I had been suffering mild symptoms relating to the prostate over 18 months, including needing to get up a number of times in the night and the urine flow had, at times, been very weak. I certainly wasn’t emptying my bladder. Whilst I wasn’t overly concerned I put the situation down mainly to the ageing process (I am 51). However, I was concerned enough to arrange an appointment to see my GP. I undertook a number of the routine tests including the BPH blood test (PSA) and the infamous digital inspection. There was no cause for alarm, but I did have a slightly inflamed prostate and was put on a dose of medication to treat this.
I had been taking this for approx 12 months and whilst matters hadn’t particularly worsened equal they had not got any better. Matters took a sudden turn for the worse when I suffered urine retention whilst away in the US. I had been drinking water thinking that would assist with urination only for the matter to worsen when I was unable to urinate to the point of being doubled up in pain. I was admitted to hospital where they diagnosed the problem quickly and I went through catheterisation where they drained nearly a litre of urine in a single procedure. The pain alleviated immediately from the bladder.
I returned home with the catheter in place and a collection bag strapped to my calf. Undignified for sure but at least the immediate relative pain was bypassed. I sought medical assistance from my GP on returning and they referred me to Neil Barber. I clicked with Neil immediately. He explained matters in a very calm and user friendly way and very clearly tabled the options that were open to me. There were a few options, but the Urolift procedure was the one that appealed to me. It was, in medical terms a relatively new procedure, but avoided removing parts of the prostate, avoided heat treatment which can have long term side effects on erectile functionality and had a pretty quick recovery period.
The operation itself was, according to Neil, straightforward and I was in theatre for about 45 minutes in total where I had six implants inserted. I opted for the sedation rather than general anaesthetic. This worked a treat, and I was effectively “out" and have no recollection of the operation itself. I came round as I was being wheeled into the recovery room and passed urine pretty quickly. After being assessed by Neil and the team I was released from hospital that same day. Not a comfortable journey home but I did manage to make it by taxi and train.
I will not pretend the next three days post op were comfortable. There was a lot of blood in the urine. Peeing really stung and for three days I was in significant discomfort when urinating, but by the fourth day matters had significantly improved and I was able to venture confidently away from home without the sudden urge to “go". A week after the op I was well enough to go abroad for a pre planned weeks holiday where I was able to sleep through the night and in no material discomfort when urinating.
I am now some three months on from the operation and have I full sexual functionality, no urges to go to the loo at regular intervals and can get a good nights sleep. The flow is better than I can remember for many years and since the first four days I have not experienced any pain.
Like all medical procedures so much is down to personal circumstances and diagnosis. All I can do is share my experience, which given the circumstances that preceded was incredibly positive. Neil is a leader in this innovative field of surgery, and he is certainly worth meeting to chat through any personal situation. I am confident you will be reassured by his professionalism and expertise.