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Tactics for PSA tests..

User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 10:27

Hi all

 

I have my first post RARP PSA test in a couple of weeks and already its starting to play on my mind. This will no doubt increase as I get nearer the day.

I was wondering what successful tactics people use to help cope with the worry that comes hand in hand with the PSA testing. This will now be something I have to do for the rest of my life, like so many in here too.

Any successful coping ideas and techniques would be great to hear about :)

Thanks

Gus

User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 12:16

Gus, apply a bit of logic, does worrying affect the result, if not then don't worry about it. What happens if the result goes down , have a celebration or just say that's good. What happens if the result goes up, ask what is the next thing in the plan.

I am now over 11 years into this journey and have had more rises than falls , I stopped worrying about results about 10 years ago.

I had a similar attitude to work if something wasn't going to plan start a new plan.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 13:02
PSA anxiety - only answer is to start drinking 1 month before and don't stop until 1 month after.
User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 12:10

Hi again Gus.

Most of us get PSA anxiety. I have had umpteen PSA checks over the past ten years. I had them prior to cancer diagnosis, after diagnosis, whilst on active surveillance, then following surgery.

At each stage they cause stress. At first, its have I got it? Then, I've got it, but will it need treating? Then, after surgery, will it come back again? I'm sick of PSA tests. 🙂

In a couple of weeks, I've got my two year post op, follow up PSA. I'm already keeping my fingers crossed for continued good news.

I vividly remember getting my first post op PSA result. About seven weeks after RARP,  I had a heart attack, and was admitted to hospital awaiting treatment. The wife came to visit and brought in a letter from my urology surgeon requesting a blood test. One of the cardiology nurses kindly said she'd get it sorted. The next day she gave me the PSA undetectable results. I was over the moon! Thank God it was good news. Had it not been, I'd probably had heart failure.😁

I don't think I'll ever eliminate PSA anxiety, but I have reduced it by ensuring I get the results asap. When I had the blood tests at the hospital, it took ages to get the results. I now get them done at my GP surgery who's on Systmonline. I can access the results usually within 24 hours.

I also saw some quote on worrying too much. It was something like 'Worry will only spoil today, and never change tomorrow'. I tell myself that everytime I start to feel a bit stressed.

I hope your results are favourable, mate. I think you'd have to have nerves of steel not to be a bit anxious.

Good luck pal.👍

 

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User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 12:10

Hi again Gus.

Most of us get PSA anxiety. I have had umpteen PSA checks over the past ten years. I had them prior to cancer diagnosis, after diagnosis, whilst on active surveillance, then following surgery.

At each stage they cause stress. At first, its have I got it? Then, I've got it, but will it need treating? Then, after surgery, will it come back again? I'm sick of PSA tests. 🙂

In a couple of weeks, I've got my two year post op, follow up PSA. I'm already keeping my fingers crossed for continued good news.

I vividly remember getting my first post op PSA result. About seven weeks after RARP,  I had a heart attack, and was admitted to hospital awaiting treatment. The wife came to visit and brought in a letter from my urology surgeon requesting a blood test. One of the cardiology nurses kindly said she'd get it sorted. The next day she gave me the PSA undetectable results. I was over the moon! Thank God it was good news. Had it not been, I'd probably had heart failure.😁

I don't think I'll ever eliminate PSA anxiety, but I have reduced it by ensuring I get the results asap. When I had the blood tests at the hospital, it took ages to get the results. I now get them done at my GP surgery who's on Systmonline. I can access the results usually within 24 hours.

I also saw some quote on worrying too much. It was something like 'Worry will only spoil today, and never change tomorrow'. I tell myself that everytime I start to feel a bit stressed.

I hope your results are favourable, mate. I think you'd have to have nerves of steel not to be a bit anxious.

Good luck pal.👍

 

User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 12:16

Gus, apply a bit of logic, does worrying affect the result, if not then don't worry about it. What happens if the result goes down , have a celebration or just say that's good. What happens if the result goes up, ask what is the next thing in the plan.

I am now over 11 years into this journey and have had more rises than falls , I stopped worrying about results about 10 years ago.

I had a similar attitude to work if something wasn't going to plan start a new plan.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 12:35

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
I had a similar attitude to work if something wasn't going to plan start a new plan.

A bit like, The Chancellor of the Exchequer. 

Edited by member 30 Jan 2025 at 13:39  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 30 Jan 2025 at 13:02
PSA anxiety - only answer is to start drinking 1 month before and don't stop until 1 month after.
 
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