Passing The Buck Nhs Version

[modeller]

The NHS version is, we will send you for a test which provokes another test and another test and another test , and another ---------------etc. --

The truth is when you are over 80 with any luck you will die or become too old and they wont have to carry out any surgery .

I'm 88 and like most eldery men I first had a diagnosed enlarged prostate with all its problems in my 70s . Since then I have seen numerous consultants each one of which has told me I need surgery but I need first to have a test to see what surgery is best ?

Now all these years later its the same diagnosis and I'm waiting for yet , you guessed it , another test . Which means several more months of delay. First for the test and then seeing a consultant again.

For those of you who don't know the surgery involved is relatively minor and is normally a 24 hour procedure.
Have any of you any ideas or experience that may help.

I bet if I offered to pay It would be sorted out in days rather than months. I know that because I paid to have cataract surgery and it was done in 7 days instead of the 18 months that was quoted by the NHS, but that's another story .

[Mohne]

You are nearly 90 years old and have had "prostate problems " for at least 10 years and as far as i can gather, you are still well.
If I were you, I would decline ALL surgical procedures and ask if i could have a PSA (blood test) every six months.
You almost certainly have Benign Prostatic Enlargement (not cancer).
If your problems are just a bit of urgency to pass water, poor stream and perhaps some dribbling..........I would live with it.....

I would argue that this 24 hour relatively minor operation is not so .."minor".....and is probably a TUR (trans urethral prostatectomy)

Keep away from the surgeons as long as you can....;-)

[Everhelpful]

Your last paragraph says it all,but take mohne's advice at your age.Good Luck.

[EDDIE51]

No surgery is 'minor' when you are nearly 90!. The surgeon has to balance the risk against the possible improvement.
As said what problems do you actually have?
It may well be better to live with the problems rather than risk an operation.
Offering to pay should not make a difference, the surgeon is still compelled to access the risk of the operation against the possible gain.
It is rare but operations can go wrong and the risk of something going wrong is a lot greater at your age.

[NoMercy]

To suggest that the NHS would rather mess you about than bear the cost of surgery due to your advanced years is ridiculous.

As Mohne says surgery is not necessarily in your best interests and you would have to be fit for surgery too. At your age anaesthetic would be more risky.

You're right, a private hospital would be only too happy to take your money off you, just as any pub landlord would be happy to take your money even if you didn't need another drink.

[anneasquith]

Modeller. At your age I think you are old enough and experienced enough re your body to take the advice of your surgeon ( whenever you are lucky enoug to actually see him/her after all " the tests" . :-)

[modeller]

Thanks for all your comments. Your diagnosis Mohne is spot on . It's just that each problem has got worse especially in the past year and has made life so much more difficult that I felt it may be worth the risk .
However your collective comments has made me think again. Thanks !

[modeller]

I had read ( it was on th TV as well ) about the Green Light XPS laser treatment which burns away excess tissue which only requires day surgery . However when I mentioned it to the consultant he said it had been used 10 years ago but it was not a success. I found that surprising as on the TV it was hailed as something new and was the future. Do you know anything about it.

[anneasquith]

I don't. But it would be great if your symptoms could be alleviated a bit at least, I hope you get some assistance.

[EDDIE51]

Green light XPS information here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/14/nhs-approves-laser-treatment-for-common-prostate-condition/
This says it has only been approved for NHS use since last June, just a few weeks ago.
I suggest you ask your consultant to have another look, but as it has only very recently been approved you may have to wait a while until it is available in your area.

[Mohne]

Take care with Laser treatment..........
It may make your urinary symptoms worse.
More research is needed.

[modeller]

Thanks for the warning !