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Very High PSA Level - Just after some advice

Bertietommo
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Hello All

I'm just after some advice and I guess something positive as I'm more than a little concerned with a PSA reading I've just received.

Three weeks back I had a nasting UTI, temp up to 40 degrees, full body sweats etc for 2 - 3 days. It calmed with 2 weeks of antibiotics after which I was given a urine test that showed it had cleared and a blood test. The blood test had my PSA level at 11.5. I am frequently going to the toilet, maybe 15 - 20 times a day, though I am also drinking a lot of water and when I go it's not always for a particularly large amount.

The GP said not to worry and that readings this high it often seen for several weeks after a bad UTI. Is that possible, do you know? I'm due to see a uroligist 21st June but that seems a long way away!

I'm just about to turn 49 and am healthy and active though I do have some health anxiety following the death of my wife and worries about leaving my son alone - so please excuse if this appears over the top.

Many thanks for reading

B

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    Hi Bertietommo

    I had surgery for prostate cancer just over ten years ago. Since then I've played an active part in our local prostate support group and I've learned a few things along the way.  I am not a doctor and I have no medical qualifications.

    A raised PSA level is not specific to prostate cancer.  A raised reading is an indication of a prostate in distress, but not specifically for a prostate with cancer.  A UTI, particularly one as severe as you've had, certainly can raise one's PSA above normal. 

    However, given your age, I think it's likely that the urologist won't want to take any chances, and may well refer you for a prostate MRI and possibly a biopsy to exclude cancer.  This is standard practice and you shouldn't make the assumption that by referring you for a scan, the urologist "thinks you have cancer".  That's not how it works. 

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    Hi Bertietommo

    I had surgery for prostate cancer just over ten years ago. Since then I've played an active part in our local prostate support group and I've learned a few things along the way.  I am not a doctor and I have no medical qualifications.

    A raised PSA level is not specific to prostate cancer.  A raised reading is an indication of a prostate in distress, but not specifically for a prostate with cancer.  A UTI, particularly one as severe as you've had, certainly can raise one's PSA above normal. 

    However, given your age, I think it's likely that the urologist won't want to take any chances, and may well refer you for a prostate MRI and possibly a biopsy to exclude cancer.  This is standard practice and you shouldn't make the assumption that by referring you for a scan, the urologist "thinks you have cancer".  That's not how it works. 

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