Prostate Biopsy

[synfull]

I am 56 years old and in pretty healthy shape. Worked out most of my life, but steady 3-4 days week for the last 4 years. Went to the Urologist today for a yearly follow up visit because I sometimes have slow urination problems. This is not from an enlarged prostate. I am on Uroxotrol which helps with the flow 90% of the time. I just had complete bloodwork done at my md 3 weeks ago and everything was good, as it has been for the last few years. I am on Androgel for low test levels (198). My PSA was 1.2. It has slowly risen up during the last 4 years from 0.3 to the current 1.2 (which I think I still a low level). I have just started my 4th cycle last week. My cycles have all been Test e (about 500 mg week) & Primo (about 400 mg week). This year I added 200 mg. Deca a week for my joints.
After feeling my prostate the urologist said to me- your PSA level has quadrupled in the last 4 years from 0.3 to 1.2. Also one side of your prostate is very slightly larger than the other. He then stated, I think you should have a biopsy. It most likely is nothing but I would me remiss if I didn't advise you.
I have a feeling the psa numbers are due to the aas, even though my last cycle ended in January and the blood test was about a month ago. Maybe even the enlargement he was feeling. Now that I am thinking about it- I think I should have told him about my aas. My md knows about it. I am going to call my md and see what he thinks. I have heard the biopsy is not very pleasant. But then again once something like that is recommended to you it might be stupid not to get it done.

Has anyone here ever had one?
What do you guys think I should do about my cycle. I was thinking to just go very low levels till I find out what is going on, or have the biopsy.
Obviously I understand no one is a dr. here and you are not dispensing medical advice.

Thanks

 

[swole]

keep us posted on the results. it's nice to know you are addressing a concern before anything major happens. men everywhere should always stay on top of their prostate health, esp over 40

see what comes back before jumping to conclusions

 

[BBR100]

I've heard a biopsy is unpleasant but I'd have to know if only for peace of mind. Get it done.

 

[pendit]

There's a great article I read in a medical journal last month that talked about PSA numbers and what bullshit they are. (one patient had a PSA of 9.0 and was perfectly fine) Don't get scared into a biopsy because a number that someone says may represent the possibility of something being wrong went from 0.3 to 1.2. Doctors make their money on fear.

I'm not trying to be a dick and I'm sure your doctor is looking out for you. I just recommend doing some research on it and making your own decision instead of the doc.

 

[ALIN]

There's a great article I read in a medical journal last month that talked about PSA numbers and what bullshit they are. (one patient had a PSA of 9.0 and was perfectly fine) Don't get scared into a biopsy because a number that someone says may represent the possibility of something being wrong went from 0.3 to 1.2. Doctors make their money on fear.

I'm not trying to be a dick and I'm sure your doctor is looking out for you. I just recommend doing some research on it and making your own decision instead of the doc.

I have to agree with you somewhat. Dont let this go but definitely get a 2nd and maybe even 3rd opinion on this.

 

[PJuice]

It never hurts to get a 2nd opinion. Yes prostate biopsies are VERY unpleasant, however prostate CA is nothing to mess with. Do u have a family history of CA (cancer)? Nonetheless, I would seek a 2nd opinion. a PSA of 1.2 is in the normal range for someone in their 50's. A PSA over 4 is when docs start to get concerned, and even then it is reccommended for bi annual checkups ( Age > 50 and PSA from 4-6) compared to annual ( Age > 50 and PSA < 4).

 

[synfull]

I am going to get a second opinion before I get anything done. People I've talked to are shocked that they want me to have it with such a low PSA number. The problem is now that it has been recommended by a dr. it's totally going to fuck with me if I don't have it done.
I am going top talk to my regular MD and maybe go to another urologist for a second opinion.
Do you guys think I have to stop my cycle I just started 2 weeks ago, or maybe just go low dosage like 150 mg test and 200 primo each week?
Thanks!

 

[PJuice]

I personally would keep the dosages low and discuss it with the doc who knows about ur usage. He will probably reccommend that u discontinue. Personally, i would continue with LOW doses and monitor my PSA closely (3-4 times/year) and also report any signs/symptoms of enlarged prostate to ur doc ASAP. Best of luck to u.

 

[kx250rider]

I'd go with the biopsy. I haven't had a prostate biopsy, but I've had muscle biopsies on my quads and my left delt (for voluntary sports medicine studies). I do have friends who have had prostate biopsies, and basically it's not physically as bad as it is psychologically. Nobody wants instruments stuffed in the rear exit port. The worst part is that they want you cleaned out, so you can't eat the day before, and you have to drink a gallon of that crap that keeps you on the toilet all night. But the procedure itself is fairly quick, and two friends have said it honestly didn't hurt. You might feel like you just crapped an engine block, but maybe that's not so bad as compared to death or loss of sexuality due to a cancer that could have been stopped. (just making a point).

Charles

 

[synfull]

Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate it!