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I got rid of bladder spasms by using a two-balloon catheter.
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Did Dr Krambeck do the surgery or did a trainee or fellowship guy do the surgery?
I'm scheduled to get surgery in July with Dr Krambeck.
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DC. Nate here. Follow up was a breeze. I was told at follow up that total healing was around week 13. Things will come and go until then. They were exactly right on that. I recommend you can make a list of questions you want to ask.
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Hi Nate/John, completed my 6 week appointment at Vanderbilt. Dr. Miller stopped in; it was so good to see her. I measured 25cc of urine retention (before surgery 250cc) and the flow reading was very good. Still have some leakage, problems bending over, and getting up 3 to 4 times per night. You (Nate) and Dr. Miller make me feel these should resolve over the next 6 weeks. Dr. Miller said she removed 90cc of prostate (the equivalent of 3 prostrates). Very happy with Dr. Miller and Vanderbilt. Highly recommend for HoLEP. John, I think your surgery is tomorrow. Please let us know how it goes.
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Nate/John - just got psa test result. Psa dropped from 14 to .31
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Indeed it is today. Cannot believe how nervous I am. Will keep you informed.
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This is Nate. John I assume your surgery is completed. I hope all went well. Trust those who have had it (I had mine 1/18/23), the bleeding and incontinence will. Resolve. And the timeline for the resolution varies from person to person. Let us know how you are doing. And If you have questions we can help you with.
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DC congratulations on the sixth week checkup. The incontinence will resolve. I rarely think about it now. And weeks ago I had to give up on the exercises because that seemed to make mine worst. Everyone is a little bit different. Studies I have read state that 98.5% of all HoLEP patients are continent by 1 year. Normal ejaculation after HoLEP is the opposite story. I have found that erections are much better but “dry” organisms persist. It’s not terrible, just different. Like I told my medical doctor, in order of importance, urinating well, far exceeds Orgasms. At least at 67. Happy 4th to guys.
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The surgery went well Nate. I was kept overnight, Doctors regimen. Surprising that I only have minimal bleeding, at this time, What bothers me is not being able to feel urination, which is minimal. One cough or sneeze lets me know that I'm open though. I feel I'm going to be behind the curve in regards to incontinence. Most likely my 6 months fully cathed is going to bite me. It's only been two days so..... No pain, a few bladder spasms however. Thank you and every other member for mentoring me. All the best to you Nate.
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Hi John, Thanks for the update; was wondering how your surgery went. Good to read you only have minimal bleeding. Wondering how much water you are drinking. Vanderbilt told us to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. I was drinking more, about a gallon a day, the first week. First week was most difficult but gets better every week after. Please keep us posted on your progress. DC/David
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I've been following this thread for some time and wanted to post my experience. 66 years old, and I've been dealing with BPH for the past few years. I was taking 10mg of ALFUZOSIN and 5 MG of TADALAFIL to help control the symptoms. Last year I had a urodynamic study and was retaining 350ML of urine, and my urologist said it was time to get it taken care of before I had permanent bladder damage. My prostate was 73G as of last November (11-22). I started researching and decided on HOLEP. Dr. Miller is within 2 hours of my home, so I got an appointment in Mid-May. They did a flow test and urine retention test at that time, and I had retained 100ML of fluid. Dr Miller did a cystoscopy and said I needed a procedure and was a good candidate. They called me and offered a HOLEP appointment at the end of May, but I asked for an end of June appointment for personal reasons. I had HOLEP on 6-28-23 with Dr Miller at the Vanderbilt - Belle Meade Clinic. Everything went well. I stayed overnight in a hotel with a catheter, and went back the next day where they removed the catheter and we drove home. So, for day 3 post-Holep, I'm feeling pretty good. Peeing is awesome - it's great to be able to pee again. Passing a small amount of blood, but nothing substantial. I see a few clots, and I'm wearing a man's pad. I'll update this as my journey goes along. One thing to mention is that I've had experience with another University hospital system. While they were fine, Vanderbilt seems to have a culture that's second to none. I can't recommend Dr Miller and all of the healthcare providers at Vanderbilt too highly.
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Had mine the same day as you ggw, University of Michigan Dr. Casey Dauw. I'm 82 and I was in complete retention for six months, cathed. Good to have you on board!
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Thanks, John. Hope your recovery is going well.

Day 2 post HOLEP was a great day. I felt good all day. Day 3, I walked about 45 minutes, and then did the grocery shopping. I may have overdone it a bit. I felt OK, but not quite as good as Day 2. Passed some blood in my urine throughout the day. Nothing major and nothing I wasn't prepared for. Stream is still strong. I did have to get up to pee 4-5 times last night. I drank a lot of water yesterday, so I suppose that's the reason. Day 4 has been a pretty good day. Walked this morning and went to church. I haven't seen any blood either on the pads or in my urine.

One thing I was not prepared for is the swelling I'm experiencing. I read and researched a lot and I don't believe anyone has mentioned it. I have a good amount of swelling between my navel and my penis - mostly on the left side. I suppose it makes sense as there was a lot of activity in there. It not painful, but definitely noticeable. I was concerned about wearing pants with a belt today to church, but I did, and it didn't bother me. I'm not worried about it as I've been feeling great. Is this common?
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I have my initial appointment with Dr. Miller on 8-1-23. I have read all the posts on this site and really appreciate all the information provided. I'm 71 and have had some urine retention for several years. I am also taking Eliquis due to previous afib. From what I have read this should not disqualify me for the procedure even though I have not seen any posts here from men with an Eliquis prescription.

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I would suggest that you rely on Dr. Miller for the best information. You state "some urine retention", perhaps watchful waiting should be considered? If this is really bothering you Paul I'd still rely on Dr Millers advice.
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