I had a PSA about 9 in 1993 and my urologist suggested a TURP.  I chose to get
a second opinion, and another urologist suggested Proscar for which my first
uro gave me an Rx. After taking Proscar for awhile, my PSA was about half,
4.__.

Things seemed to be constant for a number of years until I became impotent. (A
rather harsh adjustment for me and my wife.)  Then, I experienced gynecomastia
(sp), enlargement of the breasts at which time I even had to have a mammogram
to rule out cancer.  [One of my male co-workers died of breast cancer a number
of years ago.]

No cancer, but I stopped taking Proscar, and my PSA steadily increased.  By
the middle of this year, it was 18.73.  I have had three biopsies in the
ensueing years, and all have shown negative results for cancer. (I am 75 years
old, and in good health although I am type II diabetic.)

I have suffered all of the effects of BHP.....dribble both before and after
trying to urinate, getting up at night three and four times, etc.  

I have also had ultrasound exams of the prostate, and as of August of this
year, I was told by my 1st uro that it had grown to 93.+ gm. Again, he
suggested that it was time for a TURP or a microwave procedure.

Lucky for me that I have been reading posts by many of you including Patrick
and Dave.  I decided not to TURP.  Instead, I contacted the nearest urologist
who performs PVP's.  I also had my present urologist Fax my records including
copies of my most recent ultrasound and cystoscopy. I drove 62 miles with my
wife to have an office visit with the new uro and to have pre-op tests
performed at the hospital nearby.

On Sept 5, Dr. Wen Lin performed a PVP at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine,
FL.  (I was his 111 PVP patient.)  I stayed overnight with a catheter.  It was
not a painful experience, only some discomfort.  The color of my urine was
monitored, and after I was able to get up and urinate by myself, Dr. Lin
released me the next day.

My wife drove us home.  I was told to be cautious in my activities...not to
over extend myself physically.  I behaved! I cannot impress upon the new
readers here what a great improvement I have had since the PVP procedure. At
first, I had some discomfort and slight burning at the end of urinating, but
that has almost disappeared. Only occassionally do I have that feeling.  My
stream is much stronger and longer resulting in a near-empty bladder. (It
reminds me of my youth...if I were in Wisc. where I grew up, I could ' write
my name in the snow '.)

I now get up only once during the night, and even not at all sometimes. This
week, I had another follow-up visit with Dr. Lin who also got a blood sample
for the PSA test.  It has come down to 13.4.  I feel great, but am still
concerned about the PSA.  I am to have another test in 6 months.

I have not read how much reduction others have had in their PSA values,  pre-
and post PVP.  Any comments? Nor have I read any comments about how much
reduction resulted in the prostate mass.

With regard to costs,  I am carried under the Medicare plan and by my
supplemental plan. I have received preliminary notices of billings from the
hospital, doctor(s)/anesthesiologist. After payment by Medicare and my
insurance, I have not had to pay anything.  Considering how slow the wheels
turn, I may have to pay some small amount.  We'll see.

Thanks to you all who have (still do) posted for the information that has  
helped me to refuse a TURP.  

Chris J.