Paul's Story

Before RF Therapy

"BPH kind of sneaks up on you over the years," says Paul. He first began noticing BPH symptoms around 2000, when he was 70 years old.

"I had a problem with going to the bathroom frequently at night for years," he says. "I just thought it was a normal thing until it got worse and worse, and I decided this is not the way to live. I wanted quality of life."

Paul says he would frequently wake up 5 or 6 times a night to use the bathroom. "I wasn't getting much sleep, and so I would take naps during the day, which didn't sit well with my wife," he says. "It made my work day about two to four hours, which wasn't very good."

Paul went to a urologist who prescribed Flomax^® for BPH symptoms. It worked for several years, but the medication caused side effects that affected his sex life. So when his doctor suggested RF therapy, Paul jumped at the chance.

RF Therapy Experience

"During the procedure, I was listening to what was going on because I'm naturally curious," he says. "I was wondering what in the world they were doing because I wasn't feeling much. So it was not bad, not bad at all."

After RF Therapy

"Now, the flow is very good. Trips to the bathroom are not very frequent – I only get up once a night, and sometimes zero," he says. "The whole point of getting a good night's sleep is so that you will have energy, stamina – you will be able to get through the day without taking a nap."

Travel is also much easier after RF therapy. "We just got back from a trip. We flew from Syracuse to Orlando non-stop, 4 1/2 hours – and I didn't need to use the restroom," Paul says.

"I'd recommend RF therapy to anybody," he says. "My primary care doctor says 'you're practically perfect,' so I advertise RF therapy all over town."

While Paul didn't have side effects with RF therapy, the possible side effects include obstruction (blockage), urinary retention, bleeding, blood in urine, pain/discomfort, urgency to urinate, increased urinary frequency and urinary tract infection. Patients may also experience a minor burning sensation when urinating for one to two weeks following the treatment.

RF therapy is available by prescription only. This therapy is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if RF therapy is right for you.

For more information, call Medtronic Patient Services at (800) 510-6735.

Flomax is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim.

Next: Richard's Story

This story reflects one person's experience. Not every person will receive the same results. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

Last updated: 3 Aug 2008