UPDATE - Issue 20 - Winter 2004
Living with BPH
Anon tells his story
It is at least 8 years since I first noticed problems in having a pee and having to get up in the night. I realised that straining did not help but relaxing did. This was easier to do in a sitting position and I often adopted this approach. I knew that my problem might be serious so I visited the doctor. A PSA check suggested I did not have cancer but I was referred to the Urology department of the hospital. The flow test told the doctors what I already knew: that I had BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). An endoscopy check followed which confirmed the diagnosis and I was prescribed Flowmaxtra.
A few months later I read in Saga magazine of a trial, not truly scientific but quite sizeable as I recall, of an over the counter drug Serenoa-C. (This is the product of the Saw Palmetto plant we wrote about in Update 19). This had helped a high percentage of the trialists and I decided to try it. I felt the Flowmaxtra was no longer working as well so I stopped using it at that time.
I was becoming interested in Yoga and read that the triangle exercise in particular was believed to have a beneficial effect for those with BPH. Since then I have done 10 minutes of bending and stretching exercises, including warrior and triangle, every morning.
I still have many symptoms of BPH, including a very slow flow rate first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time. I find that sitting, relaxing and being patient on the loo ensures that I clear not just the first flow but also the residual bladder contents.
First thing in the morning, or even in the night after a party, can take up to 8 or 9 minutes to pee. After my Yoga, or after a walk, my standing urination is at full strength.I am now 65, walk, cycle and swim and feel that my self-help approach to BPH has been successful, as BPH does not restrict me in any way and I have not been a burden on the NHS.