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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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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.
@pioneer follow up how your doing and continued thoughts of your Tulsa pro
I don’t see a folllow up from your Tulsa procedure. How did you do? Did Medicare cover? Thank you for willing to share
@tdgillett At Mayo Rochester.
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1 Reaction@mikead63
Where is it being done? Two places told me the titanium hip made me "ineligible" for Tulsa. Now considering some other options--IRE, hi-fu.
@mikead63 Interesting. My Dr at Mayo Jax told me if I had a hip replacement I could not do another Tulsa Pro if needed (hopefully it is not ever needed). He said the hip replacement will cause shadowing in the MRI. Good luck to you because I am very happy with my Tulsa Pro results thus far.
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3 Reactions@tdgillett I had a hip replacement in 2024. I am approved for the TULSA-PRO and will be scheduling it for August.
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1 Reaction@jcf58
Great catch. Definitely not surgery. There was no cutting, bleeding or stitches😄. Just the small pain from them installing the IV. I can handle that.
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1 Reaction@tdoriausername Hello! I also go to the Mayo in Phoenix. Right now I am a Gleason 6 on Active Surveillance, but I follow all of the treatments knowing some day my time may come. My doctor is Dr. Frendl, who I think does Nanoknife (IRE). Did you decide on that or still looking at Tulsa Pro? Thank you. I will say a prayer all goes well for you.
@pioneer Glad things went well. Just thought I would clarify for others who may read this. Tulsa Pro is not surgery, which is one of its big benefits. It is described as a minimally invasive, incision-free procedure rather than traditional surgery. It destroys prostate tissue using heat under MRI guidance, it does not involve cutting, removing the prostate physically, or using radiation. The lack of any cutting results in its fast recovery time. I too have to catch myself when I describe the procedure!
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