Very worried about referral for high PSA

Thanks, Lyn. It's the waiting and not knowing that's the hardest part about this - can't help imagining the worst. Part of me is saying "Why is my GP putting me through this when I feel perfectly fit and healthy and I didn't ask for any tests in the first place?", while the sensible side of me (which isn't really in control at the moment) is telling me that it's a good thing I did have the test because if there really is a problem, an early diagnosis has got to be good in the long term.

A fortnight to wait to see the urologist is feeling like eternity at the moment. Just have to take it a day at a time.

Chris

Oh how I wish my GP had suggested a PSA test a while ago!
Yes, it's an awful, anxious time, I'm a few weeks ahead of you, and should get a diagnosis next week.
Don't be afraid of asking your GP for whatever medication and referrals may be helpful in keeping you sane.
Zopiclone sleeping tablets have been a godsend in helping me to regain some degree of equilibrium.
Good luck! Pete

Got my urology appointment through for Wed 16th May, so that's a step forward. I was in a complete panic for about 3 days, but I've had an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend, and I think I've reached the stage of accepting now that whatever they find is what I've got to live with, so no point in worrying. Need to try to maintain a positive outlook!

The letter gives no clue about what will actually happen at my appointment, but I'm guessing a general chat and perhaps another DRE and PSA test?

Chris

The internet rarely has the good news stories AND it is full of unproven hocus pocus!

This site and a few similar ones in the states are brilliant however...

Key message from me us make sure YOU know what you want to get out of the session and make sure you get them answered.

So you need to ask exactly what the DRE has found, be aware the procedure cannot reach 100% of the prostate and what the implications of the findings are.

In my case a targeted MRI was next followed by a meeting to discuss the findings.

Edited by member 08 May 2018 at 09:57  | Reason: Not specified

Glad you have got in quick Chris. Speed is always good, not only to get as fast as possible to diagnosis so treatment can start (if you need it of course) but I found waiting between the many various stages for scans and appointments to discuss results the worst part.

I sincerely wish you the best and hope you get good news

Alan  

Thanks, Alan.

Sound advice about the Googling - I spent a couple of days doing that and scared myself half out of my mind with worry. I’ve now reached a certain level of acceptance of the position I find myself in (which I would not have believed possible a week ago) and am no longer panicking. I’m just going to stay calm (-ish, at least!) and wait for the facts. I’ve been greatly encouraged by the messages I’ve read here.

Thanks again,

Chris

Chris

I know you are hopefully getting in quick to see your Urologist, but to ease your fears until then, try reading this;

https://www.everydayhealth.com/prostate-cancer/non-cancerous-reasons-your-psa-levels-are-high.aspx

I know its from the USA, but the facts remain consistant.

Chris

An MRI scan cannot accurately differentiate between benign and cancerous tissue, but some experienced doctors may have an opinion.

I would suspect you will get a biopsy, personally if I have a nodule, I would definitely want one anyway to be sure what it was!

In my case there were 2 different types of biopsy;

1. TRUS - where an ultrasound probe with attached needle is inserted in the anus and after a local anaesthetic, the needle punctures the bowel wall into the prostate to gather samples using ultrasound to guide the needle. There is a small risk of sepsis with this procedure so they put you on anti-biotics. 

2. Trans perenial Template - where an ultrasound probe is again inserted into the anus, but the biopsies are taken via a template mounted between your legs in the area between the anus and the back of the scrotum. The needles are guided through the tissue by ultrasound and your MRI scan data, so are more accurately targeted than TRUS. I had this. Mine was a day case. this is done under general anaesthetic. I had 32 biopsies taken. I was admitted at 8AM and went home at 2PM (I was first on the list) All I had to do was to be able to pass an set amount of urine to be discharged.

I had no post procedural pain, but had to keep off my bike for 2 weeks! You can get blood in your urine and semen after this procedure.

Edited by member 10 May 2018 at 12:22  | Reason: Not specified

Another change of plans. Just had another phone call from the hospital. Now MRI scan will be (as above) next Wednesday lunchtime, and the biopsy at 5:30pm the next day (I am assured they will have the MRI results.). Can't say I'm looking forward to the biopsy one bit, but at least I really couldn't ask for things to happen any more swiftly!

Chris

My experience was that the thought of the biopsy was worse than the actual event. All over in a few minutes, back to work the next day, a bit of blood in the urine and pink semen for a few days.

Thanks Chris

Chris

Edited by member 11 May 2018 at 17:38  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Chris reading through your posts you seem to mirror what happened to me, although my PSA was higher. I was diagnosed with Cancer last December following a biopsy and then offered various treatment choices, I went through various options including radio therapy, brachytherapy or surgery. After discussions with the various health professionals I opted for radical laparoscopic prostatectomy as of all the options this gave me the best outcome. Now I wont try to claim that this will be best for you but so far it has proved to be very good for me. There are downsides of course, ED and incontinence being the most obvious, but both can be overcome with patience and help from your specialist nurses and doctors, and of course with help from family. There are other obstacles that have to be overcome but my message to you is never give up hope and just keep on living as you always have. When I was first diagnosed I was devastated and began to feel sorry for myself but with the support of my wife and family and all the health professionals I feel so much better and positive and a lot less negative. Good luck to you I hope everything works out well for you.

Hi Chris, best of luck for your biopsy results, no matter what the outcome stay strong and stay positive. Even if the results are not good don't lose hope there are so many different treatment options and all give good outcomes especially if your cancer, if you have it, has been caught early. Wishing you all the very best. Will pray for you.

Ants

Hi Chris,

Biopsy can be uncomfortable but does not take to long. I opted to have mine under general anesthetic and was glad I did as I was in and out in no time. A little blood in the urine and some small bleeding from my bottom but other than that no real pain or problems. It is not as scary as it sounds. So good luck to you hope it all goes well.

Ants 

Hi Chris,

I had a friend who had similar problems that you have described and his kidney abnormality was down to an enlarged prostate not a cancerous one. It might also be that you have kidney stones which can also cause raised PSA levels. Here's hoping for good news.

Ants

That would be the ideal outcome. Fingers crossed you're right!

Still quite sore today after the biopsy and I feel like I'm having to go to the loo every 10 minutes! I guess the biopsy has bruised my prostate and it's swollen as a result. Whereas last night I was passing what looked like a stream of blood, today it's just a bit of blood at the start and then it's clear, so hopefully that's a sign of healing.

I'm feeling a little more hopeful today that the kidney abnormality may perhaps turn out to be good news rather than bad. Just have to wait and see!

Chris

It's hard but you need to distract yourself with something and rationalise what is happening to you somehow so you can get on with your life... Good luck

With a PSA of 30+ I'm definitely assuming it's not going to be good news, Alan. I'm trying to prepare myself for bad news - that's precisely why I'm so scared. I'm just taking it a day at a time. I'll know the outcome soon enough.

Your messages of support (and those of the others here) have been a great comfort to me. Thank you.

Chris

Got to get through it. This time tomorrow at least I'll (hopefully, at least) know where I stand.

Sorry - being a total wimp, I know. Finding it all very difficult to handle.

Chris

Chin up Chris, we are all thinking of you on here. Don’t forget, we know what you are going through, that’s why we are here, to offer support and advice to help you get through this,  especially in your case as you say you are on your own.  Don’t forget some of the people on here are vastly experienced  and knowledgeabl.

alan

Don’t pre judge the results too much Chris!  I can tell you I had the template biopsy and I am so glad I had that instead of the TRUS 

in 8AM, chatting with nurse, anaesthetist, then consultant. Called through to prep,  I was chatting with the anaesthetist as the nurse put the cannula in my wrist he asked me about my cycling hobbies and next thing I knew I woke up in recovery.

 I had absolutely no post-operative pain I was given a cup of tea and two paracetamol I was then told as soon as I have passed a set amount of urine I could be discharged.  Obviously I had a dressing between my legs which stayed on for 24 hours.  I removed it and checked for any bleeding with the tissue and there was none so I put a clean dry dressing on left it another 24 hours, it was clean  so I had a shower and dressed normally .

 At no stage was I in any pain even when walking or sitting. the only annoyance was I couldn’t go cycling for two weeks.

 I have heard all about the TRUS  biopsies and I am so glad I had the template version done under general anaesthetic.

 As I think I said earlier it is recognised as being more accurate mainly due to the fact of the amount of samples they take in my case 32 

 I know all these things are different for individuals but I don’t think you have anything at all to fear if they send you for a template biopsy  and if they do the results will be more comprehensive and informative 

Alan