| Kevin D. Renz 2004-10-27, 10:10 pm |
| Sounds just like my own history, Dan, except that I have been suffering from
BPH for about 8 years. I'm 58 now.
When I first learned of the problem, I was taught how to self-catheterize 2X
daily. I did that for about 4 years. Finally, after noticing that I was able
to have a full-flow and complete evacuation immediately after an
ejaculation, I pestered my Urologist as to the reasons why. Was it because
excess prostatic fluid was expressed with a resulting lessening of the
blockage caused by the BPH? Was it due to the relaxation response of the
smooth-muscle tissue (which is what the body's tubes are made up of - among
other things)?
At that time we began experimenting with antihistamines, blood-pressure
lowering drugs, etc. (I don't have high blood pressure). We eventually
discovered that Hytrin (Terrazosin) eased the worst symptoms of the BPH, and
I was able to stop the ICC (Intermittent Clean Catheterization). This worked
for another 4 years.
However, last February, I abruptly stopped urinating entirely, suffered a
major urinary tract infection, and had to begin ICC immediately. At first I
catheterized almost pure blood. An emergency room visit, an indwelling Foley
catheter and massive antibiotics eased the worst symptoms.
After a couple of days the Foley was removed (at my insistence since I
developed a very painful ulcer at the meatus (outlet of the urethra/penis).
I went back to ICC.
After many doctor visits, cat scans, digital exams, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy
(a look up into one of the kidneys to determine the cause of a possible
blockage which turned out to be an anomaly, nothing serious), and
continuing, more resistant strains of the same infection (a staph
infection), I finally had a TURP. (Six months had passed - while I continued
ICC and various antibiotic therapies.)
That was 2 months ago. For the first month I was a very sick, sore guy. I
had to use the Foley for almost all of that time since I, too, suffer from
an enlarged, floppy bladder that retained much urine.
Now, after the first month of recovery, I have a good stream, no longer feel
that I am having a hot bat stuffed up my rectum whenever I pee (now it's
only just a slightly uncomfortable feeling), and am quite happy (especially,
when I have to pee pretty bad and don't have to fool around with the
catheter to do it - what a relief!).
My urology people did speculate that an enlarged, floppy bladder has a very
good chance of recovering some muscle-tone and being able to function
normally after either a TURP or a long period of ICC. They said it could
take as long as two-years to do so and that I should always drink lots of
water. Consequently, I am looking forward to that also. At the same time, I
feel that it is already returning to normal. My next flow-test is scheduled
for November 10th and I'll have a better idea.
I am still, however, plagued by the recurring infection. By now, we have
utilized every possible antibiotic to which the organism has any sensitivity
(determined by at least 10 urine cultures and sensitivity screens). I am
concerned about this but feel that it can be beaten. I might have to spend
some time in the hospital having IV antibiotics. I also take huge vitamin C
doses 2X daily and some naturopathic bladder remedies (but, so far, have
seen any good reason to do so since they really don't seem to do anything
for the problem.)
Tests that you really must have, in my opinion, are a PSA test, flow test,
and cystoscopy (so they can really diagnose the BPH positively). My
urologist also called for a cat-scan to be certain that kidney stones were
not causing a blockage (they were not, I didn't have any at the time).
Good luck with your problem.
Kevin
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