BPH

[yarslew]

I would like a urologist response if possible. I am now almost 7 weeks post-surgery (combination of PVP and TURP). I had BPH with a finger growing over the bladder/urethra opening which I assume was the reason for the TURP because it was hoped PVP would be all that was necessary. Procedure went fine, catheter removed 15 hours later, blood stopped within 36 hours. But, I am miserable with the constant feeling of "gotta go" and tiny amounts actually being voided. This has occurrred for several weeks, not getting better, and is also associated with feeling of needing BM. I want to know if this is a common post-surgery problem, what causes it (would help me better deal with it because it is much worse post-surgery than pre-surgery), time range for getting over it if it's normal, and anything I can do to help it. Planetoid's posts have helped me, but I would also like a urologist response if possible.

[yarslew]

I suppose I can be accused of talking with myself since I am replying to my own post, but I do so for those who may be reading this topic due to their own situation. I found a TURP article in eMedicine.com, and ran across information that describes some long term complications. The article stated that at 3 months after surgery, 3% of patients may have some degree of incontinence. Three types of this were mentioned: Urge incontinence due to healing, Stress incontinence due to excessive resection in certain areas, and total incontinence due to damage done to the sphincter. The time frame for resolving these was 3-6 months, with improvements up to a year afterward. I am now at 8 weeks post surgery, and my urge incontinence is STRONG, but knowing that when I stand up from sitting I had better be heading toward a relief station (bathroom, bush, or building) not more than 20 steps away helps me cope. A tablespoon or two may be the only result from the strongest urges I have ever experienced in my life, and still have pain in the tip. Nightime is tolerable with about 2 middle of the night voids about 3 hours apart. Use of the urinal brought home from the hospital allows me to roll out of bed, void, and be back asleep in 60 seconds, not having to walk to bathroom and wake up at all. Hope this helps any others going through the same thing.

[yarslew]

In my reply above I mentioned the 3-6 months time frame for resolving the incontinence issues. I should have said that time frame is for the first 2 types (urge and stress) of incontinence. The third type requires other treatments for possible help.

[gott1936]

Yarslew, just a short note to let you know that some of us are concerned about your post-surgery conditions. I recently posted a topic, " stories of success " , but no one has responded todate. I hope your post-surgery condition improves soon. Good luck.

[yarslew]

Gott1936, thanks for the post and good thoughts. I did not mean to imply in what I stated that no one cares since there had been no reply. I had just hoped for a professional to address my issues, and since I had finally found information relevant to my case thought I'd post it. My doc thinks the problem I have may be an infection of some kind, so I am started on antibiotics. It's too early to know if that is the solution, but after one day I think I can tell a slight difference. May be wishful thinking, but I will post later the results. Thanks again for the concern.

[gott1936]

Yarslew, thanks for both your responses. I am 72 years old like your older brother. I was happy to hear both of your brothers were satisfied with their post-surgery recovery. I am concerned because I am a medication side effects victim, the damage is permanent and I do not need any more complications. You must have heard the joke that if you want to live to be 100 years old stay away from doctors and medications. Easier said, than done. I hope you continue to improve.
Gott

[yarslew]

Another progress report. I think I stated earlier that I was 8 weeks post surgery, but I had miscounted. I am now 8 weeks plus 2 days, and beginning to show some improvement, but it is erratic. The doc seemed a little alarmed at my extreme urgency and 15 to 30 minute voids. He wanted me to come in for a check that day to see if my bladder is emptying completely since I was doing it so frequently and with so little amounts. However, It is a 90 minute trip and I could not go in, so he sent out an antibiotic thinking I may have an infection. I took it and it did not seem to do anything at all for me. However, on the 5th day of taking it I had an afternoon of 2 hour, 2 hour, and 3 hour times in between. I also felt great, but the next day was back to 30 minute intervals. I still have to hurry to the bathroom when getting up from sitting or lying. (One thing for sure is that the difficulty in starting the stream has been cured.) I have begun sitting on a rubber inflatable donut, and that seems to help. I am approaching one hour intervals and hoping this will be the beginning of real progress. I felt so good on that one day that I am looking forward to the time when this is all a thing of the past.

[renegade_7]

I have been reading your posts closely concerned, as I go in tomorrow for some test before setting a Laser Turp date. Scarey reading your post. I am 53, and would rather not go in at all, but the constant voiding and 2-3 times a night are terrible. Good luck in your recovery...

[yarslew]

Renegade, I did not approach the procedure with any trepidation or hesitancy at all, probably because I assumed I would not have any problems (my brother's had not). I also had not read any of the things like I've written or others have, or I might have been reluctant. It will be 9 weeks tomorrow, and I still have the urgency as strong as ever. I don't dare hesitate when I feel the faintest urge because it's coming within seconds. I still have times when it may be 10-15 minutes in between, and it seems those times when the least amount is being voided is when my tip pain is worse. Most of the time I'm working on one hour intervals, and 3 hours at night. But, I slept 6 or 7 hours without interruption last night, and have been outside working in the heat all day without too much problem. I never took much medicine for the problem. Saw palmetto at first 5 plus years ago helped, but flomax never did and I don't think the small amount of uroxatrol (couple of weeks) helped any either.
I really think the success stories far outnumber the problem outcomes, so be positive and do what you think will give you the best relief. And keep us posted.

[renegade_7]

Thanks for reply. I will post you again in a few weeks, I really want to see how it turns out for you. I figure that you are a worst case scenerio, (no offense) and if all works out for you, then I will feel much better about this procedure. I just haven't heard very many actual total success stories, and if I had another alternative, I would not seek this. I won't be having it until Dec., during the Christmas break, as I am a teacher and don't want to miss too much work. Oh, and congrats about your 6-7 hours of sleep the other night. I know how I miss out on that kind of sleep. Good luck.....