Dr Arnon & Eden, what pre-operative tests would currently be used before comitting to LRP?

[Nik]

What tests would be essential to perform, to be as sure as one can be that removing the prostate will solve the problem? For example, which tests did David Radford have pre-surgery to be as sure as possible that it was the right thing to do? Those tests obviously worked for him.

[Chris]

I fly down to London to see Christopher Eden in about 15 minutes time, so I will ask him this question.

[Nik]

Chris said:

I fly down to London to see Christopher Eden in about 15 minutes time, so I will ask him this question.

Thanks Chris

Your a star, and I hope the consultation is a positive & helpful step in making the best decision for yourself.

Good luck

Nik

[Chris]

Nik,

I don't think any tests are carried out prior to LRP surgery. Dr Eden did ask whether I had a MRI scan, which I had. He asked what other surgical procedures I had done, which I told him. He also asked about any recent PSA tests.

Keep in mind, that we're dealing with cancer doctors here, more precisely surgeons; people trained specifically in the dark art of removing human organs. Most of their patients don't have a choice. They have to have their prostates yanked, or they die. Our illness is non-lethal; so we can continue living with it if we choose. To be blunt, I don't think the surgeons care either way. It's OUR decision whether to go ahead with surgery.

So if it's reassurance you're looking for, that we're "doing the right thing", I don't think you're going to get it. I certainly didn't.

We all have to make our own minds up.

[Nik]

Chris said:

Nik,
I don't think any tests are carried out prior to LRP surgery. Dr Eden did ask whether I had a MRI scan, which I had. He asked what other surgical procedures I had done, which I told him. He also asked about any recent PSA tests.
Keep in mind, that we're dealing with cancer doctors here, more precisely surgeons; people trained specifically in the dark art of removing human organs. Most of their patients don't have a choice. They have to have their prostates yanked, or they die. Our illness is non-lethal; so we can continue living with it if we choose. To be blunt, I don't think the surgeons care either way. It's OUR decision whether to go ahead with surgery.

So if it's reassurance you're looking for, that we're "doing the right thing", I don't think you're going to get it. I certainly didn't.

We all have to make our own minds up.

I kind of imagined that scenario to be honest..!! There are many prostate cancer forums to read and I think maybe joining those and talking to guys who have had bi-lat nerve sparing lrp or robotic, by experienced surgeons would give the best idea of what to expect. I have read many encouraging stories about great recoveries (erectile & continence) by much older men than me who have had BLNS-LRP/RRP. One of them at 60 years old had full erections a week after catheter removal, although I imagine he was in the lucky 5%...!!!

I would be happy to have sufficient erections for sex, within a year with viagra or similar to be rid of prostatitis once and for all, which seems very likely from what I have read. Permanent incontinence seems very unlikely indeed. Chris Eden mentions on one of his sites that younger patients *tend* to be fully continent upon catheter removal. When he says younger he means cancer patients so I presume he is talking about mid to late forties. He answered my email a few months ago giving me at 37 otherwise healthy, with good current erections, greater than 99% chance of fully continent, and greater than 90% chance of erectile recovery with/without pills (Viagra/cialis/levitra).

Mathematically speaking I take that to mean 45+% chance unaided, and 45+% chance of needing viagra or similar, and 9+% of needing injections etc. As each year goes by these stats will slowly reduce but still remain very good for years to come.

As for the question "will it get rid of the pain?" We only have a select few so far but it seems almost certain it will from those few. David Radford was in his 50's and made a complete recovery. It would be great to know more about the others recovery status-we know they are out of pain but no more info yet on continence/erections.

Did you get a price for the op by Dr Eden here in the UK? I know its approx £18k by Arnon in Miami.

[Mark]

I thought UK citizens get free health care? I guess this won't apply to LRP for prostatitis since it's not an approved method for it's treatment...

[Nik]

Mark said:

I thought UK citizens get free health care? I guess this won't apply to LRP for prostatitis since it's not an approved method for it's treatment...

We do but due to prostatitis being non life threatening we would have a long waiting list and would have to accept any surgeon & method to remove prostate...!!!

[Chris]

The LRP I'm having is available on the NHS. I asked my G.P. for a referal to Dr Eden specifically, as I've been told the skill of the surgeon is paramount for a successful outcome in this type of procedure.

There is a wait list. Dr Eden told me early 2009. If I wanted him to yank my prostate next week, he would do it as a private patient. Cost, £11,000. That's about $18,000 in Confederate money.

[mike]

That is great chris!! I am happy you were put on the list and will be getting the surgery for free.


11,00 uro that is like 20 k in usa cash... I wonder what krongrad charges? Might be cheaper to fly to the uk. In the usa Health care is over priced, and health care is pretty much vile, run by insurance company's. Its the main reason half my family has moved back to greece.

Dr krongrad what is the total cost for the surgey at your facility? I guess i can email hope and ask her

[Nik]

I'm impressed Chris, that's not bad at all. When my time comes I will make further inquiries with my GP. Best of luck in keeping under control till then.

Chris said:

The LRP I'm having is available on the NHS. I asked my G.P. for a referal to Dr Eden specifically, as I've been told the skill of the surgeon is paramount for a successful outcome in this type of procedure.
There is a wait list. Dr Eden told me early 2009. If I wanted him to yank my prostate next week, he would do it as a private patient. Cost, £11,000. That's about $18,000 in Confederate money.

[Mark]

I think Dr. Kongrad mentioned that the price depends on the hospital and your insurance. Most doctors give you a special price if you are uninsured.

I'm quoting this from his blog:

"The out-of-pocket cost to the patient varies by insurance policy. Having said that, for patients paying without insurance, the "retail" cost varies depending upon which facility we use. I can offer two facilities in Miami and one and perhaps soon two abroad that will be less costly.

To investigate something like this we need to go through two steps:

1) review of the medical situation
2) review of the insurance policy

This is best handled in direct coordination with our medical concierge, Hope, and our finance coordinator, Ruth, who can be reached at [phone] and/or [e-mail] and [e-mail]

I hope this answers your question.

AK "

[Dutchie]

Last week I spoke with the operator of dr. Krongrad. She told me the all inclusive price for an uninsured from abroad is 36.000 dollar.

Keep faith,
Dutchie

Mark said:

I think Dr. Kongrad mentioned that the price depends on the hospital and your insurance. Most doctors give you a special price if you are uninsured.

I'm quoting this from his blog:

"The out-of-pocket cost to the patient varies by insurance policy. Having said that, for patients paying without insurance, the "retail" cost varies depending upon which facility we use. I can offer two facilities in Miami and one and perhaps soon two abroad that will be less costly.

To investigate something like this we need to go through two steps:

1) review of the medical situation
2) review of the insurance policy

This is best handled in direct coordination with our medical concierge, Hope, and our finance coordinator, Ruth, who can be reached at [phone] and/or [e-mail] and [e-mail]

I hope this answers your question.

AK "

[mike]

Last week I spoke with the operator of dr. Krongrad. She told me the all inclusive price for an uninsured from abroad is 36.000 dollar.



36k usa? Dr eden will do it for 18k. I am sorry but 36k is a joke. I would advise anyone to speak with eden before paying 36k. This is nothing against krongrad, in fact I like the guy. but 36k is rape, and usa insurance will not cover prostatitis surgery. I have already looked into it.