Most Starbuck’s do not monitor their bathroom.
Many fast food places like McDonald’s or Burger King are almost as friendly. Even if the restroom is locked, often they will tell you the code without a purchase. Memorize any place you go by frequently. Worst case you can buy a small soft drink.
I have some of the problems in this thread, exacerbated by my membership in the TWBC (Teeny Weeny Bladder Club). Having dealt with this for many years, I’ve developed a few strategies. As @Neidhart mentions, the need happens strongly and suddenly – leaving very little time to handle it.
In my truck, I keep one of these [range extender]. It can hold two “events” and seals tightly. I’ve learned to wear loose clothing so I can deploy easily under a towel (also kept in the truck). In addition, I keep a pack of those disposable urine bags in there as well. Somewhat more difficult to use, so only when I’m in a more isolated place. Since I also have IBS problems, I keep a 5 gallon bucket with lid in the truck’s toolbox. Unpleasant to think about, but the alternative is worse.
As you might imagine, I’m essentially terrified of airline travel. Having an “event” occur while in a TSA line, or airborne and unable to reach the plane’s loo would be humiliating. As such I have a strong preference for journeying via RV, for obvious reasons.
I’m pleased to give you Privy.NYC
New York City area bathroom map WITH Door Codes.
It’s like Pirate Radio. You just have to know where to look.
l understand your concerns. Complications are always possible with any surgical procedure. However, these days they are quite rare.
Ask your primary care physician for the best urologist they know, specifically somebody very experienced with this procedure. Prince of Green Laser indeed.
As for your specific questions, all I can tell you is about my own experience.
I was mildly sedated, but just barely awake. Ask your urological surgeon how much sedation you should use.
As for tears, I remember that the doctor cauterized the site immediately after each laser pulse as he went along. The smell is unmistakable.
After the procedure, I had to wear a catheter for several days - possibly a week - which was only mildly unpleasant. There was significant “discoloration,” which means my entire crotch was black and blue.
I hope none of this dissuade you from undergoing the procedure, which I highly recommend because - and I cannot stress this enough - for me, anything was (and still is) better than wearing adult diapers. On the other hand, I have a friend one year older than me who wears adult diapers and it doesn’t bother him at all.
I’m 64, low PSA, but suffered from BPA with all of the symptoms others have mentioned: frequent, urgent urination, getting up multiple times a night, etc. About 18 months ago, I had a procedure called Rezum, which uses steam to kill parts of the prostate, which are then flushed out during urination. It was an outpatient procedure done under a local anesthetic. I had to wear a catheter for a couple of days, but otherwise it was a pretty straightforward procedure. The results have been pretty good. I get up at most once a night, and can go several hours without having to urinate. One side effect, which I was told happens in about 5% of cases, is retrograde ejaculation. As others have mentioned, neither I or my wife have an issue with this.
I’m a 57 year old male taking Finasteride. I’m finding that reading this thread is making me need to go pee.
It never occurred to me but it shouldn’t be surprising that there continue to be improvements in the treatment of BHP. When I looked up Rezum I also discovered Urolift, another procedure that is less invasive than TURP (surgical or laser). It involves implanting a clip or shunt.
Anybody concerned about BHP has better options than ever before. See a urologist to learn more than even Dopers know.
(disclaimer, not male)
My father was in the “of it” group and yeah, it wasn’t good. He was in quite a lot of pain at the end.
My brother was diagnosed at about age 66. His doctor was originally of the “with it” crowd until my brother reminded him of the family history.
Caught early, and surgery seems to have been curative.
BPH – Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (for certain values of “benign,” i.e. not related to cancer)
Thank you for this level of details. Seriously.
No, none of this dissuades me from having the procedure.
Your description answers one of my biggest questions: How does one insert a laser inside of the inner tube ( urethra ), aim it towards the prostate outside of said tube, without just demolishing the …integrity of the urethra as a tube passing urine. Now I know.
I am guessing that the urethra is incredibly sore afterwards, having been cut open and cauterized closed repeatedly up and down some of its length. Not all, of course.
My Urologist, as it turns out, works with the Aquablation device. NOT that I won’t ask my Primary for another recommendation. But I’m a few years in with this guy and there’s a certain level of trust. I do want to find out how many of these he has performed, etc etc.
I just got a call from my urologist’s office. He’s retiring. They’re assigning me to someone else in the practice. After 25 years I now have to get used to a new “touch.”
(Belated) condolences about your father, and best wishes to your brother. Peace to all concerned.
This is just my overactive imagination, but I do not think the surgeon aims the laser at a specific point on the patient’s prostate. Rather I figure that the laser radiates in a 360° circle encompassing the entire inner circumference of the urethra.
I am too lazy to research this tantalizing image. Does anybody know for sure?
P’shaw- laziness is admirable around here. 
Agreed- the animation I’ve found this Aquablation site with a video that explains the procedure. A … “sweeping” motion of the high-pressure water jet. Instead of burning there’s water-incising. Same net result, I’d wager.