I know it's late but I'm too worried to sleep
My husband and I went to his GP tonight to get the results of standard blood tests that were taken for his annual physical. Well everything came out fine except for his prostate which came up at 3.2. The doctor did a physical prostate examine and told my husband that his prostate was very large and recommended that he should see a Urologist as soon as possible.
I have read that when some men get older their prostate glands become larger, a condition known as BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasmia) not serious but can still cause some complications. I would really appreciate some feedback about this..I'm a nervous wreck. I'm just hoping my husband doesn't have prostate cancer.
Thanks..
positive Positive, the advice I can give is to make sure you go to a good urologist. I've had a loved one with BPH, but he did not have a high PSI. Another friend had prostate cancer and is still doing well. There are quite a few options available. But I would start by educating yourself, so when you go to the urologist, you will understand what they are talking about. My prayers got out to you both. Since you are still awake I wanted you to know someone heard you.
JustDucky It's really nothing to get too worried about, until you know more. BPH is quite common (something like 50% of men in their 50s suffer from it, to some extent), and there are a number of treatment options available. And BPH is entirely different from prostate cancer. They are two separate maladies, and having BPH does not make someone more or less likely to have prostate cancer.
So, all you can do is wait until he sees a urologist and has more information.
JerseyWolf I wouldn't get too worried until more information is obtained from a urologist. My husband too has had issues with his PSA for the last few years and has to have regular examinations and a couple of biopsies. That said, so far they haven't found anything serious, but he still has to go to the urologist yearly for an exam and have a blood test to check the PSA. He uses Dr. Kern in Flemington.
Calico696 Skylands Urology Dr. Matteson. Across from the hospital, they do most of the testing in house. Whole fleet of DRs to choose from.
strangerdanger There are separate threads for urologists, I have nothing but the best to say about Dr Marc Colton.
The problem is very common in older men and not that serious. You just need a good doctor and regular attention to it and all will be fine.
GC My family has a history of it, and my uncle had a full prostate removal and is completely fine. I know its scary stuff and I wish you the best in all of it, but science and technology have come a very long way in a short time. Try to stay positive and know that there will be great outlook options in most circumstances. I had a round of testicular cancer 2 years ago, and the doctors never gave me any reason to be concerned based on my situation, and I forced myself to only allow my emotions to reflect their expert opinions. If they say things are not bad, or a big deal and they deal with it all the time.....try to keep telling yourself that in your head bc it has a tendency to go to the extremes when left unchecked ;)
agf25 Dr. Barry Seidman at overlook. ......friend went to him for a consult on these issues.....very impressed with him and excellent online reviews...hope all turns out for the best...yup common issues
5catmom Garden State Urology is wonderful. They have an office in Denville and Morristown.
I think somewhere else too. Check out there web site.
JBJSKJ My husband's GP gave him a referral to see Dr. Margolis in Phillipsburg. He has an appointment for next Wednesday, they couldn't get him in any sooner.
I appreciate everyone's help. I worry too much...
yep as the good book says; "surrendering the things of youth gracefully . . . . . . . ."
yep, thanks to BPH; and maybe not so graceful sometimes,
well for guys that means not as many (or any) morning b*****ners, having to pee all the time and then getting up to go again, and other complications with some previously almost automatic functions that now, due to BPH, are not quite the same, yes some of us will need a little coaxing, or you can forget about it . . . . .. ."Not tonight Peg! didn't we just do this last month?!?"
BPH, yeppir, it's something that we don't mention in polite company, youse womens gots lots of attention to your issues of increasing age; 'the change' , bone density, breast cancer, etc, etc, etc, but for us guys, it's like a whole different world, we don't talk, we don't admit and we don't complain.
if it ain't broke, don't fix it is the guys motto to health care. gals go right to the doctor straight away and on a scheduled basis, but guys have to drag themselves down there to get poked and prodded (yech), and we usually don't go to the doctor unless something actually breaks.
practical advice for BPH: drink green tea with ginseng, drink cranberry juice, use cinnamon in stuff every day, all of these things increase blood flow and help to clean out the urinary tract, (that's good, good thing); eat watermelon and asparagus on a regular basis, the natural form of arginine contained in high amounts in them will help with enlarging the blood vessels and arteries which also increases blood flow. try this stuff out before taking those blue pills.
and get regular heavy duty exercise mixed in with the cardio routines, avoid bike seats, they are know to put unwanted pressure in that area that is al;ready inflamed and hurting. not good for guys. get a wider seat that is constructed in a way so as not to ride on the perineum. (yes they are available) that will help, and i do love bikes and bike riding.
god bless and good luck to you, let us know how you are making out,
BrotherDog I hope it is just BPH and not cancer, however if you do get bad news, I highly recommend Hackensack Medical Center. My Dad had aggressive prostate cancer that needed advanced therapy. They were able to put him on a combination of hormone therapy and radioactive seed implants that was able to kill it. He didn't have too many side effects either during treatment, mostly mood swings, hot flashes and the like. Currently he's cancer free.
Phil D. Positive, I have a feeling you'll keep to your namesake and stay positive. :-)
You're in the information gathering stage now and, as I'm sure you know, extrapolating to an as-yet unknown outcome will just drive you nuts. Wishing your DH and your family the best.
justintime Good vibes your direction positive. Don't worry until you have something definitively to worry about. This is a common ailment in men of his age and is handled commonly by urologists. Much love and friendship
Skippy As are you guys - also prostate CA is a "slow grow" and very treatable - almost 100% cure rate - I think he will do fine with your love and tender care - and it may not even be the case - you may be just looking at a normally swollen prostate - email me if you need to talk chocodog and I are here for you!
The reason I just got up was because I had to go to the bathroom.
I've been taking over-the-counter Saw Palmetto pills twice daily and they have helped -- I don't have to get up at night as often anymore.
Enlarged prostate is common in men my age.
A good spokesman who advocates the importance of early detection is WFAN radio's Ed Randall, who is a prostate cancer survivor. Google him for some positive encouragement. He has always said it is very treatable.
I'll keep you in prayer.
Andy Loigu 
Kate S. Kate S: Please be so kind as to message me or somehow let me know what it was with Dr. Mattison that you did not like. This was the group that I was thinking of going to with a medical concern...Thanks...
joyful Dr. Pressler Morristown Urology now Garden State Urology. Top notch. Very good.
CraftBeerBob A PSA level of 0-4 is normal, if his prostate is enlarged and affecting his voiding his urologist may prescribe flomax and tamsulin.
Luvpts YES be worried...PSI are done for a reason. Immediately seek a reputable urologist & poss 'specialist'.
BPH can be 'fixed'... it is 'basically' a "swollen" prostate gland.
PSI testing is for "CA"; DO NOT ignore this...
PSI is a necessity--no different than a breast exam/ 'mammogram' for a women.
PAY ATTENTION people...
TY Flomax is tamsulosin and if you have an enlarged prostate with frequent urination and trouble voiding your bladder tamsulosin might make a very noticeable improvement in your quality of life.
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