View Full Version : Elevated PSA result of self Catheterization
Nirvana
10-02-2007, 10:53 PM
I have an elevated PSA, which recently increased fro 5.7 to 7.7. My urologist suspects that the elevated level may be the result of clean intermittent self cath. I've been self cathing for less than two years. Does anyone have any experience with this problem? My urologist is recommending a needle biopsy to rule out or confirm prostate cancer. I have the option of watchful waiting. Your thoughts. BTW I'm 63 years of age.
SCI-Nurse
10-03-2007, 02:24 AM
I work with many men with SCI who do CIC, and we have never seen a rise in PSA related to this. What is the basis for your urologist's belief that this is the cause? Men with SCI are subject to prostatitis (infection of the prostate), which can raise your PSA, but this is fairly easily diagnosed and can be treated, and is just as common (if not more so) in men with SCI who use other bladder management methods.
If you have an elevated PSA, you should be evaluated for possible prostatitis, and then if that is ruled out, I would seriously recommend that you go ahead with the biopsy. Once you have the results, then you can decide what to do if it is positive for prostate cancer. Many men get this as they age, and many have a very slow growning form that takes many years to progress. If it is positive for cancer, you should see urologist who is a specialist in urologic oncology and look at your options.
(KLD)
A few years ago I went for a urologic examination related to my SCI and my PSA was very elevated. The doctor was ready to do a biopsy the next day but I came down with a high fever which was caused by prostititus. Once the prostititus was treated the PSA returned to normal.
Nirvana
10-17-2007, 11:56 PM
KLD,
Yes, I misinterpreted my urologist. He thinks I may have an elevated psa as the result of prostatisis, not sci. At first, he recommended Septra. I had major constipation and discontinued use after 4 days. Next, he recommended cipro for a ten day course and then follow up with a urine culture. I just started the use of cipro.
Why do you state that its easy to diagnose prostatisis?
I do not have any unusual symptoms other than an elevated psa. Do you know the clinical guidelines for a needle biopsy?
SCI-Nurse
10-18-2007, 04:40 AM
In my experience, if you have prostatitis, you need at least 4-6 weeks of antibiotics, and this should be based on a culture and sensitivity to be sure you have the right one. Once this course is completed, a PSA should be repeated. Only if it is still elevated should a needle biopsy be considered.
(KLD)
smokey
10-18-2007, 02:59 PM
My 57 yr. old brother has had an elevated PSA and his urologist said first to take a vitamin with selenium (not sure how much) and he would re-test his PSA in a couple months. Also, he said if he performed a needle biopsy on his prostate now he could virtually assure him that it would result in an infection.
http://www.bostwicklaboratories.com/about/PCGuide.html
SCI-Nurse
10-18-2007, 10:02 PM
Interesting comment from the urologist. I have known many men who have had needle biopsy's and not had an infection.
CKF