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Anxious: investigations just starting

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 07:45

Hello. Just posting this because I'm anxious about my symptoms. I know I need to be patient and that I'm over-worrying, but it feels better to write this down. Sorry if it's a bit long.

I'm 52. I've been on Tamsulosin for 18 months after seeing a consultant urologist because I was having problems with peeing (ongoing for a number of years). At the time he said my prostate wasn't especially large for my age and the peeing issues may be related to the structure of my bladder. But there was no follow-up.

Fast forward to November 2018: visited GP complaining of pretty constant lower back pain and hip pain. Was referred for X-Ray and blood tests, including PSA (we didn't discuss prostate issues at all). And started taking painkillers.

Results: PSA raised from previous test, but not very high, 4.8. Some degeneration in hips, mild arthritis which my GP said may explain pain in my hips and lower back. However, my GP wanted me to see a urologist after we discussed my ongoing issues with peeing (despite Tamsulosin there's been some worsening of symptoms).

I saw the urologist last week. I do have an enlarged prostate, though there seemed to be no hardness. I'm going to have a cytoscopy, another PSA test in a few weeks time (after I get back from a holiday), and then likely a biopsy (I think this depends on the results of the PSA test).

I think my anxiety stems from the combination of symptoms. My prostate appears to have grown significantly in 18 months (which may explain the increase in PSA), and the pain continues, particularly in my lower back.

It's difficult to talk to my partner, who tends to be a worrier. And I don't want to talk to friends or other family members before there is a clearer diagnosis. So I hope it's OK to have my little moan on here. :-)

 

 

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 11:58

Watch this from the No. 1 Prostate Cancer oncologist at the No. 1 cancer hospital in Britain. Then phone your consultant’s secretary and enquire when you are booked in for your scan.

https://vimeo.com/169926390

 

Edited by member 07 Jan 2019 at 13:07  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 12:15
With your previous diagnosis of structural badder issues I would have thought the MRI should be even more imortant to help understand what is going on.

Re the pains yes it could be metatisized PC (assuming the pain is unbearable and gets worse in bed) but much more likely to be arthritis at that PSA level which should ease with rest.

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User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 11:29
So when are you having an mpMRI scan (preferably at 3T hi-def resolution)?

You should have that prior to any biopsy!

Cheers, John.

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 11:39

Thanks John for responding. It wasn't mentioned by the consultant. 

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 11:58

Watch this from the No. 1 Prostate Cancer oncologist at the No. 1 cancer hospital in Britain. Then phone your consultant’s secretary and enquire when you are booked in for your scan.

https://vimeo.com/169926390

 

Edited by member 07 Jan 2019 at 13:07  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 12:15
With your previous diagnosis of structural badder issues I would have thought the MRI should be even more imortant to help understand what is going on.

Re the pains yes it could be metatisized PC (assuming the pain is unbearable and gets worse in bed) but much more likely to be arthritis at that PSA level which should ease with rest.

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 15:30
I disagree. Your PSA seems to be not out of synch with the size of your prostate, you have no evidence that it has grown significantly in 18 months (the previous urologist may have declared it to be normal size without the benefit of scans?) and you have a medical explanation for the pains in hips and back.

It seems to me that the specialist's plan is sound ... go and have your holiday, have a repeat PSA and then discuss next steps if necessary.

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

User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 15:37
He said his consultant mentioned biopsy after his next PSA but not MRI. Just sayin’.
User
Posted 07 Jan 2019 at 19:46

Could the urologist's 'bladder structure' comment have been 'bladder stricture?' This would make more sense with urination problems.

My father had raised PSA and urination problems for years due to an ever increasing prostate size. His urine problems led to a surgical procedure to remove prostate tissue.

Now in his 80's, he's never had PCa despite a fluctuating PSA for almost thirty years.

Several guys on here lately with raised PSA's and all tests came back clear. So stay positive while you go through all the tests.

I would ask for a template biopsy if your scans warrant further investigation.

All the best. 

 

 

Edited by member 07 Jan 2019 at 19:48  | Reason: Not specified

 
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