A revolutionary new remedy for prostate problems in men has transformed the life of a North Wales motorbike fan who is back on the road again.
Business owner Philip Dawson, 59, endured weeks of discomfort before consulting top urologist, Iqbal Shergill, and becoming one of his first patients at Spire Yale Hospital in Wrexham to have the ground-breaking UroLift procedure.
The treatment, developed in California, USA, combats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland which causes it to enlarge and can lead to serious urinary problems.
Family man Philip, from Buckley, Flintshire, said: “I was in constant discomfort, the symptoms were quite debilitating, often causing pain and distress”.
“The symptoms cause a massive interruption to your daily work and social routines, making normal day-to-day life impossible to plan the way you would wish.
“It made arranging days out with the grandchildren or a trip out on the motorcycle impossible to do.”
But thanks to Mr Shergill, Philip is now happily back on the two wheels of his Honda ST1300 at the weekend and as busy as ever running his family’s Wiltshire Farm Foods firm from Deeside Industrial Park, Deeside, during the week.
Philip runs the business with his wife Sue, son, Alan and daughter-in-law, Natalie.
They employ a workforce of 10, delivering thousands of frozen meals every week to customers across Liverpool, so it is important for Philip to keep fit and active.
He has been so pleased with the results of his treatment that he is now keen to alert more men suffering similar conditions to his own, about the UroLift option.
Philip chose to pay for his procedure privately after the symptoms of his BPH reached an acute stage when he developed a water infection and had to be admitted to Wrexham Maelor hospital in June.
He said: “I had a raging temperature and was put on a course of antibiotics, but things just got progressively worse. For over a week, I was in continuous discomfort and it was difficult to maintain a normal daily routine.
“After a week in Wrexham hospital, I had been placed on the NHS list for a consultation but all the while my condition was hindering life at work and at home, so I decided to approach Spire Yale about having treatment privately.
Up until now conventional treatment of BHP has comprised of surgery to remove part of the prostate gland.
But this new system is far less invasive, involving the positioning of tiny implants to hold the prostate lobes apart, like open curtains on a window. This relieves the compression on the urethra and so allows urine to flow normally again. It can be done using a local anaesthetic and patients feel the benefits within hours of the procedure and Philip is now fully recovered.
He said: “I had it done at 3pm and it took less than an hour. I was back in my hospital bed by 4pm and discharged the next day. If it had been done in the morning, I most likely would have been let out on the very same day”.
“A few months ago I rarely wanted to leave the house and anywhere we went I was constantly seeking out the toilet facilities, but now I am back to leading a normal life again.
“It’s great to be able to go out on my motorcycle on a sunny day and just enjoy the passing scenery instead of having to think about where the next stopping point is.”
Mr Shergill is Consultant Urological Surgeon and Clinical Director of the North Wales and North West Urological Research Centre, as well as Honorary Senior Lecturer at Chester University and Bangor University.
He said the UroLift was one of the most innovative developments of 21st century urological medicine.
He said: “The procedure, requires no overnight stay, little need for catheterisation and has a significantly reduced risk of post-operative complications. Compared to more common surgery to treat an enlarged prostate, it also offers a quicker recovery and improved procedure safety, as well as preservation of sexual function.
“I had no hesitation in offering it as an option for Philip who was suffering the classic BHP symptoms.
“I am delighted that it has proved such a success for Philip and his family.”
Philip added: “For me the UroLift solution has given me my life back. I am so glad I did not wait any longer before seeking out treatment options, Mr Shergill did a great job, I am so grateful to him – it was an easy procedure and fast recovery”.!
“It’s so good to be back at work without the old symptoms. We are a busy company and my condition was not allowing me to concentrate efficiently on running the business. More importantly, planning and enjoying long trips out on the motorcycle is easy now.”
For more details about UroLift and other facilities at Spire Yale Hospital visit: www.spirehealthcare.com/yale/
