MACON, Ga. — At 84 years old, James Burnett cherishes the simple things in life.
Most of all, his 67-year marriage to his wife.
"We're a bored couple," Burnett said. "We don't smoke, we don't drink, but we just have a good time."
Recently, his life took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing difficulty using the restroom. Burnett's daughter Kim said he started wearing a diaper due to his condition. She said it "brought him a lot of relief," not worrying about wetting himself.
Concerned by his discomfort, Burnett and his family consulted with his doctor who diagnosed him with Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate.
"My prostate was completely stopped up, and he said, 'it's just like your fist,'" Burnett said.
BPH affects approximately 80% of men over age of 70, according to the National Institute of Health. Treatment options vary and at Piedmont Macon Dr. Joseph Bear performs one treatment known as Aquablation Therapy.
"Using the robotic technology of mapping out with ultrasound, we can actually do a formal mapping of the prostate," Bear said.
This innovative procedure employs high-pressure waterjets to remove excess tissue from the prostate, offering relief to patients like Burnett. Dr. Bear, the only practitioner in Central Georgia offering this treatment, has performed about 20 procedures in the past eight months.
"We're not just trying to help them urinate. We're also trying to preserve sexual function," Bear said.
Thanks to the procedure, Burnett has regained his ability to pursue his hobbies, such as mowing the lawn and fixing antique cars. His nightly restroom visits have decreased from eight to 10 times a night to about two, which has significantly improved his quality of life.
Reflecting on his health challenges, Burnett remains optimistic.
"I've had two bypasses and a pacemaker. I got the Lord and I ain't worried about nothing.," he said.
For Burnett, the new treatment has not only relieved physical discomfort but has also provided renewed hope and the ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures once more.