.

Snipped.
Uro's are like other people, some have open enquiring minds and others
closed ones. My Uro in Newcastle (England) has a very open and enquiring
mind and takes time with his PVP patients. He has been interested in many of
the thoughts and patients reports that  I have found on the net and in
return has pointed me in the direction of helpful articles. I mentioned Dr
Sancha's Blog to him and will pass on the web address to him when I see him
this week.
Derek.

Hi Pete...

In order to understand where I am coming from, please understand that I
was with the same family doc for 30 years.  He closed his small practice
and joined up with a large group practice in the Portland, Or, metro
area.  In about 1995-96, the large group practice went out of business
leaving me high and dry without any medical care.  When that
announcement was made, I requested a copy of all records from that
group. In 2002, my allergist from another area wanted me to see an
Internist due to shortness of breath.  I called a physician friend and
asked to whom she would go if she were in my situation.  She gave me the
name of my current internist.  He is one of a kind.  He has supervised
my care, referred me to cardiology and a surgeon for CABG surgery.  Over
the last three years a pattern has developed.  He performs an annual
physical and sees me every 3-4 months to monitor blood pressure and
cholesterol.  He takes his time on my office visits, uses references to
educate me about my health.

Since the large group practice closed, I have requested copies of all
surgeries, all office visits from the various docs providing care:
internist, cardiologist, gastroenterology, allergy, ENT, Urologist.  I
put that information in a 3 inch notebook and that notebook goes with me
whenever I see a doc.  In the notebook are copies of all lab tests, all
surgery reports, summaries of office visits, etc.

When I go to a new doc, I write a letter summarizing pertinent medical
history relevant to the new problem.  I share pertinent prior
information, lab reports, etc.  with any new doc seeing me for a new
problem.  I don't have equal success in discussing my medical problems
with all my new docs, but at least I go into the office visit with as
much knowledge about my condition as I can muster. I find that these
written summaries to be valuable to new docs as they evaluate my new
problem. I am not afraid to ask questions.

I also find that having copies of office notes and surgery reports
provide me with information that I did not gain in the office interview
with the doc.  That information leads to more questions.  The great
majority of physicians appreciate my interest in my own care.  Only a
few feel threatened.

My clinical experience as a social worker in a state hospital over 30
years where I worked closely with all kinds of medical staff has taught
me that these folks are not to be feared and that I as a patient should
not feel intimidated.  They are human beings just like the rest of us.
My advice...take charge of your own care...no one else has more at stake
than you....That is why I appreciate the information that I gain from
newsgroups like this one!!!  Thanks again, Dr Sancha.

Hi Dr. Sancha,

Thanks so much for the reply.  Retrograde ejaculation is probably my
greatest fear in considering the PVP operation I may need in the
future. In reading this newsgroup, it seems that many men who are
experiencing retro are not deeply troubled by it.  But some seem to be
quite unhappy with this result.  Have you followed up on your patients
who have retro to see how they feel about it?  How would you yourself
feel about the prospect of having retro?

Once again, thanks so much for the time and care you give to this
newsgroup.  We are thirsty for this kind of expert, detailed
information, and it's not always easy to find, even from our own
doctors!

Bruce