate amount of ejaculate, but a little pain in the urethra. Nothing major and not unexpected. The next couple of times though I experienced a strong cramp type of pain in the groin during ejaculation. Anyone else experience pain during ejaculation the first few weeks they had sex? The pain is cramp like across the lower groin area.
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1 Reaction@techee I think you will be very pleased with the results of your procedure. I had mine two weeks ago. My flow rate is alteady showing marked improvement. Just know there is definitely a recovery process that varies by person. Mine has gone well with occasional hiccups such as red urine if I’m being more active than I should be. It’s very important I’ve found to drink lots of water. To remind myself, i fill a clear pitcher of water when I get up and try to finish it by 8 pm or so. This helps prevent discomfort when going and helps keep it as clear as possible. Earlier on it helped me pass small clots.
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1 Reaction@vtredwolf
You are not alone. I had surgery 10 months ago and experienced something similar. It persisted several months. I pursued physical therapy for pelvic floor. The PT wonders if it may have been brought on by scar tissue. The physical therapist gave me exercises and things seem to be improving with time. Hope this is helpful information.
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1 Reaction@nairbs yeah my pain is perhaps higher than what you describe, below the belt, kind of like a very mild version of getting hit in the testicles, a cramp, but during ejaculation. Feels like it could be seminal vessel related. I'm hoping it's transient so I'll give it a week or so off.
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1 Reaction@aapisani5 - Once more into the breach. Had a cystoscopy done on 10/9 following AE and Aqua. The AE of about a year ago did not solve my BPH issues and followed that with an Aqua procedure about 9 months ago; which did remedy many of the typical issues - urgency, flow, etc. However, a new problem was introduced in the healing process where stones (prostate and bladder) were formed and were causing a good amount bleeding and calcified particle discharge while urinating. This bleeding usually followed a vigorous exercise such as running. Now five days post procedure (without a catheter!!) and seem to be healing well. Cannot return to vigorous exercise for 2-4 weeks which I pray will show no bleeding. Age 67, good health, and hope to be back to running. Will continue to post.
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1 Reaction@connect4321 Your experience is very encouraging. I am hoping it results in a permanent solution.
When I look back, I believe I have tolerated my issues far too long.
@techee Aquablation should provide long-term relief similar in timeframe to turp. Decades ago my dad had turp done and a second turp some 7-8 years later. Since bph tissue generally does grow back for most men im assuming I might need this again in 7-8 years.
I’d be ok with that. By then they will probably have an even better aquablation system or something even better. ☺️
@techee
I was completely asymptomatic until I lost the ability to pee. On a catheter for 4 months...two infections....including one with Seratia. Flowax and Finesteride cratered my blood pressure. I had my surgery last September and was 120 grams. Glad to report I'm still peeing like a racehorse with no sexual side effects. Just had my annual physical and my doctor could feel my prostate is enlarged. Not a surprise as my surgeon told me Aquablation removes about 50%. That would put me around 60 grams...bigger than normal. If this happens again down the road I would do another aquablation.
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1 Reaction@icorus1959
Thank you for sharing your experience. Great to hear that one year out you are very happy with your aquablation. Especially given the size of your prostate. Should help encourage many out there. Just curious, do you happen to know your post void retention amounts prior to the procedure and now?