Old guys

[PastorJeff]

Hey. I have reached the age where my prostate won't let me be prostrate very long.  My doctor brought up a medication to shrink it.  Any concerns?  Effects on blood pressure?  Thankfully I require no other meds.

[Clark]

Dear Jeff,

  Empathy! Are you being offered finasteride and tamsulosin vs. surgery? It's truly a preferable option, say I. I don't like meds, and the effects, side effects, and dietary limitations were unattractive, especially with the prospect of decades of use. Still better than what I just went through with the nasty bug I got. The only benefit is that now I'm off those meds, decades early. I don't recommend the near death experience it required, but hold off on the surgery as long as you can stand. Have you done the whole battery of tests to be sure it's benign? Best wishes.

[Oldnslow]

I have reduced prostrate capacity (about 50% I think).   I have been taking saw palmetto now for years and I do,think it helps.   Have lost weight as well which I think also helped.    How low is your function?

[PastorJeff]

Thanks.  I haven't gotten to the point that you guys have.  My doctor just asked me if I'd like to consider a med to make me go less at night and thus shrink the prostate.  She said I could wait another six months and then decide if I can live with what's current or take the med.  I'm staying away from coffee at night and too much fluids.  Just wanted to know if any of those meds were hard on kidneys or raised blood pressure.  It's curious.  One pill to make something smaller, another to make something bigger.  Thankfully, so far I've avoided them both. 

[Clark]

Excellent that you still have options and a sense of humor! You'll benefit a lot from the latter as you have less of the former. LOVE the Grace Slick earworm! Thanks!