you should get the test. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.I hope I don’t regret my decision.
The problem is that the test is very unreliable,many negative results are wrong and of the 100% testing positive,75% are false positive,that is not a good ratio and the test has to be done yearly.you should get the test. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
You've got a sensible doctor and I very much doubt you'll regret your decision. Not only is the PSA test very unreliable, it sometimes leads to unnecessary biopsies which themselves can cause pain, incontinence problems and even cancer in a few cases.He talked me out of the test,he explained that of the positive results,75% are false positive and then invasive and unpleasant further checks to confirm whether cancer or not,
He listed the symptoms of prostate cancer and if I had none of those symptoms then the test could cause a lot of anxiety for nothing.
This is not explained by the TV celebrities who are campaigning for all of us to have this test,
I hope I don’t regret my decision.
KudosDave
I agree that the test is unreliable but you get put on active surveillance if it is higher than 4 and any sudden increase will ring alarm bell.The problem is that the test is very unreliable,many negative results are wrong and of the 100% testing positive,75% are false positive,that is not a good ratio and the test has to be done yearly.
We need a better test to make it effective.
KudosDave
I am aware of that too,I suffer from type2 diabetes and on medication for diabetes, statins and high blood pressure medication for the last 12 years.There was a Norwegian survey of 60,000 that said that statins only reduced risk of cardiac problems by 1 in 200,but they increased the risk of diabetes by 30%.
don't wait for the symptoms, do the tests and keep an eye on your PSA level at least once or twice a year.It's a difficult choice, both of my grandfathers died from prostate cancer, one at 52 years old and my dad has it as well. I still haven't made my mind up whether to have the PSA test or just wait for symptoms.
In the mean time I read recently that having a regular tug on the old fella lowers the risk
It reminds me of when I used to get terrible migraines at weekends, it turned out it was a withdrawal from the 10 cups of tea I was drinking a day at work during the week.There was a recent radio4 program about the PSA test, ensuing biopsies and treatment. The conclusion, from the doctors and experts involved, was that we are over treating and causing unnecessary anxiety in men. They did talk about a non-invasive scan (MRI I think) that was far better at detecting tumour mass than a biopsy. The descriptions of the physical biopsy procedure and it's random nature ( only able to access a percentage of the prostrate) were, frankly, a bloody nightmare. This then, might, show the presence of a tumour which has a high chance of being benign, having suffered all the discomfort of the procedure.
I too am very wary of 'prescription happy doctors'. My attitude is that I want a diagnosis to help further research into whatever ails me. If prescribed drugs I always research the side effects and, so far, have a 100% rejection rate. I have been prescribed statins and didn't even fill out the prescription. Changed my diet instead. Doctors seem to look at and treat symptoms only, not the underlying cause. As an example, a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with tension headaches. The doc prescribed paracetamol, an ibuprofen type and another something or other to of set the side effects of the ibuprofen. This, presumably was meant for the rest of my life as there was no mention or investigation into what may be causing the tension in the first place. Looking into the side possible/probable side effects of said concoctions (not to mention the unknown reactions of the cocktail),led me to reject this, to me, lazy approach.
Instead I found a very good sports masseur and had a course of 4 or 5 visits. He found all sorts of knots in my right leg, lower back, left shoulder, hence left side tension headaches. Hey presto, headaches reduced by about 80% and no drugs used.
I want a source of educated information not a drug company advocate.
My wife suffered from headaches every day,she was put on blood pressure lowering medication and at the same time eliminated caffeine from her diet,mainly now drinking caffeine free tea,the headaches have disappeared.It reminds me of when I used to get terrible migraines at weekends, it turned out it was a withdrawal from the 10 cups of tea I was drinking a day at work during the week.
That's very true. We, as engineers, always look for underlying causes to problems, but doctors don't work like that. What's worse is that because they don't know the cause, the treatment for the symptoms is very much trial and error, and they rely on the human body being able to fix most things itself in a relatively short time.Doctors seem to look at and treat symptoms only, not the underlying cause.
thanks, have tried similar seats with no luck, it is 3 years since my op but still painfull!! looks like i will have to try and make one to my own spec!!You could try one of these until things settle down:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adjustable-Shockproof-Bicycle-Bike-Saddle-PU-Leather-Cushion-Soft-Pad-Seat-SP/263572179261?epid=19017226297&hash=item3d5e20493d:g:TK0AAOSw0A9auh1p
There's another one that's a bit more tapered at the fron, but I can't remember what it's called. My mate has one on his bike, so I'll see if he knows. I'll report back later.
Edit: Here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/Hobson-Pro-Hub-Saddle-Black/dp/B000QU3TK2/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_468_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=K7NWTTYV7E653P88V2ZH&dpID=41C69zgEiPL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail