Hello Learner and Blayneb,
Thank you for replying and ur advices. I read that aqua had been used to treat prostate slightly over 100ml, but I do agree that for large prostate, best not to take risk with a new technology. I have a 50ml prostate, but severe nocturia (every 1-2 hrs). I could afford to wait a couple months, but 12 months will be a stretch.
BCBS Insurance is strange, it rejected my pre authorization for Urolift but I will not need preauthorization for water jet (aquablation) as it does not have "medical necessity requirements".
My problem is finding an urologist who offer aquablation near me and who accept my insurance. I heard that dr. DiBlasio (also an experienced surgeon of HoLEP) from Long Island is considering offering aquablation. His time flame is 6 months and he accepts my insurance.
I have not made up my mind yet and will continue to learn more about both HoLEP and aquablation.
Thank you for replying and ur advices. I read that aqua had been used to treat prostate slightly over 100ml, but I do agree that for large prostate, best not to take risk with a new technology. I have a 50ml prostate, but severe nocturia (every 1-2 hrs). I could afford to wait a couple months, but 12 months will be a stretch.
BCBS Insurance is strange, it rejected my pre authorization for Urolift but I will not need preauthorization for water jet (aquablation) as it does not have "medical necessity requirements".
My problem is finding an urologist who offer aquablation near me and who accept my insurance. I heard that dr. DiBlasio (also an experienced surgeon of HoLEP) from Long Island is considering offering aquablation. His time flame is 6 months and he accepts my insurance.
I have not made up my mind yet and will continue to learn more about both HoLEP and aquablation.
Since your prostate is not EXTREMELY large you may want to go to ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** posting of web addresses is not allowed*** Please read our Terms of Use It has the best list that I have found. Years ago I had a microwave wave treatment that carried me for ove 10 years.
Contributor
149 posts
My opinion. Have Holep and be done with it!! My prostate was less than 100 grams and I had Holep by Dr Miller at Vanderbilt. Resulted in excellent experience and zero post-op complications. I believe having the procedure early contributed significantly to the good outcome. Also, she has made adjustments to the standard procedure that help prevent incontinence --- this worked perfectly for me. The only negative aspect of the whole thing was the retrograde ejaculation but all the other positive aspects more than made up for it!! Of note: I still enjoy sex and I am able to perform as well as I did before. Also, Vanderbilt accepted my BCBS insurance without any problems. The wait was also minimal --- she deliberately leaves openings for out of town patients. In closing - I say just do it and get on with enjoying life as I am. I am writing from a sailboat on the south coast of Newfoundland.
Based on what I see going on with my father I say consider doing it now as if you get older or develop any other problems it might be more difficult later on.
Hello Buster, Phillip and LauraNY,
Thanks for ur kind advices. I definitely will not procrastinate.
PS: LauraNY, I saw ur earlier post asking about Dr. DiBlasio. Did u finally go to him?
Thanks for ur kind advices. I definitely will not procrastinate.
PS: LauraNY, I saw ur earlier post asking about Dr. DiBlasio. Did u finally go to him?
Hi Group,
I'm now 17 days post op and, I think, doing well. My burning and itching has now pretty much resolved. My bloody urine is nearly resolved ( mostly dark yellow with occasional small clots and a bit of blood). The incontinence is vastly improved and I'm down to a very thin pad which only occasionally has anything. My urinary frequency is better; down from 12-14 times/day to about 10/day and at night down to twice from 3-6 times. I don't know about my sexual performance yet as it seems too early to think about. So far I'm glad I went through with it.
Great Daniel! It looks like you're doing as well or better than many I've seen here at your stage. Very happy for you. You may see blood and/or clots off and on for a while longer but that is normal I think so I would't be put off by it if you do. Your progress in regards to incontinence is remarkable and has me envious ;) but everyone's different. Please continue to keep us informed. Hope you continue to do well.
Wow I am envious of how fast you are healing. I am six months post op and now just using a shield! Your report is exceptional! Please keep us informed of your progress.
Thank you, Blayneb.
Thanks Buster...hope you continue to improve rapidly.
Hello Blayneb,
I have an appointment to see Dr. Das in late September. Other than tell him my symptoms and test results, are there any important questions I should ask? I already knew the hospital stay is 23 hrs and catheter time is 1-5 days. Any idea how dr das decides to use HoLEP or not?
Any info u could share would be appreciated.
I have an appointment to see Dr. Das in late September. Other than tell him my symptoms and test results, are there any important questions I should ask? I already knew the hospital stay is 23 hrs and catheter time is 1-5 days. Any idea how dr das decides to use HoLEP or not?
Any info u could share would be appreciated.
Contributor
149 posts
With HoLEP the catheter comes out and you must void before discharge from the hospital. The catheter is not in 1-5 days unless an unusual situation exists. This is one of the big advantages of HoLEP.
Thanks!
I understand able to void, even if just a few drops, is the precondition for removing the catheter. Do u mean that in other types of surgeries, this is not the case?
What are the big advantages of HoLEP? Have time to explain? I know about the prostate size independent (but I have a ~50cc prostrate so it is not an advantage for me), Shorter hospital stay and catheter time than TURP, but other technologies seem to have similar advantage. Perhaps, it has lower retreatment rate?
If hospital stay is tied to Catheter removal, it would be a problem. Because hospital stay has to be pre approved by insurance co.
I understand able to void, even if just a few drops, is the precondition for removing the catheter. Do u mean that in other types of surgeries, this is not the case?
What are the big advantages of HoLEP? Have time to explain? I know about the prostate size independent (but I have a ~50cc prostrate so it is not an advantage for me), Shorter hospital stay and catheter time than TURP, but other technologies seem to have similar advantage. Perhaps, it has lower retreatment rate?
If hospital stay is tied to Catheter removal, it would be a problem. Because hospital stay has to be pre approved by insurance co.
Hi,
If you do have the HoLEP you may want to start the Kegel exercises before your surgery. That could reduce the time that you need paper underwear/pads. Incontinence can, at the very least be annoying, if you active it can be really bothersome. Also on my release my hospital supplied me with a huge pad held in place by a fish net. It was real funky. I don’t know the situation at your hospital but you might try to investigate or just bring your own paper underwear. You may not have such a problem with incontinence because your prostate is not very large. In my case the day I was discharged I had no control what so ever. This may not be true for everyone. I hope this gives you some ideas to ask Dr. Das.
If you do have the HoLEP you may want to start the Kegel exercises before your surgery. That could reduce the time that you need paper underwear/pads. Incontinence can, at the very least be annoying, if you active it can be really bothersome. Also on my release my hospital supplied me with a huge pad held in place by a fish net. It was real funky. I don’t know the situation at your hospital but you might try to investigate or just bring your own paper underwear. You may not have such a problem with incontinence because your prostate is not very large. In my case the day I was discharged I had no control what so ever. This may not be true for everyone. I hope this gives you some ideas to ask Dr. Das.
Thanks for sharing ur experince!