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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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I would strongly encourage you to have both the robotic diverticulectomy and prostate enucleation at the same time. I would also strongly encourage a second opinion. I underwent both at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. It was done quickly and efficiently. It certainly didn't take more than an hour in the operating room. Medicare and my supplement covered all of the costs. If your on traditional Medicare, something is way off regarding your costs and if you are on Medicare Advantage they are probably trying to intimidate you. If so, you should appeal their decision.
Prior to having surgery, I dealt with multiple community Urologists who downplayed my symptoms and discounted the presence of a known bladder diverticulum as being of any concern until I developed sepsis. You are at high risk of getting very sick if you continue for long with an indwelling Foley catheter. Sepsis is a life threatening condition. Don't put off taking care of this.