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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 3/23/2023 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have decided to end my previous post and post this update.
Wow I finally got the doctor's report:
ndications: Glen Heinsohn is an 70 year old male who is having surgery for Prostate cancer [C61].

Description of Procedure: The patient was given the risks and benefits of cystoscopy. After all questions were answered he verbally consented to the procedure. A urinalysis showed no sign of urinary tract infection. Single dose antibioticsy prior to procedure. He was prepped and draped in standard surgical fashion. Flexible cystoscopy was performed with a 16-French flexible cystoscope. Stenosis noted in bulbar urethra. Cannulated w/ wire. Scope removed and 24Fr x 4cm Uromax balloon advanced over wire across the stricture, visualized with cysto alongside the wire. Balloon inflated to 15atm for 1 minute. Balloon deflated and scope advanced w/ ease past the narrowing.Complete inspection, including retroflexion, was then performed. The bladder was normal without lesions.

So, the stricture was balloon dilated and it opened. Doctor was then able to view the bladder which was normal and clear. This is all great news.
I cannot believe that all my bleeding and the huge clots that came out were all due to this stricture.
Second, I continue to bleed and have restarted my Xaralto because I am scared of a possible stroke (Afib)
I can live with some hematuria as long as I can pee normally.
Third, I feel dumb because I tugged hard to get the catheter out and may have done some self inflicted damage. I did get the water out of the balloon on about the fifth try and the catheter eased out so at least I did not fully pull out the catheter.
Whew! I hope this dilation holds up

Glen
Posted 3/23/2023 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
I copied and pasted off of the patient portal of Columbia Presbyterian urology.
Thought I'd add that to avoid copyright issues. Thought it'd be easier than explaining the procedure.
I'm very pleased with the results thus far. I'll deal with the hematuria and I understand that it may be a chronic issue. Maybe the switch to eliquis may help.
At this point I just cannot trust going off of the blood thinner.

Glen
Posted 3/23/2023 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Great news Glen. It looks like the doctor did a great job. Maybe you can relax now and get on with life and the many possibilities awaiting you.
My best wishes going forward.
Jack
Posted 3/23/2023 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes Jack a big Whew! I'm very much at ease and the fact that the bark was worse than the bite!
Still a little perplexed at how symptomatic this was. I'm not exaggerating about how much blood and clots were coming out.
Twice I came close to going to the ER because I couldn't pee.
Now I'm dealing with Minor blood but often there is no blood so I can live with that.
Thanks for the support.

Glen
Posted 3/24/2023 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
It’s surprising they expect you to remove the catheter.
Posted 3/24/2023 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I removed another one after greenlight laser surgery.
I messed up this time because I didn't do it correctly. I took out water with the syringe but since my hand is numb and I have a hard time bending, I didn't see that the air pressure forced much of it back.
I tugged fairly hard but didn't yank it so after I was positive I got the water out, it came out easily.
I
Usually it's a piece of cake.

Glen
Posted 3/24/2023 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
I had two surgeries that required catheters. I took both of them out at home under my doctor’s Ok. It was quite scary the first time, but very easy to do. Stood in the shower, released the balloon pressure, closed my eyes and pulled it out slowly. There was no pain. I am glad I did it myself, as I wouldn’t trust anyone else who might grab and rip it out quickly. Just thinking about that makes me shiver.🥶
Jack
I might add that if I can reach the area stitched, I will take them out myself. Several times that process has been a little painful in the doctor’s office. There is always a date to have them removed. I call the day before and tell them I will do it myself. Saves a doctor’s visit and I know how to take my time when taking them out.
Posted 3/24/2023 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Excellent. No more worries of bladder cancer.

Keep us posted.
Posted 3/24/2023 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Have been reading your threads on this. As I recall you had SBRT for your treatment. Do you think the stricture was caused by the SBRT or the other surgeries or combination. Also when you had the SBRT how many fractions and amount per fraction did you receive.

My concern when I had my Brachy Boost treatment was possibility of strictures at some point, but so far so good and I am a little past 5 yrs after the treatment ended.

Glad that you got this solved and wish you well.

Mike
Posted 3/24/2023 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Jack yes the catheter was easy the first time. This time I screwed up mostly because I've lost some feeling in my right hand due to surgery and had a hard time pulling out the water. The air pressure kept pushing it back in and I foolishly didn't look.
Anyway I hope I didn't tug too hard.
I did eventually get the water out.
Mike I'll have to check the patient portal for the fractions.
I'll get back

Glen
Posted 3/24/2023 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Mike 3625 was the total
Not all was SBRT I had seven sessions of IMRT

G
Posted 3/25/2023 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Good news Swan! Way to go man! 😊

One thing I forgot to mention about being taken off of Xerelto…my blood clot had completely resolved. That made it a much easier call to take me off it.

If you need it? Or if it makes you more comfortable on it? And the docs are good with it…Then I say GO FOR IT! 👍

I’m so glad this is working out for ya Glen. 😊
Posted 3/25/2023 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement.
I have to see my cardiologist and see what he suggests.
Point is that I can live with the small amount of blood that I'm losing. If it begins to clot again, that is a problem.
I've been bleeding for many months and other than low iron, my blood tests are okay.
I'd add that not every void is showing frank blood and some are pretty clear.
I've just had the cystography a week ago and the catheter came out Monday, so maybe the bleeding will stop.
Bottom line is I cannot stop my Xaralto.

Glen
Posted 3/25/2023 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Island time, Maybe you answered this already but why were you on a blood thinner?
If it's because of AFib aren't you scared of the stroke possibly?

BTW I'm still having hematuria but it's been off and on. Some void's are completely clear.

Glen
Posted 3/28/2023 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
Lots of blood this morning and last night.
I'm also very sore once again.
Don't see the specialist until May 9
I had a appointment for today that was a cancellation but my wife needs me for the coop she's selling. The workers will finish work today.
Hopefully there will be another cancellation.
I'm putting Xaralto on hold
Hate this plus my arm hurts and is flopping around due to failed elbow replacement surgery

Glen
Posted 3/28/2023 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Glenn…I’m not an expert on AFIB or blood thinners; however, you may wish to consult with your Dr. regarding changing your dosage of Xaralto or investigating Eliquis in it’s place. My wife’s experience with statins suggests that the side effects of each different statin can vary significantly by individual. Best wishes. Terry
Posted 3/28/2023 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Yes Terry Thanks I will speak to the cardio doctor on April 4th I was on Eliquis but once a day Xaralto seemed easier but I may go back plus I may apply for a new blood thinner trial I've seen online.

I had one or two clear urine's but back to blood again. It comes out as I start the void then ends up clear.

Glen
Posted 3/28/2023 11:53 PM (GMT 0)

theswan said...
Island time, Maybe you answered this already but why were you on a blood thinner?
If it's because of AFib aren't you scared of the stroke possibly?

BTW I'm still having hematuria but it's been off and on. Some void's are completely clear.

Glen

No Afib.

DVT due to abdominal surgery. A clot formed in one leg post-prostatectomy. The clot had completely resolved itself prior to being taken off of the Xerelto permanently.

My only point was every time I was put on it I had bleeding. When taken off of it I had no bleeding. This happened multiple times over the course of about 1 year.

And yes…I do think about more clots. But in my doctors’ opinions (a urologist and a cardiologist) it was better FOR ME to not bleed by not taking the thinner than it was to bleed on the thinner with no current clotting.

Our reasons for taking it are different.

I agree with Terry and the others. Your doctors need to be in the loop Swan.
Posted 3/29/2023 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
I should add, neither doctor had ever seen this before.
Posted 3/30/2023 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
I am trying to contact the doctor and yes they were able to get me in on the 24th Of April and I am still on a list if someone drops out I will come in earlier

Very hard to contact this doctor because number one, he does not answer messages and number two, he is crazy busy.
I had a few clear voids but did have clots last night. Still sore but I can live with a little blood loss and soreness.

Glen
Posted 4/1/2023 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Good news I'm 48 hours of clear urine.
Still a little bit sore but no blood so Yea!

Glen
Posted 4/1/2023 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
🥳
Posted 4/1/2023 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Still clear! Still have good flow.

I'll keep my eye on it and maybe conclude this thread.
Still, they say strictures can return but I'll enjoy this now.

Glen
Posted 4/2/2023 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
At least three days maybe four days of clear urine. Happy about that.
I've noticed that my underwear are very moist or just short of wet in the morning.
I might start wearing the depends pads that stick to the underwear but are not diapers per se.
I may be accepted in a clinical trial of either Eliquis or a new blood thinner that claims less bleeding. Forget the name but starts with an A.

Glen
Posted 4/2/2023 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
"Asundexian" is the clinical trial medication I'm trying to get on.
So far I've done the initial question part and signed a release of medical records.
At the end I get $1,200 but I'm not in it for the money.
Since Eliquis is one of the two possible medication's, it's a win win since I wanted to try Eliquis.


Glen
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