Latest PSA

The oncologist read the PSA and messaged me saying things look good and will talk to me during our upcoming video visit.
He's not going to prescribe tests but may put in his thoughts in a note to my urologist.
They are all part of New York Presbyterian.

Glen

Happy to see that noticeable drop in your PSA score, since last fall!

It's a great day, whrn one receives great news like that!

C-Y-C-L-O-N-E ~ # Iowa State University

My TRT clinic came back with another PSA reading and it was 1.08 taken a couple of weeks before the 1.06 report so it's showing a drop. Maybe just a time of day taken difference but I'll take it as a positive.
Urinary flow is still good post dilation treatment.
Hopefully it'll heal well and not have the stricture return.

Glen

Thanks Terry.
Main concern is that it's still dropping and I'm happy for that.
At 70 years old I've got plenty else going on.
Elbow replacement surgery failed now I need revision surgery on the 31st
Left knee is shot and the stricture might return.
Not to mention chronic pain in back and hips.
Still happy to be above ground because I don't want to miss anything

Glen

When I suggested that I may go with an online testosterone clinic, my clinic doctor said he'd give me two syringes each with 300mg and did the usual injection. In effect I'll only have to go to Staten island once a month. Charged me $90 for the extra doses making my outlay $180
Online is cheaper so I may decide to go with them.
I'll still try and get treatment with my urologist but I'm not sure he's going to prescribe. Doctors ought to have a day but it's my body and I am severely hypogonadal.
I should be able to weigh the risk benefit of treatment.
PSA is dropping and my PCA was not high grade and add the degree of suffering low T caused, I should have that choice.
Not bodybuilding and not trying to be sexually better, I just want to feel normal.
I'm actually pretty upset that I have to fudge the truth just to be treated and would much rather be treated by an informed doctor

Glen

Yes I am sure but just about half of what they do involves risk. This is why we sign all manner of medical release forms.
Simply write out the risks and have the patient sign it.
Example: I need revision surgery on the elbow replacement surgery which has put me in much worse shape than before the replacement.
When I signed up I knew the risks nor do I need to sue him because I'd not have a case because it was in black and white that the surgery could not only fail but may make it worse.
He can easily write up a benefit risk paper that I'd gladly sign.
Urologist are wising up to the fact that the testosterone PCA paradigm is old news and has been debunked at least to the severity of cause and effect. However paradigms are very sticky and change is often slow. The original clinical trial was in 1941 for goodness sake.
cookie cutter treatment is a pet peeve of mine. I've got two great examples of how dumb this approach is as per my upcoming surgery but I'll deviate too far

Glen

Glen, their position on the anesthesia is outrageous. Don't wait until the Friday before...tell them your position NOW. Perhaps they will assign another anesthesiologist. No reason to be in pain and no reason to be forced on a drug to which you are allergic. Time to get tough...you are the customer here.

Jim

Off topic but I'm upset.
I get pain medication called buprenorphine and it's a controlled substance because it's a form of opioid medication although it's usually used to maintain or wean down from stronger opiates.
Workers comp has not paid in four months
It's always one reason or another so I've been paying out of pocket. Now my pharmacist is being reviewed and cannot fill control meds.
I'm going to have to use another pharmacy and they are usually not keen on self pay.
I'm hoping my pharmacist can explain it to the new place.
I'll call doctor in the morning and transfer the prescriptions.
Gee it's always something.

Glen

Hang in there!
What you need is an 'out of the box' physician who will consider all of you, not just the part that 'hurts' and that happens to be in his specialist ballpark. Hard to find that person, of course.

Anesthesia department claims they are going to offer a alternative but I don't know if they will. I'll have to check in at noon Monday and I'll insist on some sedative medication other than the usual which I'm allergic to.
I'm nervous as heck and am praying the elbow replacement revision surgery goes well.
Wish me luck. I know it's off topic. I'll add that the urinary flow is still good but it's also still burning. Just to stay on topic lol

Glen

Glen, I am glad you made it through surgery. Hopefully a full recovery is in store. Rest up and stay in front of the pain for a few days. I will be having my reverse shoulder replacement in late September. I guess pitching double headers in high school was not a good idea by the coach. I also have familia tremor. Again, continuing to be at quarterback after a concussion is not a good idea. I had four concussions in HS. Back in the good old days in three a day practices in 100 degree temperature with little water, the consensus was to take salt pills and that too much water caused cramping. We have come a long way since then. Lawsuits would be flying off the shelf if coaches did any of that today. In any case modern medicine has improved greatly. My last shoulder surgery included a 24 block for pain and worked wonders. Previous surgeries resulted in days of narcotics which had the typical downsides. My best to you on your recovery.
Jack

Oh I'd add that smashing my forearm into a tree trunk to toughen my blocking arm didn't have the desired effect