Worried about symptoms and possible PC

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 01:32

Hi. Just joined this forum.

I’ve generally been in good heath for many years, keeping very active. A couple of months ago I started to get lower back pain, which wouldn’t go away. In the last 4 to 6 weeks I’ve started to have to get up a few times in the night to pee, which is new to me. And in the last couple of weeks I’ve started getting a sharp pain just above both hips.

Things see worse in the evening and at night - did a long walk today up and down hills with no problems

Went to the doctors on Friday. She did a urine test, which showed no indication of blood or infection.

She then did a DRE. She said the prostrate felt slightly hardened.

She now wants me to go for a blood test, which will include PSA level test. I’m going in the morning

Now I’m really worried about the result. Difficult to sleep.

Hoping the symptoms could be for something else, but seems unlikely.

Anyone out there to offer advice / reassurance? 🙂

Thanks

Edited by member 03 Sep 2018 at 08:40 | Reason: Correction of spelling mistakes - originally written on iPhone at 3:00am !

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 10:10

Hello Clive - I am in a similar boat sadly. Symptoms came on quite strongly a few weeks ago (burning after urination and a desire to go again soon after) along with lower back pain. Since that time I have read up and only made myself more anxious but this site has helped somewhat to know there are others worrying at night.

My urologist did a DRE and said it was 'firm' (not hard) on one side and last week I had an mpMRI and CT scan that he organised. I now have to wait for the results and am basically thinking the worst and finding it hard to function! It would appear from many posts that it takes a long time to reach a final diagnosis as one test usually leads to another to pinpoint the cause and there is always a wait in between. Hopefully you can remain objective and try to keep it together while the investigations happen. It is difficult for sure, but can be done!

All the best,

Mark

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 15:52

Hi Clive,

Here in Coventry, if I have a PSA done one day, the results are on my EMIS Patient Access app here on my iPad next morning. I get them the same time as the GP, so it might be worth phoning them tomorrow or Wednesday for your result. I recommend everyone gets the app and registers with their surgery for the access codes.

The NHS consider under 4.1 ug/l as “normal” for your age, although some feel that number should be lower.

Let’s hope for a PSA “undetectable” result!

Cheers, John

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User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 08:29

Once you have had all your tests done, you will know more and will be able to tackle the problem, whatever it is. You sound like a strong person so I am sure that you will find inner courage to face the results - the worrying about things is harder to deal with. Keep active and try to relax with your favourite music or films. Good luck.

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 10:10

All the best,

Mark

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 13:20

Hi Mark, and thanks for your comments.

Looks like we are in a similar situation, though you're further along with respect to test and a diagnoses. I had my first blood test for PSA this morning, and now have a few sleepless nights to look forward to before getting the results and seeing what happens next.

Like you, my symptoms came on quickly; don't know how unusual that is or what the significance is.

At the moment it's fear of the unknown that is the problem for me. Usually I'm very positive, but this has really knocked me for six. I was up until about 3:30am last night searching Google for info - big mistake! But eventually I found this fantastic forum.

Wishing you all the best for your results.

Clive

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 14:03

Google is a nightmare. My symptoms are an urge to urinate, some 'burning' after I have had a pee and lower back pain. Joined this week now with general groin discomfort! Add that up with a firm Prostate on one side and there is only one google answer. The problem is fear of the unknown and also the fear that it is advanced or cannot be helped. From what I read now there are many advancements in treatment that are extending lives beyond 5 years plus even at an advanced stage. I am only 51 but have breast cancer history almost beyond belief on my Mother's side, so in some ways I am almost expecting it (but didn't know about that connection before researching after the symptoms). 6 weeks ago I just had the occasional burning sensation after having a pee but now I have a bunch of symptoms.

Anyway - not to go on, just wanted you to know there are others with similar anxiety and fear and we have to help each other as much as we can when fear strikes in the early mornings...

All the best and thanks for your best wishes...

Mark

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 15:52

Hi Clive,

The NHS consider under 4.1 ug/l as “normal” for your age, although some feel that number should be lower.

Let’s hope for a PSA “undetectable” result!

Cheers, John

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 16:17

Hi John

Thanks. Yes, I'd forgotten all about that. Just had a look, and some of the results of my blood test are appearing (DIFF COUNT and FULL BLOOD COUNT).

But the PSA info isn't on there yet. Actually, it's a bit scary - do I want to know or not? What do I do with the info?

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 17:09

Hmmm...I don't seem to be able to access that despite being registered - will take another look later!

Mark

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 18:09

Firstly to all of you worrying right now. Many of us have been through the journey and know how you feel.

PSA tests generally take three to four working days in my area of South Cheshire but may vary nationally. Here they are not made available other than by phone, and even getting them printed off for external medical exams needs a Doctors approval.

From what some have written above I can see why you're worried but if there's only one piece of advice I can offer its to take each test and phase of diagnosis one step at a time. Do not assume the worst until you have all the evidence to hand, and even then, things may not be as bad as Dr Google suggested. In my experience everything was separated by a month, but remember you're dealing with one of the slowest growing cancers so the chances are that you are not going to suffer unduly from the timescale.

That said, when offered treatment do take the time to research the methods available to you. There is a general trend to rush towards surgery which may be the right thing for many, but not for all, so take it slowly and research all options. If you feel you can't do that then the nurses available on the helpline of this web site will be of enormous help to you. It's a free service so use it.

Good luck and good health meantime.

David.

User

Posted 03 Sep 2018 at 19:17

”Full blood count” phelobotomy tests are far from “full”, and unless the form specifically mentions “PSA”, in today’s current ‘in denial’ testing regime it won’t be checked, even though samples can be tested for PSA from the same test tube as an FBC!

if you have EMIS look at your account tomorrow afternoon.

User

Posted 04 Sep 2018 at 12:01

Agree - I have had two 'MOT's' in a year from my GP and a Rheumatologist and both said it was to 'check everything' and make sure nothing untoward. Neither sets of tests had any mention of PSA on them and my symptoms point towards that as being the one test that will provide more insight than the others!

Disappointing to say the least but I think that's why the charity is pushing for more testing and for men to be more aware! I wasn't aware at all that breast cancer can be linked until 2-3 weeks ago and my GP (who is aware of my family history) has never suggested the test so I am in total ignorance until this point where I have a load of symptoms and now the machine starts up.

User

Posted 05 Sep 2018 at 16:18

Hi.

Well, I've had my PSA level result from my blood test, and it was only 1.0. That, with the doctor saying that my prostate felt only slightly hardened following a DRE, I'm slightly less concerned about PCa.

However, I'm still suffering from a pain in the hips and back, have lower abdomen pain and in the groin area, and feel the need to pee frequently - even soon after I've actually had a pee.

I called my surgery to ask what the next steps would be, but was told that the doctor didn't see the need for further action.

I've made an appointment anyway, as I want to get this sorted, one way or another. There's clearly something not right, and i want it investigating.

Should I ask to see a urologist?

Thanks

User

Posted 05 Sep 2018 at 16:38

Er, yes.

Good news on the PSA front, but as one of my many GPs tells me, we are only ‘generalists’ - I asked him about an uncomfortable suture removal and he said: “Go and see the nurse”.

You need to see a urology specialist in any event.

User

Posted 05 Sep 2018 at 17:51

It could be prostatitis or a deep-seated UTI but I would still be requesting a referral to urology a) because of the hard DRE and b) because you have urological symptoms that need assessing, regardless of your PSA. You may have to settle for the non-urgent route but a wait isn't going to be the end of the world if it leads to uro-dynamic flow tests, possible scans, etc.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 05 Sep 2018 at 20:40

Hi Clive, I have pretty much identical symptoms to yours! The back ache, groin pain and an urge to pee after finishing one and sometimes a full bladder feeling when it isn’t. Esteemed Surrey Prof did the DRE and said one side of prostate ‘firm’. Difference here is I have no idea on my PSA as it was drawn two weeks ago and followed by MRI and CT scan (both with the dye). I go to see him again Saturday for next steps and surviving on distraction and diazepam right now. Your result is excellent news but I think it is a good idea to get a referral as ‘something’ is going on down there! I am resigned to me having PCa but trying my best to stay hopeful and courageous in the face of fear.

Would recommend you get a follow up and perhaps a CT to see what else it could be?

All the best,

Mark

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