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A Life with Fewer Interuptions
A new minimally-invasive procedure at SBL Urology helped Robert Austin sleep through the night.
After years of battling an enlarged prostate, Robert Austin found the help he needed at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Urology Clinic.
Robert is the first person at Sarah Bush Lincoln to benefit from a new procedure performed by SBL Urologist Julia Fiuk, MD, which helped relieve him of his enlarged prostate and urinary problems.
Urination troubles are no stranger to Robert. Not only had he struggled with them for a few years, but his father also had an enlarged prostate.
It was common for Robert to wake up multiple times during the night to use the restroom. He also didn’t have a strong stream when he urinated.
He was already diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, but he couldn’t find the right help. “I underwent two biopsies and other tests, and they diagnosed my prostate as the issue,” Robert said. “The provider I visited never presented me with a concrete solution for it though.”
For someone who harvests crops and raises cattle, frequent urination can be an aggravating interruption in the work day too. Robert wanted to find a solution that would keep him working efficiently and sleeping longer, and Dr. Fiuk’s arrival at Sarah Bush Lincoln was just what he needed.
In November, he visited the SBL Urology Clinic, and after some tests, Dr. Fiuk told him he was a candidate for the HoLEP procedure she performs.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to remove excess prostate tissue, creating a larger channel for urine flow.
From November to March, Robert had a catheter in preparation for the procedure, and in March, his relief finally came. “I was sedated for the procedure, so it wasn’t bad at all,” he said.
“The staff made my experience even better. The nurses kept checking on me, and Dr. Fiuk was fabulous.”
Post-procedure, Robert had a three-week recovery period where he rested throughout the days. After that, he still had to work in lighter loads, but he’s now back to full strength. “I’m able to work without as many interruptions, and I get to sleep through the night,” he said.
Robert is grateful to Dr. Fiuk for her care and offering a solution for his years-long problem. “Dr. Fiuk is a terrific provider, and she was always so upbeat and happy to see me,” he said.
For more information about SBL Urology Clinic, call 217-258-4186.