Where did everyone go? I hope Steve from Ohio is doing well. My name is Bill and will soon be 69 y/o, a former athlete still very active cyclist (split seat), elliptical and moderate weight conditioning. Good overall health except..... I've had BPH for at least 3 years with some problems I'll talk about, I'm doing fairly well on Tamsulosin. I have been seriously researching other options as I know the future of this condition doesn't get any better on it's own.

My problem started with a retention incident of my own making, waited too long. I knew I had a problem so I took myself to the emergency room. Voided over 1000cc. Found a good Urologist that I vetted best I could at a urology group nearby. Did the usual exam and put me on Tamsulosin that immediately helped. I do void a decent amount with about 60cc or less remaining in bladder as ultrasound has shown. I usually sleep about 6 hours but don't drink anything about 2-3 hours before bedtime. I easily void about 12-14 oz in the morning, a little slow but usually within 1-1 1/2 minutes. I do have moderate pain upon starting the stream which could take about 10 seconds to start.

Here's my concern and problem. My prostate is 150 grams according to Uro's estimate. About 6 months ago I saw a little bright red blood before the stream started. Saw the Uro and urine analysis showed elevated white blood cell count. I did have very mild pelvic pain, prostatitis was diagnosis (my thinking was non bacterial). After 10 days of antibiotic symptom came back within a month so I went for the dreaded cystoscopy of bladder. There is a history of bladder cancer in my family but I understand it generally is not hereditary unless you have same personal habits that may cause it (I don't) although I was a NYC firefighter in a busy area and that happens to be a risk factor. Thankfully my bladder was clear. The hardest part of that examination was the young female nurse holding on to me. During the exam Uro said I had a very vascular prostate and the blood was probably from a blood vessel rupturing. The blood happened one other time but in my research I may have found the remedy. Each time it happened I had a difficult bowel movement. A light went off in my head so I went to Dr. Google and my Grey's Anatomy copy and see the rectum is right next to the prostate. I added prunes to my morning routine and everything is fine now, no blood and pelvic pain gone.

So my next problem is knowing I will eventually need a procedure. I'm leaning toward a Prostate Artery Embolization as my first least invasive procedure. Will be having a consultation sometime this year with a good Intervention Radiologist in Boston who has done many of these procedures. Decisions decisions, nobody said this will be easy. I am thankful for the Mayo Clinic and everyone on this board. The knowledge and experiences here are invaluable for people like us. Together we'll deal with this male curse. Glad to be a part of the community.

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