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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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@dfwcraig My experience with insurance coverage was similar to yours. I had Blue Cross Blue Shield. After a urologist at the Mayo Clinic recommended Aquablation, and the procedure was scheduled for April, I got a call from the business office telling me that Blue Cross was one of the few major insurance companies that did not cover the procedure. Mayo advised me to put the procedure off for several months till I was eligible for Medicare, which does coverage the procedure. Otherwise I would have considerable medical bills. I had the procedure done in August, the same month that I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare.
The catheter was a bit of a bother, but in retrospect, well worth it for the improvement in my quality of life after Aquablation. Take it easy for the next weeks. No strenuous exercise. After the first three weeks post procedure I noticed continued improvement in my urinary function. So hang it there.
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3 Reactions@dfwcraig I had to research "PAE" to know about it and realized that I previously came across that procedure as one of recent innovations in BPH treatment. When I first learned about it, I thought the use of small beads to cut off blood supply to the prostate to shrink it was quite revolutionary. I wasn't comfortable though with the risk of some beads escaping and blocking critical blood paths.
Glad that you kept up with the issue and insurance finally approved aquablation.
On the insurance aspect, while my carrier approved my aquablation as far back as 2021, it seemed to take careful steps before finally clearing me for the procedure. After a cystoscopy and biopsy (I suppose to make sure it's not cancer that requires a more aggressive approach), my urologist confirmed that it was a "go" and we set a date for operation. The clinic then unexpectedly called for me to take a "uroflometry" test which required drinking water to completely fill the bladder. I believe this was an extra step my carrier asked for.
I do as instructed and do the uroflometry and sure enough, after doing my best to empty my bladder, the Ultrasound showed an estimated 75% remaining. This test included a frankly agonizing after-effect. Since I retained so much in my bloated bladder, throughout the remainder of the day I constantly had the urge to urinate but couldn't. Fortunately I had the self-catheter tubes (aka "intermittent catheters") that my MD prescribed to empty the bladder. FYI using this tube isn't as gruesome as we might imagine. It's a thin, flexible, and generously lubricated tube with a soft pointed tip that isn't painful at all to use. Strange sensation, yes, but not painful.
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2 ReactionsUpdate from my procedure 5 days ago. Cath removed yesterday without issue. Uncomfortable couple of seconds, but within an hour voiding went well with the exception of the burning which occurs toward the end. Next 24 hours relatively clear with small amounts of blood and tissue, which seems to be getting better each time. Some blood leaking throughout the day. Just now starting to get enough notice of when to head for the bathroom before making a mess.
Frequency varies from 20 minutes to two hours throughout the day. Hope that gets better soon.
The first void after the cath removal was mind blowing, I don’t think I’ve ever had that fierce of a stream my entire life. It has reduced down quite a bit, though. Starts immediately and seems to end quickly.
So far so good. Still very early in healing process.
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4 Reactions@dfwcraig Who did the operation and at which hospital?
@dfwcraig who did your procedure? Was that Dr. Hyder in Forth Worth?
@sorentj
Yes Dr Hyder at USMD Arlington
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2 Reactions@sorentj
Clarify… Dr Hyder located in Fort Worth and the procedure is done at USMC in Arlington.
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1 Reaction@dfwcraig thank you for your story. I too had very powerful voids the day of my catheter removal. A 24 ml/s qmax! Now at three months im averaging a good stream of 18 mls qmax.
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2 ReactionsI will have Aquablation near the end of January. Like most folks, I am “hoping” that, after the catheter is removed (5 days later), that I will be satisfied with the results. …long term. Am i being too optimistic ?
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1 Reaction@stevedc1 good luck! I’m happy with my results as far as urinating. Compared to what I went from to where I am is night and day. My only issue is that I am unable to ejaculate. I thinks it’s referred to retro grade. But not certain. Hoping that changes in the future.
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