Taking multiple meds for BPH?

Posted by tgregg99 @tgregg99, Apr 15 7:58pm

I'm 72. I've been taking Tamsulosin (Flomax) for a year to treat my BPH (nocturia is my primary symptom), and I've responded well to the med, no issues.

However, because my PSA test results have also inched up above "normal" in recent years (although my free PSA test results were very high, on the good side) my urologist ordered a multipatametric Prostate MRI to see if there were any "areas of concern" (PC lesions). I just got my MRI results, and I have a visit scheduled next month with my urologist to discuss my results and treatment options.

The MRI results show no lesions in the central gland or peripheral zone of the prostate. But the PA said the MRI shows I have an enlarged prostate, so I it confirms what I've been led to believe this past year via my symptoms. I also learned my prostate volume is 97g, which appears very large to me.

Until I talk with my doc, I won't know his next-step recomendation, other than to continue with surveillance. But I'm guessing that he may want to add a 2nd med along with my alpha blocker to see if it could decrease my prostate. I know from our previous talks that he and I are in sync re: conservative treatment and avoiding unnecessary surgery if possible. I'll know soon perhaps what he recommends.

Sorry for my long story here, but I was wondering if anyone is currently taking
an alpha blocker + another med for BPH and if such combo is working to decrease your prostate size.

Thanks so much for your thoughts.

Best wishes!

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kjacko | @kjacko | Apr 16 9:01am

My situation was similar to yours. I had an enlarged Prostate for 6 years; was on Flomax; my volume was 68 and my PSA was gradually rising. I had a biopsy and MRI 5 years ago. I had my second MRI which was negative of cancer. However, my 2nd urologist said that the MRI could only scan 80% of my prostate. I ended up having a biopsy, which showed two cores of 14 with cancer, one with G4+3. I had mine removed this past November. Pathology showed my core was actually G4+5. My first two blood tests showed my PSA at < 0.01. Hoping and praying for more of the same in the future. My biggest suggestion to you is to ask your doctor about the accuracy of the MRI. If you are unsure, get the biopsy. My urologists took the wait and see approach. As I look back I wish the urologists would’ve been more assertive earlier in my diagnosis. Best luck with your decision🙏.

tgregg99 | @tgregg99 | Apr 16 4:32pm

I appreciate your feedback very much, thank you. When I talk with my urologist, I will certainly ask him about the accuracy of the MRI, good advice. Best wishes to you!