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Prostate exams
- Thread starter dhermann1
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pgoat
One Too Many
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Feraud said:
Not my fave thing either but a no-brainer when you consider the benefits of early detection.
To be honest I dread the annual finger invasion, but not much more than the bi-annual teeth cleaning or the annual springtime bank account raping by the IRS (ow! Just had that one the other day...groan!). It's over in a second or two....big freakin' deal.
Re the colonoscopy, I had one done right before I hit 40 (good to get a baseline) and will go back when due. I agree it's the lead up that stinks most - I believe they are going beyond the nasty 500 gallons of crude oil you used to have to slug the day before. Oh, and the drugs are wonderful....when I had it done, right before I conked out I was on my side watching the view on a wall mounted Monitor - I remember laughing and telling the doc it looked just like The Shawshank Redemption escape scene I happened to have watched the night before.
I do NOT recommend you watch Myra Breckinridge the night before....
CharlesB
Suspended
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- 1,100
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- Philly, Americaland
When using high doses of painkillers nothing kicks more than the History Channel ww2 specials. Just a bit of advice for the futurepgoat said:
pgoat
One Too Many
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- 1,872
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- New York City
ok. Not sure why that would be true, but, hey! Gimme enough demerol and I'll try anything once!
Twitch
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- 3,133
- Location
- City of the Angels
Attention dorks! Do I have your attention? Good. There is absolutely nothing humorous about prostate cancer. As some of you know I have fought it for the past 4 years and killed the cancer twice now.
Forget the finger test. There are some ignorant doctors, not urologists, who think that's enough. All it does if feel the size and the organ grows in size throughout life till you die. In some men it can cause BPH which is simply enlarged prostate. What that does is squeeze the urethra which passes through the prostate. Drugs like Flomax can control it very well.
After age 40 you need to get a yearly PSA test which is simply a blood test. You tough guys can do that, right? I've known one person in his 30s who died of prostate cancer. When you hear of cause of death prostate cancer you need to know that the canceer went undetected for years and spread to the lymph nodes and tissues having begun on the prostate.
What I am going to say next you will not believe. Almost all men will develop prostate cancer! It has been found that the longer you live the more likely you are to get it. If you are past 80 treatment is different than if you are 50-70. And no there is no definite cause known.
The next part is where I'm at- side effects and related illness. After any treatment or operation to kill the cancer you will suffer some degree of urinary problems. In some they may last and not in others. Some will have severe problems while others do not. You can get infections of course. You can become impotent.
I have one of the worst things possible, a fistula. This is when during the healing process tissue between the prostate/urethra tears and urine leaks into the lower GI-rectum. After both treatments it opened. Right now it is closed. But I also seem to prone to scar tissue rapidly growing in the urethra causeing blockage. I've been through the systo balloon dilation proceedure where they use an inserted balloon to open it up 3 times.
My last actual proceedure to kill cancer was June 2007 and I still cannot urinate in to normal way. I have a catheter out of my bladder. At times in the past several months I have been hobbled with a Foley catheter as well during attempts to heal somehting or whatnot. The Foley inserts through your organ, down the urethra and into the bladder. Of course most of this time I have been unable to leave my home. The times when they have used a leg-attached bag I can get out. During urinary infections- 3 in 6 months- the use a different system with a large bag and you can't fit it in your clothes at all.
The last proceedure to open the urethra was a failure and I was referred to an alleged specialist who had absolutely nothing positive to offer me in encouragent as a prognosis.
I originally opted for a new proceedure that left the organ in and killed the cancer. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU- Go to www.internationalhifu.com and www.ushifu.com. My secondary problems have nothing to do with the proceedure as all the doctors told me that any treatment can bring out these problems! I've subsequently talked to others and this is true.
So the new doctor wants me to get an new biopsy- since the PSA is invalid with a catheter in place. Either way he will need to surgically remove the prostate so since it is blocking access to the urethra and attempts to open it. He is so negaive about the outcome he is saying that the fistula will probably rupture again and it is likely I may need a colostomy- and have to poop into a bag taped to my side forever.
So if sometimes I sem shot-fused or grumpy you can see why. Get you self checked out!! You are probably going to develop prostate cancer- hopefully much later and that it is slow growing so that moderate treatment will work for the last years of your life.
All you hear of is breast cancer and THIS is really widespread. Wake up! Get with it! The stuff I'd had to endure in urologists' offices has been like Saddam's torture chamber at times. It would make a Spartan wince if not holler, believe me!
Hopefully all I've been through brings the message through to YOU! Get going!
Forget the finger test. There are some ignorant doctors, not urologists, who think that's enough. All it does if feel the size and the organ grows in size throughout life till you die. In some men it can cause BPH which is simply enlarged prostate. What that does is squeeze the urethra which passes through the prostate. Drugs like Flomax can control it very well.
After age 40 you need to get a yearly PSA test which is simply a blood test. You tough guys can do that, right? I've known one person in his 30s who died of prostate cancer. When you hear of cause of death prostate cancer you need to know that the canceer went undetected for years and spread to the lymph nodes and tissues having begun on the prostate.
What I am going to say next you will not believe. Almost all men will develop prostate cancer! It has been found that the longer you live the more likely you are to get it. If you are past 80 treatment is different than if you are 50-70. And no there is no definite cause known.
The next part is where I'm at- side effects and related illness. After any treatment or operation to kill the cancer you will suffer some degree of urinary problems. In some they may last and not in others. Some will have severe problems while others do not. You can get infections of course. You can become impotent.
I have one of the worst things possible, a fistula. This is when during the healing process tissue between the prostate/urethra tears and urine leaks into the lower GI-rectum. After both treatments it opened. Right now it is closed. But I also seem to prone to scar tissue rapidly growing in the urethra causeing blockage. I've been through the systo balloon dilation proceedure where they use an inserted balloon to open it up 3 times.
My last actual proceedure to kill cancer was June 2007 and I still cannot urinate in to normal way. I have a catheter out of my bladder. At times in the past several months I have been hobbled with a Foley catheter as well during attempts to heal somehting or whatnot. The Foley inserts through your organ, down the urethra and into the bladder. Of course most of this time I have been unable to leave my home. The times when they have used a leg-attached bag I can get out. During urinary infections- 3 in 6 months- the use a different system with a large bag and you can't fit it in your clothes at all.
The last proceedure to open the urethra was a failure and I was referred to an alleged specialist who had absolutely nothing positive to offer me in encouragent as a prognosis.
I originally opted for a new proceedure that left the organ in and killed the cancer. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU- Go to www.internationalhifu.com and www.ushifu.com. My secondary problems have nothing to do with the proceedure as all the doctors told me that any treatment can bring out these problems! I've subsequently talked to others and this is true.
So the new doctor wants me to get an new biopsy- since the PSA is invalid with a catheter in place. Either way he will need to surgically remove the prostate so since it is blocking access to the urethra and attempts to open it. He is so negaive about the outcome he is saying that the fistula will probably rupture again and it is likely I may need a colostomy- and have to poop into a bag taped to my side forever.
So if sometimes I sem shot-fused or grumpy you can see why. Get you self checked out!! You are probably going to develop prostate cancer- hopefully much later and that it is slow growing so that moderate treatment will work for the last years of your life.
All you hear of is breast cancer and THIS is really widespread. Wake up! Get with it! The stuff I'd had to endure in urologists' offices has been like Saddam's torture chamber at times. It would make a Spartan wince if not holler, believe me!
Hopefully all I've been through brings the message through to YOU! Get going!
[Musical interlude]
Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.
[We now return you to the topic at hand]
Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.
[We now return you to the topic at hand]
Foofoogal
Banned
- Messages
- 4,884
- Location
- Vintage Land
God Bless You Twitch. Thank you so much for the brave frank talk and I for one will definitely be praying for you. My oldest brother has prostate cancer.
If one man on the whole FL heeds your appeal it will be worth it.
If one man on the whole FL heeds your appeal it will be worth it.
pgoat
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,872
- Location
- New York City
Honestly, for any guys out there reading this who are wary of getting checked - it's absolutely not a big deal.
Even if u r young & healthy, get checked and get a baseline, and then get checked periodically as recommended by your doctor. Most guys I know take better care of their cars and other possessions than their bodies.
Is it pleasant getting probed? No.
Is it silly to avoid this and risk illness and worse in future? Absolutely.
I have a persistent medical issue with symptoms that mimic those of a male-specific cancer. Thank goodness it was a relatively harmless (if insanely painful) condition - but I didn't know this at first. It was one of those tricky diagnosis things - no one was really sure what it was for some time.....I went to every urologist, proctologist, and other 'ologist' I could to make SURE I was doing all I can to stick around.
As Scotrace pointed out, risks for illness and whatnot change with age - so I am absolutely keeping an eye on my aches and pains and I go to get checked up regularly. There is simply no reason for any of us not to.
Even if u r young & healthy, get checked and get a baseline, and then get checked periodically as recommended by your doctor. Most guys I know take better care of their cars and other possessions than their bodies.
Is it pleasant getting probed? No.
Is it silly to avoid this and risk illness and worse in future? Absolutely.
I have a persistent medical issue with symptoms that mimic those of a male-specific cancer. Thank goodness it was a relatively harmless (if insanely painful) condition - but I didn't know this at first. It was one of those tricky diagnosis things - no one was really sure what it was for some time.....I went to every urologist, proctologist, and other 'ologist' I could to make SURE I was doing all I can to stick around.
As Scotrace pointed out, risks for illness and whatnot change with age - so I am absolutely keeping an eye on my aches and pains and I go to get checked up regularly. There is simply no reason for any of us not to.
Twitch
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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- City of the Angels
Foofoogal- Have your bro check those site links. The doctor that does the HIFU proceedure is in Miami. And remember. Medical costs are all written off on income taxes. This proceedure costs but it's win-win on taxes. You know how your tax guy always asks if you had any medical expenses over $xxx for thr year? That amount depends on your income- like $2,400 or $3,200. So even if you don't have insurance you do get your money back. And it is easy and logical to add everything allied to your medical- travel expenses, special food, lodging away from home etc.
nobodyspecial
Practically Family
- Messages
- 514
- Location
- St. Paul, Minnesota
Not quite true on the tax deduction. You need to be able to itemize your deductions (not everyone can) and the medical portion that is deductible has to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income so only a portion becomes deductible.
Bassman
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 372
- Location
- New Jersey USA
Don't you mean "Tushie!"?lolKL15 said:
I'm about to schedule my colonoscopy (age 51) since my wife will be getting one, and I too must be brave.
Since I have high cholesterol and take statins for it, I have annual (or twice yearly) blood tests that also check PSA and yearly physicals that include the "digital" exam. No big deal.
I've found that different doctors have a different "touch".
I didn't even feel a former urologist's touch! My current GP is a bit more rough though.
pgoat
One Too Many
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- New York City
Bassman said:
This is true. Sometimes you have to hunt around for a good one.
My current Dr. is great with these sensitive procedures - super fast and I'm not traumatized afterwards....also very thorough in answering all my questions, which not every Dr. will take the time for.
Twitch
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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A lot of people have fairly high deductables anyhow and spending $2500 before a yearly PPO or HMO coverage kicks in is no different than a hurdle for income tax. Relative to what you are paying versus to total it is worth it.
FStephenMasek
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 107
- Location
- southern California
Guys, the digital prostate exam is nothing to complain about - not at all. It certainly does not hurt. It is something the doctor has probably done at least hundreds of times, and probably thousands of times.
The PSA can give false results, both positive and negative, but it is just part of the routine blood analysis.
The PSA can give false results, both positive and negative, but it is just part of the routine blood analysis.
FStephenMasek
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 107
- Location
- southern California
Yes, and as your income rises about something like $156,400 (married, filing jointly), the percentage of itemized deductions which can actually be deducted decreases.nobodyspecial said:
Twitch
My Mail is Forwarded Here
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PSA is not infallable. It is an indication, and a better one than just feeling the prostate's size since that can be associated with benign enlargement, common in many men- seen the Flomax commercials?
A high PSA read will prompt your urologist to prescrbe a regimin of antibiotics of 7 days to attack any urinary tract infection that may be present. Infections can elevate PSA readings.
If after that it is still high a biopsy is recommended. I have another coming up Monday and while it is not painful it is somewhat uncomfortable but that recedes in no time.
Anyone want to PM me if you have concerns beyond the vintage stuff that any weak sisters can't tolerate, please do so. It's a race with the undertaker anyhow but the spreading of knowledge can bring light to those in darkness.
A high PSA read will prompt your urologist to prescrbe a regimin of antibiotics of 7 days to attack any urinary tract infection that may be present. Infections can elevate PSA readings.
If after that it is still high a biopsy is recommended. I have another coming up Monday and while it is not painful it is somewhat uncomfortable but that recedes in no time.
Anyone want to PM me if you have concerns beyond the vintage stuff that any weak sisters can't tolerate, please do so. It's a race with the undertaker anyhow but the spreading of knowledge can bring light to those in darkness.
ambrose
New in Town
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- west yorkshire England
Prostrate cancer is the biggest killer over here now a lot of people have stopped smoking and high lighted this
The psa blood test is not accurate it only says if the level is high or not, which means there COULD be somthing wrong with the prostrate, not neccesarily cancer it could be an infection or even old age
if you have any symtoms with your waterworks (see internet for advice) try to get the lowest psa level before you have a blood test Check on dietry needs (internet advice again) and be like a footballer no sex before the day for at least 48 hrs as this can raise the PSA level
Prostrate cancer caught early enough can be treated Leave it and it cant
To the macho's
I would sooner be seen in a fedora than seriously macho in a wooden overcoat
The psa blood test is not accurate it only says if the level is high or not, which means there COULD be somthing wrong with the prostrate, not neccesarily cancer it could be an infection or even old age
if you have any symtoms with your waterworks (see internet for advice) try to get the lowest psa level before you have a blood test Check on dietry needs (internet advice again) and be like a footballer no sex before the day for at least 48 hrs as this can raise the PSA level
Prostrate cancer caught early enough can be treated Leave it and it cant
To the macho's
I would sooner be seen in a fedora than seriously macho in a wooden overcoat
pgoat
One Too Many
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- 1,872
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- New York City
Thinking about Twitch, and bumping this for all. Take care of yourselves, folks!
rkwilker
One Too Many
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- Wake Forest, North Carolina
Twitch, my thoughts are with you. I recently got to "that" age and had my first colonoscopy. As someone mentioned, the day before cleaning was not my best day ever but not my worst day ever either. The proceedure itself was over before I knew it and I experienced no discomfort at all. My prognosis was excellent thank goodness. I simply requested that the doctor send me flowers the next day. Fellas, when its time to do this...do it.
