So I went to see a Urologist based on the recommendation of my Family doctor because my PSA number was a high (5). The Urologist did the usual finger up the ass and I also did an ultra sound and he told me he saw something that didn't look right so now he wants me to do a biopsy. This Urologist was a really arrogant SOB, when I questioned why he thought this was the necessary course of action. He started saying that he sees 10,000 patients a year, look him up on the internet, blah blah blah... I didn't really feel that he was being sincere or honest with me. Felt like he just wanted my money. I admit that I have trust issues with doctors. Also, with so much uncertainty around prostate testing, I wanted to see what others feel about this. Thanks.
Seeking advice on Prostate situation.
- Thread starter theycallmebruce
- Start date
Specialists are known to be arrogant. On the other hand, there is a reason your doc referred you to him. Yes it is possible that he's trying to pad his business but considering OHIP foots the bill, how does allowing it compare to the possibility of missing something important?
Either ignore the attitude or get a second opinion.
Either ignore the attitude or get a second opinion.
Firstly the tests for PSA are notoriously wrong. That said be safe and get the biopsy. Death is really permanent.
Has anyone here had a biopsy done? For some reason, I am of the opinion that regardless of the outcome, they will recommend surgery. The outcome of the surgery is what I am afraid. I hear stories of incontinence and impotence. Thoughts please.
This board has many good folks who give great advice. I value that. To me, this board is not just a escort review site.
I would suggest you get the biopsy done just to rule out anything serious. My dad had gotten his PSA levels checked...they had increased from 5 to 7 so the doc had recommended a biopsy. He was a bit skeptical given he had read some horror stories of people not healing after biopsies etc etc. Long story short - he went ahead with the biopsy. Results came back fine. There was pain and discomfort for the first day and he was on painkillers. After that it was just blood in the urine for a week.
Very seldom do doctors recommend surgery. Most elevated PSA numbers are handled with monitoring, without surgery. In few cases, the PSA number shoots up violently, and treatment is necessary, but most patients avoids it. The biopsy is done to make sure there is no aggressive cancer there. It is a horrid experience, but do it.
Yes. I had a biopsy done in my rectum. You're right it's not pleasant but ignoring the warnings is disastrous.
Doctors are not doing unnecessary surgery. There is enough cancer to keep them very busy. If it's the prostate radiation is most likely the initial approach. Prostate cancer is 96% survivable. This figure is correct.
If you wish to discuss PM me and I'll respond when I'm logged on.
By the way, it was cancer with me (not prostate, much worse) and I'm alive three and a half years later. F.O. cancer.
Just as this site has reviews for escorts, there are boards on the interwebs that have reviews of doctors.
Get on Google, find a couple of good boards, and see what the reviews are like for this guy. If they say he is good, consider taking his advice. If not, ask your doctor for a second opinion...but will that mean another 6 weeks on a waiting list?
If the ultrasound looks fishy after you had a bad PSA, he's probably not making up excuses to do a biopsy.
Prostate cancer is really, really common.
Get on Google, find a couple of good boards, and see what the reviews are like for this guy. If they say he is good, consider taking his advice. If not, ask your doctor for a second opinion...but will that mean another 6 weeks on a waiting list?
If the ultrasound looks fishy after you had a bad PSA, he's probably not making up excuses to do a biopsy.
Prostate cancer is really, really common.
Had the biopsy. Man it was a collosal pain in the butt, literally. But you've had the rectal and the ultrasound and the guy who is highly trained and very experienced says you should give it a whirl... if I were in your position, i'd certainly do it again.
No problem though, getting a second opinion to increase your comfort in making a decision... Prostate cancer is notoriously slow growing so you do not need to rush into anything. Your GP can refer you to a urology clinic at a hospital in the University Health Network, like, say, Sunnybrook. There you will get tremendous expertise.
No problem though, getting a second opinion to increase your comfort in making a decision... Prostate cancer is notoriously slow growing so you do not need to rush into anything. Your GP can refer you to a urology clinic at a hospital in the University Health Network, like, say, Sunnybrook. There you will get tremendous expertise.
I had a biopsy done years ago. No pain at all but then I was anesthetized and I'm not sure they do that now. Only problem was I peed blood for a few days (no pain) and had to buy all new underwear. I was referred to my urologist because of high PSA levels and he discovered I have an enlarged prostate. I was put on medication to shrink it and don't take anything for it now.
I had a high psa, got tested again soon after, it was normal. I got the finger exam and my doctor thought it felt benign, and given the drop in psa from one test to another, we are monitoring the situation and leaving well enough alone.
So I'd say get a second psa. Since your urologist "saw something that didn't look right," perhaps that means something, though. If my doctor had done his exam and said something like that, I'd probably think about it differently.
Re another post here - I wonder if they do anesthetize for the biopsy nowadays... I got a colonoscopy and they put me out for that, which surprised me. That was last year. One should be careful though, I understand that going under anesthetic can be a risk factor in later dementia - c.f. Peter Falk, who apparently had numerous dental procedures done under anesthetic, and paid the price for his fear of dentists later in life.
So I'd say get a second psa. Since your urologist "saw something that didn't look right," perhaps that means something, though. If my doctor had done his exam and said something like that, I'd probably think about it differently.
Re another post here - I wonder if they do anesthetize for the biopsy nowadays... I got a colonoscopy and they put me out for that, which surprised me. That was last year. One should be careful though, I understand that going under anesthetic can be a risk factor in later dementia - c.f. Peter Falk, who apparently had numerous dental procedures done under anesthetic, and paid the price for his fear of dentists later in life.
Is this prostate biopsy month? Is there a special going on? I had one done 3 weeks ago and learnt today that it was not cancerous. I had a PSA over 4 and the urologist felt a lump during an examination. Based on these 2 facts he wanted a biopsy. Not a pleasant procedure but the doctor on duty at the hospital told me that she sees men having this process done twice a year. I was warned by her that I might see blood in my semen for a month. Well it's been 3 weeks and there is still blood, dark blood. I won't be seeing any SPs while this is going on, it looks disgusting. Best to get this test done and not ignore any warning flags from your prostate!
