Alternatives to Avodart and Flomax? Ask the Expert

If I were you, forget the heat treatment.  That is according to my urologist when I went to see him a few months back. I'm 59 and had BPH and wans't emptying the bladder.  I would still retain up to a liter of urine.  He performed a TURP which in my opinion is a great way to go.  I went into the hospital late a.m and left the following afternoon.  The operation only took about 1 hour.  I was given a spinal anesthesia, and something to relax me during the procedure that also contained morphine that would eliminate the headache from the other anesthesia. A catheter is in place after the surgery to clear out any blood clots that may form and was removed prior to leaving the hospital.  They want to make sure you can urinate. There is a little bit of discomfort for a few days and you will probably pass some blood for about 3-4 weeks following.  During recovery, no lifting, etc and take it very easy.  Within a few days, you should be able to pee like a 12 year old.  I may also suggest looking for a urologist that has a great track record performing TURPs.

I'm a 58 year old white male, retired for 4 years.  I'm in good physical condition and health other than 2 herniated discs L4 & L5 for which I take Lortab tablets (PRN).  I'm 5'7" tall and weight 165 pounds, and have been working out at the gym almost every day for the past 8-10 years.  After beginning to have problems urinating, and after testing by my PCP, he started me on Flomax caps, one per day.  The did help to some extent, but I was still having trouble with frequency/urgency, so my PCP referred me to a urologist who after testing, started me on Avodart along with the Flomax.  I had better results, but still some problems, and was prescribed 2 Flomax caps with 1 Avodart cap, altogether, one time per day.  After just a few days of beginning the Avodart, I began having severe muscle and join pain, and lethargy and my interests in almost everything came to an almost standstill.  I can only attribute the pain, which made it hard to get up in the morning to the Avodart.  I called my PCP and he recommended me to continue, but to take a Lortab in the morning before getting out of bed to help with the pain,which it does.  I stopped taking the Avodart for a few days and the problems with urination resumed.  I started back on the Avodart and Flomas together and decided to just try and wait it out to see if more improvement would eventually occur.  I've been on these drugs for almost 10 months to a year and have some improvement, but not like I was when I was 50.  This may be something I may have to live with, I hope not, and I am willing to try other alternatives that seem safe.  I seriously question the micro wave treatment and I definitey will not go that route.  If anyone has any similar problems or suggestions, I'd appreciate hearing from them.  I just can't stress the pain I had in my muscles and joints, lethargy, and ejaculation (if any) after beginning this medication.  Hopefully, others won't experience what I have since beginning this drug.  Good Luck to all.  Will