Many Thanks!

I posted here about a month ago asking for help.  45 Years old.  12/11 PSA 2.6; 04/12 PSA 2.8; 12/12 PSA 4.46.  I had a prostate biopsy one year ago which showed no cancer but my PSA was rising to the level of my last PSA which was in December 2012 (4.46).  Have symptoms of urinary frequency.

My former urologist wanted to wait another six months for a PSA and many of you suggested that I find another urologist.  I did that and had my appointment today. 

Although I had signed a release form asking for all of my medical records to be sent to the new urologist they only sent the notes from my list office visit so the new doctor didn't have any of the old PSA readings or the pathology report from my biopsy.  As you can imagine it was horribly frustrating.  From my oral history he ordered another PSA test as well as a Free PSA test (which my old urologist had never ordered).  Based on what they find on the new PSA test as well as (hopefully) the complete notes from my previous office visits and pathology report from the biopsy they will let me know what to do next.  I did have a trace of blood in my urine today which I had never had in any previous visits to my knowledge.

I wanted to thank those of you who took the time to answer my question last month and who suggested that I change urologists. I really like the new Doctor's personality and he seems to be willing to listen to me.  You have all done so much for each other and I am so pleased to have been able to know some of you.  I wish you all the best and I will keep you updated if anything changes.

Todd

Todd,
Glad you found a doctor that is now working for you.

In the future, try to keep a copy of "Your Records".
I have PSA results from back to Jan. 2000 to refer to. I
have had several uro's due to relocating. You never know
when you may need them.

I need to buy a couple of frames to put my <.1 results in.

Stay in touch and good luck.

Bill

Todd,

Glad you found a doctor you like. One of the things that I've been struck by here is how many bad doctors are out there, and how many guys remain committed to those bad doctors.

I'm optimistic about a good outcome for you. Let us know what happens.

Jonathan

Thanks everyone....yes I agree with all of you. As a matter of fact when they called to get my credit card number to charge me for the records ($14.50) I asked that they send a copy of the records to me as well. When I got the four pages of notes from my last appointment (and not the year of records including a biopsy, cystoscopy and two PSA tests) I was curious but assumed they sent the complete records to my new Dr. You can imagine my frustration when I found out they got only what I got. Makes me wonder why they sent incomplete records. I can't wait for them to call to charge me for the "new" set of records. They may be on the phone for a while. Honestly I wouldn't have had the courage to make this change without this group. Thank you! If this DOES end up being something serious I know I am now in the hands of a Dr. I feel comfortable with.
Todd

Hello All.....just got the results from my PSA and free PSA tests today. My PSA was 3.0 which the doctor said was "good" and a free PSA was 13% which he said was "favorable". He's going to re-test in three months to make sure it's staying stable. Does all this make sense to everyone? Thanks again for all of your help and input.
Todd

Insist on your records and advise doctor you have switched to another urologists. The doctor and/or staff may or may not know of your intent. I have never heard of charging for your records. Another option would be to have your new doctor request your records. This is normally a courtesy between doctors when a patient changes doctors. You have a right to change doctors and it is a courtesy to tell the previous one why. It is not a requirement. They are your records being held by the doctors. They are not the doctors. That is my take anyway

I'm not certain what the purpose was for charging me for my records except perhaps it was because it was me who was requesting them. After my appointment with the new Uro I signed another release and I'm assuming the complete records were sent over since then. I originally was just seeking a second opinion but now that I've been to the new Doctor I am going to be staying with him. He seems to be very thorough but is being very respectful of the fact that I don't have insurance.....didn't have to make a special visit just to get results and will also get phone results in three months so I'm not having to pay for office visits every time like I was at the last Uro.

I was a little concerned with the free PSA number as well but I'm assuming that that will make more sense with the three month re-test???