"Urology Issue"

Circa 17 months ago I experienced a problem with my waterworks and had lump forming in my groin left side. As I had Brachytherapy circa 2009 on my prostate very low cancer count as I had regular checks for > 15 years I had a range of options. My GP thought the swelling lump was a hernia but because of prostate op 15 years ago she wanted to cover all bases. I had a hernia op all went well but plumbing was still a major issue.

I was referred to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary who arranged for I scans galore! All were clear. I was told that the prostate gland can regrow and maybe this was constricting my urethra. In the meantime I experienced severe discomfort every day with little relief. A consultant said it may solve itself come back in January 2025! Meantime what do I do? My days were ruined.

I was fortunate to have an appointment with a urology nurse, Danielle, at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. She listened to my tale of woe over the last 12 months or so. While she could not come up with a solution, she listened, explained the plumbing and also about the false passage in my urethra which was causing problems inserting a catheter. She and many others failed to insert a catheter. However she put me at ease and wanted me to have another bladder check and gave advice what to eat and drink. While no magic bullet I was getting advice.

I also told her my bowels were not in good working order and in the past had had 3 colonoscopies. I told other medics about this but did not draw any reaction. I went for a scope test on my bladder but as my urine showed up bacteria the test was cancelled. In the 17 months and many urine tests this was the first to show infection! I could not get my head around this. Had UTI been missed in the past 17 months?

I was given a 3 day anti biotic course which immediately  made me feel better, the need to pee without peeing disappeared the pain was gone and my bowels more or less returned to normal. I was reluctant to have another scope test ( if it ain’t broke don’t fix it) but Danielle advised I should and arranged a new appointment. She has been tremendous and has given me so much confidence. She is so good at her job. I now await my next scope test and hopefully a solution or cause of the issues will come to light.