right then; this is an area of knowledge for me.. .and countless dog walks with Lblock discussing the issue of the prostate have been had.
firstly, mine hasn't been cancerous.... thankfully.
but 8 years ago at the age of 48, a chance discussion with my GP about my waterworks giving me issues led to a PSA test. 3 days later a retest was required as the results appeared faulty... 3 days later another call for retest. following that a call to get my arse in quickly as my PSA was between 11 and 12, rather than the sub 3 it should have been.
MRI and biopsy followed, the latter inconclusive so a bigger biopsy followed due to the concern. It transpires that it is not cancerous but quite 'hefty'
drugs were prescribed and quickly discarded after 'little westberks' succumbed to the main side effect of going into a permanent coma! As a newly single chap back in the dating game after 20 years, he needed to be on his best (not very good) form.
8 years later and my symptoms had gradually progressed to a point that i couldn't cope anymore so i went back into the system. MRI number 6 revealed that my prostate (which should be about 40cc) was 225cc and basically taking over my nether regions.... but still no cancer. my PSA had topped 20, so pretty impressive numbers
i was referred from Great Western to Reading, as they have better facilities and options, then immediately refereed to another department as it was still too big for their surgical options.
3 months ago I had pae (prostate artery embolisation) surgery. This is a reverse stent type of gig, where the main arteries supplying the prostate are blocked to cut off blood supply and help reduce it by starving it. Had the op during the first few days of the Euros and was home in bed watching the evening game the same day.
i was awake for the whole procedure, which was fascinating and terrifying in equal measures. Upshot of the is is still unsure as i'm awaiting the results of the follow up MRI. However I've had another PSA since then and that is down to 7.1. Almost half my first ever reading and 66% lower than my last and my symptoms have definitely improved dramatically
depending on the new measure they may go ahead and laser the bugger to hopefully give me a clear run for the next 10-15 years
in summary, get it checked. A finger up the arse and a blood test are not that big a deal and if you are peeing too much or have any family history get it done. |
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