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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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Well folks, 23 April was my big day for the TULSA PRO surgery. I had a full gland ablation. I decided to use the St. Louis University Care group which is partnered with the Sisters of St. Mary (SSM) Health hospital group. Dr. Sameer Siddiqui who is the Chair of Surgery, Chief of Urology and an Associate Professor was my surgeon. We were told that everything went well. All of the doctors, nurses and staff members were professional, competent and cordial.
We arrived at 5:30 AM and departed around 12:30PM. I think the pre/post activity, as well as the recovery, took more time than the actual procedure. As the surgery requires sedation the only pain encountered was the installation of the IV in my arm.
The only issue I have post surgery is the predicted soreness of my penis tip where the catheter enters. It’s not too bad and seems to dissipate with over the counter pain meds. They gave me a prescription for some heavy duty pain meds, but at this point I have no plans to use them.
I am overjoyed with the outcome. However, the real results won’t be known for three months when the PSA numbers start to show up. I am also blessed TULSA PRO is now an insurance covered procedure. For all the bad press United Healthcare has received they came through for my procedure. My total out of pocket cost was around $335.00. I’m 69 so Medicare is in the mix as well.
I am telling everyone I know that TULSA PRO should be on their radar when considering prostate cancer treatments. I was within three weeks of starting radiation treatments with a different urologist and something told me to research alternatives. All I can say is that some prayers do get answered.
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2 Reactions@tdgillett
Dr Scionti got super conservative all the sudden, maybe he was sued or something. I had Tulsa Pro with him in 2023, now have a recurrence that is still in gland. He turned me down says the scar tissue may bounce the sound waves or some other stuff that seemed not him. For years he told me, don't worry if there is recurrence he can do Tulsa as often as needed. Now I need it, and he is gone on me. I think something happened that scared him real bad. So try another place maybe. Scionti something going on, or he is trying to retire, who knows as I really don't but he seems to not be the way he was. Hope you find something.
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