Strictures

Have they ruled out dilation at this point? My Dad had it done a couple times after brachytherapy.

Past two days have been tough. I'm passing half inch clots and smaller ones.
I'm okay with that but the fear factor is having the concern about retention. It stinks having to worry about if and when I may need to go to the ER
Dilation may not be a permanent fix but I would like to have some relief.
Hate to rant about this. On top of this my elbow replacement is getting worse.
Seems the doctor finger packed the cement in the ulnar bone because the syringe would not fit the small inside of the bone.
I'm not blaming him but he said the cement which he called grout is not holding. This causes my arm to wobble with gravity.
In other words I will aim for a letter on the keyboard and my arm will flob to another one.
The arm still hurts maybe not as much but does hurt.
Anyway that adds to my stress.

Glen

Swan…I feel your fear. (I have it too). Not long after surgery, my stricture was opened by dilation. I would have left it alone except for the fact that I had a kidney stone too big to pass that was beginning to block my ureter. So the stricture had to be opened to blast the stone.

During the last couple of months, my urine stream has fallen off and my left kidney is beginning to hurt again. So I may be right behind you. This stuff is definitely no vacation…but there’s hope for a fix if not a cure.

Keep us posted on the outcome of your appointment. Only 5 more days until the expert weighs in. And ranting is allowed here. You’re not alone with this.

BTW…you’ve got a good urologist. According to the experts (of which I don’t pretend to be)…strictures should never be opened with a scope. My last urologist tried to do this. He put his shoulder into it and it still wouldn’t open. I got a new urologist at that point. Definitely not fun and the fear can consume you. So if it’s any comfort at all just know you are not the Lone Ranger…even though it can certainly feel that way.

Just one more thing. I’ve also just recently had paraphimosis due to the treatment of another condition. It’s normally due to infection. So just because you had that last time doesn’t mean that you’ll get it again. What helped mine the most was going the extra mile to keep the area clean even if it meant 2, sometimes 3 showers a day. Don’t let it get a foothold when it begins to appear. Ask your doctor. Prescription steroid cream helped as well.

Again…please keep us posted and good luck!

BTW back in the 90,s I had a uric acid stone that after 6 stents I passed a half inch one.
When it got clogged in the ureter, wow I almost passed out. Had emergency cysto and splashed the entire room! What an instant relief.
But the stone was tenacious and it took months before it passed.

G

I don't know exactly what the deal was with the catheter being misplaced and at this point it's water over the dam. I'm just relating what my urologist said.
I'm quite active and workout at the gym located in my building and get out often. Tonight we are taking my mother in law out to dinner for her 100th birthday at battery park city.
I only ruminate when I'm in my head which yes is a dangerous place to be Lol
Sad to say that each trip to the bathroom does include a bit of fear as far as whether I'll be able to or not. That's hard to avoid.
I suppose once we have a game plan I'll be a little more relaxed.

Glen

Thanks to Island time and Az
It's good to know I'm not alone.
I'm going over my worries and yes retention is the main concern but I'm also fearful of self dilation and self catherization.
I don't think I'm able to do this.
My pain issues are bad and bending over is very difficult. Add that my right arm doesn't work well after the failed elbow replacement surgery. In fact the pain is worse.
I'm hoping dilation works.

Glen

Glen, I have had you in my thoughts and prayers as I follow your posts.
That is the way it always is in Buffalo too. The weather is so unpredictable until you have something important to do.
I will say an extra prayer the weather is good and you can get answers.
Thinking of you and best wishes

I took the local train and got out at Tarrytown (the doctor is in Tarrytown) I asked a taxi driver is they are always at the Metro-North station and he said they were. I took his card. Since it's a 50 mile trip and the weather may be very icy, I may take the Metro-North to Tarrytown.
I was shocked at the price of the fare-Only eight dollars!
Took a taxi on Chambers street three and a half blocks and since it was after 8pm the fare was $8.70 The trip to White Plains road from the station is at least 3 miles.

Anyway I pushed very hard (sorry if it's tacky) at both ends and a clotty mess of blood and urine came out. I did not feel like I emptyed out but feel I got a lot out. I'm home (Upstate place) and am drinking water and taking extra vitimins.
I am praying each time I go that I will not retain.

Glen

Good morning.
I had a regular void this morning. It's strange how it can be an awful bloody mess to regular yellow.
For now I'm sticking with cystitis causing blood loss and gradual clot formation.
I'll either drive to the doctor or take the train.. looks like about five or six inches of snow outside.
Glen

Saw Doctor G. Joice today. He's a very nice guy and he allowed me time to go over my history from Pca diagnosis to recent issues.
He did take a blood sample to see if I am losing a lot of blood. If nothing else, it gives me peace of mind.
He will get back to me as to when he will do the surgery because he wants to fit me in soon. My regular urologist seems to always be laid back about my treatment and franky it ticked me off. Dr Joice is trying his best to get me in ASAP.
He told me balloon dialation is the best first choice plus during the procedure, he can view my bladder and treat the cystitis if it is present.
He told me there is a chance of incontinence. Therefore he is not going to open me up too much.
Doctor is getting in touch with the Optilume people to see if this treatment may help in my case. I think size of the stricture plays into this.
While not happy about maybe "dribbling" after the surgery, the alternative is far worse.

So I am pleased and BTW I am voiding okay today.

Glen

Mel I sent an email

G

What is the recovery time for your upcoming surgery?
Do you come home the same day?
Do you have to have a cath afterwards?

Mel