Our patient wrote this story about his life-changing treatment for BPH and elevated PSA with us, after he lost confidence in his previous urologist.
Let me begin by saying that I had suffered with an enlarged prostate for about 20 years.
I was referred in 2012 to a urology practice by my primary care physician. After examining me, the urologist suggested that I have a prostate biopsy, which I refused. I was then prescribed medication to help with frequent urination and was advised to monitor any changes in PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels along the way. This mode of treatment continued for a number of years with moderate relief.
Eventually I wound up seeing the surgeon at that practice in February 2017 for a consult.
I was given his opinion, which was to have a robotic assisted laparoscopic simple adenomectomy (nodule removal) of the prostate for large volume BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
I remember afterwards saying to my wife that there was no way that I would elect to have the surgery described, due to a lack of confidence in the surgeon.
The surgeon stated the most significant benefit I would likely experience after the surgery would be somewhat lessened overall frequency of urination and fewer sleep interruptions.
Potential benefit as explained to me did not outweigh invasive surgical risk in my mind.
I said, at the time, that the procedure described would have to be on an emergency basis.
Fast forward to the ER
Well, fast forward to July of 2018. I went to the bathroom one night and was unable to urinate, wound up in the emergency room of my local hospital and was consequently catheterized. This was not good. I asked the doctor in charge if he had a recommendation for a urologist. He referred me to Dr. Brad Bell at Urology Associates, and I made an appointment with Dr. Horne, who is one of the founders of the practice.
I must say that from the initial visit with Dr. Horne I was very impressed. His bedside manner was excellent and the way he explained my options for fixing the problem, which was a simple prostetectomy, was clear and concise. [A prostatectomy is partial or complete removal of the prostate.] When he was done with the exam and subsequent explanation, I felt so confident that I wanted the surgery as soon as possible.
I was scheduled for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bell and Jakob his physician assistant. I again was impressed with the way I was treated from the front desk to the consultation with Jakob. Dr. Bell was in surgery that day.
Put at ease before prostatectomy surgery
The initial surgery date of September 13 was cancelled due to a urinary tract infection. After taking medication to treat the infection, a surgery date was set for October 24.
I met Dr. Bell for the first time a few days before the surgery and was made to feel at ease and confident that all would be okay. And indeed it was.
Dr. Horne assisted with the procedure.
It is now January 2019 as I write this and my recovery, I am told, was faster than expected.
My overall experience at Urology Associates was excellent and one of the best decisions I have ever made. If I had to do it again, I would in a heartbeat.
Dr. Bell is an excellent surgeon, he genuinely cares for his patients and it shows. Jakob, his right-hand man, is integral to the functioning of the unit. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to meet and benefit from his care. Overall I could not have had a better experience under such dire circumstances.
I am now free from having to map out where bathrooms are prior to leaving my home.
I no longer get up every two hours during the night to pee.
I no longer take prescribed medication for overactive bladder.
I no longer worry about where I am seated in a crowded room or theatre.
Thanks again for all that you do at Urology Associates.
– Clifton B.