I have BPH and am sick of it...
Before retirement I had a desk job and rarely exercised on purpose. The need to urgently visit the men's room occurred once or twice a day. My PSA was elevated and my Dr suggested I could start taking drugs. I said hold the drugs. The problem wasn't too bad.
First year of retirement - Spent four months skiing (100+ days). I also started riding my bicycle during warmer weather. Occasionally I would need to visit a tree to relieve myself. Still wasn't too bad.
Second winter the need to pee became overwhelming. Called the Dr. and requested a prescription. Started taking 'Flomax'. This helped the situation. During the summer I had and appointment with the dreaded urologist. Went in for Ultrasound and biopsy (negative). Continued the drugs.
This went on for another two years. Many visits to the trees or restrooms. Yearly appointment with the urologist, a second round of biopsy still negative. Still - 'Wait and See'.
Last spring I had a bout of prostatitis. Driving across country, not being able to pee, got to me. Checked into an Emergency Room about 200 miles from home. They inserted a catheter and drained almost three liters. Another visit to the urologist for another round of tests. A prescription for generic Avodart and an increase in Flomax.
Now about a year of taking the increased medications. The visits to the trees/restrooms are less frequent, less urgent. The PSA levels are down but may be influenced by the drugs. Skiing was more comfortable and I'm taking longer bicycle rides.
All is not well. I'm still keeping track of restrooms, job johnnies', and private trees. When the urge hits I still must obey the call of nature. Urologist follow-up appointment in about two weeks. Hoping to continue current treatment.
Basically the 'problem' went from I can live with it - to - Send help (drugs) - to - I can live with it - to - Help I'm in pain/trouble - to - I can live with it. This has been over six years of skiing 100+ days most winters and bicycling 100 miles/week.
Now where is the bathroom?