Hi all
I had a transperineal biopsy yesterday. YOU DO NOT NEED TO WORRY!
This my first post and I wanted to share my experience.
Long story short, I had some ‘well man’ tests at my doctors surgery and was asked if I wanted my PSA tested. I agreed and it came back at 5.5 which isn’t too bad but as I haven’t had great urine flow for the last few years I suggested that it was taken further.
An appointment was made with a urologist at our local hospital.
We sat and had a chat and explained that I was concerned as I know of several guys that have had problems.
At 65 and with me ‘managing’ my waterworks he said that we could just leave it, but could have an examination but probably didn’t need one.
I had travelled to the hospital expecting a DRE so explained that I wanted to take this further just in case.
The doctor made me lie on the side, donned some latex gloves whilst he was still suited and booted with his watch on! Had a prod around for a few seconds (which was no big deal) and announced that my prostate was enlarged and a bit irregular on one side.
He explained that this was not of major concern but wanted me to have an MRI. I received a leaflet about it and also another explaining a prostate biopsy.
I then didn’t watch any TV and binged on YouTube and the net most evenings which made me quite anxious.
I got an appointment and in a couple of weeks time returned to the hospital.
The MRI was a walk in the park, taking about 40 mins. It was a bit noisy but I believe I nodded off at one stage! Mistakenly I thought the the results would be looked at immediately and I’d get some feedback but no, another couple of weeks.
Two weeks went by so I called the urologist’s secretary and left a message.
A few days later on a Friday I received a phone call from the doctor, who explained that he knew I called and wanted to let me know what was going on as he had the results.
He started off by saying that he doesn’t like to make calls with results on a Friday as it could ruin the weekend(!) He told me that there was an area of concern that was PI-RADS 4.and wanted me to have a biopsy.
I got an appointment for a couple of weeks later….. then my anxiety set in, probably because I read and watched everything I could online.
If you’re bored reading this already and you are having a prostate biopsy soon, watch this: It made my wife and I laugh out loud and in actual fact it’s a fairly accurate portrayal of the event!
https://youtu.be/pfGFUVzkd7I?si=3d4AD_fmD-6nq43m
______________________________
This is how mine went yesterday:
No breakfast, couldn’t face it, cup of tea and a coffee
Arrive at hospital a bit early (that’s a first for me) coffee and a KitKat, couldn’t face anything else. Then was concerned that I might want a pee whilst ‘in the stirrups’
Checked in and did a sample, looked down at my lovely healthy pale yellow pee….
Called to the procedure room and went through things together with airing my concerns with a delightful nurse who explained everything. Took pulse and blood pressure. Both high, I was behaving very confident but secretly crapping my pants!
Then met the urologist who was great but I thought quite young. In my ‘Dad’ humour asked if I was the second one he was about to do.
We got on very well and I later learned that he is well repected with lots of experience in the prostate field. He’s got loads of letters after his name too!
Starkers, wearing safety socks and two gowns, one of them back to front walked through to meet my maker……
On the way stopped for another pee!
Thinking there may be a large audience I took a deep breath. Then I suggested that they had forgotten to give me any antibiotics. No… they don’t normally do that anymore so in an instance knew that I was going to get an infection and be catheterised soon.
There was just the executioner in the room and two young delightful nurses.
Elon John was playing in the background and I was made comfortable on the chair bed thingy.
The nurses chatted away while my ankles were put in place and I got an extra pillow for comfort.
My tackle was scooped up and taped up out of the way.
The doctor explained everything that was going to happen and I really felt at ease! Really!
He said you’ll feel a little prick - I did! Arse in the air covered in iodine and lubricant about to make a porn movie with my socks on and old chap shrunken to the size it was before puberty!
I had a couple of local anaesthetic jabs that were no more painful than those at the dentist.
Ultrasound probe but in bum, I think with some anaesthetic gel? That was ok.. all this going on whilst one of the nurses asking me which way I drove to work and how the weather hasn’t been too bad.
Then ‘the’ needle was inserted which I don’t think I felt.
I asked a few questions but felt I should shut up in case he missed the target. Was then told I was going to have 16 samples taken….
This feeling of pinging an elastic band scenario is probably about right, if you’ve read about?
This really is going ok, snap, snap. He moved needle a bit and the next one made me wince a bit but if this is as bad as it gets I’ve been really anxious for no reason.
I think we got to about 11 and I was continually asked if I wanted some more anaesthetic but although it was beginning to hurt a bit I wanted to be able tell everyone how brave I was by refusing. I think I said at one stage “f**k it take a few more if you like!”
This really isn’t too bad.
Before I knew it the bits and bobs were removed from my anatomy and I was told that I did great and that all went well. I really don’t know if they say that to everyone or not!
I was cleaned up and my legs were released from the birthing position.
Stood up and then was told to sit for a minute of two… apparently some guys get a bit dizzy afterwards.
Walked through to the initial area and was greeted by the smiling face of the nurse I originally saw.
Brief chat and then blood pressure and pulse taken. She said my pulse was 90 when I arrived and 71 after biopsy!
I was told all about aftercare, any problems etc together with details of the new Indian food delivery service in the area!
I was freezing cold but she said it was the adrenaline in the anaesthetic I had?
Two cups of water later (they need to make sure you can pee afterwards in case of any problems) I thought I could probably have yet another pee.
Went into the loo and was about to pull up my gown but couldn’t feel my penis… to my delight it was still there but of course I couldn’t feel a thing.
Then I waited and felt like I wanted to go.. weird felling, but yes! It took a while but It had arrived, bright red that I expected followed by much clearer pee by time I got to probably around half a cup full.
I knew this was going to happen and apparently can last for up to a couple of weeks.
When the nurse knew I could pee ok, Ieft to meet my personal driver (my lovely wife!)
Who drove me home, I could have driven but being a bit numb probably good that she did.
And that was it! Lots of anxiety that was largely unnecessary, but an unusual experience. It was more strange and uncomfortable than painful.
I was really, really tired when I arrived home. I didn’t do a lot for the rest of the day, drinking lots of water as instructed to keep the tubes clear.
I realise it’s different for others, the patient before me said he couldn’t feel a thing.
So if you’re worried…. Don’t, no need, it’s over before you know it.
Would I want to have another biopsy? Not really, but if I did I certainly wouldn’t worry about it anything like as much. I believe it’s the fear of the unknown.
I hope this helps. I now have to wait for the results, we’ll see… fingers crossed.
…and best wishes to everyone on this forum.
Edit: If you feel anything like I did prior to the biopsy, definitely have a look at the YouTube link at the beginning of this post.