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Posted 2/2/2010 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
To all:

        My name is dan. Please tell me what your experience says about my condition and future.

I had bad bout of strep, which after a week or so made my lower back hurt. I was on anti-biotics for 2-3 days when I began to have extreme difficulty peeing I finally went to the Dr. who ran tests. He said I had permanent kidney damage (50%), and they ran more blood work. My psa came back 34 and Dr. said i had an extremely enlarged prostrate. On flowmax now which worked wonders immediately. I am on more anti-biotics now in preperation for appt. with urology specialist in 2 weeks.

       I am 54 yrs old and have always been very active, married. My health had been pretty good with exception of sport injurys. I've been battling the last 2 yrs or so with on/off urge to urinate, sometimes 5-6 times at night. Sometimes only once or so. My lower back continues to be sore, not so uncomfortale, but you know it's there. Then again, it's been like that for many (15+ yrs). I always put it off to intense sports etc..

       It's only been 4 days or so since the Dr called with results and I did as much research as I could> which seems to indicate I am with PC. My wife and me are on a roller coaster. I'm scared but have no delusions and am prepared (at least I think I am). This site has brought me out of the dumps and educated me, although I can see I need to do much more reading. Back at work but having trouble concentrating and sleeping, as is wife.

       From what I've read (and I know I could be entirely wrong), the PC might be fairly advanced. Most of the posts I've read have much lower PSA readings than mine, being caught during routine physicals etc.... I simply chose to ignore. I had a physical while active duty about 15 yrs ago and the dr told me I had a slightly enlarged prostrate, but never elaborated, and like I said I chose to ignore.  Words of wisdom from the experts here would be much appreciated. Thanks. 

       

Posted 2/2/2010 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
St. Louis,

Welcome here. I understand the fear at this point. Keep in mind, the high PSA number can simply be related to non-cancerous prostate problems, the enlarged prostate, infection, etc.

You said you are going to meet with a urologist soon. Good. He/she will want to do a DRE Digital Rectal Exam, the finger of the bum, to see if they can feel anything, perhaps you have had one recently or in the past.

The only way to know if you have Prostate Cancer PC, is to submit to a prostate biopsy. Has one been ordered or talked about? Not the most pleasant thing in the world, but we all get through it. Most men can endure them without big issues, some have had to be put asleep. I had 3 of them, most men only need 1. It is possible to show negative, then the doctor will monitor and decide to do another later, depends on a lot of circumstances.

Even if you test positive with the biopsy, there is no reason to assume you have advanced PC, again, too many unknowns and factors at this point. In your case, you already have non-cancerous prostate issues going on, so that alone could cloud the real PSA issues and numbers.

Best thing is to calm yourselves, I know no easy, and have that appt. with the urologist with an open mind. Please report back what you find out, or if you need a biopsy, we can give you good advice about the procedure. As is often said here at this forumn, the best way to overcome your fear, is with knowledge. The more you learn, the less afraid you will feel.

David in South Carolina
Posted 2/2/2010 4:14 PM (GMT 0)

Sorry you have to be here but Welcome to the site..

I vote you meet with the Uro....he'll probably want to do a biopsy - then you'll go on from there.

Posted 2/2/2010 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan,
Welcome to Healing Well. You have found a wealth of support.

You are correct in noticing that most of the guys here had PSAs around 4 or less when they were diagnosed. Mine was 23. But don't let that discourage you. There are guys here with numbers much higher and they are still around to talk about it. If you have spent any time looking around this site and checking out other guys' signatures, you will note that probably a biopsy is in your future. That will be important info for you.
Do you have a urologist picked out? He/she will be your friend on this long journey so find one you can work with.
Was this your first PSA?
Other guys will no doubt chime in so I will stop now.
The important thing is not to panic. You and your wife can weather this. Honest.
Good luck,
Jeff
Posted 2/2/2010 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the replies.

Your right, I have seen a few very high (Jeff) PSA's and it was encouraging to see your narrative. I think I'm as worried about my wife as I am myself, with job, insurance, finances, and not the least of which is how all this will effect our marraige and realtionship. We have just returned to the states a few months ago after 20 yrs with the AF in Europe and live very far away from any immediate family--as this is where they sent us.
I do not know the urologist I've been referred to at all. It was a referreal from the VA. I've had blood work done in the past for various health issues and I just assumed some/all of these would include PSA, but my record for following up is pretty bad as you can see. I've been hospitalized a few times in the past 3 yrs or so with tons of test, bloodwork etc.. but I would be guessing if it was PSA specific. Is it a generally accepted practice to do PSA on men past 50?
I'm prepared for a positive, I'm just hoping it hasn't spread. Thanks again for all who have responded. Last night was the first decent nights sleep I got> after I found this sight. Dan
Posted 2/2/2010 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan,the first thing you meed to do is relax then get educate about pc.we are here to help you.Two of my brothers had psa of 15 due to an enlarge gland.the other brother always had psa of 2 had to biop and in the second one they found pc.We know that you are scare and it is ok.Do all you need to do with your DR.Good luck. 
Posted 2/2/2010 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Dan: Take a deep breath. At this point your appointment is the next step. David gave you the best info that any of us can report back to you. You may or may not have PC only time will tell. At this time do some reading here and gain knowledge. Do keep us posted and as you have questions just post them here. At this time my best advise is hold that wife of yours and make love like you were just married yesterday!

Jeff T
Posted 2/2/2010 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Dan...just a bit of followup.

You stated permenent kidney damage (50%) after some tests. Not knowing any details of what caused the damage, I would expect that your psa is most likely due to the very enlarged and inflammed prostate due to complications from the kidneys. I would read up on BHP thoroughly and understand the difficulty in treating infection and inflamation with the prostate. Having only one elevated psa normally won't trigger a biopsy without a round or two of antibotics first that are specifically designed for prostate infections and inflamation. I have read of psa well over 50 and actually be the result of infection and inflamation, not cancer.

Hopefully this will be just a wake up call to take care of yourself and not ignore symptoms in the future. Maybe this current psa reading will not be related to prostate cancer at all.

Best of luck.
Posted 2/2/2010 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
We all know that hit upside the head feeling that comes with worrying that you might have PC and so you will find a lot of sympathy here. As others have said, the enlarged prostate (usually due to infection) can cause high PSA even when no cancer is present. So your first job is not to get too far ahead of reality. Cancer is a scary word, but PC generally gives you lots of time and lots of choices. Right now guessing whether you have PC and if so how serious it is is just about as accurate as flipping a coin to decide.

Your uro will have to decide whether to go on with antibiotics or directly to biopsy and the choice will depend on his evaluation of your medical history. My guess is he will take another PSA before deciding, so be ready to have nothing resolved on your first visit.

Continue to educate yourself but remember there at a lot of other things in life to pay attention to as well.
Posted 2/2/2010 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Dan, I live in SouthEast Missouri and was referred to the Washington University School of Medicine - Urologic Surgery Department for follow up. I highly recommend this group. They are affiliated with Barnes Hospital there in St. louis. There number to schedule an appointment is 314-362-8200. Good Luck, Kelly 
Posted 2/2/2010 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Guys:
Posted 2/2/2010 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Guys:
Posted 2/2/2010 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
To all:

Thank you all so much! Your advice and understanding is worth a lot. The Dr. told me my kidney damage was probably a result of my not being able to urinate/fully for a number of days before being seen. It kinda blocked up my system back to the kidneys and done some damage. Makes sense to me, as I was having very difficult time peeing at all, constant pain telling me I needed to but couldn't.
I have another PSA test scheduled approx. 4 days prior to my first appointment, 2 days before the Cipro, or whatever antibiotic they gave me runs out. KBAR--thanks so much for that info about Barnes Hospital in St Louis. Although I'm from St Louis, we are now stationed at Kirtland AFB in N.M. Like all of you's have already said, I know I'm getting way ahead of myself but my mind races.
I can see where I will have to educate myself, and downloaded all the abbreviations used. Keep sending the advice--and I agree--there are other things in life I need to pay attention to. When the Dr called with PSA results, I was clueless and all the initial stuff I read regarding very enlarged prostrate with a 34 PSA was very bad. This site, your experinces, and advice has lifted my mood and given me hope that even if a positive diagnosis, we can deal with it. Thanks!!!!!
Posted 2/2/2010 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
You cannot prove or disprove anything by examples, but to give you a point of reference, my PSA at diagnosis was 28 and was in the 30's by the time I started treatment. Yet, it was contained in prostate except for a microscopic extra prostatic extention. In fact, my first post op report said T2. Best of luck and I hope it is a severe infection.
Posted 2/3/2010 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I had my surgery in the city of St. Louis at BJC. Your numbers wouldn’t give most of us a warm fuzzy feeling, however all patronizing aside, you do have options. Best of luck to you! Hero
Posted 2/3/2010 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Dan,
I can't add anything to what already have been said. Your fear is normal, we all went through. Take a deep breath, there is nothing for you to do until you see the URO and get a biopsy done. Hopefully, you won't have to deal with PC
Posted 2/3/2010 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
To all:

Thanks again. I've continued to research as much as I can to educate myself>> and your all right, just have to wait till my appointment.

When the nurse called and told me results of my tests the only thing that stood out was the 34 PSA. I do remember her telling me my urine was clear. Although I had strep and inability to urinate/pain at the time, I take that to mean (now) that there was no sign of infection>> not a good sign. That said, I have another blood test a few days before my appt with the urologist. Can anyone tell me what to expect>> will he just ask questions about past health, do another blood test?

Nerves are much better and both me and wife got first full nights sleep. Like to think I've gotten half way use to the acceptance stage. We've talked alot, and I've finally came to the understanding all of you have explained--we can handle this! Dan
Posted 2/4/2010 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
Dan .. I found a site last night that had a lot of information I'd never heard before ... you might want to look it over. The site is http://www.prostrcision.com/qa/full-q-and-a.php
Posted 2/4/2010 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
The prostrcsion site was refreshing. If there's one thing everyone here has said over and over again-- it's take your time. I'm forever grateful I found all the wonderful people and advice given here!!!
Posted 2/11/2010 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Just had my bloood work done today in preperation for urologist appt next week.

  2 weeks ago my PSA was 34, today the PSA read 10. I've been on 13 days of Cipro antibiotic. Does this decrease indicate an infection and it still may drop more? Is 10 still high at this point? Thanks for all the wisdom. Dan

Posted 2/12/2010 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
This is a great news, however you look at it. Are you out of the woods completely? No, but you are in a much better place. Congratulations!
Posted 3/4/2010 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all:

               Just back from getting 3rd PSA result. It went down from 10some  3 weeks ago to 7.8 today (it's gone from 34 to 10, now 7.8 in 5 weeks). The dr. did say I may have had prostitus, and I was on Cipro for 2 weeks initially.  I've been on flow-max for these past few weeks and still have to go 3-4 times a night, plus I had relations with wife morning of test (?). I assume now I'll be headed back to Urologist. Do you think I'll be headed for biopsy? Thanks-Dan

Posted 3/4/2010 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan. Check out my PSA numbers. Hey buddy, its time to relax. Take a deep breath. Life is good and it aint over yet. Trust God. Believe. You will be okay. Educate yourself and hang with us brother.

Posted 3/4/2010 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
The fall in your PSA in response to antibiotic is great news. At your current PSA level your uro could decide on more antibiotics, just testing again in a month or two, or a biopsy.

Don't sweat the biopsy, it is a walk in the park -- unfortunately a rather nasty park where you are likely to pick up about a dozen rat bites before you get out.
Posted 3/5/2010 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Dan: Whewww...You are not out of the woods but you are in a much better situation. Will be waitn to see what a biopsy will show. Good bluck buddy..We are breathing a little easier.

Cajun Jeff
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