Hello again all

On July 14, I was discharged after HDRB on a melon-sized prostate,
wearing a Foley catheter for 3 wks minimum. I was lucky enough to have
that removed after voiding trials on Aug 04. I had 3 days of voiding
trials locally and was considered "marginal" only, due to the urinary
retention being from 200-300ml. She gave me some "self-catheter" kits
to use in case I got blocked. (I haven't succumbed to these as yet).
Even on Flomax, my urinary flow is very poor and practically
non-existent at nights when I have to go about 3-4 times. I figured I
should see the (outsourced) Urologist who did the HDRB implant, to
discuss another TURP.

To keep within the parameters of the free Clinical Trial I'm in, I
went back to the chief Rad Onc who's running the Trial and requested a
referral back to the outsourced Uro for a follow-up appointment. He
dashed this off without a blink, but here's where the sh*t hits the
fan, bigtime. Because I'm in the Public Health system, I cannot get an
appointment with the Uro till MID OCT!!. (If I block up in the
meantime, I'm obliged to fall back on the DIY catheters or worst case
scenario get fitted up for another Foley!!)

I phoned the outsourced Uro's receptionist yesterday and offered to
pay CASH for an earlier appointment. She REFUSED the CASH, on the
basis that if I  needed an operation in the near future, only Patients
who had PRIVATE Health Cover would be considered. Plus, because I'm in
the Clinical Trial under the Public Health system , I will breach it's
parameters if I get any treatment regarding the Prostate done
Privately.

IMO, this really sucks as I'm going broke refusing work, until my
urinary problems are sorted out.

Having vented my spleen, any comments, guys?

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-- CC