THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2014 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

I promised myself that I would pay forward for all the good advice I received on this site, so here goes.

My PSA has always been ok 2.3 or 2.6. When it went to 3.99 I believe it was caused by inflammation. I've had urinary infections and chronic prostatitis for several years, it would come and go. When it came it was horrible. I would get the urge to urinate constantly but be unable to do so. My urologist would treat me with anti-biotic (Cipro)

When he sent me for a biopsy I didn't think it would be cancer because my PSA right before the test was down to 2.3. I was told that 2 of the 12 cores had cancer 1 had 5% the other had 50%. It was advised that I do AS (Active Surveillance). The last form of cure on my list was surgery.

I met with 3 different radiologist (IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) ...Tomography....Proton) They all felt that they could kill the cancer, but the original problem may very well get worse. I was told that if I get up 3 times a night after treatment I may get up 6 times.

After doing a lot of research I found The Krongrad Institute that were doing laparoscopic surgery for chronic prostatitis and claiming to cure many men. I then made an appointment to see a surgeon that does Robotic. He was named in Dr. Patrick Walsh's book Guide to Prostate Cancer. I don't know its allowed on this site to give recommendations [Yes it is] but if you e-mail me I will give you the names.

On February 7, 2012 I had Surgery which took four and a half hours. I got to the hospital at 9AM, went to prep at 11:30AM went to operating room at 2:30 and long day returned to my room at 9:45PM. A long day for my family waiting. Since it finished so late they kept me an extra day. If I had told the doctor that I wanted to stay another day I could have. On February 9, 2012 at 4PM I was released.

If you have surgery a few tips. You will be on a liquid diet DO Not consume all the liquid. You will be very dry and tempted to keep drinking all the liquid that the staff keeps bringing you. This caused my stomach to swell and made passing gas difficult. You must have a B.M. or at least pass gas to feel better. The nurses will want to give you meds for pain try not to take them if possible. Get up and walk slow at least 6-7 a day. Take stool softeners if given. Take them a couple of weeks before the surgery and start eating light. You will feel better after the first B.M.

On February 10, 2012 at home a B.M came easier nothing like your own bathroom. There's nothing good I can say about the Foley Catheter except its making you heal. You must just grin and bear it. Mine is suppose to come out on February 15, 2012. They give you two bags, the large bag for me was the easiest. Buy some Boxer shorts one size too big. The Foley can go through the leg and you put a robe on and carry it around. Just make sure it is below your bladder. You can lay it on the floor when sitting or lying down. The only time I used the leg bag was if I was not going to lie down. You may see some blood mixed with the urine don't panic just try to drink more water.

Anyone preparing for surgery will probably have a lot of questions. The doctor may not think the questions are important because this is old stuff for him. So if anyone needs advice from a patient I'm here. [There are also some useful hints on the site on the Choices page.]

On 2/7/2013 it was one year since Robotic Surgery. My last PSA was >.08 and has remained the same. I have had good urinary control after 5 weeks. I had chronic protititis or bladder problems before the surgery and they have gotten better, but is still a problem. I have been taking PRELIEF (OTC) before each meal it seems to help with inflammation.

Phil's e-mail address is: lincoln9200 AT gmail.com (replace "AT" with "@")

NOTE: Phil has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.