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Anyone had aquablation to be free of catheter? (Stage 4)

Posted by mickyf @mickyf, Oct 20 6:46am

My name is Mike Fisher; I am 78 years old, I live in Portugal and am being treated here for Stage 4 Prostate cancer, I have had a catheter of 10 months, My urologist here recommends I have Aquablation to allow me to be catheter free.

I understand this procedure is not normally recommended for metastatic prostate cancer; presumably for fear of dislodging cancerous cells into the surrounding area. My view is that as it has already spread, and my current treatment is controlling the disease, the improvement of my quality of life make the risk worthwhile.
Any thoughts?

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mjp0512 | @mjp0512 | Oct 20 7:13am

Welcome and sorry you had to find your way here. A question regarding your catheter. Is it foley (always inserted and hooked up to a bag) or intermittent (you self-catheterize as needed)? If foley, did you ever consider moving to self-catheterization? I've been doing intermittent catheterization for coming up on 8 months and I'm fine with it. It's actually pretty convenient knowing exactly when you have to go. No more searching for a rest room when out and about. Just cath before you leave. Really no issue with quality of life. 😊

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mickyf | @mickyf | Oct 20 10:21am

No, I have a foley but not been offered self catheterisation, although a friend of mine uses that method. He has no issue with it but doesn't have PC. he underwent surgery for enlarged prostate but afterwards found is bladder wouldn't empty properly. I will discuss with my urologist . Thanks for taking the time to help.

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mjp0512 | @mjp0512 | Oct 20 10:56am
In reply to @mickyf "No, I have a foley but not been offered self catheterisation, although a friend of mine..." + (show)
Profile picture for mickyf @mickyf

No, I have a foley but not been offered self catheterisation, although a friend of mine uses that method. He has no issue with it but doesn't have PC. he underwent surgery for enlarged prostate but afterwards found is bladder wouldn't empty properly. I will discuss with my urologist . Thanks for taking the time to help.

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@mickyf
You're welcome. It really is much better than being chained to a bag.

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thmssllvn | @thmssllvn | Oct 21 10:41am

Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE) was created in Lisbon then docs in Sao Paola, Brazil started using it and now the USA. In essence small pellets under visual guidance are placed in small arterioles of the prostate by a an interventional radiologist (IR), There the blood supply 'downstream' is stopped. Over six weeks or so the size of the gland gets smaller. Because of your location I suspect for whatever reason that procedure is not indicated. Nonetheless ask why is would be contraindicated. I don't think specialty turf considerations are playing a part.

If Aquablation is a choice and you are an American with MEDICARE A & B consider Dr. Helfand in Chicago's Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. He has done over 500. I suspect however there are many equally skilled docs in that technique in Lisbon.

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mickyf | @mickyf | Oct 21 12:05pm

Thanks, I will definitely investigate

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