| Derek F. 2004-10-27, 10:10 pm |
|
"Kevin D. Renz" <kdrenz@sonic.net> wrote in message
news:7z0ed.447$_3.7035@typhoon.sonic.net...
> 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
>
>
Remember that this guy is in the UK the NHS does not throw money at a series
of tests as in the U.S. where the patient or insurance company is picking up
the tab
Derek.
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