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PSA tests and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
I have always had irritable bowel syndrome, lately, however, it has gotten much worse, by which I mean once a week 1 to 2 hours of completely emptying my colon, followed by 5 to 6 days of complete constipation. Both situations affect the nearby prostate. I'm worried it might produce a higher psa number, and thefore, throw off my tests every 3 months.
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One would think there is no logical reason that IBS would affect your PSA, but it actually can. Studies show that severe constipation can mechanically and physiologically affect prostatic tissues, causing PSA to enter the bloodstream. If your IBS involves straining or chronic constipation, it can lead to a false-positive PSA elevation.
Are you on calcium daily? That can really cause constipation. A stool softener like Colace can help along with senna. MiraLAX if the first two don’t do it,
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2 ReactionsThat’s a real tightrope walk between the two.
I would really look at both extremes like sex or heavy bike riding before your blood draw.
If you can manage (walk in, no appt) to have the blood drawn 36-48 hrs AFTER either of these two GI extremes, you will probably be OK.
BTW, have you tried the FODMAP diet for IBS? It REALLY works but you MUST adhere to it very closely - especially portion control.
Phil
Phil
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3 Reactions@heavyphil never heard of it until now. Will try anything. Thanks.
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2 Reactionshttps://www.ibsdiets.org/
Here’s a quick rundown but there are many sites that are quite useful. You will be the final judge!
My dietician at Sloan INSISTED that apples did not cause gas - yet, I am bloated and gassy shortly after eating one.
Doesn’t stop me cause I love them - but during radiation I stayed away from them completely.
Phil