few options

User

Posted 19 Dec 2021 at 21:04

I know you’re not keen on getting the surgery. But honestly I think when it’s out of the way you’ll feel much better. My husband is 56 and the news came as a complete bolt out of the blue for us! It totally floored us and neither of us wanted him to get the op. We were in complete denial. But you the option if you do nothing looks pretty bleak. My OH had surgery at Christie’s in Manchester 11 days ago. He’s already much better and although we’ve got a long journey ahead of us, making the decision and having the op is now behind us and in my opinion that’s one of the hardest parts. We also got a last minute slot with one week’s notice which I know is a bit of a headf**k. But now glad it’s all done with. Wishing you the very best of luck.

User

Posted 19 Dec 2021 at 22:14

Have you checked out your surgeons stats - https://www.baus.org.uk/patients/surgeons. I only ask as there is a general feeling that one wants a surgeon who does a lot of this type of operation.

User

Posted 20 Dec 2021 at 11:03

Well yes i totally agree- when asking about this however i have been told it is decided nearer the time and a question of who is available. I will ask again at the pre op meeting. Maybe this is easer to do with private care?

User

Posted 20 Dec 2021 at 11:39

Hi Dave

you are able to choose which Trust you want to be treated by and request a certain consultant…

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/about-nhs-hospital-services/#choice

So if you do your homework you should be able to get the surgeon you want on the NHS (or at least a very reputable and experienced urology team)

There are some high volume surgeons in the North West. My husband just had RARP with one of them.

Here is a list throughout the U.K.

https://prostatematters.co.uk/prostate-cancer/where-to-access-robotic-prostatectomy/

User

Posted 20 Dec 2021 at 15:54

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

This is very true D@ve - meeting and choosing a consultant urologist does not mean that you necessarily get them doing the actual op ... that is something that patients should ask. A big deal is made on this forum of how to choose a great consultant but in reality, those at the top of their field will often be supervising junior surgeons on the day. Paying for private care might make it less likely but for a couple of the really well known urologists in England, their data suggests that they are doing 3-4 RPs every day all year round which is clearly not possible - what they might be doing is supervising two ops in adjacent theatres at the same time.

We did pay to get the surgeon we wanted, and asked for a guarantee that he would actually be doing it. But I know of a member on here who paid for RP privately, chose his surgeon carefully and then on op day, was greeted by a different urologist with the news that the carefully selected one works in a team and wasn't on site that day.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 20 Dec 2021 at 16:09

After a biopsy on 24th November, I saw my consultant on 17th December and as I've gone from G3+3 to G3+4 he recommended action, preferably RP, with RT as a close second and AS as his least favoured option. He said they use two centres, both do high volumes of RALP, I could choose either, but wouldn't have a choice of who did it (there is a team of surgeons at both of them).

The last point agrees with what Lyn put, but I have seen several people saying you can choose your surgeon so I am a bit confused on that point.

User

Posted 20 Dec 2021 at 16:13

Thanks, that's helpful.

I did have an appointment to discuss with the 'top man'

waited 2 hours and didnt see him. I was told by the burses (unofficially) that he was great as a surgeon but not very good with people! I think also the reality of NHS functioning and COVID means real choice may be unrealistic.. I would be OK with an experienced person supervising i guess.

User

Posted 20 Dec 2021 at 21:34

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

The last point agrees with what Lyn put, but I have seen several people saying you can choose your surgeon so I am a bit confused on that point.

Under NHS choices you can choose a consultant / surgeon and go on their caseload (if they accept the referral) but being on their caseload doesn't provide a guarantee that they will provide your care. Each consultant has a hierarchy of variously qualified doctors working and training under them.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 29 Dec 2021 at 14:31

Hi dave

I have seen your post.
my condition sounds similar to you and like you concerned over surgery options

can I suggest you read my treatment option of IRE which is not undertaken in UK but may be an option you want to consider

happy to chat to u

paul

User

Posted 29 Dec 2021 at 18:23

IRE is more often referred to as NanoKnife in the UK and is also available from at least 3 hospitals in England for patients who can pay.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 30 Dec 2021 at 10:39

Thanks for that Paul-

I appreciate the info- in my case I wouldnt be in a position to pay.

User

Posted 31 Dec 2021 at 11:42

Good luck today @Dave. I used to HATE people telling me "it will be all OK" because they weren't the ones facing - well, frankly, I was terrified throughout and in the end the anaesthetist put me down hard at my own request to forestall a panic attack - so I will NOT say it will all be OK but based on my experience (and per all the above comments about AS) you are taking the right, brave, course and you are tilting odds already strongly in your favour yet further so good luck today and hereafter and keep us posted.

Edited by member 31 Dec 2021 at 11:43 | Reason: Sentence was too short :-)

User

Posted 31 Dec 2021 at 11:57

Much appreciated!

Pre op today fairly straight forward.

ECH, bloods, urine, swabs for MRSA, lots of health questions.

When blood being taken was rather taken a back being called, "mean, stingy, difficult, unforthcoming"! all banter perhaps but maybe there's a better way to speak to a patient who has no control over whether the blood flows or not!

Suppose I should toughen up or something!

Dave

User

Posted 31 Dec 2021 at 13:17

Great news Dave. I kept the nurses on their toes….they usually revel in the banter having dated one a few years back😵‍💫🤪

I had bloods also done just before op and the morning after too. Think it’s just routine but after a bit does get tiring being a pin cushion 🤷🏼‍♂️

Onwards and upwards! 🍻

Edited by member 31 Dec 2021 at 13:19 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 31 Dec 2021 at 13:26

Well if THAT's your strongest memory you're doing well. Mine - and I can't believe I am THAT much of an atypical wimp although maybe I am, having stalled for 5y which turned out to be too long but that's a whole separate thread - was that it was "first contact", with nerves to match. I must have been contagious because they missed the MRSA swab which led to all sorts of hoopla when I asked about it on admission. So again, I won't say "you'll be OK" but you're on track.

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