Prostate checking

[johnarcher]

A fried of mine, maybe 50 years old or so, has some sort of nerve/muscle problem, and has self catheterized for a number of years, I think he said he slides the tube up three times a day. Also another friend, 98 years old does the same. That sounds not nice to me, but then I guess some guys enjoy  'sounding'. The finasteride tablets that I was taking for six months, are supposed to soften/shrink the prostate, to make the op easier, I guess. They reduce the testosterone levels, and over long term, for some,  breasts start developing. My prostate was not cancerous, but the op took them a bit longer than normal, I guess they needed to ream out more than they initially thought. I believe that there is a newer operation technique, suitable for some, and only at some hospitals, basically local anesthetic, a half day visit, using high pressure steam to remove/cauterise.

Now this is getting a bit personal, but (based on just my experience, I don't claim medical knowledge) I would say be wary of Finasteride. I was prescribed it about 6 or 7 years ago for this prostate thing (with no warnings), and only found out about one aspect of, presumably, this testosterone thing when I had been taking it for a year or so. No I haven't developed anything in the mammary line, but (how can I put this delicately), I found that while my equipment still only dribbled reluctantly it lost all enthusiasm for its other, more entertaining, function. Looking online I found that that is a known side-effect (though apparently unknown to my GP at the time). I haven't taken finasteride now for more than 5 years, but that effect seems to be permanent, it can no longer (one might say) rise to its old heights.

Not a great problem at my age, but if you're a bit younger than I am be wary of the stuff.

Sorry to go into such personal detail (even with the circumlocutions), but maybe worth mentioning if it is still being used.

[raymw]

Hi John, The hospital specialist prescribed it. The leaflet in each packet now lists all the known side effects. I was only taking it for about 6 months, but began to feel a bit 'off', loss of energy, etc., but not as off as i would have been if I'd not gone for treatment when I did. As it was, being someone who hates needles, I had blood tests every couple of weeks during that time, too. Anyway, happy 2016 (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/741-the-forum-jokes-thread/page-299 post 7470 applies)

[Pannier Tank]

Now this is getting a bit personal, but (based on just my experience, I don't claim medical knowledge) I would say be wary of Finasteride.

 

I am currently taking (have been for 2 years or so) Finasteride for an enlarged Prostate and suffer from some of the side effects you mention. I have been prescribed Finasteride to help reduce the size of my Prostate / PSA Level. Since taking Finasteride my PSA level has not really reduced, currently averaging around 20. Of course what I don't know is what my PSA Level would be if I didn't take Finasteride. I am due a PSA Blood Test and will wait for the results and then make an appointment to see my GP to discuss my medication etc.

[faulcon1]

The governments around the world have known that prostate cancer is a bigger killer of men than breast cancer is with women but they don't really do anything about it as most men have grown up with the macho image and don't go in for the doctor inserting a finger where the sun don't shine.

Here in Australia it's rarely talked about as unfortunately men's issues are laughed at and not taken seriously by society. Women's issues are center stage in Australia's mythical patriarchal society. Our local car park in the village has a blood donation bus parked there (The Vampires) for one week and the other three weeks are taken up with the Breast Screening bus (The tit squeezers). There's never been a prostate bus there and I doubt if one even exists. Men's issues in Australia are unimportant. Yet male deaths far outstrip female deaths in Australia. Go into any nursing home and they're full of women with just a handful of men. Men don't live long enough it's as simple as that.

[Chris M]

I have been told that us chaps have a design fault and every one of us will get prostate cancer if we live long enough. Its worth having a PSA test as it is a quick and easy check. I got an unwelcome score even though I don't have any symptons other than the occasional need to pee urgently which I thought was just due to age.

 

One thing they didn't tell me - you mustn't ride a bike for 48 hours before a PSA test because it can screw up the results.  There are other things you shouldn't do before the test which are more obvious.

[spikey]

1 hour ago, Chris M said:

... One thing they didn't tell me - you mustn't ride a bike for 48 hours before a PSA test because it can screw up the results.

 

 I'd read that on t'internets too, so seeing as how I usually cycle to the doctor's, I asked the vampire about it last time she took the blood sample.  She'd never heard of that, and as far as she knew, the only thing that could skew a PSA result was eejackyewlayshun within the previous 24 hours.

 

I guess the definitive answer would come from those very helpful folks at Prostate Cancer UK. 

Edited March 16, 2019 by spikey
Forum software not liking word

[Chris M]

The specialist was all set to do a biopsy based on my PSA score but when I told him I had been on a 20 mile ride the day before the test he cancelled the biopsy and arranged for another PSA test. Second test after no cycling was only marginally lower.

 

[spikey]

5 hours ago, Chris M said:

The specialist was all set to do a biopsy based on my PSA score but when I told him I had been on a 20 mile ride the day before the test he cancelled the biopsy and arranged for another PSA test. Second test after no cycling was only marginally lower.

 

 

From which I guess the logical conclusion would be that the cycling didn't have the effect that the specialist thought it would?  Can't see what other conclusion is to be drawn from your experience, but maybe I'm missing the obvious ...

[tigerburnie]

I've been on Finasteride and Tamsulosin for 5 years or more, due a PSA test sometime in the next couple of months, no idea what my numbers are mind.

[faulcon1]

Had mine a couple of years ago and when the doctor had his finger up my back passage I asked if this means we're engaged. He wanted to know what I meant. I said well my ring is one your finger.

[friscopete]

I have an enlarged prostate and take Finisteride and Tamousolin .it seems to work but I have no  back up checks  .One advantage of Finisteride is encourages hair growth so my  thatch at 73 is getting thicker .Most of my functions came back after a few months if you get my drift .

Edited July 18, 2019 by friscopete

[Simon Lee]

My dad died from Prostrate cancer and my brother has a very "slow burn" growth that causes problems with him peeing now and again. If he can't pee for more than 24 hrs then its a priority ambulance job to hospital.

 

Because of the family history my PSA is checked twice a year and I have the finger test at the same time.

 

Fortunately Prostrate cancer is becoming more acceptable to talk about, hopefully testicular cancer will follow the same path and not remain an embarrassing killer.      

 

[TheSignalEngineer]

On 15/08/2018 at 20:51, polybear said:

 

Speak for yourself, you've not seen one of the Docs at my GP.  Built like Mike Tyson with hands to match...

Same here, and that's the woman!

[Bulleidboy100]

A very interesting thread which I have just read from start to finish. I've not had a PSA test, as has been mentioned in several posts, my doctor thinks it throws up to many indicators that would need investigating, but have nothing to do with prostate cancer, but would mean a great deal of time at the hospital.  I'm 72, and do occasionally get up in the night for a pee (only once), but have no other symptoms.

 

Having recently heard from an old work colleague who has I was told incurable prostate cancer, I wonder whether I should get checked.

 

I have attached his reply to me after contacting him to say I was sorry to hear about his health - here is his answer:

 

I appreciate it is a hard topic to discuss and what to say to someone in my position but I am having to get used to ‘living with cancer’ so find myself more at ease with the subject than others perhaps. There isn’t anything you can say really.

 

So, I have advanced, aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes, spleen, hips, arms, shoulders, legs, elbows, spine, face and skull.It is stage 3/4 and Gleason scale 9 out of 10 and my PSA original reading was 852, anything above 1 is a cause for concern! I don’t know how much I will be able to work up to Christmas as I am about to start 6 rounds of Chemotherapy, (you can't have more than that amount in your lifetime), and the preparation and recovery after each dosage means it takes 18 weeks. Subject to how I react, will dictate how much I am able to work.  I am already having hormone treatment and will be joining a new pilot scheme, ‘Stampede’ next week where I will be given further medication. I am on 17 tablets per day at present and that is soon to increase with the drugs given alongside the chemotherapy, which is fed via a drip. The doctors and Macmillan staff are all amazing and supportive. Unfortunately, the cancer is not curable, so the treatment is about extending life and providing quality of life.The average is 6 to 8 years. 

 

That's it really. If you have never had a PSA, have it please!  My chin is definitely up and as my nephew says, "your a stubborn prick so that should do you well"!

 

A very positive attitude from someone who is very ill indeed.

[Snarlywolf]

On 18/07/2019 at 19:30, Bulleidboy100 said:

A very interesting thread which I have just read from start to finish. I've not had a PSA test, as has been mentioned in several posts, my doctor thinks it throws up to many indicators that would need investigating, but have nothing to do with prostate cancer, but would mean a great deal of time at the hospital.  I'm 72, and do occasionally get up in the night for a pee (only once), but have no other symptoms.

 

Having recently heard from an old work colleague who has I was told incurable prostate cancer, I wonder whether I should get checked.

 

I have attached his reply to me after contacting him to say I was sorry to hear about his health - here is his answer:

 

I appreciate it is a hard topic to discuss and what to say to someone in my position but I am having to get used to ‘living with cancer’ so find myself more at ease with the subject than others perhaps. There isn’t anything you can say really.

 

So, I have advanced, aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes, spleen, hips, arms, shoulders, legs, elbows, spine, face and skull.It is stage 3/4 and Gleason scale 9 out of 10 and my PSA original reading was 852, anything above 1 is a cause for concern! I don’t know how much I will be able to work up to Christmas as I am about to start 6 rounds of Chemotherapy, (you can't have more than that amount in your lifetime), and the preparation and recovery after each dosage means it takes 18 weeks. Subject to how I react, will dictate how much I am able to work.  I am already having hormone treatment and will be joining a new pilot scheme, ‘Stampede’ next week where I will be given further medication. I am on 17 tablets per day at present and that is soon to increase with the drugs given alongside the chemotherapy, which is fed via a drip. The doctors and Macmillan staff are all amazing and supportive. Unfortunately, the cancer is not curable, so the treatment is about extending life and providing quality of life.The average is 6 to 8 years. 

 

That's it really. If you have never had a PSA, have it please!  My chin is definitely up and as my nephew says, "your a stubborn prick so that should do you well"!

 

A very positive attitude from someone who is very ill indeed.

Please tell your friend that he has exactly the right attitude. I started from nearly where your friend is 22 months ago. Treatment has been similar except I'm on the Arasens trial testing a new drug called Daralutamide, not the Stampede. My PSA  has been <0.1 for over a year. I went in with the same stubborn attitude and sense  of humour. 

I am convinced, as is my oncologist, that a positive attitude helps. I know it's hard but tell him not to worry about the future as much as possible. Focus on todays challenge, beat that then look at the next one.

Please give your friend my best wishes.

BTW, the usual limit for chemo (docetaxyl) is ten doses, six given early, four held back in case the initial six need a help, and provided they are tolerated well. Your friend might enquire about this if need be? It can vary around the country or if the chemo is another type.

 

All the best

Andy

 

[Bulleidboy100]

Belated thanks for the reply and information Andy (Snarlywolf) - I will certainly pass your comments on.

[Bulleidboy100]

Snarlywolf/Andy

 

I passed on your comments to my friend and they were much appreciated.

[Paul80]

One apparently well know but little talked about side effect of Finisteride is it's not just your Prostate it shrinks, is also known for its ability to shrink your gentleman's sausage and plums, you will find little in the accompanying leaflet about that aspect of its shrinking abilities.

 

Paul

[Ian Hargrave]

On 18/07/2019 at 11:48, TheSignalEngineer said:

Same here, and that's the woman!

 

Without wishing to sound severely prim, a practice female GP is not permitted such an examination on a male patient.Yes,boys will be boys and we can all lighten the situation with a dose of laddish black humour which is seen as a cure for male embarrassment ....and yes,I’ve had the physical intrusion and the test ( fortunately negative )

 But seriously chaps we do need to wake up to the awful nastiness of this condition and realise we need to man up and take charge of it ourselves Ask your male GP for a check up.....now.

 

 

 

 

[Chris M]

I'm glad I had the PSA test. After plenty more scans following a highish psa it looks like I got my diagnosis just isn't time . There is no sign of the cancer spreading but it is on the edge. If I had left it any longer before having the first test it might be a different story.

 

 Hormone therapy is sort of ok but not much fun. I feel fine apart from the hot flushes and I still like to see a pretty young lady but I can't remember why.

I'm now in training for radiotherapy. You have to be able to drink a pint in less than five minutes and then hold onto it for over an hour.

[Fenman]

9 hours ago, Ian Hargrave said:

 

Without wishing to sound severely prim, a practice female GP is not permitted such an examination on a male patient.

...

You do sound severely prim to me: it’s a medical procedure, not a date. Who cares what the gender is of the technician carrying it out? Or their sexuality, come to that. 
 

Or would you also ban all male doctors from being ob/gy specialists?

 

I find more disturbing the modern tendency to have chaperones present. So now, instead of just me and the doctor, there’s a bloody audience watching my humiliation. 
 

Paul

Edited September 22, 2019 by Fenman

[Fenman]

1 minute ago, Fenman said:

Fat fingers: duplicate post

Edited September 22, 2019 by Fenman
Idiocy

[Ian Hargrave]

19 minutes ago, Fenman said:

You do sound severely prim to me: it’s a medical procedure, not a date. Who cares what the gender is of the technician carrying it out? Or their sexuality, come to that. 
 

Or would you also ban all male doctors from being ob/gy specialists?

 

I find more disturbing the modern tendency to have chaperones present. So now, instead of just me and the doctor, there’s a bloody audience watching my humiliation. 
 

Paul

 

Thank you for your little homily. I’m afraid that what I write is in fact the policy of my own GP practice which has a GP with responsibility for men’s health and I’m sure of many others. It is however NOT my remit to “ban” medical procedures administered by either male or female practitioners .Nor do I claim so in my post which you will see if you read it carefully.

 

 

 

 

[Fenman]

Just now, Ian Hargrave said:

 

Thank you for your little homily. I’m afraid that what I write is in fact the policy of my own GP practice which has a GP with responsibility for men’s health and I’m sure of many others. It is however NOT my remit to “ban” medical procedures administered by either male or female practitioners .Nor do I claim so in my post which you will see if you read it carefully.

 

 

 

 

Oh, I read it carefully, thanks. You expressed a wish not to sound ”severely prim”. I thought I was doing a public service to inform you that, to me, you did indeed sound severely prim. I do hope that was helpful.

 

Paul

[big jim]

To be honest my GP administered prostate exam was no different to trying to successfully wipe my arse with Lidl value toilet paper, that tends to put a finger where a finger shouldn’t be too