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Prostate and Bladder Issues: What to do?
I am a 68, nearly 69, year old man that has had bladder issues for years. I had green light prostate surgery 8 yrs. ago which helped for a while. Now, my prostate has had some regrowth and I have developed several bladder diverticulum. I have had just about every bladder test possible. I also have some incontinence issues, and manage by wearing diapers when necessary. I'm ok with that. My urologist had me on a combination of tamsulosin and finastride, but have not realized much of a difference. I'm a bit afraid of some of those drugs because I have read that they could mask the development of a more serious prostate cancer.
My urologist suggests that I may be a candidate for surgery, but what kind? Turp or total removal of the prostate? I have also read that turp sometimes needs to be repeated. Don't want that to happen either. What to do?
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1 ReactionOn it's way! Enjoy your new freedom!
My husband (76) had the Urolift procedure done to clear his ureter and it works ok. However, by the time he had that done, his bladder had lost all flexibility but it was okay for a couple of years. Then, he got an UTI--he did not want to go in to the doctor until I had to take him to ER. Long story short, the hospital measured urine output, but did not consistently use ultrasound to determine if he was emptying entirely. And that is the crux of the matter. Constipation (you're supposed to poop every day as an elder!) blocked the emptying. The Depends worked awhile for the leaking, but you are susceptible to a URI if you wear them all the time. Another ER visit within weeks and he came home with a Foley bag until UTI resolved. Three weeks. Now he is using a Cure catheter and really likes that he is not leaking at all. Usually, he does it in the morning, midday and at bedtime. It does decrease the emergency bathroom visits. We have backup antibiotics incase he notices a UTI. I hope this helps you on your journey.
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1 ReactionHi,
I see this post was back in 2020.
Today Sept 3, 2025, after some tests, my Urologist suggested Urolift. I'm interested in how the Urolift has worked out for you ?
Thanks in advance,
Frank
@jetjock Any professional literature on retrograde ejaculation?
Any support groups?
@newrochelle1131
I am 6 weeks past aqua ab. I am 76 and was already dealing with retro ejac. Since the surgery my orgasms are sometimes less intense but sometimes as good. Still early days! My urge to pee is often still very short. Still wearing pads but I was before too. I don’t find that the retro ejac is a big problem since the orgasm is still there. I feel that all is well. My doc said 6 months to return to normal. I’ll keep reading others experiences. Good luck everyone!!
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2 Reactions@grahamh
Thanks for sharing. Stay well.
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1 ReactionI am a 75 year old male with a history of high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, and chronic kidney disease (b). I have not been the prefect patient (always keeping appointments and keeping every appointment as scheduled) however I have been a daily jogger/walker and reasonable diet conscious senior. One morning in September I woke up for my morning run and went into the bathroom, feeling my daily need to urinate but nothing came out. Long story short, nothing came out ALL DAY! That evening I went to the ER and they TOOK CARE OF BUSINESS - to my horror but eventual delight at finally being able to pee again - though via a foley catheter. According to the doctor I have a very large prostate and a pretty large bladder diverticulum. For TWO AND A HALF MONTHS I've been wearing these contraptions along with their little bacterial friends as my doctor and I go through discussions of types of surgery and (with the Holidays approaching) time in his schedule to perform the surgery. About two weeks ago we agreed upon a 5 hour robotic diverticulectomy combined with a prostatectomy . However, a day after we set the date I received a message from the health care company stating that my payout would be in the tens of thousands of dollars - not to mention unlisted costs for "supplies" "anesthesiologist" and other things. I would have to make major adjustments in my life just to make their monthly patment requirements and at my age that would be difficult to do. This started me thinking about other means of getting the job done. My question to you guys is, do you think this surgery could be split (diverticulectomy then 3 maybe four or more months later for the prostatectomy). My thoughts on that is not only monetary but also because I read and heard that a 5 hour surgery would be "risky" for a man my age strictly due to the possible long term cognitive effects the anesthesia alone may take on the brain. I also read and heard that proscar and flomax (which I have been on for two months and already seeing positive results has been known to do a good job at shrinking the prostate so that both surgeries may not be necessary and the diverticulectomy may be the only surgery that may be needed and may not even require the costliness of the robotic process. I just got home after a third hospitalization due to a third UTI related problem. I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.
@blapro1
I’m sorry this is happening to you…..life just keeps on happening doesn’t it? May I ask what type of Health Insurance you have! Do you qualify for Medicare? Do you have a supplemental plan? Have you considered a second opinion? The Mayo Clinic has a fantastic Urology Department and I highly recommend them. I had an enlarged prostate that was growing up and into my bladder. I was told I needed a Prostatectomy. I sought another opinion. The next doctor wanted to do a different procedure. I ended my search for a solution after reaching out to the Mayo Clinic Urology Department in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Dora performed a HOLEP Procedure on me, I could not be happier about it. Mayo Clinic does accept Medicare and a Medicare Supplemental Plan. They do not accept Medicare Advantage Plans. I would strongly suggest that you consider a second and third opinion, until you feel that you have made a good decision.
I had a combined prostatecomy and diverticulotomy nearly 8 years ago. I was 70 at the time. The diverticula according to the surgeon was nearly the size of a grapefruit in circumference. The surgery went well. I was catheterized for two weeks to begin with, then another week due to a lot of retention. The surgery was successful. My cancer is so far undetectable. I do suffer from incontinence and wear diapers. I had control issues from past procedures, so was somewhat prepared for continued incontinence. Since then, I have developed severe lumbar stenosis and heart failure. All contributing to control issues. I would think if you were confident with the surgeon that will peform your surgery you could have both done at the same time. The incontince is troubling, but after time one gets use to managing. I'm alive.