Being lucky enough to enjoy being retired and considering myself to be reasonably fit, the affects of BPH were beginning to have a detrimental affect on my quality of life. My prostate started giving me problems in my mid-fifties with frequent visits to the toilet at night. I went to see my doctor who confirmed an enlarged prostate but suggested that apart from an annual PSA test I should leave everything alone for as long as possible – on reflection I think this was good advice.
At the beginning of 2018 it was apparent that I was only getting 2 hours of sleep between visits to the toilet – as many as 4/5 times each night. Following further examinations, I was prescribed tablets as a first option to relax the prostate and I took these for 6 months – however there was no significant improvement and the Consultant suggested a TURPs procedure.
While on the waiting list which had extended to 6 months due to a backlog I started to undertake my own research into other possible options. New techniques or procedures seemed to be coming quickly through and I read about REZUM, pinning up the prostate and finally Aquablation. The problem I faced was that these procedures were not readily available because they were so new and some were still awaiting NICE approval I wanted a procedure which was less invasive, recovery quick and reduced side effects.
Moving matters forward was not easy until I spotted an article in a daily newspaper which was on Aquablation. This seemed to answer my requirements and with further research it became apparent that I could only have the procedure as a private patient. I needed to find out more and as the article had mentioned Neil Barber by name I contacted him through the Urology Partners and arranged an appointment to meet him in London for a consultation. At that meeting he examined me and went through my medical history. He also took the time to explain the current research and latest procedures advising those available through the NHS and Private Medical care
My mind was made up and I knew that the procedure I wanted was Aquablation. I was happy that the use of robotics and computers lead to a more accurate approach and felt that the use of high pressure water to cut through the prostate was less invasive and should lead to a quicker recovery. The expectation was for less bleeding and a reduced period when I needed the use of a catheter
Some 6 weeks later, I had my procedure done and after surgery, which lasted just over an hour, I was back in my room. I experienced very little pain, had some intravenous morphine while in the recovery room but after that no painkillers whatsoever. I had 24 hours with a catheter, and an hour after it was removed I was urinating as normal (although there was blood in the urine).
On the Sunday morning I was discharged and took a train journey home to the Midlands. While a little more tired than normal the bleeding had stopped by the Monday and as far as I was concerned it was business as usual. I felt great and had to remind myself not to do too much too soon – just two weeks later I was back on the golf course.