@tracey I know we conversed on twitter (ab54666) but think I need to man up and do the ride next year, so count me in if it happens. Not sure my BMX will be any good though so will need to get myself a) a bike with gears and b) learn how to ride again and c) a resemblance of fit, I struggle running a bath!
Lol. I was the same. Hadn’t been on a bike for 20yrs! But within 3 months I went from 6miles to 60, a mountain bike to a hybrid then a road bike. It can be done and you have way longer to get prepared. Registration opens sometime in August and I will let you know when it does. Think it will sell out very early so we need to get in quick.
Glad I see this............... so if Ive read this correctly. I can start off with a lower level bike, a mountain bike or hybrid which I can buy second hand for £30/£50 around here and then progress to road bike when my finances improve. Is that correct? I thought I needed to train/get fit/kill myself on a Road bike from the start. Plenty of room @Rob7Lee if I budge up.
I’m saddened reading this that people appear to have to fight their doctor to get the test done
It may be one of the small benefits of private medicine in the US that they will routinely check you anything they can charge for.
My annual checkup includes a whole battery of blood tests, including the PSA since age 50. And regardless of the test result, you get the old personal inspection thrown in.
If nothing else, it establishes a trackable baseline over years.
If you tell your doctor you are showing certain symptons (even if your not) he will most likely send you for the test anyway.
@tracey I know we conversed on twitter (ab54666) but think I need to man up and do the ride next year, so count me in if it happens. Not sure my BMX will be any good though so will need to get myself a) a bike with gears and b) learn how to ride again and c) a resemblance of fit, I struggle running a bath!
Happy to help with bike advice etc. Bit of a bike nerd.
Just a short note to remind people of the importance of looking after yourself. I know I have an enlarged prostate and I insist on regular blood tests to keep an eye on my PSA levels. Six months ago it was 3.7. Last week it had gone up to 4.8. Credit to my doctor who arranged for an urgent referral to the hospital to get it checked out. I attended my appointment yesterday and there is a small lump around the prostate. An MRI scan has been arranged for Monday. How quick is that! In under two weeks I've seen a doctor and got an appointment to have a scan. You can't knock the NHS, can you. So, if you're a man of a certain age ..Get the test, you know it makes sense.
Just a short note to remind people of the importance of looking after yourself. I know I have an enlarged prostate and I insist on regular blood tests to keep an eye on my PSA levels. Six months ago it was 3.7. Last week it had gone up to 4.8. Credit to my doctor who arranged for an urgent referral to the hospital to get it checked out. I attended my appointment yesterday and there is a small lump around the prostate. An MRI scan has been arranged for Monday. How quick is that! In under two weeks I've seen a doctor and got an appointment to have a scan. You can't knock the NHS, can you. So, if you're a man of a certain age ..Get the test, you know it makes sense.
100% agree Mr. Dick
Due to my wife's nagging and the excellent exposure that the club has given prostate cancer, I got myself tested earlier in the year and the level was high (13). The NHS were brilliant with me and within 5 months of being diagnosed, I had Brachytherapy and the cancer was zapped. Hopefully now on the up!
Just a short note to remind people of the importance of looking after yourself. I know I have an enlarged prostate and I insist on regular blood tests to keep an eye on my PSA levels. Six months ago it was 3.7. Last week it had gone up to 4.8. Credit to my doctor who arranged for an urgent referral to the hospital to get it checked out. I attended my appointment yesterday and there is a small lump around the prostate. An MRI scan has been arranged for Monday. How quick is that! In under two weeks I've seen a doctor and got an appointment to have a scan. You can't knock the NHS, can you. So, if you're a man of a certain age ..Get the test, you know it makes sense.
The PSA is just an indicator but when both my Brothers had low readings, under the threadhold of 4, and mine was 5.7, my GP had a chat with me, but when she said you can get a false reading if sex, masturbation or riding a bike took place the day before, I said I better come back as you can perm any 2 from 3 !
Well being a bloke, I left it for 6 months and despite having a quiet night in and listening to the sounds of the sea on you tube the night before,I now had a reading of 9.7.
So 2 weeks later I've a Transrectal ultra sound put where the sun don't shine, maybe my pain threshold is low but I found the local anesthetic didn't work and it was painful. In retrospect I should of had a general anesthestic. The net result is 4 out of 12 biopsies are Cancerous But only moderate and slow growing. Recovered OK but felt strange to see blood for a while in urine and back passage. From PSA to Gleeson scale for me now and a score of 3+4 which is border line. The Consultant team recommend I have MRI scan and an Transperineal probe which will take another 24 biopsy samples.
I had moved on to intravenous drip and general anesthestic now, so at least the procedure wasn't painful. 90 minutes later and 12 hours now without food, I wake up and ask the nurse if I've missed Easter !
The next 48 hours were the worse as the painkillers didn't work quick enough and it was like peeing glass, I had to bite my dressing gown cord or pee in a warm bath.
I just got my results and 6 out of 24 are Cancerous BUT good news is none are fast growing and they are still localised (still in the walnut sized Prostate)
I want watchful waiting but I will listen to the experts but it will be MY decision, rightly or wrongly what happens next.
Have the PSA test (just a blood test) but push for strong drugs or a General if you have to have biopsies taken. I found having the crystals (no not the dancers) to stop infection shoved up my arse painful, followed by the probe. I'm pleased that some others on here didn't have a problem with the various invasive procedures.
Thanks Cafc for winning as it better than the various tablets I'm on at the moment.
PS. This is just my honest on going experience and feel that I wanted to share. I will read up on Brachytherapy (its in my Macmillan folder) as zapped sounds good (Essex Al) and the merits (or not) of Radiation.
All the best Sam. I contracted Prostate Cancer 4 or 5 years back - PSA level was 14. Had radiotheraphy and I have no long lasting side effects. Still have regular PSA checks and the readings are still below 1.
Would just like to point out again that if you have a high PSA reading you now have the right to an MRI scan before any invasive procedures. I would thoroughly recommend this course of action. Just tell the GP that this is policy laid down by NICE. in soapboxsam’s case this would have probably led to a biopsy anyway, but in many cases it will prevent that.
Would just like to point out again that if you have a high PSA reading you now have the right to an MRI scan before any invasive procedures. I would thoroughly recommend this course of action. Just tell the GP that this is policy laid down by NICE. in soapboxsam’s case this would have probably led to a biopsy anyway, but in many cases it will prevent that.
@JamesSeed, because of Jimmy's comments, I did ask for the MRI scan when I had my first meeting with a consultant. I need to check all my letters and timelines and calendar because the MRI scan was about the same time as the Transrectal ultrasound probe (12 biopsies under local) and not the Transperineal probe (24 biopsies under General) The last procedure was 6 weeks after the TRUS and MRI.
Because of what they saw on the MRI scan I would've needed to give more samples anyway But if MRI clear, then to have another PSA test in 3 months under the watchful waiting would've been an option.
Because Cancer in the Prostate can be slow, moderate or fast, this enemy within can be monitored if just 6 (slow growing) on Gleeson scale. Mine is 7,( Slow and moderate growing) and 8(moderate) 9 or 10 then fast growing cancer cells have been found and Surgery will be recommended by every Consultant.
Ps. For those of you that don't know, PSA numbers are totally different to the Gleeson scale which only comes into play when Cancer samples have been found. The number 7 for me is the score of 3 slow + 4 moderate from samples taken.
Gentleman,I will at regular intervals between now and february,stress the importance of taking advantage of this facility at the Valley.I did , when we played Scunthorpe a while back,and to cut to the chase I had Prostrate Cancer,maybe I was the only one to be diagnosed from the Valley Tests I dont know.Mine was caught early and hopefully cured by hormone therapy and radiotherapy.I now have six monthly checks and so far so good.I had no obvious signs of the disease ,just a bit early at the game and went in,what an inspired decision.All you"it wont happen to me brigade"bollocks ,it can and if you dont get chacked,youmay not see your grandchildren grow up.
Comments
I thought I needed to train/get fit/kill myself on a Road bike from the start.
Plenty of room @Rob7Lee if I budge up.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44437998
All biopsy samples negative so good news. Relieved.
Appreciate all the support and good luck messages on here and elsewhere.
Now just need Duchatelet to sell and it will be a bloody brilliant week.
Due to my wife's nagging and the excellent exposure that the club has given prostate cancer, I got myself tested earlier in the year and the level was high (13). The NHS were brilliant with me and within 5 months of being diagnosed, I had Brachytherapy and the cancer was zapped. Hopefully now on the up!
Brilliant service for me!
https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5c9109efbae9a/psa-testing-at-the-valley-for-scunthorpe-matchday-as-part-of-mens-health-awareness-activity
Well being a bloke, I left it for 6 months and despite having a quiet night in and listening to the sounds of the sea on you tube the night before,I now had a reading of 9.7.
So 2 weeks later I've a Transrectal ultra sound put where the sun don't shine, maybe my pain threshold is low but I found the local anesthetic didn't work and it was painful. In retrospect I should of had a general anesthestic. The net result is 4 out of 12 biopsies are Cancerous But only moderate and slow growing. Recovered OK but felt strange to see blood for a while in urine and back passage. From PSA to Gleeson scale for me now and a score of 3+4 which is border line. The Consultant team recommend I have MRI scan and an Transperineal probe which will take another 24 biopsy samples.
I had moved on to intravenous drip and general anesthestic now, so at least the procedure wasn't painful. 90 minutes later and 12 hours now without food, I wake up and ask the nurse if I've missed Easter !
The next 48 hours were the worse as the painkillers didn't work quick enough and it was like peeing glass, I had to bite my dressing gown cord or pee in a warm bath.
I just got my results and 6 out of 24 are Cancerous BUT good news is none are fast growing and they are still localised (still in the walnut sized Prostate)
I want watchful waiting but I will listen to the experts but it will be MY decision, rightly or wrongly what happens next.
Have the PSA test (just a blood test) but push for strong drugs or a General if you have to have biopsies taken. I found having the crystals (no not the dancers) to stop infection shoved up my arse painful, followed by the probe. I'm pleased that some others on here didn't have a problem with the various invasive procedures.
Thanks Cafc for winning as it better than the various tablets I'm on at the moment.
PS. This is just my honest on going experience and feel that I wanted to share.
I will read up on Brachytherapy (its in my Macmillan folder) as zapped sounds good (Essex Al) and the merits (or not) of Radiation.
@_MrDick @PeterGage for your comments.
Knowledge is the key to making the right choices on further treatment.
Best of luck for the future.
I would thoroughly recommend this course of action. Just tell the GP that this is policy laid down by NICE.
in soapboxsam’s case this would have probably led to a biopsy anyway, but in many cases it will prevent that.
I need to check all my letters and timelines and calendar because the MRI scan was about the same time as the Transrectal ultrasound probe (12 biopsies under local)
and not the Transperineal probe (24 biopsies under General) The last procedure was 6 weeks after the TRUS and MRI.
Because of what they saw on the MRI scan I would've needed to give more samples anyway But if MRI clear, then to have another PSA test in 3 months under the watchful waiting would've been an option.
Because Cancer in the Prostate can be slow, moderate or fast, this enemy within can be monitored if just 6 (slow growing) on Gleeson scale. Mine is 7,( Slow and moderate growing) and 8(moderate) 9 or 10 then fast growing cancer cells have been found and Surgery will be recommended by every Consultant.
Ps. For those of you that don't know, PSA numbers are totally different to the Gleeson scale which only comes into play when Cancer samples have been found. The number 7 for me is the score of 3 slow + 4 moderate from samples taken.
PSI score still higher than norm but not rising.
DRE all fine but they have suggested another MRI just to be sure so all good.
Being called "young" made me laugh but it's all relative.