Should I change Doctors/hospitals?
Greetings,
I have been very impressed with the discussions here, they have made it very clear that a smart person will use this community for advice.
I am 3 months shy of my 64th birthday and a week ago was found to have a PSA of 28.6 and a 4K score that was described as "high risk" in a voice mail. The Urologist staff wanted me to contact them to schedule an MRI. I tried calling them over and over to schedule the MRI with no luck. This went on for several days. I finally called the MRI place on my own and was able to schedule the procedure. I got the MRI. The technician told me that since my scores were so high that they would put a stat and that my urologist would contact me immediately. I called 3 times today asking for some information but could not get any or a return phone call. I am losing faith in my providers.
I originally contacted this urologist because I have had an enlarged prostate for over two years now. My TRT doc (I am a total gym rat who has been on TRT/HT for 15 years) wanted to do a TURP but a second opinion suggested Finasteride which actually helped quite a bit so I put off the TURP. My first Urologist is famous for TRT, but he is at a teaching hospital and I knew one of his students would be doing the surgery/practicing on me, so I was scouting for another surgeon.
I liked this guy. He is a cancer specialist with a great personality. I was going to go with him for the TURP, but now I am concerned about his unresponsiveness. A high 4k, PSA of 28.6 (that developed from 5.8 to 28.6 over 2.5 months) suggests aggressive cancer so I am baffled as to why they are not getting back to me? My scores came back more than a week ago so I would think that time is of the essence. I am psychologically prepared for the possibility of a prostatectomy. Also, the facilities are very dirty.
So I am thinking of switching hospitals. The one I have been going to (even though it seems dirty) is rated as the #19 cancer hospital in the country, but I also live fairly close to MD Anderson, the #1 hospital in the country.
Should I try and get into MD Anderson?
Hi
. First, let me say thank you for the kind words and glad your find the information and conversation here helpful. Second, your frustration is certainly understandable. Sometimes, even when the doctor is good, if they or the staff are not responsive it creates a bad situation for the patients. I will note that those MRI results are yours (you paid for them) and you can get copies sent to whatever doctor you choose. It certainly would be understandable if you decide to move on - it is not like you are currently getting care from this urologist. Plus, second opinions are often recommended in prostate cancer cases anyway (see our editorial team on this here: https://prostatecancer.net/living/second-opinion).
Concerning where to go, MD Anderson certainly has an excellent reputation, but you are fortunate that the Houston area has a number of excellent medical facilities. The main thing is to be comfortable with your medical team and the care, with all that entails (such as the doctor's knowledge and abilities, communication, options presented, explanations, etc...). Hope whatever you choose that your care can get moving forward. Please feel free to keep us posted on how things are going and to ask questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)
