Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [Bartram] Small) is a good example of a natural medicine that it is as effective as what the pharmaceuticals make.Quote:
Originally Posted by vnx205
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Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [Bartram] Small) is a good example of a natural medicine that it is as effective as what the pharmaceuticals make.Quote:
Originally Posted by vnx205
Of course there are natural remedies that work, but unless there have been properly conducted clinical trials, it is hard to be absolutely certain which ones work, which ones are useless and which ones are dangerous. :)
If you're referring to "Storm" by Tim Minchin then he says:
"“By definition”, I begin
“Alternative Medicine”, I continue
“Has either not been proved to work,
Or been proved not to work.
You know what they call “alternative medicine”
That's been proved to work?
Medicine.”"
;)
But here is not the time, nor the place to be discussing this :)
I hope your dad is doing well Ralph :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimr1
Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Didge
His prostate surgery went well:D and so far the prognosis is good. Due to related bowel polyps he has to get the 'back end' fixed eventually:eek:.
Sadly, when undergoing the surgery for the prostate, the anaesthetist noticed a problem with his heart. Apparently he has a torn mitral valve:mad:. Can't be repaired, has to be replaced or lived with. He has been off work on light duties since (hard as he is self employed). The plan was for M&D to sell the business and retire, then have the operation, however a messy and nasty defamation lawsuit, the trial was only two months ago, upped his stress and blood pressure to unacceptable levels and now the operation must occur this year. He won the case after a protracted hung jury trial, but is now waiting for the other party to appeal, so can't have it just yet.
All in all, pretty rough couple of years for him. On a personal note, much of what he has is likely hereditary, so I hope my sister cops it, not me!:twisted::twisted::twisted:
Ralph
Do not accept that prostate cancer is the end of the world !!
I had the diagnosis in the year 2000. Just retired two years before and feeling as healthy and happy as can be.
The psa (indicator test) was up to 36. 'Normal' for a 60 y.o. could be expected to be around 4 or less. Too far advanced for removal by surgery so external beam radiation, after a few months of medication, sorted me for over ten years of continued bliss in retirement. The indicator psa test results gradually climbed up to 14 so hormone treatment commenced. After 12 months the psa test showed the cancer slowed back down and I have had a nine months break from the slowing effects of testosterone deprivation (courtesy of the hormone treatment) I'm now a fit and healthy 73 y.o. and apart from managing the problem, life is nearly normal and nothing to complain or get upset about. Maybe I am just lucky but others in my prostate support group have also had good results!
If I may offer advice, please look up the website Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Also get a good specialist to evaluate the status of your dad. Don't be timid about getting second or third opinions. Get educated and follow up information and above all stay calm. Cheers Mac
Agree 100% that's excellent adviceQuote:
Originally Posted by Mac Disco 2 1999
But you know what I find interesting (and I hope it doesn't happen to me) is that the men I know (all in their late 70's or early 80's) who've had their prostate's removed have voiced real concerns about not being able to get it up any more which isn't an issue for blokes still married for the last 45 - 50 years to the same women cos we know they're not getting it any more, so it shouldn't matter. Just interesting that it causes such concern.
... Prepare for a barrage of "Speak for yourself !" comments...:angel:
Yeah, I suppose I stuck my chin out there, didn't I? Basing it on my own experiences (sad to say) and I'm no where near that age. :(
If the surgeon is competent he/she should be able to save the nerves attached to the prostate that help with erections and most men don't become impotent. But if you have Radiation Therapy on the prostate the nerves are destroyed and impotence will follow.
Radiation Therapy should be the last resort as if it don't work then surgeons won't operate on Irradiated prostate if/when it beomes active again, so the 2 options are have it removed or watch, wait and see.
The main thing is get yourself tested early and at least once a year, or if it is in the family at least twice a year, a few people I know who had late diagnosis are in mortal trouble at the moment, so don't put off testing, Regards Frank.
Please note that we humans respond in various ways to our ailments.
Prostate cancer responses to treatments and the effect of treatments on erectile issues is very variable. There are no certainties akin to the hoary old death and taxes scenario.
Early detection and thorough medical assessment gives a bloke a better chance of minimizing collateral damage, or the probability of an early exit. Careful monitoring ('watchful waiting') over time may indicate that invasive treatment such as operation, brachytherapy or external beam radiation, is not automatically the best solution.
Some folk may feel emotionally crippled by the erection failures after surgery or radiation, while others may be 'at it like rabbits' till old age. Almost all treatments will have unwanted side effects so one must accept that there is a bit of weighing up the options and taking a risk management approach to what the medicos can do and how that suits you.
After 50 years of age, have yearly psa tests and digital examinations (A bit of a hurdle but "be a man") and arm yourself with knowledge. These tests are not totally reliable so both tests together improve accuracy. Be aware that competent medicos have far superior knowledge to we 'bushies' and can guide our choices. (If you have a positive diagnosis, internet searches may well tie the average bloke up in knots of contradictory info.) Prostate support groups can help settle anxieties and provide reliable written information from PCFA and other sources.
If your erection capability fails after treatment, it's no bad thing that you are alive to complain about it.
Once again it's not the end of the world and people like Bettina Arndt and others have written reams of info about therapies and aids. A whole new world most blokes never wanted to think about. Don't forget the old 'use it or lose it' advice. 'Nuff said' !!!