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User
Posted 19 Mar 2022 at 11:28

Hi all


I am a fairly new member, I have posted in the welcome section. I am trying to gain some information, as my father had prostrate cancer (had it removed) 10 years ago all ok, but I’ve been having some symptoms myself, I am late 40's and never had any water works issues until now. I particularly don’t want to ask my father, as prefer not to unsettle him, this is my story so far. Apologies for the too much information!


In the last 6 weeks I had a dribbling issue, like after I stopped urinating I discovered afterwards I wetted myself, I didn’t think much of it at the time. The urine flow and pressure was good.


About 14 days ago, I started getting a dull ache feeling around my belly button and gentiles base of my penis & pain radiating about 3 inches diagonally up left (as you look at me) my right, when pressing. My testicles seemed very tender, as well. I had trouble starting to urinate and been going to the toilet much more often, like every hour. The pain is fluctuating, better when get up in the morning and throughout the day can get worse.


I did a GP phone call, suspected UTI and placed me on 7 day course of Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin). I completed that course didn’t do anything. I went back to the GP, I got the rectal finger examination and my urine on the dip test (done in the surgery) flagged infection, she said my prostrate seemed little inflamed. I was placed on 7 days of Ciprofloxacin, with a review in weeks time. Cipro kicked in, the burning peeing has gone and frequency of going to pee improved by day 3, I thought maybe improving.


I saw the GP after 7 days on Cipro, issued another week supply, (stated 2 weeks is the NHS guideline maximum for Cipro). She said my urine lab test stated no bacterial growth. The GP stated once I finish the Cipro, they want to take bloods and another inspection of the prostate, which seems to be the main focus, as concerned why this has happened in the first place.


I am on day 9 of Cipro, I am now getting the dull ache pain in lower abdomen again, like it’s wanting me to pee again, it gets worse when the bladder fills up, which has now made me anxious somewhat, as I thought I was on the road to recovery.


If the Cipro doesn’t work, does this sounds like prostate? I wonder what next investigations are, needless to say I am anxious about all of the above


Thanks for reading

User
Posted 19 Mar 2022 at 16:06
People in their 40s can get prostate cancer, but prostate cancer doesn't have any symptoms. It does sound like a UTI. Certainly nothing to worry about.

All the best,

Chris
User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 14:01

Sorry to hear that you are still having problems.


 


The trouble when you experience pain in an area of your body your mind goes into overdrive and you start thinking, especially if you have googled the symptoms, that you have a wide range of ailments. Often there is nothing seriously wrong but, that said, it is worth getting checked out, which is what you have done. Though your PSA score of 3.70 (mine was 3.58 at age 60) is higher than it should be at your age and the fact your father has had prostate cancer could be indicators that you also have it (Research suggests that 1 in 5 men over 40 have signs of prostate cancer and that most men over 60 have it), the fact is that an elevated PSA reading could be be caused by something else. If I had the same symptoms as you I would certainly want to find out what was causing the elevated reading (if the PSA reading moves up and down that is usually a sign that an infection is the cause rather than prostate cancer) and if I could not get an answer from the NHS would certainly go private.


 


Ivan 

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 15:20

 I can't see how a finger test could ascertain that the prostate was inflamed (unless it felt hot to the touch) without it also being  irregular in shape. So, as you say, inconclusive.


This is not not medically correct, but knowing what I now know about prostate cancer I would have pushed for further action back in 2018 when my PSA reading was 3.58 (Any reading over 4 is deemed to be suspect and any reading over 10 suggests a very good likelihood of prostate cancer). As it turned out, 3 years on from 2018 my PSA had increased to 5.32 and when it was again tested a month later it had increased to 5.76. I was then given MRI scans and biopsies and that subsequently led to me being diagnosed with prostate cancer and with my prostate being removed. Because prostate cancer is usually very slow growing ( a single slow growing prostate cancer cell can take over 400 days to form, meaning that a 1 cm prostate cancer tumour could be 40 years old) there is usually not any urgent need to take action but, that said, there is a need to determine what is actually going on.


Hopefully, the private route may find the cause of your issues and will then enable you to decide on how best to proceed.


 


Ivan

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 18:32
You have had a PSA test over 3.1 which means you should be referred to hospital urology department for MRI and possible biopsy. However, because you have a suspected infection, that might not happen until you have done a proper stint with antibiotics and then a new PSA test. I am not really sure ehy your GP hasn't already referred you to urology since they are also the people best placed to identify whether you do actually have prostatitis.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 19:35

If I was in your shoes, Nesty, especially because your father was treated for prostate cancer, I would be certainly be knocking on all the NHS doors to get action and if that failed would go private.  You don't want to look back and wish you had done this or that.


 


Ivan   

User
Posted 06 Aug 2022 at 12:08

That's good to hear.


I would suggest you ask for annual PSA tests and make a record of them.


PSA tends to rise slowly with age, but if you get a more significant rise, that should be a red flag to be referred back for more tests.

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User
Posted 19 Mar 2022 at 12:54

Yes, could be UTI or prostatitis. Some other members here will be able to talk about antibiotics etc. I'm just posting to reassure you that this is unlikely to be prostate cancer. Yes it can happen to people in their late 40s (though I was only four years older than you at diagnosis), but usually PC doesn't have symptoms until advanced and then the symptoms are usually not near the prostate. 


A PSA test would be meaningless at the moment as your prostate is probably inflamed. When this is cleared up then some investigation to check for cancer is worth pursuing just in case.

Dave

User
Posted 19 Mar 2022 at 14:48

Cheers Dave many thanks. I was wondering about if I was too young for the big C.


Though, information on prostatitis, doesn't make good reading on the treatment plan success. I am not having too many issues on Ciprofloxacin and willing to give it a fair go, if it solves the issue. I think it's the scenario, that it won't go away, which is frightening me. 🙁

User
Posted 19 Mar 2022 at 16:06
People in their 40s can get prostate cancer, but prostate cancer doesn't have any symptoms. It does sound like a UTI. Certainly nothing to worry about.

All the best,

Chris
User
Posted 19 Mar 2022 at 20:26

Hi.


I had several bouts of prostatitis in my 40's...lots if antibiotics...even went to cystoscopy and prostate massage....no infections were ever found and it just faded away after many months.


My symptoms were an ache...like having a golf ball up your bum....annoying but....not cancer.


I have (or had? Now I'm two weeks post RT) cancer....see my rather lengthy blog in my profile!


 

Steve


Blog: prostatecancer.vivatek.co.uk

User
Posted 20 Mar 2022 at 16:14

Many thanks for the replies all, from knowledgable members, really appreciate it.


I have a couple of questions, if I have Prostatitis, will a 2 weeks course of Cipro really do the trick? Also, if it's non bacterial, how is that treated, or is it a case of not? 


At work, until this episode I used to drink coffee, quite a bit maybe about 6 cups a day.  Is decaffienated coffee ok, or is it best to just steer clear? I am now starting to look back, what have I done, to of prevented this.


I am not really taking this episode very well at the moment, as today has been a bit uncomfortable. 


 


 


 


 

User
Posted 20 Mar 2022 at 17:06

Prostatitis can be difficult to treat, and part of that is getting referred to a urologist who knows how to treat it - it seems that few do. I guess you'll know if the Ciprofolxacin has worked a couple of weeks after it finishes. A side effect of Cipro can be tendon damage, so avoid stressing tendons while you're on it, and probably for a while afterwards.


If caffeine is causing you a problem, it will be urgency in the form of bladder irritation - the need to go without being able to hold on, and on going, you find you didn't actually have a full bladder anyway. If you don't have that symptom, caffeine is probably not causing you a problem. You can always try switching away from caffeine, but bare in mind you may get withdrawal symptoms.


 

User
Posted 20 Mar 2022 at 17:37

Hi Andy


Many thanks, I am so hoping this Cipro works. Ok thanks about watching the tendons, I don't do sports, but I do like walking. Does Cipro continue to work after I have stopped or does the body take on the baton to fight infection a bit afterwards? 


I am quite scared of this situation, as my stomach seems to hurt, which feels like I am not emptying my bladder. I am very anxious, it all just seemed to come on all so suddenly. 


 


 


 

User
Posted 20 Mar 2022 at 18:25

Most antibiotics are also anti-inflammatory and this can cause pain to go when you take them even if they don't kill bacteria causing it. So if the pain reappears shortly after finishing them, chances are it was the anti-inflammatory effect rather than the antibiotic effect that gave the short improvement.

User
Posted 20 Mar 2022 at 18:53

Hi Andy 


Ok many thanks for that, fingers crossed the Cipro works.


 

User
Posted 25 Mar 2022 at 08:07

I thought I’d post another update. I saw GP last Wednesday 23rd and re belly button pain GP ordered me an ultrasound for my bladder to see if filling / draining properly + maybe to see the prostrate as well. I have been placed on 2 more weeks of Ciprofloxacin, (which will take me to a month), seems like standard procedure. Though, I feel I am tolerating Cipro ok, my sleep getting worse, I am now having some right nasty nightmares, which I normally never have, (I never watch anything violent on TV), not sure if that is the Cipro? 


Though, my rectum examination showed tenderness and I finding it now difficult to poo though stools very hard (very unlike me), but could be due to my lack of eating (gone off food). I am considering a private prostrate clinic, (placed request on another thread on here), I know might be pricey, but I need to get to the bottom of this (excuse pun), to address if this is bacterial or not. I have never had any problems like this before, I am assuming its my first time and only have a certain amount of time to address, before it go chronic Bacterial, or doesn’t it work like that?

Edited by member 25 Mar 2022 at 08:20  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 09:20

I thought I’d post another update, to my situation, as looking for some support and guidance, apologises it’s long, as I am feeling a bit alone and down about all of this. I am having trouble sleeping and I am supposedly back at work on Monday, I am just wondering how all this going to go in the long run.


Last weekend my stomach pains got worse, I decided to go to A&E, I spent 4 nights in hospital. I had a CT scan done and only thing which came up was constipation, they gave me an enema, which really made me poo in one go, though it did slightly ease things, for a day or then the cramps came back, mainly along the bottom intestine. I also noticed I found it more uncomfortable to sit, like something stuck up my bum and this is placing pressure on my stomach IE tensing, I can’t recall having this beforehand.


When discharged, I had a chat with a GP (at my surgery I seem to talk to a different GP everytime), the results of my blood test came back PSA came back at 3.70, she said it was alleviated for my 49 age. though at this time I was on Ciprofloxacin, she said re-test in 6 weeks when finish the Ciprofloxacin, (though I have decided to halt it for the time being, I didn’t tell the GP this), because no infection has been actually identified, though this is the first GP which mentioned could be Prostatitis, then added no STD testing been done, (though I’ve not been active in that department for a long while), the GP said it could been from years ago & not ruling out an STD infection. It seems that the NHS route is doing me trial and error, I feel it’s not going to give me the answers I feel here.


A member on this forum they issued me details of a Private clinic that specialises in solely Prostrate issues, which helped him, I have decided to go down this route, my view you can’t place money on your health. It is really affecting my life now, as I have only been symptomatic for a month, I am hoping that if an infection, it will have a greater chance to treat, if I get early answers.


Thank you for reading and your support and naturally any advice be greatly appreciated, as this seems to placed a wrecking ball through my life at the moment.


 

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 14:01

Sorry to hear that you are still having problems.


 


The trouble when you experience pain in an area of your body your mind goes into overdrive and you start thinking, especially if you have googled the symptoms, that you have a wide range of ailments. Often there is nothing seriously wrong but, that said, it is worth getting checked out, which is what you have done. Though your PSA score of 3.70 (mine was 3.58 at age 60) is higher than it should be at your age and the fact your father has had prostate cancer could be indicators that you also have it (Research suggests that 1 in 5 men over 40 have signs of prostate cancer and that most men over 60 have it), the fact is that an elevated PSA reading could be be caused by something else. If I had the same symptoms as you I would certainly want to find out what was causing the elevated reading (if the PSA reading moves up and down that is usually a sign that an infection is the cause rather than prostate cancer) and if I could not get an answer from the NHS would certainly go private.


 


Ivan 

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 14:35

Many thanks for your reply. 


Yes, I think my body is certainly in hyperdrive at the moment. The thing is at first, I did have UTI symptoms, painful peeing and having to keep going to the toilet nearly every hour, but they have gone after 4/5 days on Cipro. Though the stomach cramps remain (but some slight improvement on them), but the ED very much there, I have never had ED before, it just feels like that department is dead, (though understand stress can do that), that too has upset me, even though I am not active in that way.


Though, I do require answers promptly and the private route is open to me, I feel I have to find out if I do have an infection, I am not taking anymore antibiotics for the sake of it anymore. 


Thank you for the information on the PSA. Unfortunately this was my first PSA test, so I haven't got a reference marker from a previous time. 

Edited by member 02 Apr 2022 at 14:39  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 14:49

Yes, stress is more likely to be the cause of your ED rather than prostate cancer- which usually has no side effects until your PSA reading is in the 1000's (Bob Monkhouse's PSA was over 1300 when he was diagnosed in 2002 and readings over 12000 are not unknown).


As a matter of interest have you had a finger up your bottom to feel your prostate?

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 14:59

Re the finger examination, only once to the prostate, the GP at the time (about 3 weeks ago) said it was slightly inflamed during the examination, though I spoke to a GP this week (informing me of PSA results), who reading my medical records said to me inspection stated smooth.


I am no more the wiser on that one, though TBH I probably could do with another inspection there. 


Though TBH is it plausible this could be major stress and the PSA is high because I was on Ciprofloxacin at the time?  

Edited by member 02 Apr 2022 at 15:25  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 15:20

 I can't see how a finger test could ascertain that the prostate was inflamed (unless it felt hot to the touch) without it also being  irregular in shape. So, as you say, inconclusive.


This is not not medically correct, but knowing what I now know about prostate cancer I would have pushed for further action back in 2018 when my PSA reading was 3.58 (Any reading over 4 is deemed to be suspect and any reading over 10 suggests a very good likelihood of prostate cancer). As it turned out, 3 years on from 2018 my PSA had increased to 5.32 and when it was again tested a month later it had increased to 5.76. I was then given MRI scans and biopsies and that subsequently led to me being diagnosed with prostate cancer and with my prostate being removed. Because prostate cancer is usually very slow growing ( a single slow growing prostate cancer cell can take over 400 days to form, meaning that a 1 cm prostate cancer tumour could be 40 years old) there is usually not any urgent need to take action but, that said, there is a need to determine what is actually going on.


Hopefully, the private route may find the cause of your issues and will then enable you to decide on how best to proceed.


 


Ivan

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 15:31

Many thanks for your useful advice, I think I will have to go to this prostate specialist and get some answers once and for all, as I am sadly not getting anywhere fast on NHS.   

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 15:39

As you mentioned earlier, ones health is very important and it is not worth cutting corners trying to save a few pennies as far as health is concerned. I was fortunately treated very quickly on the NHS (Addenbrookes in fact), though was prepared to pay upwards of £20K for surgery if it appeared that delays in my treatment were likely.


 


Ivan

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 15:47

I think with health that is sorely the case. You were dealt with well by the NHS. I am a firm believer in the NHS, but in this instance I am finding it very difficult to find anyone with knowledge on it and just seem to be passed around,  unfortunately I knew 2 close friends who no longer with us, were passed around in this way for something else, then when actually taken seriously by the NHS, the cancer was stage 4. 


I have a Daughter who needs me, so I will not take any chances with health. 

Edited by member 02 Apr 2022 at 15:49  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 16:23

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
any reading over 10 suggests a very good likelihood of prostate cancer


That is simply not true, Ohdear. Any reading over 10 needs exploration but it could just as easily be down to BPH, infection or inflammation. 


 


Nesty, are you sure the GP said 'inflamed'? Could they have said 'enlarged'? The problem with stopping antibiotics earlier than you were told to is that it allows the bacteria to become antibiotic-resistant ... which makes it much harder to treat. 

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 16:38

Well, Lyn, according to a number of cancer sites in the UK and in the US and I quote "  Men with a PSA level of between 4 & 10 (Often called the borderline range) have about a 1 in 4 chance of having prostate cancer. If the PSA is more than 10, the chance of having prostate cancer is over 50%". Now, in my book, that means that there is a very good chance of prostate cancer being present. It could mean something else  but  in the context of what was being discussed my comment is factually correct 


Ivan

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 16:45

Statistically, that means if the PSA is over 10 it is almost as likely to be something else. That is not 'a very good likelihood' of it being cancer! We have had men on here with a PSA of 80 who subsequently got the all clear, particularly in cases where the prostate was enlarged 🤷‍♀️

Edited by member 02 Apr 2022 at 16:48  | Reason: Not specified

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 17:12

Not wising to have a disagreement on Nesty's conversation page but you are incorrect. You are as always entitled to your opinion but that is all it is. An over 50% chance is statistically more likely than not and though there are men with very high readings that do not have prostate cancer there are also incidences of men with readings of less than 4 that do. Statistically both are unlikely but they do happen. We both know that the PSA test is not a particularly accurate tool for diagnosing prostate cancer but since that is all we have at the moment and since men with a PSA reading of 10 and above are more likely than not to be tested positive for the cancer it is a test worth having.


 


Ivan

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 18:15

Many thanks for your replies to my subject. 


I think until I get a proper diagnosis from this specialist private clinic, to address if I have an actual infection or not, I could be speculating, in how to treat this, even if it is prostatitis, as my pressure urinating is unremarkable and the frequency of going has now improved, it's the ED and the stomach pains I am left with currently.


Though, with further investigation into cancer cells, how just would that be done?

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 18:32
You have had a PSA test over 3.1 which means you should be referred to hospital urology department for MRI and possible biopsy. However, because you have a suspected infection, that might not happen until you have done a proper stint with antibiotics and then a new PSA test. I am not really sure ehy your GP hasn't already referred you to urology since they are also the people best placed to identify whether you do actually have prostatitis.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 18:35

Exactly, what I am thinking, though it appears they my surgery doesn't give me much confident in this matter. I have already informed them that my father had PC and had his removed. It just seems I am being passed around from GP to GP.

Edited by member 02 Apr 2022 at 18:38  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 18:38
My point Ohdear is that 'more than 50%' does not equate to 'a very good likelihood' ... that is scaremongering. I am very well aware of the lower range possibility since my husband had T3 with a PSA of 3.1 and my father in law died with a reading of 1.2 but to suggest that anyone with a PSA over 10 probably has prostate cancer is wrong.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 19:29

I disagree Lyn and the evidence suggests that the higher the PSA score the higher the chance that the person with that score has prostate cancer. A small sample I know, but  7 people that I personally know that had their PSA tested and all scored over 10 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I can't find the report now but there was a report that suggested that a higher than average PSA score in somebody younger than 50 was less likely to be cancer compared to somebody that was older.


 


To use your word "scaremongering", which I disagree with by the way, the more men are "scared" into pushing for medical intervention ( scans, biopsies etc) when they have a higher than expected PSA score the better. Two people known to me that wished they had, and one of them was a 66 year old doctor, are no longer around.


 


Ivan 

User
Posted 02 Apr 2022 at 19:35

If I was in your shoes, Nesty, especially because your father was treated for prostate cancer, I would be certainly be knocking on all the NHS doors to get action and if that failed would go private.  You don't want to look back and wish you had done this or that.


 


Ivan   

User
Posted 09 Apr 2022 at 21:38

Hi All 


I thought I would post an update. On Thursday I had NHS Ultrasound scan, the Ultrasound was mainly for my Bladder to see if filling and emptying properly, that was fine and my kidneys good, as well. However, it did show a very slightly enlarged prostate, the operative also said she couldn't see any inflammation or infection.


I already had a private Uro consult booked on Friday, so I still went through with that, armed with the new info. The consultant is going to test for infection by Prostate fluid and Semen test, though I have to make sure the Prostate fluid will be done and not just semen test.


What it is boiling down to now, do I have an infection or not. Though I have to say the stomach pains are not, as bad as they were when I first posted this thread (maybe constipation was playing a part), sitting down a little better, but still not 100% great, so have to see, if no infection and next PSA has risen, then it's maybe looking at something more sinister?  


 

User
Posted 12 Apr 2022 at 20:34

Hi All


Another update, as you will know I am pursing things via NHS and Private, this is to speed things up to try and get an outcome what is going on.


Today had a appointment with a NHS GP still thinks enlarged prostate, doing a PSA test in 2 weeks, GP says if it's higher then it's a urgent urology appointment for cancer investigation, or if lower then a routine referral to address ways to shrink the prostate. 


I am hoping to complete the private semen culture and Prostate fluid tests to rule out infection.


Though I have to say my initial symptoms have improved in places, the stomach pains greatly reduced, going to the toilet frequently almost normal, though sitting down little discomfort, it's a lot better than it was, I have completely changed my diet, better food, no coffee, occasional tea and odd beer, so not sure if that's it or not?


Hopefully, have some full answers by Mid May. 


 

User
Posted 28 Apr 2022 at 04:59
A pain in centre of belly that comes and goes can be appendicitis but it usually moves to the lower right and and becomes constant, so doubt this is the cause of pain in this case.
Barry
User
Posted 28 Apr 2022 at 11:39

It can't be my appendix as had them out & hernia been ruled out by CT Scan. 


Not much else to report at the moment. I'm awaiting another PSA test & semen & prostate fluid tests to rule out infection. 


However, I think I've had a reaction to the ciprofloxacin, I stopped it a month ago, but about 2 weeks after, getting what I can only call muscle fatigue, that's now concerning me more then the initial prostate issues now, as the stomach pains got a bit better than at first. 


 


 


 

User
Posted 12 Jul 2022 at 18:32

Hi All 

I thought I'd give an update to my situation. It has been a roller coaster over the last few months.

In April, I got a severe reaction to Ciprofloxin, the side effects been pretty horrific, had temours, lost of limb function, insomnia, paranoia, the fatigue just been unreal, I was off work 2 months. I tell you anyone who takes this stuff and it doesn’t agree with you, it will be brutal, but I am recovering slowly from that and now back at work, but some side effects remain.


My Prostate pain also started getting worse, I felt I was not being helped the right direction by my GP (or should say GP’s, as I’ve seen 4 in this episode), I decided to go private for tests to see if I had a bacteria infection. I had a Semen culture and Stamey test performed in June and the results were no bacteria, so I didn’t need antibiotics in the first place, it’s unlikely a 2 week course of Cipro got rid of it, the bacteria infection just wasn’t there originally and it could be viral and my NHS GP just guessed. Though, I have to say I have improved slightly the stomach pains have got much better.


At this point I was still in the NHS system and my for referral to Urology came through, I had a MRI scan done and the results showed a patch of abnormality in the prostate, so I am being referred for a biopsy in about 2 weeks time. I should have more information to where this path leads in August.


 


 

Edited by member 12 Jul 2022 at 18:33  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 05 Aug 2022 at 23:37

I had my biopsy and been given the cancer all clear no malignancy, very pleased about that! 

User
Posted 06 Aug 2022 at 12:08

That's good to hear.


I would suggest you ask for annual PSA tests and make a record of them.


PSA tends to rise slowly with age, but if you get a more significant rise, that should be a red flag to be referred back for more tests.

User
Posted 06 Aug 2022 at 12:11

I have been discharged back to my GP for PSA test every 6 months for 2 years, if rises above 5, I will be referred back to hospital. 

User
Posted 30 Sep 2023 at 14:58
Hi Nesty,

I found your post as I have similar symptoms, I was fine until I ruptured my Achilles and had surgery, a bad reaction to oxy and I did not eat for several days. Shortly thereafter I started with what I thought was a UTI, urine tests are negative and the irritation is between my anus and belly button.
I also have,
ED
Loss of appetite (changed diet no caffeine, alcohol)
Urinary urgency
zero sleep

My PSA is low, prostate is not enlarged but an exam revealed "inflamed' Doctor claims its prostatitis which it may very well be.
I am 3 of 4 weeks into Cipro and gains have been very small, bladder ultrasound shows emptying is fine, kidneys clear, groin has 3 small hernia. Colonoscopy is negative.
I can't sit/stand in one spot very long and my urologist appointment is months away. My condition eases if I wear an athletic support.
I have cancer in the family, looking for any advice.

Thanks to any responses
User
Posted 30 Sep 2023 at 20:32

Hi Matt


 


Sorry to hear of your problems, I do feel for you, it’s a right s**ty condition, a couple of things from your post stand out.


 


Firstly, 3 weeks of Cipro, after what I had (I know everyone different), but IMHO that drug is very concerning. Why has the GP prescribed this have you actually got an infection, has that been proven? I too had the same issue that sitting in one spot for a while became painful, my prostate upon Ultrasound diagnosed, as slightly enlarged. My father had his prostate removed at 65, so cancer runs in my family.


 


Alongside, with my NHS treatment (to rule out cancer), I also went private in London, I had confidence in the NHS for cancer checks, but they were guessing about my inflammation. I had a Stamey test privately, which came back negative, I had no bacterial infection, but it could have been viral (CPPS). I was offered some pricey treatment for symptom management, but my research suggested it was not proven and negotiable success, so I didn’t take up on it.


 


I didn’t need to take the Cipro, but the NHS GP’s, just wanted to ply me with any drugs. I felt let down by the NHS, it’s a poorly understood condition and the NHS (cancer check aside), is not up on Prostatitis, it’s mainly a guessing game for them.


 


Though, I still have some pain up the back passage, this comes and goes feels like cramps, but my latest PSA came back 3.1, lower than before at 3.7. I believe I have CPPS, basically chronic pelvis pain syndrome from my Prostrate, but antibiotics won’t help this condition, though it probably will never go just manage the symptoms, which are much better than last year.


 


I have considered just spending some money and going to a recommended centre in Poland, to get this sorted and diagnosed once and for all, they appear to be much more clued up on the condition than here in the UK. IMHO, the NHS has not got the resources to deal with these conditions.


 


Hope the above helps.


 


 

 
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