Will it affect my PSA reading?

    Monday I see a highly rated Urologist for a second opinion. I assume that he will want to check my PSA and schedule another biopsy. The day before I see him, I am planning to ride an 85 mile Dual Sport ride on my dirt bike. Much of the day will be spent on rough terrain with many rocks and roots. Do you know if the pounding your body takes can affect the PSA reading?  The seat on a dirt bike is not plush like a road bike and my butt will be deeply sore for several days.

 

Absolutely.


Just a reminder about Dr Epstein's words (you previously reported that your 2011 biopsy was sent to Epstein for pathology): "Patients need to be advised and to understand, when told that they have Gleason 6 disease, based on a biopsy or a radical prostatectomy specimen, that for all intents and purposes they have been diagnosed with the lowest grade of prostate cancer possible."

The purpose today of a biopsy is not so much to look for the presence of prostate cancer (if they look, they will likely find it); rather, it is to look for the presence of aggressive PC. You had one core out of 12 with 5% PC and Gleason 3+3...this is the lowest possible reported PC (or, at least what they call "prostate cancer" today)...many doctors & pathologists are recommending changing the name of low-risk PC to exclude the word "cancer." Too many people (thankfully, not you) over-react and unnecessarily over-treat based on the guidance of their trusted and friendly physician/businessman.

I echo Bridgewater and 142 - have the blood drawn before the assault on your butt -
.... in other words, for 2-3 days before having bloodwork for PSA - NO kick arse bike riding, no horseback riding , no motorcycle, no sex with partner/spouse - no sex with self ( master.bation), no doctor's gloved finger or DRE .. no involvement of the prostate in arousal or to release .... just think of it as you have 2-3 days to reclaim your virginity ( so no internet naughty pix either)

--always best to have a level playing field so results will be valid (and hopefully) consistent bench mark -

take care,
Bronson
............