Life, Uninterrupted

After struggling with an enlarged prostate and medication side effects, Chuck Crowder found relief through Aquablation— helping him return to travel, family, and the activities he loves.

Retired physicist Chuck Crowder is once again enjoying the kind of active, full life he and his wife, Susan, have shared.

Chuck graduated from the University of Missouri in 1971 and began his career as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, flying F-4 Phantoms and OV-10 Broncos. He married his college sweetheart, Susan Daugherty, in 1974, and one of his proudest moments was being selected for elite training with Navy Top Gun instructors.

After leaving the Air Force in 1979, he returned to Mizzou to earn his M.S. and Ph.D. in physics, welcoming his first two children during that time. Chuck went on to work in advanced defense and laser technologies, including President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, before spending a decade helping build Amoco Laser Company and later leading major growth at Scientific-Atlanta as Vice President and General Manager of its Optical Products Division.

After retiring from the industry, he began a second career as an associate professor at Lewis University, where he taught for 14 years, was named Professor Emeritus, and mentored more than 10 students who went on to earn graduate physics degrees at Mizzou. With all four children grown, Chuck and Susan eventually returned to Columbia, drawn back by fond memories and the joy of living close to family.

Together, they’ve traveled the world—from Africa to New Zealand—and this year they’re preparing for another adventure in Eastern Europe. At home, their days are just as meaningful, spent with their children and 11 grandchildren. For Chuck, being able to keep up with the people and passions he loves most is something he no longer takes for granted.

Years ago, Chuck was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate after experiencing worsening urinary symptoms that slowly began to interfere with his daily routine. Like many men, he first turned to medication to manage the condition. While it offered temporary relief, the side effects created new—and more serious—problems.

“The medicine made my blood pressure drop,” Chuck says. “I would get lightheaded, especially at night.” What started as an inconvenience eventually became dangerous. “Getting up to use the bathroom was frightening. I fell and hit my head twice.”

The fear of falling became persistent. “I was afraid for my safety at night,” he says. “I knew I couldn’t keep living like that, and I needed another option.”

Chuck shared his concerns with Philip Fish, MD, of Urology Associates, who discussed Aquablation as an alternative to long-term medication.

“Aquablation is a minimally invasive, robotic procedure for enlarged prostate that uses a heat-free, high-pressure waterjet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue,” explains Dr. Fish.

For Chuck, the idea of a procedure that could address the root of the problem— rather than managing symptoms—was appealing. Dr. Fish also emphasized the importance of preserving quality of life.

“One of the things we focus on with Aquablation is helping patients get lasting relief while minimizing side effects,” Dr. Fish said. “The goal is not just improvement in urinary symptoms but allowing patients to return to the activities that matter most to them.”

Chuck decided to move forward with the procedure and was pleasantly surprised by how manageable the recovery felt. “I expected it to be a lot harder than it was,” he says. After a few days of mild discomfort, he began to feel like himself again. Within a week, he noticed a clear improvement— and an unexpected sense of relief.

“I was very happy with the results,” Chuck says. “And I was even happier to not have to take the medicine anymore.”

Today, Chuck’s life is once again filled with movement and momentum. He and Susan travel often, take long walks together, and work out regularly at their local gym. He’s back to trout fishing, golfing, and spending hours tinkering with his toy train collection. Most importantly, he no longer plans his days—or his nights—around fear.

“For me, Aquablation gave me my life back,” Chuck said. “I can focus on living again, instead of worrying about what might happen.”

By Madison Loethen