Enlarged prostate - Experiences from others who suffer and options going forward

[Brandane]

Total absence of, internal, apparently into the bladder. That's just weird... and disturbing. Not sure I want to put up with that. The diminished libido is strange but something one could get used to... but not this. No other side effects, otherwise it's working well. Decision time looming.

2 weeks now I've been taking it now. I'll give it another week. Just to see if there's any change as it does take "weeks" (doc said) for the body to adjust.

I've been on Tamsulosin (and Dutasteride) for about 2½ years now with the same side effects you describe. It doesn't improve (in my case anyway). Neither seems to be improving the conditions they are supposed to be treating (BPE and also non functioning bladder muscle). I asked my urologist if I could stop taking them but was told no, as symptoms could get worse without them. Worse? How much worse than having to self catheterise 4 times daily with a disposable catheter can it get?

 

[yello]

I've woken this morning near-as-dammit minded to stop taking tamsulosin. I'm waking 2 or 3 times a night not with a need to pee but, ironically, needing a drink - my mouth is dry. I sleep well enough and am refreshed but I would prefer not to be waking as often. Before tamsulosin, it was once a night needing a pee.

Plus sides; it IS easier to pee, not that it was a big problem before. Things do feel more comfortable 'down there' though, again, it wasn't an issue before. Bad sides as I've said.

I only mentioned having a hard bladder and needing to pee during the night to my doc in case it was something serious. My problems were nowhere near as impacting as others have documented on this thread. It's 'only' an enlarged prostate, benign and not unusual at my age.

The doc suggested tamsulosin might help. On balance, I don't think it has and I think I rather deal with what I had before. Plus, in all honesty, I don't like the feeling of being 'drugged'.

Maybe more serious issues are in-wait but I'll deal with those if, as and when.

Edit: I have noticed that my stress levels (as measured by my watch) have reduced since taking tamsulosin. Maybe coincidence, may not. It's not a documented effect. So that will be something to keep an eye on.

 

[yello]

@Brandane you mentioned earlier in the thread problems with fatigue and being breathless. Did you ever find the cause? How are you feeling now?

 

[Brandane]

@Brandane you mentioned earlier in the thread problems with fatigue and being breathless. Did you ever find the cause? How are you feeling now?

After several tests (x-ray, then lung capacity test, then CT scan, then some other lung test taking place in a booth type thing, then finally an exercise bike test while wired up to heart monitor and wearing a mask to test lungs) I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma. Of course all these tests were conducted at NHS pace over a period of 2 years! Once diagnosed I was given 2 inhalers (Beclometasone powder, and the standard gas one). It was instant relief. Been back cycling as normal ever since.

 

[yello]

Been back cycling as normal ever since.

That's really good to hear, and inspirational. More power to you.

 

[yello]

T'other thread reminded me, was going to post there but thought it more relevant here to continue the story ...

as considered upthread, Ive now packed in the tamsulosin as I didn't like the side effects, nor feeling 'drugged'. I'm now taking African prune/cherry (prunus africana or pygeum as it's also known) and it's working out well for me. I was dubious at first, after reading of it, but sufficiently intrigued to give it a go, and I'm pleased I did. It's given me the same pluses as tamsulosin and none of the minuses.

Caveat: it's shown to be effective in cases of mild BPH (as mine is) but may not work for all.

 

[Brandane]

T'other thread reminded me, was going to post there but thought it more relevant here to continue the story ...

as considered upthread, Ive now packed in the tamsulosin as I didn't like the side effects, nor feeling 'drugged'. I'm now taking African prune/cherry (prunus africana or pygeum as it's also known) and it's working out well for me. I was dubious at first, after reading of it, but sufficiently intrigued to give it a go, and I'm pleased I did. It's given me the same pluses as tamsulosin and none of the minuses.

Caveat: it's shown to be effective in cases of mild BPH (as mine is) but may not work for all.

Good to hear @yello ... and I am seriously tempted to follow suit, as Tamsulosin and Dutasteride continue to give me some nasty side effects while there is still no obvious benefits. The one thing that puts me off is that the Dutasteride might be preventing the prostate from growing even larger, I have no way of knowing. Until of course it gets to the stage when I am unable to insert a catheter, in which case I am in deep trouble!