Passed on the PSA test this week

Was at my GP for semi-annual tests. I'd been getting interim PSA tests between uro visits, but as fast as its going up, it really becomes more like watching a jet vapor trail dissipate.

He asked if I wanted a PSA, and for once, I guess it just didn't seem important, so I said no. December's will decide the next Lupron shot, so ...

I talked about all the bone pains in feet and hands lately. Unlike all of us who would like to blame it on PCa mets, he is convinced it is my gout going to arthritis, so ordered some more blood work. Yet another vial at the collection station.

Hope it is gout--that can be dealt with pretty easily. Wishing you the best.

NO, not gout!

I've had that all my life. Not fun. It does take it's toll after awhile. There are times all the joints in my body feel like they are on fire.

I completely understanding pass the PSA test now. Better to wait till you have to make a decision before getting that data.

Andrew

I take celery seed and quercetin to control my gout. I hope it is only gout.

142, hang in there buddy. I wish I could take some of that pain for you.

Cajun Jeff

142Sorry that you are in pain and it took "guts" to pass on a PSA test that wouldn't have changed your Dec apt with lupron. Unlike some of us (me) I've never heard you really complain; hope the lupron is working but let us know your plans if it doesn't.
Recommend you take your "Gold Cup" out and put some in the black! It's relaxing for sure..Bought my grandson a Ruger MK111 and club membership. I surprised myself with my old eyes--,all in the black; it's amazing some of the skills you never lose. All the best to you!!
Bill

142 said...
The gout kicked in a couple of years before the PCa, but had been just a periodic annoyance until about 6 months ago. There was a certain amount of concern by the doc who did my last bone scan. He noted the problems in the foot and hand, but attributed them to age degeneration rather than PCa on the report, saying that mets rarely go to the extremities. It was the change from periodic annoyance to pain late in the day, every day, that got my attention. He was more focused on the spinal mets.

We discussed possible meds, so getting ready for yet another daily pill.

I was already alternating the pom and cherry juices out of general principle ...

142, listen to that 142 guy. He really knows his stuff and made the point I was about to make about PCa rarely extending that far into the extremities.

You had mentioned at GFMPH Rochester how severe the pain was, but glad you were able to bite the bullet and make the trip.

LupronJim

Hey 142, that gout is a swine of a thing to have. Although I have quite some arthritis, mainly in the hands (painful) I have only been struck down by gout a couple of times and that is a truely painful condition. There is a drug that is outstanding for it but I don't think it is available in the US. "Arcoxia" ---- active ingredient "Entoricoxib"------ will eliminate gout and it's associated pain in a couple of days. I had a 7 day x 120 mg course prescribed and only had to take two of them ---- it was that effective. It is approved in Europe, UK, for the treatment of arthritis and gout and in Australia for gout only. Problem with it though it is closly related to Vioxx and is in the same class of drugs. The same process when taking the drug that eliminates inflammation (suppression of COX2) also can effects the smooth lining of arteries and blood vessels as well as the surface of blood platelets in some people. There is an increased risk of cardio-vascular problems (even in those without a previous history).

Oh man, 142. I'm sorry to hear about your pain issues. I've got no advice for you except to hang in there. I agree that foregoing the PSA test makes sense for you right now. It'd just be another thing to deal with.

Good luck with the gout. You may be able to back it down with diet and drugs. Hope you find some relief.

Jonathan

Water Guy said...
Agent 142,

Have you tried taking Krill Oil supplements for the joint pain? I had arthritis so bad in my fingers last year that I couldn't sign my name on checks. Two weeks after starting Krill Oil the pain was gone and has stayed that way. Call me if you want more information on the KO.

Terry

Terry,
What type of krill oil did you take? I have seen different types offered ----- wild, red etc.