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Posted 3/3/2016 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,

Went for my annual physical last week, 53 years of age. Over the last 6 years PSA was as follows:

2009 2.2
2010 1.6
2011 2.6
2011 - Retest 2.3
2012 2.2
2013 1.9
2/2016 5.0

I missed a year because of a move, but the jump scares me to say the least. My primary said it could be something other than PC because of the sudden jump. But better safe than sorry. Made an appointment with the urologist and will see him next week. I will let you guys know how it turns out. Any advice is welcome.
Posted 3/3/2016 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Philly, sorry for the increase and yes it could be something else like prostatitis. Did your PCP indicate that your prostate was enlarged?

Seeing the uro now is a smart thing. A solid course of action would be to put you on an antibiotic for a couple of months to see if that cures an infection...then a re-test of the PSA. Don't have sex or bike ride or anything vigorous with your prostate prior to a new PSA test. Of course if the doc feels some hardness in the prostate upon DRE, he/she may suggest moving directly to biopsy now.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

Jim
Posted 3/3/2016 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Phillyman,
Good idea to get that checked out. I missed a year and went from alls well to OH crap so although maybe nothing make sure it gets investigated. Best wishes.
Posted 3/3/2016 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Philly!

Just see the uro, and see what he has to say. No need to freak out! In most cases, a rise in PSA such as yours will end up being many other things other than cancer.

The DRE will shed some light, but the advice Jim gives is right on. Just breath, even with a jump in PSA, and it ends up being a cancer, it will very likely (99%+) be curable and nothing too serious.

Please let us know how things turn out and ask all the questions you want!

Jordan
Posted 3/3/2016 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Remember, PSA isn't a test for cancer. It measures prostate activity and size. Any number of things can cause the jump, infection, enlargement, bad day at the lab. What you have is a high PSA number that needs investigation. Sudden jumps are more likely due to infection. PC tends to move slowly.

At this point you need to see a URO and start the test. Before even thinking cancer, you have to eliminate all other possibilities.

Hang in there and keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 3/3/2016 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Guys,

I cant tell you how much I appreciate your input. Funny thing, I moved from Michigan to Philly last year, my primary in Michigan would always do the DRE, then send me off for bloodwork (I know not the best policy). My new Doc didn't event do a DRE, just blood work. In any event I will keep you guys updated after I see the Uro next week. Thanks again and my best to everyone.
Posted 3/3/2016 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome and sorry at the same time. This was me 6 weeks ago so the super freak is still fresh.
At this point, all I can say for sure is there is no such thing as too much information. Read up and try to get as much info as you can. It will help once you are in your urologists office and he is explaining all the dark and dreary possibilities.
A great idea to take someone with you if possible because once he mentions and starts talking about cancer, if like me, denial and mental block will.set in, and its a good chance you won't remember much or be able to answer any questions once you get home.

Best of luck and here's to a high PSA due to a nasty prostatitis or over-worked sex drive. (Apparently blind isn't the only thing you get if you "don't stop it")
Posted 3/9/2016 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

Just a quick update. Just got back from the urologist, terrific guy. He was very good at explaining things. He did a DRE and said that everything felt good, my prostrate was a bit enlarged but didnt seem to concerned. Will do a retest in 4 weeks and go from there. I will let everyone know.

Thanks again for all your advice and I wish everyone well.
Posted 3/9/2016 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
An enlarged prostate could cause a high PSA. Wait and retest sounds like the right plan.

Andrew
Posted 3/9/2016 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Be sure to ask for the free/total PSA ratio.
Posted 3/9/2016 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks JFL,

Will do.
Posted 3/9/2016 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
The PSA did not catch my PC, it was the DRE!!!! We need to do both...
Posted 3/10/2016 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
Phillyman, here's a few things to be aware of before the next PSA:

In the 48 hours before the blood draw, don't stimulate the prostate if you can help it. This means no sex (or self care in that way), no bike riding. Drink plenty of water to keep things flushed out. No DRE before the blood draw.
Posted 3/10/2016 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Phillyman

You're on the right track and are receiving all the right advice, breathe and go through the process; you'll come out the other end I promise!

Halbert makes a good point on the exercise/sex before your next PSA. I'll just add that, in my case, I found that 2-3 days of abstinence from both did NOT lower my Prostatitis based PSA and it took at least a week to move the needle. I'm not trying to make life miserable for you... just to say don't skimp on that advice!!!

I was also advised by folks here to do an NSAID (I used Aleve) for a few days prior to the test and THAT had the greatest effect of all on calming things down. Track the PSA in my signature and you'll see what I mean.

Good luck dude, by coming ere you did yourself the greatest service of all.

Paul
Posted 3/10/2016 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Guys,

I cant' tell you all how much I everyones guidence and support, you guys are the best. I will definitly follow everyones advice. I will keep everyone updated along the way. Next test is April 8th.

My best to everyone,
Andy
Posted 4/18/2016 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Quick update:

Results of the PSA retest came back, PSA went from 5 to 3 (8 weeks). Going to recheck in 3 months. URO said drop doesn't indicate a biopsy at this time. Thanks again for everyone's advice and suggestions.
Posted 4/18/2016 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds good. If it does elevate again in the future, could be worth getting a 3T MRI report before going to biopsy.
My DRE's were always clear, maybe as the lesions were fully contained (but were found with an MRI scan).

Post Edited (shudderingThud) : 4/18/2016 4:39:45 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/18/2016 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with your Uro. It's likely nothing. But keep your appointment and retest in 3 months. Years before my Dx my psa jumped up to 4.4 from low 3's, then fall back to 3.4 right before my scheduled biopsy. Uro said the same thing. It just didn't justify a biopsy. It hovered in the mid-3's for more than a year before jumping up into the 4's again. I took my time before acting on the second jump (listening to the negative psa hype). I think I waited about a year. By the time of my biopsy it had risen to 5.9 at time of Dx. I regret not acting sooner.
Posted 4/18/2016 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Good news.

Avoiding a biopsy is a good thing.

Keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 4/19/2016 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Another GOOD reason to go to church!

Great news.
Posted 4/19/2016 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
I started getting PSA's done at age 50. Every year, they went up from the previous. At age 55, it hit the 4.0 mark, and had my first biopsy. Negative, but lots of PIN. Next year, went to 12.3, 2nd biopsy, negative, but lots of HGPIN and some suspicious shadows. 3rd biopsy, about 6 weeks later, 7 out of 7 cores positive, 40-90% cancer, Gleason 7. Doctor was right about the shadows and had begged me to have the 3rd biopsy, where I wanted to wait another year. He was right, I was wrong. Rest was history.

You very well may not have cancer, but at 5.0, all other reasons need to be ruled out first, based on my history, I would want a biopsy.

Good luck, hope you never need to belong here
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