Re: symptoms

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to say that I find it SO helpful that everyone is putting a brief

synopsis of their symptoms with their name at the bottom. Now even if I can't

keep everyone straight in my head it helps because

then I know if what the post is talking about applies to or could be helpful to

me.

It's so frustrating and baffling that this disease has so many different faces -

symptoms, aggravations, supposed causes ... Sometimes it makes me think that

we'll/they'll never find a cure because it's too hard

to figure out.

But there are things making it better anyway and that's why I'm here.

Cathleen - POC & burning, no yeast or discharge, vvs for 6 years (but only

diagnosed 2 years ago)

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Wow! Great detail! I don't have the time to give this the

careful reading it deserves so will reserve it fri when I get home.

Take care.

Regards,

> Hi ,

>

> I'm going to try and answer all of your questions. If I miss some

major points, please e-mail me and I will send a reply out. My kind

of disclaimer;) LOL

>

> Okay, First off, my symptoms without *any* medication are as

follows: Severe depression. I can't function, I feel impending

doom, a sickening feeling of dread, so intense that I want to throw

up. It comes in waves, through out the day, it's extremely intense

and I want to die. (I'm not a hypochondriac, and I'm not trying to

overexagurate sp! This is just how it feels to me.) Without the

meds, and even sometimes with all three meds, I think about two

ways, in detail about how to commit suicide. I wouldn't go through

with it becaues of my children, and my family, but sometimes it

seems like such a good way of stopping all of this, but I know it is

not an option and not the right thing to do. I want to live. I get

migraines on a daily, to every other day basis, in addition I get 20

second long, " Headaches " where it feels like someone is stabbing me

in the head with a knife. I have to close my eyes, and put my hands

on the spot where the pain is. Sometimes it is directly behind my

right eye and I push on my eye to relieve some of the pain. Without

the meds, my head never " shuts up " . Ever~ It sounds like an air

plane when they fly over really low, it sounds like 20 TV's on all

at once. I remember just putting me hands over my ears, and wanting

for all the world, to just take my head off and lay it beside me so

I could get some quiet. It is difficult to concentrate on anything,

and just the slightest stress would knock me off course, and I would

get freaked out, ie: the kids yelling or making loud noises, me

dropping things occasionally would tick me off immensely, just

anything out of order would tick me off or put me on edge. I was

extremely moody, I would be happy on minute and irate the next.

Hyper one minute and sad the next. I didn't have a huge appetite.

I didn't exercise, but I didn't binge or shovel food in like I do

now. (Because of the Zyprexa and high dose of Zoloft I believe.) I

didn't hear voices, only my own being *super* critical. That was

part of the noise in my head. My own voice just wouldn't shut up.

I would say things to myself, like " You know you shouldn't do that,

this will happen " " You can't do that your so stupid " " What are you

thinking " " Why are you doing it that way? " Just every little thing,

I my voice in my head was so critical... It was awful. I would get

diahrea all day long, every day. If I got stressed out, which

wouldn't take much, I would have to run to the bathroom. This

affected my ability to work any job. If I talked to my mother on

the phone, I would have to cut off the conversation because I had to

run to the bathroom. If I just thought of something stressful I

would get " sick " . I can feel it coming, my stomach feels funny and

immediately I have to run to the bathroom. I see dead babies,

people, severed heads in the toilet. Dead bodies and blood in

tubs. This happened in our own tub and in homes and condos that I

cleaned. I would be almost 90% sure that there would be a dead body

in the tub when I pulled the shower curtain back. A severed bloody

head in the toilet when I lifted the seat up. I was afraid of the

dark. I thought someone was going to come kill me and the kids when

we lived alone without Joe(their father, my husband who I'm back

with now.) I would have to ground floor windows up with blankets, or

two sheets, it had to be thick enough so that the Scream guy could

not see through and see where I was in the living room or kitchen.

If I didn't get the window covered properly by night fall, Joe would

come over and cover them up and stay with me. I was absolutely

convinced that the scream guy would be out there ready to break in

and stab me and the kids. I wasn't able to sleep through the

night. I would stay up until the wee hours, like 5:00-6:00AM and

then go to bed. I remember a feeling of *total* lonliness, not like

your regular lonliness, but utter lonliness that was just awful. My

thoughts would race, and I was *so* creative!! I am still working

on projects and business ideas that are just awesome from when I was

unmedicated;) LOL I had the *coolest* ideas!! Sometimes I

felt " invinseable " , Sometimes I felt like I might as well give

up, " What would it matter anyway " . I was very unpredictable, up and

down, happy and sad, irate and calm. It just stunk!

>

>

> My OCD symptoms, where *constant* thoughts of my Dh's ex-

girlfriend and his ex-wife. I was the other woman and that played a

lot into the unstoppable thoughts. It was thoughts about his ex-

girlfriend especially, what was sex like with her, why did he have

to have a child with her, what was Sam's name going to be if he was

a girl, did he get engaged to her and he's just not telling me, if

so, what did her ring look like, how big was it, did she cheat on

him, what did he like about her, what was his favorite thing about

her, what does he like better about her than me? , is she better

than me, does he miss her, where did they have sex in the building

where they used to work, thinking of her maiden name, their old cats

names, why did she name them that, She drove the boat they used to

own, we don't even have a boat, I bet she was wearing a bikini, I'm

sure they had sex on it, She had money, I don't, Oh God just every

stupid little thing, then there was the thoughts that weren't as

frequent about his ex-wife, what was sex like with her, why did he

love her? , does he miss her, thoughts about where she works, how

did they meet, what were the kids names supposed to be if they were

boys or girls, did he miss her, does he like certain things about

her better than me......on and on and on..... I just wanted to take

my head off. It was awful. I know a lot of htis had to do with low

self-esteem, but with the meds the thoughts are still there, but not

nearly as frequent. only a few thoughts like that during the day,

and now I can counter those thoughts with reality. how he loves me

a lot, etc.

>

> As far as the OCD, it was constant, unrelenting thoughts about his

exes and having to straighten out objects, or double and triple

checking things, etc. Nothing with handwashing or things like

that. Just having to go back in the house as I was leaving to check

at least three things. That doens't occur anymore....

>

> Those were my symptoms. I'm going to stop writing for a while,

that's hard to remember all of that.

> Will write more in a bit,

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

>

>

> ** What makes you think any drug is going to take care of all

the

> symptoms? Which symptoms are you talking about? There's a very

good chance

> that some of the symptoms you are having are from taking two

antidepressants

> and an anti-psychotic altogether.

[Guest guest]

Yes. I did not undergo a prostatectomy. I have been on Zoladex

since December 02 or Jan 03. I might pee five or six times a

night. Maybe fewer times some nights, maybe a time or two more

other nights. Drs often assume the reason for the micturation is

that the bladder is not emptied and that in a little while there is

the urge to empty the urine that remained. Thus a man pees more,

but he is not peeing the bladder empty. But in my case I think I

always empty my blader, maybe a little retained but not enough to

worry about. I think for some reason my kidneys produce a lot of

urine at night and when the bladder reaches a certain degree of

fullness, there is the urge to void.

You probably keep a urinal by your bed and when you have to pee, you

get out of bed, pick up your urninal, pee in it, put the urninal

down and roll back into bed. A matter of a few seconds. Instead of

walking out of the room you are sleeping in to the bath room and

then return to the bed room. If you don't have a urninal, get one

and save yourself the trips to the toilet. I use a big plastic

bottle as a urinal. Actually my system has changed somewhat because

I have started hurting at night and I move around the house to

different places to sleep and I usually don't carry the urinal with

me. So I am walking to the bath room and back more often.

> After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and

> approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time

> urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it

> hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at

> night.

>

> Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where

> the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms

> or relief of symptoms?

>

> Thanks

>

> Sam I Am

> smcdaniel2@y...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

> After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and

> approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time

> urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it

> hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at

> night.

>

> Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where

> the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms

> or relief of symptoms?

>

> Thanks

>

> Sam I Am

> smcdaniel2@y...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

did you check with your doctor to see if it was normal for you to

have this problem after your 6 months ? if not ask him to check if

your prostate is enlarged, or there could be other problems. it is

not normal that you are still urining so regular at night.

Here are some information on the drug you are using, Is Zolodex the

only drug you are using ?

this information was given by a doctor in a post, not by me.

What do you know about Zolodex ??

Why is this drug prescribed?

Zolodex is a drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer. In most

instances, it is used to treat patients whose disease has already

spread beyond the prostate to other organs or tissues. In some cases

it is used to shrink extensive prostate cancers to make them

treatable with surgery or radiation therapy.

Testosterone is a male hormone produced in the testicles. Prostate

cancers, in almost all cases, require the presence of testosterone

to grow. The absence of testosterone will, in most cases, destroy a

large percentage of existing prostate cancer cells. It follows that

a lowering of male hormone levels by any means should result in

shrinkage of prostate cancer.

Zolodex has no direct effect on prostate cancer. It works by acting

on hormones made in the pituitary (a part of the brain). The

pituitary makes a special substance which causes the testicles to

manufacture and release male hormones or testosterone. Zolodex stops

the pituitary from making this releasing factor. The effect of

Zolodex on the body is similar to surgical removal of the testicles.

What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?

The most common side effect is hot flashes. One might experiences a

sense of warmth, particularly on the chest, face and arms, often

associated with sweating. These hot flashes may occur many times a

day, particularly early in the treatment, until one's body becomes

accustomed to the change in hormone status. In some instances, the

hot flashes persist and treatment with other drugs, such as

stilbesterol, Provera or clonidine, can be tried.

In some men, the symptoms of cancer may initially worsen,

particularly bone pain or difficulty urinating. Zolodex's action is

such that a brief increase in the male hormone levels are often seen

initially before the hormone levels fall. This rise in hormone

levels may actually cause the tumor to grow or swell enough to make

the symptoms worse temporarily. This effect is called a " tumor

flare. " To prevent a flare, we sometimes give another drug called

flutamide (Eulexin) or bicalutamide (Casodex) or similar drugs

before starting Zolodex, which helps to block the effect of the rise

in hormone levels. Many physicians use flutamide bicalutamide with

Zolodex on a permanent basis.

Other possible (but rare) side effects are nausea and/or vomiting.

Eat a light snack if you experience nausea. If these effects persist

or are severe, contact us. You may also experience swelling of

hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention). Contact us if these

effects are bothersome. Some men note decrease in the size of the

testicles. A significant number of men will become impotent (poor or

absent erections) and have loss of libido (sex drive or desire)

because of the lack of male hormones.

The following side effects also may be experienced: headache;

dizziness or faintness; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg;

sharp, crushing chest pain or heaviness in chest; sudden shortness

of breath; cough; coughing up of blood; severe abdominal pain; loss

of appetite; difficulty sleeping. Contact your doctor immediately if

you experience any of these effects.

Top Back

What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?

Not all prostate cancers respond to treatment with Zolodex. If you

develop pain or any new symptom, or have an increase in any previous

symptom, give us a call. We will be following your course with exams

and tests, including scans and X-rays, if necessary, and prostate-

specific antigen blood tests.

Top Back

> After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and

> approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time

> urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it

> hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at

> night.

>

> Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where

> the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms

> or relief of symptoms?

>

> Thanks

>

> Sam I Am

> smcdaniel2@y...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

I think you should read this post, just click on incontinence after prostate surgery

Incontinence after prostate surgery

Result of seeking Incontinence after prostate surgery ... 49 percentincidence of urinary incontinence after surgery, compared to 21 percent ... and urinary incontinence after radical ... http://psa-rising.com/medicalpike/rp_jamajan2000.htm ...www.selectphysician.com/incontinence-after-prostate-surgery.html - 21k - Cached - More from this site - Save - Block

encanta99 wrote:

did you check with your doctor to see if it was normal for you to have this problem after your 6 months ? if not ask him to check if your prostate is enlarged, or there could be other problems. it is not normal that you are still urining so regular at night.Here are some information on the drug you are using, Is Zolodex the only drug you are using ?this information was given by a doctor in a post, not by me.What do you know about Zolodex ??Why is this drug prescribed?Zolodex is a drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer. In most instances, it is used to treat patients whose disease has already spread beyond the prostate to other organs or tissues. In some cases it is used to shrink extensive prostate cancers to make them treatable with surgery or radiation therapy.Testosterone is a male hormone produced in

the testicles. Prostate cancers, in almost all cases, require the presence of testosterone to grow. The absence of testosterone will, in most cases, destroy a large percentage of existing prostate cancer cells. It follows that a lowering of male hormone levels by any means should result in shrinkage of prostate cancer. Zolodex has no direct effect on prostate cancer. It works by acting on hormones made in the pituitary (a part of the brain). The pituitary makes a special substance which causes the testicles to manufacture and release male hormones or testosterone. Zolodex stops the pituitary from making this releasing factor. The effect of Zolodex on the body is similar to surgical removal of the testicles.What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?The most common side effect is hot flashes. One might experiences a sense of warmth, particularly on the chest, face and arms, often associated

with sweating. These hot flashes may occur many times a day, particularly early in the treatment, until one's body becomes accustomed to the change in hormone status. In some instances, the hot flashes persist and treatment with other drugs, such as stilbesterol, Provera or clonidine, can be tried.In some men, the symptoms of cancer may initially worsen, particularly bone pain or difficulty urinating. Zolodex's action is such that a brief increase in the male hormone levels are often seen initially before the hormone levels fall. This rise in hormone levels may actually cause the tumor to grow or swell enough to make the symptoms worse temporarily. This effect is called a "tumor flare." To prevent a flare, we sometimes give another drug called flutamide (Eulexin) or bicalutamide (Casodex) or similar drugs before starting Zolodex, which helps to block the effect of the rise in hormone levels. Many physicians use flutamide

bicalutamide with Zolodex on a permanent basis.Other possible (but rare) side effects are nausea and/or vomiting. Eat a light snack if you experience nausea. If these effects persist or are severe, contact us. You may also experience swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention). Contact us if these effects are bothersome. Some men note decrease in the size of the testicles. A significant number of men will become impotent (poor or absent erections) and have loss of libido (sex drive or desire) because of the lack of male hormones.The following side effects also may be experienced: headache; dizziness or faintness; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; sharp, crushing chest pain or heaviness in chest; sudden shortness of breath; cough; coughing up of blood; severe abdominal pain; loss of appetite; difficulty sleeping. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these

effects.Top Back What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?Not all prostate cancers respond to treatment with Zolodex. If you develop pain or any new symptom, or have an increase in any previous symptom, give us a call. We will be following your course with exams and tests, including scans and X-rays, if necessary, and prostate-specific antigen blood tests.Top Back > After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and> approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time> urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it> hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at> night.> > Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where> the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms> or relief of symptoms?> >

Thanks> > Sam I Am> smcdaniel2@y...> > __________________________________________________>

[Guest guest]

Hello Sam,

what is happening to your PSA and other markers -- testosterone (T),

DHT, PAP and CGA?

If the Zoladex is controlling your prostate cancer, your PSA should

have fallen (perhaps still be falling) to a low point.

Your testosterone should be below 20 (some docs say below 50 is low

enough but really it is not).

And your urinary symptoms SHOULD have eased up or disappeared for the

time being.

Did you doctor give you a short course of Casodex pills before he

started you on Zoladex? Usually for 2 weeks. This would have

prevented the testosterone surge which Zoladex causes before the T

drops.

Whether or not he did give you starter Casodex, if your PSA is not

falling, if your T is not at " castrate " level " (below 20 -- this is a

US measure, might be different elsewhere) AND/OR if you are having

the symptoms you describe, you need more help controlling this

cancer.

Adding Casodex to the Zoladex is

Do you know what your Gleason score was in your biopsy before surgery

and after surgery? Your doctor should tell you this.

How high was your PSA before surgery?

Having positive nodes does not mean necessarily mean you won't

respond to Zoladex and other hromonal therapies. But if you are NOT

responding, make sure you doctor knows.

One possibility is a TURP (rotor rooter operation) to relieve

pressure on your urinary pipes. Don't do this unless you have to.

Another option is to take Fosamax or even better Cardura to help with

nighttime urination. This is not a longterm solution.

First get a good picture of what's going on inside. Have you had any

scans like MRI or CT scan since you started the Zoladex? By 6 mo you

certainly should have done to see if the prostate and nodes are

shrinking.

best

Jacquie Strax

http://www.psa-rising.com

>

> > After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and

> > approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time

> > urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it

> > hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at

> > night.

> >

> > Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where

> > the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms

> > or relief of symptoms?

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> > Sam I Am

> > smcdaniel2@y...

[Guest guest]

Sam,

I left out half a sentence -- meant to write:

Adding Casodex to the Zoladex is a reasonable next step

if Zoladex alone is not controlling you prostate cancer.

But again -- first get a good picture of what's going on inside.

best

Jacquie

http://www.psa-rising.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Clarence,

I think Sam probably has a different situation than outlined in that

article you cite. His surgeon opened him up, found he had positive

nodes, and sewed him up again without removing his prostate (am I

right, Sam)?

If so, what he's describing as frequency of night time trips to

urinate is not from treatment related incontinence. It's urinary

symptoms from the enlarged prostate. Some of the pressure on his

bladder (I would suppose) is coming from tumor in the prostate.

Sam, before surgery did you have BPH (benign enlarged prostate) as

well as prostate cancer? Some of the night time pressure could be

coming from that. But 6 mos on Zoladex should have shrunk your

prostate down by now, unless it is resisting. Talk to your urologist

and find out what's going on.

Jacquie

=================

> I think you should read this post, just click on incontinence after

> prostate surgery

>

> Incontinence after prostate surgery

> Result of seeking Incontinence after prostate surgery ... 49

> percentincidence of urinary incontinence after surgery, compared to 21

> percent ... and urinary incontinence after radical ...

> http://psa-rising.com/medicalpike/rp_jamajan2000.htm ...

> www.selectphysician.com/incontinence-after-prostate-surgery.html - 21k

> - Cached - More from this site - Save - Block

>

>

> encanta99 wrote:

> did you check with your doctor to see if it was normal for you to have

> this problem after your 6 months ? if not ask him to check if your

> prostate is enlarged, or there could be other problems. it is not

> normal that you are still urining so regular at night.

>

> Here are some information on the drug you are using, Is Zolodex the

> only drug you are using ? this information was given by a doctor in a

> post, not by me.

>

> What do you know about Zolodex ??

>

> Why is this drug prescribed?

> Zolodex is a drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer. In most

> instances, it is used to treat patients whose disease has already

> spread beyond the prostate to other organs or tissues. In some cases

> it is used to shrink extensive prostate cancers to make them treatable

> with surgery or radiation therapy.

>

> Testosterone is a male hormone produced in the testicles. Prostate

> cancers, in almost all cases, require the presence of testosterone to

> grow. The absence of testosterone will, in most cases, destroy a large

> percentage of existing prostate cancer cells. It follows that a

> lowering of male hormone levels by any means should result in

> shrinkage of prostate cancer.

>

> Zolodex has no direct effect on prostate cancer. It works by acting on

> hormones made in the pituitary (a part of the brain). The pituitary

> makes a special substance which causes the testicles to manufacture

> and release male hormones or testosterone. Zolodex stops the pituitary

> from making this releasing factor. The effect of Zolodex on the body

> is similar to surgical removal of the testicles.

>

>

> What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?

> The most common side effect is hot flashes. One might experiences a

> sense of warmth, particularly on the chest, face and arms, often

> associated with sweating. These hot flashes may occur many times a

> day, particularly early in the treatment, until one's body becomes

> accustomed to the change in hormone status. In some instances, the hot

> flashes persist and treatment with other drugs, such as stilbesterol,

> Provera or clonidine, can be tried.

>

> In some men, the symptoms of cancer may initially worsen,

> particularly bone pain or difficulty urinating. Zolodex's action is

> such that a brief increase in the male hormone levels are often seen

> initially before the hormone levels fall. This rise in hormone levels

> may actually cause the tumor to grow or swell enough to make the

> symptoms worse temporarily. This effect is called a " tumor flare. " To

> prevent a flare, we sometimes give another drug called flutamide

> (Eulexin) or bicalutamide (Casodex) or similar drugs before starting

> Zolodex, which helps to block the effect of the rise in hormone

> levels. Many physicians use flutamide bicalutamide with Zolodex on a

> permanent basis.

>

> Other possible (but rare) side effects are nausea and/or vomiting. Eat

> a light snack if you experience nausea. If these effects persist or

> are severe, contact us. You may also experience swelling of hands,

> feet, or lower legs (fluid retention). Contact us if these effects are

> bothersome. Some men note decrease in the size of the testicles. A

> significant number of men will become impotent (poor or absent

> erections) and have loss of libido (sex drive or desire) because of

> the lack of male hormones.

>

> The following side effects also may be experienced: headache;

> dizziness or faintness; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg;

> sharp, crushing chest pain or heaviness in chest; sudden shortness of

> breath; cough; coughing up of blood; severe abdominal pain; loss of

> appetite; difficulty sleeping. Contact your doctor immediately if you

> experience any of these effects. Top Back

>

> What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?

> Not all prostate cancers respond to treatment with Zolodex. If you

> develop pain or any new symptom, or have an increase in any previous

> symptom, give us a call. We will be following your course with exams

> and tests, including scans and X-rays, if necessary, and prostate-

> specific antigen blood tests. Top Back

>

>

>

> > After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and

> > approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time

> > urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it

> > hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at

> > night.

> >

> > Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where

> > the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms

> > or relief of symptoms?

> >

> > Thanks

> >

> > Sam I Am

> > smcdaniel2@y...

[Guest guest]

Jacquie Surtax

I'm interested in this one, and to lazy to research it. Why would you say he is having this problem, and do you think the two treatment is better then changing to a stronger treatment, do you feel that it possible that he may have undetected cancer, or bladder infection or disease ??

my reason for asking, is that I has re-occurring urine and it usually because of a bladder infection, my doctors are working on it, the problem they are having it that it clears up by the time they see me, all they can come up with is a inflame prostate gland. jacqueline strax wrote:

Hello Sam,what is happening to your PSA and other markers -- testosterone (T), DHT, PAP and CGA?If the Zoladex is controlling your prostate cancer, your PSA should have fallen (perhaps still be falling) to a low point. Your testosterone should be below 20 (some docs say below 50 is low enough but really it is not). And your urinary symptoms SHOULD have eased up or disappeared for the time being.Did you doctor give you a short course of Casodex pills before he started you on Zoladex? Usually for 2 weeks. This would have prevented the testosterone surge which Zoladex causes before the T drops.Whether or not he did give you starter Casodex, if your PSA is not falling, if your T is not at "castrate" level" (below 20 -- this is a US measure, might be different elsewhere) AND/OR if you are having the

symptoms you describe, you need more help controlling this cancer.Adding Casodex to the Zoladex is Do you know what your Gleason score was in your biopsy before surgery and after surgery? Your doctor should tell you this. How high was your PSA before surgery?Having positive nodes does not mean necessarily mean you won't respond to Zoladex and other hromonal therapies. But if you are NOT responding, make sure you doctor knows.One possibility is a TURP (rotor rooter operation) to relieve pressure on your urinary pipes. Don't do this unless you have to. Another option is to take Fosamax or even better Cardura to help with nighttime urination. This is not a longterm solution.First get a good picture of what's going on inside. Have you had any scans like MRI or CT scan since you started the Zoladex? By 6 mo you certainly should have done to see if the prostate and nodes are

shrinking.bestJacquie Straxhttp://www.psa-rising.com> > > After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and> > approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time> > urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it> > hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at> > night.> > > > Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where> > the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms> > or relief of symptoms?> > > > Thanks> > > > Sam I Am> > smcdaniel2@y...

[Guest guest]

Thanks for clearing that up for me., I was look at both side, but I couldn't figure out why he was still having problem unless the med wasnt working or unless something else was wrong.jacqueline strax wrote:

Hi Clarence,I think Sam probably has a different situation than outlined in that article you cite. His surgeon opened him up, found he had positive nodes, and sewed him up again without removing his prostate (am I right, Sam)?If so, what he's describing as frequency of night time trips to urinate is not from treatment related incontinence. It's urinary symptoms from the enlarged prostate. Some of the pressure on his bladder (I would suppose) is coming from tumor in the prostate.Sam, before surgery did you have BPH (benign enlarged prostate) as well as prostate cancer? Some of the night time pressure could be coming from that. But 6 mos on Zoladex should have shrunk your prostate down by now, unless it is resisting. Talk to your urologist and find out what's going on.Jacquie=================On 24

Aug 2005 at 19:58, Clarence wrote:> I think you should read this post, just click on incontinence after> prostate surgery> > Incontinence after prostate surgery > Result of seeking Incontinence after prostate surgery ... 49> percentincidence of urinary incontinence after surgery, compared to 21> percent ... and urinary incontinence after radical ...> http://psa-rising.com/medicalpike/rp_jamajan2000.htm ...> www.selectphysician.com/incontinence-after-prostate-surgery.html - 21k> - Cached - More from this site - Save - Block> > > encanta99 wrote:> did you check with your doctor to see if it was normal for you to have> this problem after your 6 months ? if not ask him to check if your> prostate is enlarged, or there could be other problems. it

is not> normal that you are still urining so regular at night.> > Here are some information on the drug you are using, Is Zolodex the> only drug you are using ? this information was given by a doctor in a> post, not by me.> > What do you know about Zolodex ??> > Why is this drug prescribed?> Zolodex is a drug used to treat advanced prostate cancer. In most> instances, it is used to treat patients whose disease has already> spread beyond the prostate to other organs or tissues. In some cases> it is used to shrink extensive prostate cancers to make them treatable> with surgery or radiation therapy.> > Testosterone is a male hormone produced in the testicles. Prostate> cancers, in almost all cases, require the presence of testosterone to> grow. The absence of testosterone will, in most cases, destroy a large> percentage of existing prostate cancer cells.

It follows that a> lowering of male hormone levels by any means should result in> shrinkage of prostate cancer. > > Zolodex has no direct effect on prostate cancer. It works by acting on> hormones made in the pituitary (a part of the brain). The pituitary> makes a special substance which causes the testicles to manufacture> and release male hormones or testosterone. Zolodex stops the pituitary> from making this releasing factor. The effect of Zolodex on the body> is similar to surgical removal of the testicles.> > > What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?> The most common side effect is hot flashes. One might experiences a> sense of warmth, particularly on the chest, face and arms, often> associated with sweating. These hot flashes may occur many times a> day, particularly early in the treatment, until one's body becomes> accustomed to the

change in hormone status. In some instances, the hot> flashes persist and treatment with other drugs, such as stilbesterol,> Provera or clonidine, can be tried.> > In some men, the symptoms of cancer may initially worsen, > particularly bone pain or difficulty urinating. Zolodex's action is> such that a brief increase in the male hormone levels are often seen> initially before the hormone levels fall. This rise in hormone levels> may actually cause the tumor to grow or swell enough to make the> symptoms worse temporarily. This effect is called a "tumor flare." To> prevent a flare, we sometimes give another drug called flutamide> (Eulexin) or bicalutamide (Casodex) or similar drugs before starting> Zolodex, which helps to block the effect of the rise in hormone> levels. Many physicians use flutamide bicalutamide with Zolodex on a> permanent basis.> > Other possible (but

rare) side effects are nausea and/or vomiting. Eat> a light snack if you experience nausea. If these effects persist or> are severe, contact us. You may also experience swelling of hands,> feet, or lower legs (fluid retention). Contact us if these effects are> bothersome. Some men note decrease in the size of the testicles. A> significant number of men will become impotent (poor or absent> erections) and have loss of libido (sex drive or desire) because of> the lack of male hormones.> > The following side effects also may be experienced: headache; > dizziness or faintness; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; > sharp, crushing chest pain or heaviness in chest; sudden shortness of> breath; cough; coughing up of blood; severe abdominal pain; loss of> appetite; difficulty sleeping. Contact your doctor immediately if you> experience any of these effects. Top Back

> > What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?> Not all prostate cancers respond to treatment with Zolodex. If you> develop pain or any new symptom, or have an increase in any previous> symptom, give us a call. We will be following your course with exams> and tests, including scans and X-rays, if necessary, and prostate-> specific antigen blood tests. Top Back > > > > > After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and> > approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time> > urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it> > hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at> > night.> > > > Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where> > the prostate was left intact and the similar

symptoms> > or relief of symptoms?> > > > Thanks> > > > Sam I Am> > smcdaniel2@y...

[Guest guest]

Hello again Clarence,

Based on what Sam said, I outlined what I *think* might be going on:

1) Sam was dx'd with prostate cancer, scheduked for RP surgery, they

found he had positive lymph nodes in his pelvis and sewed him up

without removing his prostate. This is fairly standard practise if

they find positive nodes.

2) They put him on Zoladex to shrink the prostate cancer. But 6 mos

later he still has urinary symptoms at night. Either this drug alone

isn't enough to control the tumor or some other cause for the night

time symptoms. His doctor can find out.

If you have inflammation (prostatitis), has your doctor ever put you

on 6 weeks of Cipro or another antibiotic?

Do you have an elevated PSA? Do you have normal digital rectal exam

result?

Inflammation can be quite hard to track down, I believe. Too bad the

doctors can't go home with you!

best

Jacquie

> Jacquie Surtax

> I'm interested in this one, and to lazy to research it. Why would you

> say he is having this problem, and do you think the two treatment is

> better then changing to a stronger treatment, do you feel that it

> possible that he may have undetected cancer, or bladder infection or

> disease ?? my reason for asking, is that I has re-occurring urine and

> it usually because of a bladder infection, my doctors are working on

> it, the problem they are having it that it clears up by the time they

> see me, all they can come up with is a inflame prostate gland.

[Guest guest]

PSA

3mo ago was less than one but not undetectable another

is secheduled for sept 14th.

DHT PAP CGA

?

short course of Casodex

yes and cipro

How high was your PSA before surgery?

Trippled in 6mo from 4 to 11.6 May to November

What was your Gleason score was in your biopsy before

surgery

7+ 100% left lobe. Node was 2cm grade 6

picture of what's going on inside

First ct before surgery normal

2 weeks ago second ct showed thickening of the

bladder wall and some kinda pocket or lump on the

uretha tube.

Thats the story except for bone pain in large leg

bones and lower spine, which tumors did'nt show up on

2 bone scans another scan is scheduled for November.

Thanks

--- jacqueline strax wrote:

> Hello Sam,

Sam I Am

smcdaniel2@...

____________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Yes you are correct

No BHP

--- jacqueline strax wrote:

> Hi Clarence,

>

> I think Sam probably has a different situation than

> outlined in that

> article you cite. His surgeon opened him up, found

> he had positive

> nodes, and sewed him up again without removing his

> prostate (am I

> right, Sam)?

>

> If so, what he's describing as frequency of night

> time trips to

> urinate is not from treatment related incontinence.

> It's urinary

> symptoms from the enlarged prostate. Some of the

> pressure on his

> bladder (I would suppose) is coming from tumor in

> the prostate.

>

> Sam, before surgery did you have BPH (benign

> enlarged prostate) as

> well as prostate cancer? Some of the night time

> pressure could be

> coming from that. But 6 mos on Zoladex should have

> shrunk your

> prostate down by now, unless it is resisting. Talk

> to your urologist

> and find out what's going on.

>

> Jacquie

> =================

Sam I Am

smcdaniel2@...

____________________________________________________

Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Guest guest]

As a matter of fact, the kidneys, from what I have read, function more

efficiently when laying

down (at night). Also, my father, who has an enlarged prostate, pees a lot at

night. He swears

that his bladder is empty, but then he has to get up and pee. He does know for

a fact now that

his bladder is enlarged and does not empty. He has had to self catherterize in

order to empty -

he was quite shocked to find just how much urine was still in his bladder when

he thought it was

empty.

--- cshoward56 wrote:

> Yes. I did not undergo a prostatectomy. I have been on Zoladex

> since December 02 or Jan 03. I might pee five or six times a

> night. Maybe fewer times some nights, maybe a time or two more

> other nights. Drs often assume the reason for the micturation is

> that the bladder is not emptied and that in a little while there is

> the urge to empty the urine that remained. Thus a man pees more,

> but he is not peeing the bladder empty. But in my case I think I

> always empty my blader, maybe a little retained but not enough to

> worry about. I think for some reason my kidneys produce a lot of

> urine at night and when the bladder reaches a certain degree of

> fullness, there is the urge to void.

>

> You probably keep a urinal by your bed and when you have to pee, you

> get out of bed, pick up your urninal, pee in it, put the urninal

> down and roll back into bed. A matter of a few seconds. Instead of

> walking out of the room you are sleeping in to the bath room and

> then return to the bed room. If you don't have a urninal, get one

> and save yourself the trips to the toilet. I use a big plastic

> bottle as a urinal. Actually my system has changed somewhat because

> I have started hurting at night and I move around the house to

> different places to sleep and I usually don't carry the urinal with

> me. So I am walking to the bath room and back more often.

[Guest guest]

I had a similar experience, but my RRP was preceeded by an unexpected coronary

bypass. After the bypass (before and after the RRP) I had some swelling in my

leg, which disappeared at night. My cardiologist, urologist ansd internist

attributet the frequent nighttime urination to the kidneys being more efficient

in removing excess fluid whin I am in a horizontal position. I did notice that

the stream was stronger and the volume greater at night time than before

the RRP.

Good luck

Bill on N O

sam mcdaniel wrote:

> After an aborted rp leaving the prostate intact and

> approx 6mo on Zolodex I expected my night time

> urination visits to dwindle off to normal, but it

> hasn't. Once or twice during the day and 8-10 time at

> night.

>

> Dose anyone out there have a similar experience where

> the prostate was left intact and the similar symptoms

> or relief of symptoms?

>

> Thanks

>

> Sam I Am

> smcdaniel2@...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info Bill

--- Bill wrote:

> I had a similar experience, but my RRP was preceeded

> by an unexpected coronary bypass. After the bypass

> (before and after the RRP) I had some swelling in

> my leg, which disappeared at night. My

> cardiologist, urologist ansd internist

> attributet the frequent nighttime urination to the

> kidneys being more efficient in removing excess

> fluid whin I am in a horizontal position. I did

>

Sam I Am

smcdaniel2@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Bill,

This is the first time I have heard that the production of urine at

night is more efficient and that this phenomenon is supposed to

explain why a man pees a lot at night. I have always heard that

urine production is supposed to less at night. Sort of goes with an

evolutionary view. That is that at night a man should produce less

urine than during the day. Why? At night he is not supposed to be

bothered to have to empty a full bladder as during the day. So for

the " average man " his kidneys " shut down " the production of the

urine at night, so that it takes all night to gradually produce a

bladder full of urine. When morning comes, the man (and I am

assuminig women may have a similar experience), the full bladder is

ready to be emptied. Isn't that the way it is for most people,

especially in their earlier decades of life? But then as many men

get older, they start getting up at night to pee, whereas in the

past they did not have to get up. So I am thinking something is

going wrong with men who start geting up at night to pee. The

mechanism that is supposed to slow down the urine production at

night stops working. Instead of the kidneys producing most of the

urine during the day and less at night, the kidneys for some

reason " turn on " more at night. That's not " normal " , it seems to me.

In fact a urologist told me he could give me some medicine that keep

me from having to get up to pee at night, implying that getting up

to pee at night is " abnormal " and not getting up is the " normal "

behavior.

> I had a similar experience, but my RRP was preceeded by an

unexpected coronary bypass. After the bypass (before and after

the RRP) I had some swelling in my leg, which disappeared at night.

My cardiologist, urologist ansd internist

> attributet the frequent nighttime urination to the kidneys being

more efficient in removing excess fluid whin I am in a horizontal

position. I did notice that the stream was stronger and the volume

greater at night time than before

> the RRP.

>

> Good luck

> Bill on N O

>

> >

[Guest guest]

I am new here.

This is my first post, and I think Clarence is right: " you should try seaking

out a new doctor " ,

My dad has same problem.

May be this can help you:

http://homepage.mac.com/penagoscorzo/cancer/prostate/prostate.html

[Guest guest]

I'm new here too had RP 1/25/05 seems to affect me every day since Thanks mayralopez11 wrote:

I am new here.This is my first post, and I think Clarence is right: "you should try seaking out a new doctor", My dad has same problem.May be this can help you:http://homepage.mac.com/penagoscorzo/cancer/prostate/prostate.html

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