WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BPH: WHEN WATCHFUL WAITING IS NOT APPROPRIATE
You may not have the luxury of opting for deferred maintenance if there is a danger of a large volume of residual urine, decreasing kidney function, bladder stones, other developing bladder problems, or acute urinary retention (a most dangerous condition in which there is complete urinary blockage).
Many types of employment require prolonged urinary retention; therefore watchful waiting is inappropriate. If your job places you in isolated areas far from medical facilities, you may be putting yourself in danger. For example, a forest ranger, lumberjack, or someone who works far from town is at a higher risk of acute complications from prostate problems. This would also apply to fishing and hunting enthusiasts who often hike into the wilderness—unless they take their doctor along on these outings!
Distancing yourself from medical facilities could be disastrous. Consider Howard Hughes, who isolated himself in a room with only his bodyguards; he developed complete urinary retention, which led to kidney failure. If Mr. Hughes had been transported to an emergency hospital or doctor's office immediately, his condition probably could have been treated. It is inexcusable to have something like this happen today.
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