[kenmist]

Three months ago before bedtime, I began urinating and the my urine was bight red. Figured it was one of my medications for gout and reduced the dosage. I haven't had another episode, so I figured the condition had been corrected.
During my annual physical recently, I told my doctor about the blood in my urine and he indicated that I needed to see a urologist and had me make an appointment. He said the urologist would insert a device into my penis to check the "plumbing" for abnormalities. This sounded a lot like my one and only colonoscopy (I'm 73) after which my normal bowel movements became anything but normal! I now go at various times of the day instead of after breakfast and somtimes as many as three times in one day. I not sure I want to have any device inserted into my penis unless it's necessary? My theory is that it only happened once and I haven't had any pain or other symptoms since, so why spoil "plumbing" that seems to be working just fine? My doctor has told me that I have BPH and didn't notice any change after my recent check up. Is this trip to a urologist necessary or should I just watch and wait?

[gott1936]

Kenmist, I can not answer your question, " should I watch and wait? ", but I am in the same boat. I am 72 years old and had a gross hematuria about four months ago and have not had a recurrence. My family doctor sent me to a urologist and he identified an enlarged prostate. He said it was the size of a baseball and he has been trying to convince me to agree to the same procedure ( cystoscopy ) that your urologist wants you to have, but my research has revealed that a cystoscopy can cause future urethral strictures in some individuals. Complications I don't need. How have you been doing since your last post?

[kenmist]

Still no futher episodes. I know my prostate is enlarged also and I thought about taking Avodart or Flowmax, but after reading about side effects I decided that "standing at the urinal" for an extra minute wasn't that bad! I am continuing to wait and watch.
My bowels have never been the same since my colonoscopy, so I don't need any more instruments shoved into my places that they don't belong.
Regards

[gott1936]

I concur with your decision. My symptoms are just slow urine flow, so far! I have a neighbor who is taking Flomax and he says that his symptoms have improved just alittle. He was getting up 3 or 4 times a night and now its only 1 or 2 times. I am scheduled for a cystoscopy next Tuesday, but I am going to postpone any invasive surgical procedures for now.

[kenmist]

I thought that was invasive? Don't they insert a probe to inspect the canal and if something suspicious appears, take a biopsy! Hope you have good luck and a clean bill of health.
My only problem at this point is slow urine flow. I don't have a problem with urgency or having to get up during the night.

[gott1936]

You are right! Cystoscopy is an invasive surgical technique that allows the urologist to perform numerous surgical urethral, prostate and bladder procedures.

[kenmist]

Let me know how it goes? I may be a candidate down the line?

[gott1936]

I have postponed my cystoscopy for two months and I may cancel it altogether if I continue to feel as good as I do right now! Please check my comments under the topic index " BPH".