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Going for Tulsa Pro

Posted by paulcalif @paulcalif, Dec 29, 2024

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 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

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jeff101650 | @jeff101650 | 1 day ago
In reply to @pioneer "Well folks, 23 April was my big day for the TULSA PRO surgery. I had a..." + (show)
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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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@pioneer follow up how your doing and continued thoughts of your Tulsa pro

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pioneer | @pioneer | 1 day ago
In reply to @jeff101650 "@pioneer follow up how your doing and continued thoughts of your Tulsa pro" + (show)
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@pioneer follow up how your doing and continued thoughts of your Tulsa pro

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Hey @jeff101650 ,

I’m feeling great and have no limitations on my life style. However, I am dealing with ED and incontinence. Both seem to be improving.p (slowly).

If I had to do it all over again I would definitely take the same route.

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