urinating small amounts

Tamsulosin seems like a sensible next step although I am really hoping that you have had annual PSA tests since the one three years ago? If not, perhaps tell the GP that you would like a PSA test now before you start the tamsulosin, to get a baseline. Also, it is never a good idea to accept 'the PSA was normal' from a doctor - ask exactly what the reading was, even now three years on that is important info for you and the doctor's receptionist should be able to tell you over the phone.

I have to say though that your symptoms aren't classic for BPH - it may be that having had a new PSA test and tried Tamsulosin for a month, you should ask for a referral to urology for a flow dynamics test and possible bladder retraining;in other words, your brain is misinterpreting messages from your bladder.

Thank you LynEyre. I'll get those test results and see what the doctor has to say in a month's time.

You do not mention frequency during the day. Is it similar during the day to what you experience during the night? If it is not maybe there is something you drink or in excess that irritates affects your bladder as it passes through? Have you tried having your last wee earlier before you go to bed?

There could be a physical or emotional problem. I was once in a very emotional situation and I wouldn't have believed how I had to keep passing water every few minutes but I wouldn't have thought that you would have experienced this for so long. Prior to this I was needing to pass water more frequently than I should and had a camera fed to my bladder and some other tests. It transpired I had a narrowed sphincter and also some pouches that retained urine so these were not not emptied in one go. I was started on Tamsulosin Hydrochloride and have been taking it for over 20 years, (well before I was diagnosed with PCa). I also had to attend a urinary clinic where I was told to avoid many things that can irritate the bladder such as drinks containing caffeine but to drink cranberry juice which can ease the situation. I also had to measure over at least a couple of weeks (probably longer) just how much liquid I was drinking and passing and at what intervals This formed part of what the clinic called 'bladder retraining' and I was encouraged 'not to give in' and to hold on for a long as possible before passing water.

It is possible that in your case that due to an enlarged Prostate pressure is being exerted which is the cause of this and the Prostate size can be determined by scans.

If Tamsulosin doesn't help much I would suggest you ask to be referred back to urology to try to establish whether it is BPH or another problem.

Edited by member 13 May 2020 at 18:26  | Reason: Not specified

LL

Sounds like you definitely need some investigation by a urologist. Unfortunately the timing is not great. 

Might be worth doing an intake output diary before you go back to the GP. Typically you record how much and what you drink and how much you urinate over a three day period. If you want to check the flow rate measure how much you urinate and how long it takes, then divide mls by seconds. If you Google urine input output diary you will see lots of charts.

Thanks Chris

Tamsulosin is fast acting - you should see the effects pretty instantly, although it might take your brain a while to adjust to the new normal. You'll need to ask your GP for it - it's a prescription drug.

Tamsulosin can reduce blood pressure, so first few times you take it, just be careful in case it makes you feel faint, particularly if you are taking it with PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra/Sildenafil, Cialis/Tadalafil, etc) which can do the same. Always take it with a meal. In your case where night time is the main problem, you'd probably take it with the last meal of the day.