I have a PSA question. One of those "which comes first, the chicken or the egg" questions.
I have CPPS, but the Uro wants me to do a PSA. Won't the results be elivated when you have pain down there? And if they are, the Uro will want to follow up with a biopsy, which I do not want to do.
I don't think my doctor buys into the CPPS. He (first) thinks everything is either an infection and/or cancer.
Anyway, does the ccps make the PSA levels higher? I don't want to get on the wrong road.
PSA Question
PSA Question
Age: | Onset Age: | Symptoms: | Helped By: | Worsened By:
My PSA was the same when it first started in May of 04 as it was a year later. Both normal.
Age: 45 Onset: 43. | Symptoms: Tightness, spasms, burning and pain in the perineum. Occassional mild pain after urination in the perineum. Helped by: Cardura, quitting caffiene, relaxation, fiber, stand up workstation and some PT a year ago. Makes Worse: ANXIETY, ULTRAM, going to work, sitting or squatting too long, constipation (big problems), stress, and sometimes unexplainable.
PSA is a simple painless test which is a good idea to get done yearly. Mine was normal inspite of this condition.
Age: 44 | Symptoms: Pain in pelvis, Post urination drip. Helped by: Squat stretching, PT, Prelief before banned foods, Vit B, Cystoprotec AFTER foods, singulair after foods, Exercise. Makes worse: Stress, Alcohol (1-2 days after), coffee, Artificial sweeteners, chocolate, tonic Wheat/gluten. Drink a lot of water!!! 95% better to date!
rant
i had my PSA done when I began experiencing major symptoms last year. first reading was .9. one year and a couple of months later it was 1.2. I've had continuous symptoms since the big onset may 2004 with at least a 25% improvement which is not nearly enough. the uro has me scheduled for another PSA test six months from the last one. obviously, I wish the number would have stayed the same. something else to worry about. I'm 48yrs, thin and lifelong exerciser and healthy eater. I've had IBS since 30 yrs old.
I've been doing a mix of yoga and cardio plus self teaching myself self massage. currently, I'm feeling down that I havent had more improvement. especially with the urinary frequency. the rectal burning has improved but has come back lately because I started using the treadmill instead of swimming. walking really causes me to burn in the rectal/prostate area. yesterday I went very slow on the treadmill and I felt less burning later. so slow, I wonder if I get any cardio benefit. I slept a little better last nite.
looking back I guess this all started with increased urination frequency a few years ago. I never thought about getting up a couple of times at nite to pee because I felt ok otherwise. then some other symptoms creeped in. specifcally pain after ejacualtion for a about half and hour and occasionally a slow stream when getting up at nite. I had an infection (?) that resulted in 2 small testicular cysts. at that point I had testicular pain and pain on upper thigh. that pain is essentially gone now.
but last year over the course of about a week everything changed dramatically for the worse and I've been trying to dig out ever since. I have 24 hours of symptoms now. rounds of anitibiotics didn't cure me. I've had to readjust my life completely to accomodate this. the tightening in the perineum is a lot better than it was. I seem to have more control over staving it off. the stinging/burning in the urethra is somewhat better as is the rectal burning. I have a special seat in the car which I made after reading a post on this forum which helps avoid rectal burning. but unfortunately within minutes of sitting in the car the position causes symptoms of feeling full, desiring to urinate and burning/stinging in the pelvic region and tip of penis.
well, this has turned into a rant. a few days ago I was feeling more positive and felt like I was 50 per cent better but after a couple of sleepless nites I'm less so.
I've been doing a mix of yoga and cardio plus self teaching myself self massage. currently, I'm feeling down that I havent had more improvement. especially with the urinary frequency. the rectal burning has improved but has come back lately because I started using the treadmill instead of swimming. walking really causes me to burn in the rectal/prostate area. yesterday I went very slow on the treadmill and I felt less burning later. so slow, I wonder if I get any cardio benefit. I slept a little better last nite.
looking back I guess this all started with increased urination frequency a few years ago. I never thought about getting up a couple of times at nite to pee because I felt ok otherwise. then some other symptoms creeped in. specifcally pain after ejacualtion for a about half and hour and occasionally a slow stream when getting up at nite. I had an infection (?) that resulted in 2 small testicular cysts. at that point I had testicular pain and pain on upper thigh. that pain is essentially gone now.
but last year over the course of about a week everything changed dramatically for the worse and I've been trying to dig out ever since. I have 24 hours of symptoms now. rounds of anitibiotics didn't cure me. I've had to readjust my life completely to accomodate this. the tightening in the perineum is a lot better than it was. I seem to have more control over staving it off. the stinging/burning in the urethra is somewhat better as is the rectal burning. I have a special seat in the car which I made after reading a post on this forum which helps avoid rectal burning. but unfortunately within minutes of sitting in the car the position causes symptoms of feeling full, desiring to urinate and burning/stinging in the pelvic region and tip of penis.
well, this has turned into a rant. a few days ago I was feeling more positive and felt like I was 50 per cent better but after a couple of sleepless nites I'm less so.
Age: | Onset Age: | Symptoms: | Helped By: | Worsened By:
48...I thought I was nearly the old man here anymore 
I wouldn't worry too much about the PSA. Mine was higher than that both times, uro and doctor both said that was absolutely not a concern. Yours is still very low.
"From the Mayo Clinic"
Age PSA Level (ng/ml)
40-49 2.5
50-59 3.5
60-69 4.5
70-79 6.5
Another one...
0 to 2.5 ng/ml is low
2.6 to 10 ng/ml is slightly to moderately elevated
10 to 19.9 ng/ml is moderately elevated
20 ng/ml or more is significantly elevated
As far as urinary frequency, mine started the same time as yours in May of 04. However in February of this year I had a PT session in which the PT externally mobilized my bladder. She said the bladder movement was restricted by scar tissue due to an infection possibly. Since then...all my symptoms have been lower and my frequency dropped about 50%. Most of my remaining frequency (10-12 times a day) is mental, from the trauma of having to pee 30 times a day for about 6 months. Not sure if you can see a PT but it's worth the cash if your insurance won't pay for it.
If you have IBS....like a lot of us here. You probably have anxiety issues too.
I wouldn't worry too much about the PSA. Mine was higher than that both times, uro and doctor both said that was absolutely not a concern. Yours is still very low.
"From the Mayo Clinic"
Age PSA Level (ng/ml)
40-49 2.5
50-59 3.5
60-69 4.5
70-79 6.5
Another one...
0 to 2.5 ng/ml is low
2.6 to 10 ng/ml is slightly to moderately elevated
10 to 19.9 ng/ml is moderately elevated
20 ng/ml or more is significantly elevated
As far as urinary frequency, mine started the same time as yours in May of 04. However in February of this year I had a PT session in which the PT externally mobilized my bladder. She said the bladder movement was restricted by scar tissue due to an infection possibly. Since then...all my symptoms have been lower and my frequency dropped about 50%. Most of my remaining frequency (10-12 times a day) is mental, from the trauma of having to pee 30 times a day for about 6 months. Not sure if you can see a PT but it's worth the cash if your insurance won't pay for it.
If you have IBS....like a lot of us here. You probably have anxiety issues too.
Age: 45 Onset: 43. | Symptoms: Tightness, spasms, burning and pain in the perineum. Occassional mild pain after urination in the perineum. Helped by: Cardura, quitting caffiene, relaxation, fiber, stand up workstation and some PT a year ago. Makes Worse: ANXIETY, ULTRAM, going to work, sitting or squatting too long, constipation (big problems), stress, and sometimes unexplainable.
its encouraging to hear that your frequency was lowered so much by the PT. I went one time and liked it. I'm waiting till 12/15 when my insurance will begin covering portion of PT. (i changed plans and this is a pre-existing condition which is not covered for 1 year).
could you explain how she mobilized your bladder? do you continue to self treat that area? has she recommended any technical books to you that you benefit from? someone posted about a breathing book by a vietnamese monk here and I read it and it was very good.
the PT diagnosed my problem as a "posture" complication not prostate and gave me some exercises. the session I had with him was very relaxing and gave me a lot of relief.
how did you go about choosing a PT? I've located 3 here in phoenix that advertise as pelvic floor specialists. their business seems to be mainly females. what should I expect to be paying per session?
on the "old man" issue. it does concern me that there arent older posters here - as though before a certain age these symptoms are considered chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome and resolvable with self treatment but after a certain age the same symptoms are inevitable BPH/pre-cancer symptoms with strong drugs and surgery as treatments.
my uro told me my prostate was smaller than average for a man my age. taking my symptoms into consideration this is confusing unless I imagine that my prostate is bigger relative to what it used to be and that the cause of my problems is indeed an enlarged prostate. and of course, that's something I'll never know.
and yes, I have fought anxiety all of my life. I am treating it with excercise and efforts to lower stress.
could you explain how she mobilized your bladder? do you continue to self treat that area? has she recommended any technical books to you that you benefit from? someone posted about a breathing book by a vietnamese monk here and I read it and it was very good.
the PT diagnosed my problem as a "posture" complication not prostate and gave me some exercises. the session I had with him was very relaxing and gave me a lot of relief.
how did you go about choosing a PT? I've located 3 here in phoenix that advertise as pelvic floor specialists. their business seems to be mainly females. what should I expect to be paying per session?
on the "old man" issue. it does concern me that there arent older posters here - as though before a certain age these symptoms are considered chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome and resolvable with self treatment but after a certain age the same symptoms are inevitable BPH/pre-cancer symptoms with strong drugs and surgery as treatments.
my uro told me my prostate was smaller than average for a man my age. taking my symptoms into consideration this is confusing unless I imagine that my prostate is bigger relative to what it used to be and that the cause of my problems is indeed an enlarged prostate. and of course, that's something I'll never know.
and yes, I have fought anxiety all of my life. I am treating it with excercise and efforts to lower stress.
Age: | Onset Age: | Symptoms: | Helped By: | Worsened By:
She just did a little minor external work. Almost like massaging the area. Amazing that that is all it took. I don't do any PT work myself. But may have to someday.
I was seeing her regularly for about 3 months, until she determined that she couldn't do anymore for me till my anxiety issues were dealt with through a counselor. And that was costing too much with the co-pay and traveling so I had to just let it go for now. But hopefully I can find one closer soon and get back after it. I haven't had any luck with any of the SSRIs etc, too many sideffects for me and make my already messed up sleep unbearable. I don't want to turn to the benzos.
PTs that work on the pelvic region are very limitied here. And yes, most of them are basically women's health centers. So even the one I was seeing was not what I really need but she did work internally on me twice. Didn't help. She had a different theory, she was into straightening out my muscle structure throughout my body, not just the pelvic trigger points. If I could find one here I'd start going again, but so far I haven't found anyone else. I believe it was about $160 an hour. My insurance was paying all but $12 of it.
I wouldn't worry too much about the age factor. In some ways we are in better shape. At least we didn't have to suffer for most of our lives. And most of what I've saw says that it burns itself out. That is why you don't see many 50-60 year old men on this site. So look at the age thing as a positive not a negative
Seems to me your URO is needlessly worrying you about cancer, and trust me some of them have financial interest in keeping us on their schedule. I won't go see another one, I just see a GP for meds etc. I believe I've read that men with our condition are less prone to prostate cancer than those without this condition.
My father had prostrate cancer at 65 so I have the family history to worry about but I don't let this crap make me think I'm headed in that direction because of it.
Yeah anxiety is my main issue I believe. Trying to cut down on things that depress me (alcohol, etc) and relax more via breathing exercises. Meds I've taken only make things worse, although I'm thinking of trying some Atarax.
Do you take an Alpha blocker? If you don't I would defnitiely try one. It can help the flow and urinary issues quit a bit. I've tried both Uroxatral and Cardura.....in my case, Cardura is MUCH better.
I was seeing her regularly for about 3 months, until she determined that she couldn't do anymore for me till my anxiety issues were dealt with through a counselor. And that was costing too much with the co-pay and traveling so I had to just let it go for now. But hopefully I can find one closer soon and get back after it. I haven't had any luck with any of the SSRIs etc, too many sideffects for me and make my already messed up sleep unbearable. I don't want to turn to the benzos.
PTs that work on the pelvic region are very limitied here. And yes, most of them are basically women's health centers. So even the one I was seeing was not what I really need but she did work internally on me twice. Didn't help. She had a different theory, she was into straightening out my muscle structure throughout my body, not just the pelvic trigger points. If I could find one here I'd start going again, but so far I haven't found anyone else. I believe it was about $160 an hour. My insurance was paying all but $12 of it.
I wouldn't worry too much about the age factor. In some ways we are in better shape. At least we didn't have to suffer for most of our lives. And most of what I've saw says that it burns itself out. That is why you don't see many 50-60 year old men on this site. So look at the age thing as a positive not a negative
Seems to me your URO is needlessly worrying you about cancer, and trust me some of them have financial interest in keeping us on their schedule. I won't go see another one, I just see a GP for meds etc. I believe I've read that men with our condition are less prone to prostate cancer than those without this condition.
My father had prostrate cancer at 65 so I have the family history to worry about but I don't let this crap make me think I'm headed in that direction because of it.
Yeah anxiety is my main issue I believe. Trying to cut down on things that depress me (alcohol, etc) and relax more via breathing exercises. Meds I've taken only make things worse, although I'm thinking of trying some Atarax.
Do you take an Alpha blocker? If you don't I would defnitiely try one. It can help the flow and urinary issues quit a bit. I've tried both Uroxatral and Cardura.....in my case, Cardura is MUCH better.
Age: 45 Onset: 43. | Symptoms: Tightness, spasms, burning and pain in the perineum. Occassional mild pain after urination in the perineum. Helped by: Cardura, quitting caffiene, relaxation, fiber, stand up workstation and some PT a year ago. Makes Worse: ANXIETY, ULTRAM, going to work, sitting or squatting too long, constipation (big problems), stress, and sometimes unexplainable.
Interesting you speak of the uro keeping you on his schedule. I have the same issue with mine. He wants to see me every 6 months and then every 6 weeks when I have a flareup. All he seems to want to do is order more tests, and try more drugs. When I suggested physical therapy he immediately told me that he feels the "Stanford/Wise-Anderson Protocol" is problematical...needless to say, I see my GP now. I am calling him this week to get a script for the PT. Simply amazing.....I knew there was something wrong when he, my uro, wanted to order another CT (just had one in December/January). I asked him why (the results is Dec/Jan were normal), and he told me because he noted it in the chart and, "well....it is an insurance billing thing...."treynor33 wrote:She just did a little minor external work. Almost like massaging the area. Amazing that that is all it took. I don't do any PT work myself. But may have to someday.
I was seeing her regularly for about 3 months, until she determined that she couldn't do anymore for me till my anxiety issues were dealt with through a counselor. And that was costing too much with the co-pay and traveling so I had to just let it go for now. But hopefully I can find one closer soon and get back after it. I haven't had any luck with any of the SSRIs etc, too many sideffects for me and make my already messed up sleep unbearable. I don't want to turn to the benzos.
PTs that work on the pelvic region are very limitied here. And yes, most of them are basically women's health centers. So even the one I was seeing was not what I really need but she did work internally on me twice. Didn't help. She had a different theory, she was into straightening out my muscle structure throughout my body, not just the pelvic trigger points. If I could find one here I'd start going again, but so far I haven't found anyone else. I believe it was about $160 an hour. My insurance was paying all but $12 of it.
I wouldn't worry too much about the age factor. In some ways we are in better shape. At least we didn't have to suffer for most of our lives. And most of what I've saw says that it burns itself out. That is why you don't see many 50-60 year old men on this site. So look at the age thing as a positive not a negative
Seems to me your URO is needlessly worrying you about cancer, and trust me some of them have financial interest in keeping us on their schedule. I won't go see another one, I just see a GP for meds etc. I believe I've read that men with our condition are less prone to prostate cancer than those without this condition.
My father had prostrate cancer at 65 so I have the family history to worry about but I don't let this crap make me think I'm headed in that direction because of it.
Yeah anxiety is my main issue I believe. Trying to cut down on things that depress me (alcohol, etc) and relax more via breathing exercises. Meds I've taken only make things worse, although I'm thinking of trying some Atarax.
Do you take an Alpha blocker? If you don't I would defnitiely try one. It can help the flow and urinary issues quit a bit. I've tried both Uroxatral and Cardura.....in my case, Cardura is MUCH better.
Age:40 | Onset Age: 30 | Symptoms: Occasional Penis Pain, urge to urinate, thigh pain, lower back pain, occasional golf ball feeling, muscle spasms. | Helped By: Relaxation, Deep Meditation, Soft Cushions, Quercetin, Saw Palmetto, exercise. | Worsened By: Increased sexual activity, stress, allergic response.
psa problem
I would like to get reply to the original question. If you have prostatitis
there is a good chance your psa will show an extremely high number.
If you do the test, your doctor is obligated to do a biopsy.
With prostatitis , once you start doing the test and show posititve
the biopsies will be endless. The Psa test has been shown to be
very inaccurate period. The doctor that developed the test agrees
about the issue of prostatitis and believes that the jump in
numbers is what is important not the numbers but many uros have
not gotten this message. ABC new online reported that 80 percent
of free psa tests are false positives on normal prostates. Extend
this to prostatitis victims. I am not saying don`t take the psa
but if your doctor is only interested in the numbers just think twice.
there is a good chance your psa will show an extremely high number.
If you do the test, your doctor is obligated to do a biopsy.
With prostatitis , once you start doing the test and show posititve
the biopsies will be endless. The Psa test has been shown to be
very inaccurate period. The doctor that developed the test agrees
about the issue of prostatitis and believes that the jump in
numbers is what is important not the numbers but many uros have
not gotten this message. ABC new online reported that 80 percent
of free psa tests are false positives on normal prostates. Extend
this to prostatitis victims. I am not saying don`t take the psa
but if your doctor is only interested in the numbers just think twice.
Age: | Onset Age: | Symptoms: | Helped By: | Worsened By:
I don't recall seeing one post on here where someone's PSA is high compared to the normal scale just because of prostatitis. An infection can raise it, but 90% of us never had any infection. We were just told that by quack UROs
Last edited by treynor33 on Sun Oct 23, 2005 1:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
Age: 45 Onset: 43. | Symptoms: Tightness, spasms, burning and pain in the perineum. Occassional mild pain after urination in the perineum. Helped by: Cardura, quitting caffiene, relaxation, fiber, stand up workstation and some PT a year ago. Makes Worse: ANXIETY, ULTRAM, going to work, sitting or squatting too long, constipation (big problems), stress, and sometimes unexplainable.
psa and prostatitis..
Very interesting.. I was planning on getting a PSA test next week, had one 2.5 yr ago (reading= 0.8). Ativan works wonders, so my condition is definitely muscular.
Am not sure if I should get a PSA, am 34 yr old.
My father had PC, diagnosed at 60.
I don't want to get into the anxiety of these tests, till 40 or so..
Am not sure if I should get a PSA, am 34 yr old.
My father had PC, diagnosed at 60.
I don't want to get into the anxiety of these tests, till 40 or so..
34 yr consultant, suffering from intermittently past 2 yrs. Tried various prostate supplements, symptoms relieved by ejaculation.
Symptoms- pain at tip and base of penis, urge to urinate (can hold off for hrs), dribbling at end of urination
Symptoms- pain at tip and base of penis, urge to urinate (can hold off for hrs), dribbling at end of urination
-
dshoskes
- Urologist
- Posts: 204
- Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 7:51 pm
- Location: Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
- Contact:
One of the greatest misconceptions about PSA testing is focusing on free PSA. Free:total PSA ratio is only of value if someone has a total PSA between 4 and 10. In that case a high ratio decreases the chance that prostate cancer is there. For someone with a very low or very high total PSA, the free:total ratio is meaningless.deron wrote:I am the original poster of this question. As it turns out, I did a PSA, and it came back at 1.0. The free psa was 41% (which is also very good).
Daniel Shoskes MD
www.dshoskes.com
www.dshoskes.com
PSA question
PSA=1.0 is great for 42 yr-old; I think the upper limit is 2.5 till 50 yr.
Mine was 0.8 at 32, 2.5 yr back. My uro said this is normal for my age.
I am going to take one next year at 35.
I wonder what the normal/median ranges are for ages 30-40.
Mine was 0.8 at 32, 2.5 yr back. My uro said this is normal for my age.
I am going to take one next year at 35.
I wonder what the normal/median ranges are for ages 30-40.
34 yr consultant, suffering from intermittently past 2 yrs. Tried various prostate supplements, symptoms relieved by ejaculation.
Symptoms- pain at tip and base of penis, urge to urinate (can hold off for hrs), dribbling at end of urination
Symptoms- pain at tip and base of penis, urge to urinate (can hold off for hrs), dribbling at end of urination