Prostate Issue

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Stu
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Prostate Issue

Post by Stu »

I have been having a few issues lately and some blood tests and I am always a bit concerned, being an older male with a father who had prostate cancer, when the prostate is mentioned. Anyway, the doctor told me I has an abnormally low reading on my PSA test at 0.2. I have had PSA tests before and they have all been around the same level and, on one occasion, I was told there was no detectable reading of PSA in my blood. I have been referred for an ultrasound, but there is a waiting list and that will take months. Should I be worried? I have medics in my family, but this is outside their area so they couldn't advise. I have looked it up online and can't find anything. Does anyone else have this issue and should I be concerned?
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Uncle Al
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Uncle Al »

Normally, men do not discuss health issues with other men.
The Macho-Stubborn, tough it up "Male" image is in danger
when that happens.

BULL CRAP :!: How are we to learn new information if we don't share it :?:

Stu, I feel for you :!:

My last blood work-up showed I was clear of everything BUT
the PSA indicated I had an infection. So, I've taken the prescribed
medication to get rid of the infection, and will be having a 2nd
blood work-up to check the PSA. I do hope there is an improvement,
as I don't really want to see a Urologist just yet.

Uncle Al
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Kilted Organist/Musician
Grand Musician of the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of Texas 2008-2009, 2015-2016,
2018-202 ? (and the beat goes on ;) )
When asked 'Why the Kilt?'
I respond-The why is F.T.H.O.I. (For The H--- Of It)
STEVIE
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by STEVIE »

Hi Stu
For starters it would be very strange if you were unconcerned and really it is only a urologist who should advise.
However, I was diagnosed with enlarged prostate in early 2017 and the final non cancerous prognosis was delivered in the December.
Not a pleasant wait I can assure you.
However, 4 years on and I am still around so that is a positive.
On the down side, the symptoms can only be managed but not eradicated. There are also some irritating side effects from the treatments. Let's just say that it does nothing for your love life.
It could be a hell of a lot worse and being ready to adapt is the key.
I hope this helps a bit but don't hesitate to PM me if you want to chat.
On a wider note, anybody reading this should get the check done as early as possible.
The first test is just a little discomfort for a few moments and the result could just save your life!
Steve.
Bodycon
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Bodycon »

This thread on the ABR forum may be of interest, though may not give much useful information.

https://adventurebikerider.com/forum/vi ... t=prostate

I could Message one of the chaps who has prostate issues if you have a specific question you want to ask.
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Sinned
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Sinned »

I'm not showing any of the symptoms of a problem with my prostrate but such is always at the back of my mind. I try and keep up on reading about treatments and there are now ones that are non-intrusive, no operation and even don't affect the ability to have sex. It's a matter of doing the research and being vocal enough to get the right treatment to enable you to continue life as usual. Don't be fobbed off by a sub-standard treatment that is just an easy option for the specialist. A superficial search shows that 0.2 is normal but not sure how authoritative that is. As usual different dimensions are used meaning that work is needed to do the conversions. As has been said only a urologist can advise with certainty. Hope that any results come back negative and good luck.
I believe in offering every assistance short of actual help but then mainly just want to be left to be myself in all my difference and uniqueness.
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denimini
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by denimini »

It is something that is on all our minds as we grow older. I have no advice to offer except empathy with your concerns.
I guess it is like so many things in our lives; deal with situations that turn up the best we can and try to maintain a positive attitude as stress will exacerbate any problem.
Anthony, a denim miniskirt wearer in Outback Australia
Stu
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Stu »

Thanks for the input guys. From what I have been able to find out, the main issue for older gents is the precise opposite of mine - it's high PSA and that is a marker for prostate cancer. Mine is abnormally low - a level normally found in women. It is likely to be a symptom of a minor genetic defect; it is extremely rare, but it's nothing to worry about.
pelmut
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by pelmut »

Stu wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 6:02 pm Thanks for the input guys. From what I have been able to find out, the main issue for older gents is the precise opposite of mine - it's high PSA and that is a marker for prostate cancer. Mine is abnormally low - a level normally found in women. It is likely to be a symptom of a minor genetic defect; it is extremely rare, but it's nothing to worry about.
It's also worth bearing in mind that the PSA is only an indirect indicator of what is going on in the prostate, there are many things that can affect the readings and it is no more than a pointer to the direction for further investigation.  If I were a doctor, my first worry with an unusually low reading would be whether the lab had made a mistake and some other patients with high PSA levels had been given the 'all clear' in error.

Hope you have no further worries in this direction.
There is no such thing as a normal person, only someone you don't know very well yet.
Brad
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Brad »

I have been referred for an ultrasound, but there is a waiting list and that will take months.
This is shocking to have to wait months for an ultrasound.
Stu
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Stu »

pelmut wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 10:25 pm It's also worth bearing in mind that the PSA is only an indirect indicator of what is going on in the prostate, there are many things that can affect the readings and it is no more than a pointer to the direction for further investigation.  If I were a doctor, my first worry with an unusually low reading would be whether the lab had made a mistake and some other patients with high PSA levels had been given the 'all clear' in error.

Hope you have no further worries in this direction.
Thanks. I have had about four PSA tests over recent years and in two countries. They always come back abnormally low. I don't think that's going to be an issue - I have no plans to father any more kids.
Stu
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Stu »

Brad wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 2:42 am
This is shocking to have to wait months for an ultrasound.

My GP told me to expect a wait of TEN months.

Yes, it is shocking.
pelmut
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by pelmut »

Stu wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:45 am
pelmut wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 10:25 pm ..Hope you have no further worries in this direction.
- I have no plans to father any more kids.
...no father worries either.   :-)
There is no such thing as a normal person, only someone you don't know very well yet.
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oldsalt1
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by oldsalt1 »

Hello gentelmen. I haven't been around for a while have been dealing with some medical problems. Including PTSD and a bout with prostate cancer. Found that aside from age my cancer was caused by 2 main factors the first exposure to agent orange in Nam in the 60's and the more recent cause taking a cancer causing drug from a byproduct of a stomach med.
My PSA usually ran a little high around 6 after taking the drug for a period of time it rose to 41 than as I was preparing for treatment in 4 months it rose to 94. The VA treated my cancer but I had to endure 42 radiation treatments and a series of chemo injections. Fortunately my last PSA was .022 Stu If I can answer any questions just message me.
6ft3Aussie
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by 6ft3Aussie »

Trouble is with prostate trouble is that it's not always something that only affects older men.
My brother was having difficulties at age 50, and was found to have a PSA level of 11, which is high.
He's expecting to find out if his is benign (which he's told is what the urologist thinks) soon.

There is no history that I am aware of in the family of prostate cancer. Cancer, yes, a significant history of bowel cancer on my mother's side, and my own mother only made it to 51 to secondary cancer which originated as bowel cancer.
Next time I see my GP I will discuss this with him, as if there's anything there that could happen, it's good to catch it early before it becomes an issue.

At 49 I am a father of none, and at 80, my father is a grandfather of 2 (to my younger brother).
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Uncle Al
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Re: Prostate Issue

Post by Uncle Al »

Earlier I added, to this thread, that I had to take an antibiotic to get rid
of an infection in my Prostate. I WAS worried that it could get worse.
Well, the call came from my Doctor's office. The PSA test came back
negative. The infection is GONE :yay: I will not have to see a specialist :D

This news just made my day much brighter :D

Uncle Al
:mrgreen: :ugeek: :mrgreen:
Kilted Organist/Musician
Grand Musician of the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of Texas 2008-2009, 2015-2016,
2018-202 ? (and the beat goes on ;) )
When asked 'Why the Kilt?'
I respond-The why is F.T.H.O.I. (For The H--- Of It)
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