I just want to reiterate Bob's comments about having regular checks .


I was 56.  I had been going for  my annual check up and blood test since I turned 50.
I had no warning - bladder function was normal - it was discovered only because  7 months after my regular check up I required a colonoscopy, for an unrelated matter, and the doctor mentioned that he had noticed that, from his perspective, the prostate looked abnormally shaped on one side and that I should get it checked out.

One week later, and after a blood test that showed that my PSA had jumped dramatically, I am at the urologist having samples taken from various parts of the prostate and a week later I'm back in his office listening to him tell me I had prostate cancer. 

Three weeks later I'm on the surgeons table having what they call a radical prostatectomy - which is the medical term for "removing the lot".

The operation was successful and I was very lucky. Tests on what had been removed showed that the cancer had just started to break out of the prostate and that it was a very aggressive form of the cancer. 

Like Bob I relate my story whenever I get the chance - not because I was very lucky  but because I am constantly amazed by the number of men that I meet, who are my age and who have never had check up.

One of my workmates has not been so lucky.  I had spoken to him after my operation and he mentioned that he had been thinking about going to his doctor but had never got around to it - we cracked jokes about the sound of the doctor snapping his latex glove  - He  eventually went to his doctor 18 months later but  only after he had bladder problems- he was diagnosed with cancer - he had the operation but the cancer had broken out of his prostate - he is still on treatment.
  

I have the Prostrate check up every 8 months.
I have to go in and have the Box Brownie down the throat soon as the Ulcer is playing up, might even have the camera up the claker as well, just to check out that part also… sort of a job lot

A good post this. A warning and reminder to us all. :hmm

I just found out i may be diabetic, my blood test came back 7.5 glueclose intolerant, so i have to have another test to make sure its right.

I am lucky i have to go for tests every 6 month with having a bad heart so things get found out when i have the blood test.

Think all mum should have the screening like the woman do, why they dont i never know.

Phill

[user=519]Black5[/user] wrote:

I have the Prostrate check up every 8 months.
I have to go in and have the Box Brownie down the throat soon as the Ulcer is playing up, might even have the camera up the claker as well, just to check out that part also… sort of a job lot

:shock::shock:  well just make sure they put it down your throat first!

[user=9]phill[/user] wrote:

I just found out i may be diabetic, my blood test came back 7.5 glueclose intolerant, so i have to have another test to make sure its right.

I am lucky i have to go for tests every 6 month with having a bad heart so things get found out when i have the blood test.

Think all mum should have the screening like the woman do, why they dont i never know.

Phill

Phil, there is a bright side here!

Don't know if it applies in UK but in OZ if you are a diabetic you get 'ALL' your dental work done for free and a 'Free' gym membership payed by the government.:doublethumb

I think in UK, the only people entitled to a free gym membership is the Government itself !!! :twisted::twisted::twisted:

You can imagine the "Prostate surgeon" being asked by his wife - "what have you been doing all morning darling ? " :shock::shock:

I'm glad you caught it in time. :thumbs

Strange as it may seem, it was partly due to prostate trouble that I found this forum in the first place. :shock:

I was very lucky by comparison. I got away with a TURP; a Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate. The operation was still not a lot of fun, but a piece of cake compared with waiting for five months for the procedure to be carried out, during which time I was constantly catheterised. This in turn led to a urinary infection about twice a month for the whole 5-month period and was not the most enjoyable part of my life so far. :sad: I only got in when I did because of a cancellation. :???:

Get yourselves checked regularly, gentlemen. Please.

Perry

I would just like to reiterate the message to get yourself checked regularly. In the UK, if you are over 65 you will be receive a free screening kit, even though it is a bit messy and slightly embarrassing please make use of it!  I have one friend who has prostate cancer and the husband on one of my friends has just had a successful op. So it is getting pretty common.

This can´t be repeated too many times. Look after yourselves fellas. The facilities are there, use them.