Just diagnosed - here we go!!! - Start here! - Prostate Cancer UK Online Community

User

Posted 26 Jun 2022 at 17:16

Hi all,

Didn't think I'd be joining a cancer forum !

My story so far - been asking my doctor for a PSA test for the last 2 years due to being in my 50's (57) and watching adverts on TV about PC. All I had back was I have no symptoms and didn't need one. So I left it. Beginning of February I was having a bloodtest for my ulcerative colitis which I have been in remission for at least 10 years. So I asked again and this time I was given one, my PSA came back at 9.8 so was then given a DRE which I was told had some hardening then mri followed. I then informed work I was to wait a few months for a biopsy, they offered to pay for me to have it done privately within 10 days biopsy done and results were T3b and gleason 7 (3+4) still reelling from it all but staying positive.

Been advised by consultant to have RP as best option as radiotherapy may cause UC to flare up again

So that's my story just waiting for date now

User

Posted 26 Jun 2022 at 19:22

Your GP is an idiot :-( Have you seen him / her since your diagnosis? I hope s/he is suitably embarrassed and has a better attitude to the next man over 50 who asks for a test - the NICE guidance says any man over 50 should be given one if he requests it, regardless of whether he has symptoms.

We have another member on here with UC - hopefully he will see your post and share his experience.

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

User

Posted 28 Jun 2022 at 21:22

Thanks LynEyre, it's no good beating myself up about my doctor, just glad it's getting sorted. Have been reading posts about UC very helpful thanks, also contacted specialist nurse who was very helpful and explained why they prefer RP over RT

User

Posted 29 Jun 2022 at 11:55

I was amazed that just this week my young stand-in GP told me that they are told to fob off men that ask for a PSA test of they have no symptoms. It is quite incredible. As someone who's first PSA test at the age of 50 was 72 and am now living with the consequences I find it shocking.

User

Posted 29 Jun 2022 at 21:01

Yes, sadly the fob off seems all too common. I attended a Wellman appointment in 2019 (I was 63 at the time). It was a locum Dr I hadn't seen before. When I asked about having a PSA test I was fobbed off saying it's not a very good test and gives a lot off false positives. This is despite me mentioning that I was peeing a lot slower than I used to. I went away in all ignorance thinking that I was worrying over nothing. Wind forward to November 2021 and I am diagnosed T3b, after being more insistent this time about a PSA test. I am angry with myself more than anything for not being more savvy about my health and doing what lots of men do, sticking my head in the sand.

User

Posted 29 Jun 2022 at 22:32

There is a known issue with men being more reluctant than women to see their GP about any health matters, and working class men are more reticent than middle class men, and northern men are more reticent than men from the Home Counties. You only have to look at heart disease & PCa statistics nationally to spot the pattern :-/

On the up side, it is very common now to see posters in the ladies' toilets at motorway services, etc., - "Does the man in your life get up during the night? Does he have problems emptying his bladder? Yes? Tell him to get a PSA test." I think it is brilliant.

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

User

Posted 29 Jun 2022 at 23:10

Ethnic minority men even less likely to go to the doctor.

Do you know who produces the posters you've seen? I haven't seen those available from any of the places I usually get awareness materials (such as PCUK).

User

Posted 30 Jun 2022 at 00:37

I don't but next time I stop at a services, I will check.

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

Notification

Just diagnosed - here we go!!!

Join the online community now.