Prostate problems for Beekeepers of a certain age

I've been suffering prostate problems for a while now and am due to have surgery on the 9th of February. All hives were treated with OA at new year and have hive cozy's on so the bees should be fine until the start of the season.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

The need to drink plenty of fluids plus the cold weather makes me struggle to keep shut off as well as before. It's important to keep dry to avoid skin irritation (nappy rash) so I found myself using 3 or 4 pads a day. During a visit to the chemist I learned that I should speak to my doctor about my need for pads and have now been contacted by a district nurse to assess my needs. I had to keep a diary of fluid intake, urination frequency and pads used for a few days. I may be entitled to a supply of the pads required so if the assessment decides it justified I could see a significant saving.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I'm glad to say I have been assessed as meeting the criteria for NHS supplied pads. A large parcel was delivered a couple of days ago which the accompanying paperwork said should last me until March. The pads in the pack are Tena for men and very comfortable to wear.
On a different tack I'm being taken out for a 70th birthday meal tomorrow by the family. Looking forward to that.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

7th February - 12 months on - good news
I attended the urology clinic today to discuss my progress. Last weeks blood test results showed a PSA value of 0.02 -highly satisfactory!
All other factors progressing well.
Thanks to my surgeon Mr L Coombs, the consultants and all the urology team at Scunthorpe and Goole Hospitals, the theatre staff and the nursing staff at Castle Hill hospital and all the supporting staff who have contributed to the package.
Another blood test and check in 6 months - no worries

 

[Gilberdyke John]

For anyone seeking information about the development of treatment this link adds an update. http://prostatecanceruk.org/about-u...&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=2016Campaign

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Update. Life is pretty much back to normal. I can sleep 6 hours without disturbance, lift and carry bags of chicken food, lift full supers of honey from hives to trolley, ride my horse etc. I still wear my Tena pads but mostly as an insurance. I do have to be aware of the location of toilet facilities if we are going out and about in urban areas but it's a good reason to pop into a hostelry for a break and a meal
SWMBO noticed my improvement and set me to work redecorating the lounge a couple of weeks ago (it looked fine to me but I'm only a bloke). I must have done a reasonable job because I was then moved on to doing the dining room. I have a strong suspicion the hall and landing are going to appear on my to do list when the beekeeping season permits.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

An update. I'm still around and heading for my 74th birthday. I have my regular specialist consultations via the telephone now due to covid restrictions. Blood tests show PSA levels are almost undetectable and I've got pretty good control of urinary continence but wear tena for men pads as insurance just in case of sudden effort or laughter. Ladies will understand . I don't pretend to be able to do jobs which I could do during my working life but that's an age thing. Being able to lift a full super is satisfying enough.

 

[Erichalfbee]

An update. I'm still around and heading for my 74th birthday. I have my regular specialist consultations via the telephone now due to covid restrictions. Blood tests show PSA levels are almost undetectable and I've got pretty good control of urinary continence but wear tena for men pads as insurance just in case of sudden effort or laughter. Ladies will understand . I don't pretend to be able to do jobs which I could do during my working life but that's an age thing. Being able to lift a full super is satisfying enough.

Brilliant John
It’s good to be alive and enjoying it.

 

[OXFORDBEE]

Being able to lift a full super is satisfying enough.

So true and even better when you are able to do the lifting!

 

[The Poot]

Good for you John and thanks for sharing this. (Only just found it)

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Good for you John and thanks for sharing this. (Only just found it)

That's the importance of a well worded title - John asked Dani if the thread could be found and given a more relevant name

 

[Hachi]

Its good to hear the success stories John, they give us all hope

 

[Erichalfbee]

That's the importance of a well worded title - John asked Dani if the thread could be found and given a more relevant name

Ah to be fair it was John who decided the title. We all post in haste, at least the mods can edit thread titles.
You do have a point though.

 

[The Poot]

For a bloke who answers the call of an enlarging prostate up to three times a night, it is both alarming but encouraging.
Thanks again John

 

[BugsInABox]

For a bloke who answers the call of an enlarging prostate up to three times a night, it is both alarming but encouraging.
Thanks again John

Maybe get that checked. It’s a doddle!
And doc surgeries should be open now - might need phone call 1st put push for examination and blood test.

reg
Neil
BIAB (Dr)

 

[Mint Bee]

Used to work making the reagents for PSA testing kits. Starting material for the test positive control was 500ml of frozen human semen delivered from the USA. Purification process was run every 12 months or so, but I had a good memory for anyone who deserved to get the job when it turned up

From a clinical diagnostic perspective, its not about the absolute serum level of PSA, its more about change over time. A higher level may indicate an issue, but one may have flat line higher levels and have no issues at all. Easy blood test to get and I'd recommend everyone over 50 getting a regular test, even more so if there is any history in the family. Not a substitute for DRE, but should be used in conjunction with.

Tim, Ph.D. not M.D

 

[pargyle]

Used to work making the reagents for PSA testing kits. Starting material for the test positive control was 500ml of frozen human semen delivered from the USA. Purification process was run every 12 months or so, but I had a good memory for anyone who deserved to get the job when it turned up

From a clinical diagnostic perspective, its not about the absolute serum level of PSA, its more about change over time. A higher level may indicate an issue, but one may have flat line higher levels and have no issues at all. Easy blood test to get and I'd recommend everyone over 50 getting a regular test, even more so if there is any history in the family. Not a substitute for DRE, but should be used in conjunction with.

Tim, Ph.D. not M.D

And whilst this thread is sphincter crushingly excruciating for every man to read it does highlight the absolute necessity to be aware of prostate cancer ... if you don't know the signs to look for .. read this - indeed, if you DO know the signs - read it again !

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/
The good news is that, even in the last few years, the surgery and treatment has become less invasive. My younger brother had his out last year and whilst it's something you would happily trade for trapping your fingers in a car door as long as you get early treatment the life expectancy is good and the post op issues are better than they were a few years ago. Credit to John for his openness ...

 

[The Poot]

Maybe get that checked. It’s a doddle!
And doc surgeries should be open now - might need phone call 1st put push for examination and blood test.

reg
Neil
BIAB (Dr)

Hi,
Thanks for the post. I have been checked out - had the GP checks, kidneys checked by ultrasound and the bowel checked out by camera.
Blood tests also proved nothing to worry about, but enlargement is going on.
Just got to see what develops over time.
(It‘s like returning to your childhood - ensuring you have a pee before you leave the house and all that!!)

 

[Erichalfbee]

Easy blood test to get and I'd recommend everyone over 50 getting a regular test, even more so if there is any history in the family. Not a substitute for DRE, but should be used in conjunction with.

Tim, Ph.D. not M.D

Yes it’s the second bit that some have problems with.
I had to push Stan to get an appointment
( I didn’t tell him about that. Just told him it was a blood test )
As a woman I have spent most of my reproductive life being intermittently fiddled about with by doctors and nurses and radiographers.
Men!

 

[pargyle]

Yes it’s the second bit that some have problems with.
I had to push Stan to get an appointment
( I didn’t tell him about that. Just told him it was a blood test )
As a woman I have spent most of my reproductive life being intermittently fiddled about with by doctors and nurses and radiographers.
Men!

DRE - Brings tears to your eyes just thinking about it .... women doctors have smaller fingers ...when they say 'just relax' it inevitably has the exact opposite effect.

I had to have a larynxoscophy a few years ago ..The doctor doing it said 'sit in that chair and push it back against the wall' ... why ? I asked ... and with a glint in his eye he said ... 'Because then you can't go any further' as he pushed what appeared to be a 25mm hosepipe up my nose whilst squirting neat bleach ahead of its progress (or at least that's what it felt like). After several attempts up my right nostril he decided my broken nose was restricting progress and pulled the five yards out and started again up my left. They should probably have strapped me in as well as the temptation to squeeze him gently by his crown jewels was overpowering ....

 

[Erichalfbee]

DRE - Brings tears to your eyes just thinking about it .... women doctors have smaller fingers ...when they say 'just relax' it inevitably has the exact opposite effect.

I had to have a larynxoscophy a few years ago ..The doctor doing it said 'sit in that chair and push it back against the wall' ... why ? I asked ... and with a glint in his eye he said ... 'Because then you can't go any further' as he pushed what appeared to be a 25mm hosepipe up my nose whilst squirting neat bleach ahead of its progress (or at least that's what it felt like). After several attempts up my right nostril he decided my broken nose was restricting progress and pulled the five yards out and started again up my left. They should probably have strapped me in as well as the temptation to squeeze him gently by his crown jewels was overpowering ....

My doc is pretty slick with the nasoendoscope. Strangely I quite look forward to it. It helps that he’s rather fit but I’m old enough to be his gran .....sigh