Prostate problems

[Hybrid21]

I was at the doctor's the other week for my annual MOT,  blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels, etc

My psa figure was 3.4 and the doctor said that due to my age and psa figure a digital !Removed! examination would be advised. I had it done and although a wee bit uncomfortable it's done 😲

Outcome was that my prostate is enlarged,  and the doctor said it's common at my age and not to worry about it too much.

Anyway I was wondering if any of you guys have  any advice re eating and drinking, etc to mitigate this condition.

 

[Terry10]

Hi Mate, you don't say how old you are but if it's any consolation I had a problem when I was 55 which is a bit young for that but that's life I guess.I am nearly 75 now and still going strong. If there was anything serious the doctor would have referred you to a specialist.What you have is very common now because they do regular checks. If you want piece of mind then get a second opinion .Not sure but I don't think what you eat or drink makes any difference.

Hope this helps.

regards Terry

[FROSTYBALLS]

An enlarged prostate isn't prostate cancer and is quite common. Prostate Cancer UK have done quite a good advice booklet - see attached:

enlarged_prostate-ifm.pdf

[Hybrid21]

6 minutes ago, Terry10 said:

Hi Mate, you don't say how old you are but if it's any consolation I had a problem when I was 55 which is a bit young for that but that's life I guess.I am nearly 75 now and still going strong. If there was anything serious the doctor would have referred you to a specialist.What you have is very common now because they do regular checks. If you want piece of mind then get a second opinion .Not sure but I don't think what you eat or drink makes any difference.

Hope this helps.

regards Terry

Thanks Terry, I'm 68 and yes I'm obviously a bit concerned,  although the doctor did say it was common and not to worry, but I would like to know if anyone has any advice re what you can do to reduce the effects of the situation.

[Hybrid21]

6 minutes ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

An enlarged prostate isn't prostate cancer and is quite common. Prostate Cancer UK have done quite a good advice booklet - see attached:

enlarged_prostate-ifm.pdf 1.01 MB · 0 downloads

Thanks Mike, I'll have a read,  but still good to hear from people with similar condition and their comments 👍

[Bper]

Hi Terry,

Salmon,tomatoes, berries,nuts, broccoli, onions garlic, avoid coffee, excess alcohol.

Plenty of foods recommended for enlarged prostrate but very common in older men. Gentle exercise is good.👍

[Rhymes with Paris]

Iain,as Frosty says, it is very common among older men.

PSA of 3.4 is not that high AFAIK, I have had the readings varying between 4 and 11 for the last 10 years.

I think it has to get to the thousands before the loud alarm bells start to ring, but I am no medic, so that's not qualified advice.

I have it though from the professionals that BPH ,B standing for benign,is a lot more common than the aggressive cancer kind.

It is a well known saying that a lot of men live with it, but very few die from it.

A friend of mine was diagnosed with this around 20 years ago, and still going strong, I think that your doctor is right to tell you not to worry too much.

Sorry, your actual question was eating and drinking to mitigate this, I have read that saw Palmetto helps, but not tried it myself, so sorry, that's no help.

 

 

 

[Roy124]

Our neighbour had the OP.  The  wait was very long from the start, about 3 or 4 years. 

I had a different cancer and flash to bang was 2 months, literally. I knew I had a problem a couple of weeks before the Christmas, saw my GP in the New Year, colonoscopies shortly after, consultation and Op by the end of February. 

Just shows the relative problem. 

[DerekHa]

17 hours ago, Hybrid21 said:

I was at the doctor's the other week for my annual MOT,  blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels, etc

My psa figure was 3.4 and the doctor said that due to my age and psa figure a digital !Removed! examination would be advised. I had it done and although a wee bit uncomfortable it's done 😲

Outcome was that my prostate is enlarged,  and the doctor said it's common at my age and not to worry about it too much.

Anyway I was wondering if any of you guys have  any advice re eating and drinking, etc to mitigate this condition.

 

Hi Iain,

I'm in the same boat as you and others who've posted here. I'm 69, and 70 is looming later this year.☹️ The big C has worried me at times but my tests and examinations have always been ok.

I was diagnosed with BHP, probably 15 years ago, had been having the usual indications that things weren't quite right down there. I managed to cope without any medication for around ten years but then went on to Tamsulosin on the advice of my GP to ease that urge to pee. Does work for me atleast.

Have found that not drinking tea after teatime helps with not having to get up during the night, likewise with alcohol!

One thing I came across recently, on a forum for BHP one chap was recommended by his consultant, was to take a couple of paracetmol before bed as it helps relieve the nightime urge that can wreck your sleep. Tried that it it has made a difference and I can usual get atleast 7hrs undisturbed kip now. I've varied the that now to 1 paracetamol and 1 ibuprofen now and that works equally well, figured ibuprofen would also help as it's an anti inflamatory.

[Hybrid21]

Hi Derek,

Thanks for your reply and info. I've read loads of stuff re the issue, but better to hear or speak to someone who has the same problem and how they are handling it, much appreciated Derek.

[PCM]

Some months ago my PSA was about 13...

Had the finger thing, MRI and eventually a biopsy ( oh gosh! ).

All... was fine.

I am quite pragmatic about life. I think checks are good and necessary but there is also associated stress and discomfort.

One thing I did get told was; pumpkin seeds. Or, if you are not keen, you can buy pumpkin oil. I use it for cooking, mixed with sunflower oil, and of course, a healthy diet.

Good wishes to you. 

[Hybrid21]

Thanks Piers, again good information, and interesting re pumpkin oil, thanks 

[PCM]

... and cranberries - apparently. 

My PSA went to 16.7

Just had an DRE(!), Ultrasound, MRI - all inconclusive. ( Mild sedation for the MRI helped a lot! )

And now recovering from a Prostate Biopsy and Cystoscopy.  ( Top tip: have a general anaesthetic - in my opinion.)

I'm in my 60s, awaiting the pains to subside and results...

 

[Haliotis]

I lost my dad to prorate cancer when he was 69.  So, when I had a slowing of my stream around the early 1970s I became worried and saw my doctor.  He remarked that when you are young you could hit a fly on the wall but, as you aged, you were more likely to splash your boots.  After a medical, I was put on Tamsulosin for a benign prostate, and which I have taken ever since.  A few years ago I did have problem requiring an outpatient visit to the hospital.  The triage nurse (rather brutally) told me that when I left I would know whether or not I had cancer!  Whilst waiting, you could tell by the faces of prior patients if their news was good or bad.  To my relief, I was OK. I’m now 88.

But, when I go for my annual health check (there’s a joke!), despite my history my prostate, which I was long ago told was enlarged, is never mentioned.  The latest ads, which advise “save a dad” do annoy me, as we know that the alluded care is not really there, unless you are lucky enough to see a doctor who truly knows your history - we get locums who you might see only the once.   Having said that, it was a locum who referred me for rapid treatment for vascular surgery to my leg.  That doctor was exemplary.

[dannyboy413]

About six/seven years ago, I started having the usual problems and went to the Doctor. I had a PSA check which came back at 13 - apparently it should have been between 4 and 5 "for a man of my age", I was 65 or 66 at the time. I had the digital examination, was told the prostrate was very enlarged and refered to the hospital for further checks. I was given Tamsulosin tablets. After another digital examination I was told they would do a biopsy. The biopsy was eventually done - nothing found. Six months later another PSA test came back at 16. Another biopsy also came back negative. Six months later, another PSA check came back at over 21! It was then decided that I would have a MRI scan. This showed a 'dark patch' in the prostate so the consultant decided I could have a 'Template Biopsy'. I went for that at the hospital and under general anaesthetic, it was done.  The result came back - negative. The consultant decided to change my tablets to a combined Tamsulosin plus ... err ... (something else). I had my bloods checked just last week and, to quote the nurse, "you are perfectly healthy" and my PSA is showing 1.3 😁. BPH is, as has been said in previous replies, extremely common in the more 'mature' man.  Please do not worry about it Iain @Hybrid21 , there is no need. And as for your initial question, my Doctor has not advised any particular change in my diet - apart from cutting down on caffeine, I love my coffee.

[Haliotis]

A few years ago, one of our practice GPs told me I had a “massive prostrate”, and changed mt medication from Tamulosin to Fastrides.  When I read the side effects, which included enlarged !Removed! and weeping nipples, I went straight back and said no way was I taking this medication, and was put back onto Tamulosin.

[Gren]

I was diagnosed with benign enlarged prostate at age 60, as a result of difficulty passing water.  It felt like peeing down a straw.  I was started on Tamsulosin and found the side effects impacted daily life - constant tiredness and sickness.  My medication was changed to Alfuzosin (generic name) also known by brand names Xatral XL or Besavar XL.  My GP monitors my PSA & pther indicators every 6 months.  All good so far.

The Alfuzosin seems to help, and no side effects.  Only downside is that they are quite large tablets and a nuisance to swallow.

[PCM]

On 11/6/2023 at 10:37 AM, PCM said:

... and cranberries - apparently. 

My PSA went to 16.7

Just had an DRE(!), Ultrasound, MRI - all inconclusive. ( Mild sedation for the MRI helped a lot! )

And now recovering from a Prostate Biopsy and Cystoscopy.  ( Top tip: have a general anaesthetic - in my opinion.)

I'm in my 60s, awaiting the pains to subside and results...

 

Well... I am very glad to say, that after tests spread over 3 months, 'no cancer found'. 

I'll take that. Just another PSA test in 6 months... ( About 17 at the moment. )

I feel I know a bit more about prostates (etc) now!

Best wishes to EVERYONE, which ever side of the 'cancer fence' you are.

Regards,

Piers.

[dannyboy413]

Glad to hear that @PCM . My 'treatments' were spread out over about three years and after the first (?), trip to hospital I was told that it "probably is cancer". After the last trip, I was told that it "probably is NOT cancer". I take my daily Tamsulosin and, (whatever is with it), tablet and am now on just yearly PSA tests. As I mentioned in my earlier post, my last test showed a PSA level of 1.3 - so I am quite a happy chap. 🙂. Trouble is, my memory is not what it used to be, so I think the above time scale is reasonably accurate. 😄

[tfc]

Just a question on the biopsy, was it painful and what do they do ? Up to now my psa seems to have stabilised but still high over the last 12 months my next psa is next month. 

[PCM]

12 hours ago, tfc said:

Just a question on the biopsy, was it painful and what do they do ? Up to now my psa seems to have stabilised but still high over the last 12 months my next psa is next month. 

Yes, no, maybe... all depends on the type, the pain control etc.

This is a good read: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/prostate-biopsy 

Other tests are available, including an MRI.

Mine: was under general anaesthetic. So no pain at the time, discomfort afterwards...

[Haliotis]

I have heard that the PSA test is not truly reliable.  I have been taking Tamsulosin tablets for years and, as far as I am aware, these simply improve the water flow.  

[PCM]

Agree.

MY PSA is 16.7 but all 'fine' - sort of!

[Yugguy1970]

PSA test is not gospel but it's a useful indicator, if it's high get further tests just to be sure.  It shouldn't be used in isolation, so if it's normal but you're still weeing slow, get further tests.

At 53, I've got good low PSA, and I've had the doctors finger up there and I am ok, but my flow is not what it was and I can get the odd drip when I dont want to.  I talked to the doc and the  muscles that stop you weeing can get lazy apparantly, at the same time as the bladder squeezing harder but it is not a medical issue - it's not life threatening.

[FROSTYBALLS]

1 hour ago, Yugguy1970 said:

the  muscles that stop you weeing can get lazy apparantly, at the same time as the bladder squeezing harder but it is not a medical issue

Pelvic floor exercises may help strengthen the muscles.