Finally 'bit the bullet' and underwent PVP April 1, 2005.  What an
extraordinary experience.  In fact, I've waited until now to post my results
since I figured it couldn't be this easy - something was bound to be a
problem in the days following the procedure. Well, so far, everything has
gone smoothly, so my particulars follow:

Age: 59
Prostate approximately 40 grams
Primary complaint nocturia, although urine flow was very poor.

My surgery was done at UCLA by Dr. Robert Reiter. Checked in at 9:00 a.m.,
and surgery started at about 11:00.  Woke up at 12:00 in recovery room.  My
first surprise?  No catheter!!  What a relief! Had the urge to urinate, so
asked for a cup. Voided about 400mls.  Nice strong stream, with no pain.
Slightly pink tinged.  Checked out at about 1:00 p.m with my meds: Pyridium
(for urethra pain and bladder spasms), Vicodin, and Cipro.

Got home half an hour later.  Urinated, with slight pain at tip of penis.
Started drinking tons of water.  Urinated maybe an hour later.  Stream like
a firehose.  Not much of a surprise.  BUT, my second suprise - no pain
whatsoever on urinating.  None.  And virtually no blood in urine at all.

Since then I have been drinking gallons of water each day.  No pain
whatsoever. I have not taken one pain pill.  No Pyridium.  No Vicodin.  Not
even an aspirin.  Did take the Cipro to avoid any infection.  Flow continues
to be terrific (like a teenager).  Very small amount of blood in urine, but
only at night before I go to bed - suspect that this is because I curtail my
water intake an hour before, and I make a conscious effort to drain my
bladder to allow for better sleep. Others have posted to expect some
bleeding for about three weeks, so I've got some time to go.

Nocturia has already improved.  Prior to surgery I was up every 2 hours to
urinate.  Now,  I sleep about 5 hours before I have to get up.  Would be
curious if any PVP patients could tell me if, in their experience, this will
improve further.  Also, I'm urinating fairly frequently.  But there is a
very large volume voided each time I do so, so I suspect that this is in
large part a function of the huge amount of water I continue to drink.  Any
thoughts by others on this will be appreciated as well.

The bottom line is that, so far, I'm absolutely thrilled with the results.
I cannot express enough my profound gratitude to the great Patrick - the
pioneer in reporting to this group about the procedure.  He has, over the
years that I've followed this group, endured more than a few attacks from
other posters questioning his enthusiasm and motives regarding PVP.  All I
can say is "thank you Patrick - the knowledge which you have imparted to all
of us has dramatically improved my life, and the lives of many others in
this group."  And thank you also to all who have posted their PVP
experiences.  You all were instrumental in my finally getting the courage to
follow through with this procedure.

My follow-up appointment with Dr. Reiter is scheduled for April 27.  I'll
report further thereafter.  In the meantime any input from fellow PVP'rs
will be appreciated, and I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Mr. B