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Posted 3/13/2023 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Well I’m getting close to my yearly stress test , I mean uro visit …
Last time my PSA was 2.48 up from 1.85 year before
I’m 64 yrs old , no history of PC , do have enlarged prostate and have had for years .
The last test ( 2.48) was with a new lab …
All others were the same lab ..
My digital exams have all been normal ..
So what do these “ new guidelines “ mean for me
I hope this years PSA doesn’t go any higher
Posted 3/13/2023 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
This is just my opinion and i dont know much outside of my own experience, so please take it with a grain of salt.....
Seems t me this qualifies, at least from 2014 on, as a slow, ssteady uptrend, which (again, from my experience) is possibly indicating that a biopsy is called for. Have you had one yet? While the absolute number is not that hgh for your age, especially with a large prostate, the trend might be of some concern. If you do get another rise, i would ask a lot of questions if i am told "see you in a year"

Again, don't be alarmed. Just be vigilant
Posted 3/13/2023 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
What guidelines are you referring to? More in general, guidelines are for those who have a confirmed case of prostate cancer.
So far, you are not in that group, but those increasing PSA values are worrisome. If I were you, I would read up on biopsies though.
Posted 3/13/2023 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
This is weird because every response I’ve had with prior posts have said “ you have no need to be concerned “

I posted last year when my PSA came back at 2.48 and everyone responding said no reason to be concerned…

Post Edited (cvc) : 3/13/2023 4:40:24 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 3/13/2023 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Pratoman no never had biopsy , uro said not needed ..
Last year when I posted the raise in numbers , everyone said no need to worry ,
I guess I will wait until this years apt to see what he says

Post Edited (cvc) : 3/13/2023 4:27:34 PM (GMT-8)

Posted 3/14/2023 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
Brotherly advice ...

The fact that you have questions about your rising PSA, IS the very answer to your own question.

Follow up with your doctor. That's the place to start.

Please don't target members here directly by name, who simply reached out to you in good faith. As supportive battle brothers here, they were simply offering their support and encouragement to you.

Rising PSA can be caused by various things, and you already know your PSA is rising.

You and your doctor can discuss the benefits of having a biopsy, if warranted.

Due diligence serves everyone well.

With my best ~
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 3/14/2023 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Oh I didn’t mean to “target “ anyone here , I appreciate everyone’s responses and help , I just wonder why someone’s decision or opinion may have changed .
Again , didn’t mean to sound like I’m blaming or targeting anyone , I would never do that intentionally ..
Sorry if I came across that way .. sometimes I don’t choose my words correctly
Posted 3/14/2023 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
And that's WHY we have an EDIT button, to go back and revise or clarify or brush out verbiage, as needed.

CYCLONE
Posted 3/14/2023 12:40 AM (GMT 0)

Cyclone-ISU said...
And that's WHY we have an EDIT button, to go back and revise or clarify or brush out verbiage, as needed.

CYCLONE


Done 👍
Posted 3/14/2023 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
cvc,

Looking at your data that was a relatively big jump between 2021 and 2022.

Hopefully it stays the same or drops.

If it continues up, insist on a 6 month, or even 3 month, followup instead of 12 months.

Do you have any other symptoms? up alot at night for the bathroom? problems urinating?
Posted 3/14/2023 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
I’ve had a weak stream for years ever since I’ve been told I had and enlarged gland .
Usually one time at night sometimes two.
Uro said gland feels normal ..
This last test used a new lab at the hospital , prior Dr sent to a different lab
Posted 3/14/2023 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Your PSA is in the normal range for your age and you said the DRE was unremarkable. Thus you continue to monitor it, perhaps more frequently as was mentioned. You should expect your PSA to increase with age and you state a weak stream due to enlargement for some time. Enlargement is most often what causes an increase in PSA.

Best I know is to continue to do what you are doing and make triple sure you are with the best urologist you can find. Don’t hesitate to see another urologist for another assessment. Why not? Don’t we comparison shop much less important issues than our health? See another urologist for an assessment and DRE. Find one that truly specializes with the prostate. The FRE is more art than science and another assessment is to your advantage.
Posted 3/14/2023 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Stay the course…. You need another PSA to see what is going on which sounds like it will be done soon. If you get a large jump then you can discuss with Uro and hopefully a MRI will be recommended to see if there is anything obvious to target with a biopsy. As you probably know, a larger prostate tends to generate a higher PSA and your prostate getting older does also.

You will probably get some answers with the next visit.
Posted 3/14/2023 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
I don’t think the range bothers me , more the jump
Just wonder if the change last year in labs ?
Wishful thinking
Posted 3/14/2023 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
This rise in PSA is obviously on your mind.

A couple of questions:

* Do you have nagging, worrisome thoughts about your PSA?

* Do you feel you have a proactive doctor in your court?

* Lastly, do you personally feel you want a biopsy, just to "be sure" ~ one way or another?

It's important to underscore that we each have to become our own advocates, when we have health concerns.

That's been a powerful life lesson I have learned, along the way.

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 3/14/2023 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Well… I do have concerns about everything to do with my health..
I always stress right before my yearly exams ..
I don’t feel I want a biopsy ,,, I trust my Dr to tell me if and when he feels it necessary .
Last year when I brought it up he said “ you are a long ways from that “
I guess we shall see what this year brings
Posted 3/14/2023 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
cvc, you have been on AS for quite some time. I see you have had a roller coaster ride with your PSA checks over the years. It would seem you are going up the tracks again. I too would wait to see the next PSA check to see if the climb continues. I guess the BPH isn’t that bad or you would be on meds or had a TURP to alleviate any SEs you are having.
I had to go back to read some of your earlier posts to get a better picture. I have two concerns for your long term. One, your older brothers DX of PC. Because of that, I would stay extra vigilant and a BX might alleviate any concerns you have. Two, speaking of my case, I found out that some aggressive PC can express itself with low PSA numbers. I also had slightly enlarged prostate, BPH and a negative DRE. The TURP I had fixed the urinary issues, but didn’t stop my cancer from growing. Again, your next check should help in providing a path forward. Let’s hope you have many more years of AS ahead. My best wishes to you and hope your brother is doing well.
Jack
Posted 3/14/2023 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
When in 2022 were you tested? How about having another PSA test done now? When it comes back around 2.48 again, no worries.
Posted 3/14/2023 4:51 PM (GMT 0)

GoBucks said...
When in 2022 were you tested? How about having another PSA test done now? When it comes back around 2.48 again, no worries.


I’m scheduled at the end of May for retest ..
I’m hoping it’s lower 😁
I guess I wondered if this new lab may have different numbers … wishful thinking …
My original Dr always used the same lab..
This new Dr uses the hospital lab..
He’s a young guy , well young to me , he has a good reputation so ….
Posted 3/14/2023 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Just looking out for you ...

You have 2 1\2 months between "now and then" at the end of May.

Why not book a visit to the lab soon & see where levels are at?

Just a thought to share, wanting the best for you ~

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 3/14/2023 10:44 PM (GMT 0)

Cyclone-ISU said...
Just looking out for you ...

You have 2 1\2 months between "now and then" at the end of May.

Why not book a visit to the lab soon & see where levels are at?

April 18th for the blood draw
Appreciate your concern 👍

Just a thought to share, wanting the best for you ~

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Posted 3/15/2023 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
I second the suggestions to repeat the test and to follow up at 3-month intervals. This is to establish a new frame of reference since you changed labs recently.
Posted 3/15/2023 12:19 AM (GMT 0)

Sr Sailor said...
I second the suggestions to repeat the test and to follow up at 3-month intervals. This is to establish a new frame of reference since you changed labs recently.

Is it unusual for a new lab to have higher readings ?
Posted 3/15/2023 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
You are overthinking this and it will drive you crazy. It is just as unusual for a new lab to have lower results. PSA is a dynamic value, it varies and can be aggravated by physical and sexual activity. Changing labs just introduces another variable so most like to stay with one lab to reduce that variability factor. The best of labs upgrade their equipment from time to time so you will rarely have the same machine over longer periods.

As my PSA rose slowly over the years, there were two years where the value was same. I thought this was a good sign, nope, just resting and ready to keep rising and rest is history.

Your values in the past were better than the last value. That’s all for now. Another test May will help tell the story. If it is driving you that crazy, get another test now and try to make sense of it. Questions will still remain as the journey continues.
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