No way for anyone to tell you here about your personal situation, but I can
tell you that an elevated PSA is not always a direct correlation to prostate
cancer (which, I assume, is your concern). I know, from personal experience,
that Prostatitis CAN result in PSA spikes, and also that an enlarged
prostate often equates to higher PSA levels, neither of which is
automatically a barometer of cancer.  My PSAs have been in the 9's for
years, and I've had several negative biopsies. My prostate is a whopping 170
grams or so, and will have to be dealt with soon, but cancer is not an issue
for me, in spite of the high PSA. Biopsies are not always reliable either,
but I'd advise it, if your Uro recommends it.

Hi All,
I'm 50 years old.  In December 2005 my PSA was 5.26 then, after some
antiobiotics, went down to 4.6.  Doctor still felt that I needed a
biopsy which came back negative for malignancy.  However, I was
diagnosed with chronic prostatitis and BPH (prostate measuring 35cm).
He put me on Uroxatral, an alpha blocker, which has certainly decreased
my symptoms and allows me to urinate fairly normally.
About 3 weeks ago, I noticed that I was having some problems urinating
so I returned to the doc.  Urinalysis showed that my chornic prostatits
flared up again so he put me on Noroxin for 7 days and, about 4 days
after I was finished with the Noroxin, he took my PSA which came back
at 12.3.
10 days later, after no further therapy, he took my PSA again which was
reported to me this morning to be at 11.6.
Doc is now putting me on 750mg Levaquin for 10 days with a follow up
PSA test to be taken on the day after I finish taking the meds.
He says that if the PSA does not reduce significantly, he'll have to do
another biopsy.
Am I freaking out unjustifiably?  Has anyone had a similar experience?
Thanks!

Lowell

Lowell,
I doubt if you have cancer since chronic prostatititis can cause your PSA
levels to be higher than normal. Your uro. is making an excellent
decision. You are fortunate to have such an excellent uro. Let's hope that
your PSA levels are within normal limits after you finish taking the meds.
Keep us posted.
Jason

Hi Lowell,

I don't have any specific suggestions for you.  But I do have another
resource for you to check out.  It will help to give you a more
balanced perspective than you'd get from your doctor, or from this
newsgroup alone.

http://www.prostate90.com/join.php

Whereas Sci.Med.Prostate.Bph is devoted mostly to allopathic or
conventional treatments, Larry Clapp's discussion group focuses on
alternative methods that avoid surgery and medications. I'm very
grateful for it!

The focus there is on prostate cancer, as opposed to bph, but Larry
Clapp sees these two conditions as related to each other.  Larry also
does private telephone coaching sessions.  I just had one with him, and
found him to be really generous with his time and knowledge.

I hope this is of some help to you.

Bruce

My PSA has never been less than 4 but prior to having a TURP in 1998 it went
from 4 to 17 over a period of several years.  Had two biopsies during this
time, both negative.  After TURP it dropped back to 4 and has been there
since.  My uro said this was not unusual for people with bph.

Don in Tracy, Calif.