Why Aaron Chose PAE

PSA for men of a certain age: This is not a topic that most feel comfortable discussing but it’s an important one, especially for “older” men. (Almost couldn’t write that!)

Over that last several years I have been having more difficulty peeing. I had frequent urgency, difficulty emptying my bladder and a weak stream.

After more time than it should have been and considerable discomfort and suffering, I saw my doctor and was prescribed Flomax. Flomax or tamsulosin is the go-to daily medication to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is simply an enlarged prostate, which most men will experience as they age. It is, by the way, a non cancerous condition. Tamsulosin does a good job of relaxing the inner tissue of the prostate that squeezes the pee tube that passes through the prostate from the bladder. It’s like when you tightly grip a hose or a straw to prevent fluid from passing through. The medication doesn’t do anything to shrink the prostate and simply provides for better flow, less urgency and easier voiding of the bladder. Sounds great, right? Well for me it wasn’t good enough. The effectiveness of the dose I was on (.4mg) started not being enough and it also had some unpleasant side effects. I’ll let those interested research them.

After further discussions with my urologist, some surgical options were presented. All but one seemed appropriate for me, one that was noninvasive, had a quick recovery and did not have the sexual side effects (often permanent) that other options could have.

I chose PAE which stands for prostate artery embolization. This is a relatively new procedure. It sounds kind of scary and when you think about it, it kind of is. What it involves is a specialized doctor. An interventional radiologist runs a thin wire through your arteries that feeds blood to the prostate, this can be through the wrist or the groin. My doctor chose the wrist (the longer but more comfortable route) and then deposited itty-bitty beads into those arteries to block blood flow to the prostate. I was under very mild sedation and I was totally coherent throughout the procedure. Over a short period of time (days to weeks) the prostate begins to shrink and normal urinary function returns. After a few tests prior to ensure I was a good candidate, which quite frankly were more invasive that the actual procedure, I was scheduled for the procedure.

I reported to the clinic yesterday at 9am and was prepped for the procedure. At about 11am I was wheeled into the procedure room and just 45 minutes later I was wheeled back into the recovery room, mostly to monitor the entry site at my wrist. About an hour later I was back home. In just 24 hours I’ve seen improvement with (so far) no discomfort whatsoever. I’ve read that things can get a little worse over the next few days as the prostate gets used to its new normal, but so far so good. I can expect in just a few weeks to have the urinary function of a 20 year old. (The good ole days of peeing!)

So, for guys out there who have been quietly suffering, I say give this a look. In my case the procedure was covered 100% by the VA. It should be covered by most medical insurance.

If anyone has questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be completely open and honest with you. I’d also like to remind you guys to have your PSA tested annually. Prostate cancer, which thankfully I don’t have, when treated early can often be cured completely.

*Of course you know I’m not a doctor so be sure to discuss your condition with a qualified one, I’m just sharing my personal experience.

Happy peeing guys!

The statements above describe Aaron’s personal experience and opinions. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results or as medical advice.