Urologist suggested taking a 3 month medication 'vacation'. Thoughts?

[kelkel]

I think he said Dutasteride and when I mentioned Testosterone, he said then you probably don't want that. He did reference prostate size being big a few times.. His specialty is stone removal but the new urologist who i only had one video chat with, was wondering why i was taking Testosterone in the first place. The way he asked, it sounded like it was so unusual.

My hunch is he will suggest stopping it and I just want to be best educated if and when he does.

I'll be 64 in March...My guess is this 1.25 bladder stone is the main reason for the changes in urination..the doctor agreed..

Dutasteride is a type 1 blocker. Meaning it blocks about 90% of test turning to DHT via the 5AR enzyme. Finasteride is a type 2 blocker and cancels out about 70% of turnover from T to DHT. I've been on 5 mgs Fina for years due to BPH. Zero side effects. That said, sure some can get sides from it just like they can any other drug. We all respond differently. Finasteride is the same drug guys are prescribed (in a lower dose @1mg) to help curb hair loss.

[TestingMe]

Dutasteride is a type 1 blocker. Meaning it blocks about 90% of test turning to DHT via the 5AR enzyme. Finasteride is a type 2 blocker and cancels out about 70% of turnover from T to DHT. I've been on 5 mgs Fina for years due to BPH. Zero side effects. That said, sure some can get sides from it just like they can any other drug. We all respond differently. Finasteride is the same drug guys are prescribed (in a lower dose @1mg) to help curb hair loss.

Wow, that is hugely helpful to hear this. It will also be interesting to see how PSA is effected after things settle down when stone is removed.

Has the Finasteride helped with the BPH? Did you get a prostate MRI and if so do you know the prostate size? I don't even know if i have BPH as the issue was first the prostate MRI which slowed low likelihood of cancer.

The high PSA as the doctor confirmed might be a result of the stone as well as there are a couple of small kidney stones around too.

[kelkel]

Wow, that is hugely helpful to hear this. It will also be interesting to see how PSA is effected after things settle down when stone is removed.

Has the Finasteride helped with the BPH? Did you get a prostate MRI and if so do you know the prostate size? I don't even know if i have BPH as the issue was first the prostate MRI which slowed low likelihood of cancer.

The high PSA as the doctor confirmed might be a result of the stone as well as there are a couple of small kidney stones around too.

You should see your psa drop when the stones clear. Kidney stones cause UTI's so I'd bet you'll see improvement.
Yes, the fine helped greatly with my bph and keeps me in range now. Fortunately zero sides for me.
Yes, I went and had a 3T MRI which is the most advanced / sensitive scan for prostate cancer. Plus it's non-invasive meaning they're not sticking anything up your ass, which is a plus for most people....

[TestingMe]

You should see your psa drop when the stones clear. Kidney stones cause UTI's so I'd bet you'll see improvement.
Yes, the fine helped greatly with my bph and keeps me in range now. Fortunately zero sides for me.
Yes, I went and had a 3T MRI which is the most advanced / sensitive scan for prostate cancer. Plus it's non-invasive meaning they're not sticking anything up your ass, which is a plus for most people....

Getting the stone out January 4th. In the meantime, I am seeing some NP from the original scumbag urologist I started this thread about. I am concerned that I might have a problem getting my test refilled. I have a bit left but this is exactly why I have reserves which I have dipped into.

I did a video chat with the specialist who will be removing the bladder stone and that went well. He's as high on the food chain as it gets to do this and I'm glad I found him.

The bladder stone is about 1.25cm and I have to figure this is causing most of the issues I am having. The doctor explained, some guys have much larger stones and have no symptoms whatsoever. But taken as a whole, with the timing of the rising PSA that started 3 or so years.

Bladder stones can be caused by not completely emptying the bladder and the remaining urine can slowly start to crystalize and form the stone...OR my hunch, is that a small kidney stone made it's way to the bladder and that combined with everything else turned it into a bladder stone...The doctor said either scenario is possible, no way or knowing.

Prostate size is obviously enlarged to I think 63 grams..I guess after the procedure, I'll regroup and figure out a plan on monitoring and treating. Obviously not with the original urologist who routinely has all his patients stop Testosterone for no reason.