Saw Palmetto complex question

I've been taking the saw palmetto supplement Prostate 5XL.
As posted in my other thread,a recent MRI shows two hot spots in my Prostate.I'm told it could be inflammation or cancer.In two weeks I'm going in for a MRI needle biopsy.
I'm 60 years of age this month.
With my PSA rising I have a bad feeling. The last 4-5 years with a couple of yearly tests and then every 4 months or so.The 4.7 to 4.9 was a two month.
1.4
1.7
2.5
3.4
4.4
4.0 Yes went down once somehow.
4.5
4.7
4.9 and the last a couple of weeks ago was 5.6.Scary.
I do have a enlarged prostate(BPH) not too enlarged at 39.Very minimal BPH symptoms.Although,a bit more lately.

Anyway,my question is considering I may have cancer spots,should I continue taking the saw palmetto supplement?
Just taking a shot with you guys because i can't find any info online.
Another question please.Is a MRI needle biopsy very painful?I don't think the area will be numbed.

Thanks
Joe

Post Edited (Joe702) : 4/6/2012 8:47:22 AM (GMT-6)

Ron_L said...
I can't help with saw palmetto, but I'm not sure that I would want to go through a biopsy without a local anesthetic. My Uro used a local and I heard the needle "gun" (not sure what it's really called) more than i felt it. It was uncomfortable but not painful.

I've had two PCA3 tests and two biopsies and all were negative..
First biopsy wasn't bad and I was fine in a few hours.
The second biopsy with the same urologist was painful and after the 7th sample,I because very nauseous and he took another sample.Had some minor problems for awhile after that second one.
I'm told I bleed too much so my urologist only took 8 samples both times.
I'm with another urologist now and he sent me for the MRI.
I was nervous and I think I was told no numbing of the area because not many samples will be taken.My urologist is away for the holiday and will be back the 15th.

I guess the needle is the same when doing the MRI needle sampling.I believe they'll go in deeper to get to the hot spots shown.
Maybe the better question would be is the pain worse that a routine biopsy.

Post Edited (Joe702) : 4/6/2012 9:05:03 AM (GMT-6)

clocknut said...
I thought saw palmetto had been effectively discredited in terms of any benefits for the prostate. I don't see any reason for you to continue taking it. Good luck with the biopsy. My 12-core biopsy was really painless, and hope that's your experience this time around.

Might be placebo but I feel it works a bit.
I'm just concerned if taking the supplement would cause a problem if I have PC.
Maybe cause the PC to be more aggressive like I've read about those Glucosamine, Chondroitin joint supplements ahile ago.

Thanks on the good luck with my MRI needle biopsy.

The only thing saw palmetto might possibly do is to help urine flow, and most doubt that.

For urine flow, hytrin or alfuzosin might help instead. Good luck.

Joe:  I was given the same anethesia as used for a colonoscopy.  I didn't have to ask for it; it was just part of the procedure.  Out cold for what seemed like a second.  No pain during or after. No problems afterwards and it was a 12 core procedure.  Try asking your doctor about this and it will take that part of the worry away. Good luck.

Bill K. from NJ