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7 months since RP with lymph node dissection

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Posted 3/8/2017 8:07 PM (GMT -5)
Hi...

OK... Does anyone know of another person that has had a RP with nerve sparing (left) and lymph node dissection (12) each side? I am about 7 months since my surgery and wonder if anyone else out there has had a similar surgery? And... did they ever get an erection felling back? Since I had a 4.5 hour surgery, and since I had a Gleason 9 on 3 of my 12 cores, I had to have a rather complicated surgery by Dr. James Porter at Swedish who did an excellent job. But... just wondering if I will ever get an erection again? I tried 20 mg of Cilais and it didn't do anything. I have had 2 Post PSA tests after my PR surgery, both came back no finding of PSA levels.

Thanks,
Brian smile
Posted 3/9/2017 1:16 AM (GMT -5)
My surgery was three weeks after yours. Nerves on left also spared, but my surgery was less complicated than yours. No erections yet, but when I stimulate that area it gets somewhat larger and I can have a satisfying O. I have heard that it can take two years for erectile function to return, so be patient. But it may never come back. My doc said that with nerves spared on one side there is a 30% chance of getting erections again. I'm not very optimistic about my situation, but you are a lot younger and that may help.
Posted 3/9/2017 4:17 AM (GMT -5)
I am 2.5 years post surgery (surgery in Sweden). Nerves spared at right side and 14 nodes removed. No major ED problems today, about 80% (without ED drugs) of what it was before. I had a usable erection at 2-3 month. I could notice slowly but steady improvement during the first year. Uro is also very pleased.
ED problems after RP are not seldom related to performance anxiety, maybe you should investigate support in that direction also?
Posted 3/9/2017 6:39 AM (GMT -5)
Remember to do your 15 minute daily erectile exercises with a pump so you don't end up with so much scar tissue that you cannot function. ;)
Posted 3/9/2017 10:25 AM (GMT -5)
Wow.......... Thanks for the information.... I was never really told about ED exercises! Do you really believe that is the best thing to do? I feel kind of weird buying one....... BUT>>>> Whatever it takes. Been kind of on my own as my wife seems to not mind no sex, but... even thought I can't get an erection, 7*24 still think about it LOL.. at 54 years of age. I appreciate everyone's insights.. God Bless. brian smile
Posted 3/9/2017 10:52 AM (GMT -5)
Hello,

I had my surgery in October, 2016, and the nerves on one side were spared. I've had good continence.

ED is present. Before surgery I had fairly normal sexual function, but now things are different, as expected. I have not followed a regular routine of Viagra rehab., and my surgeon's team tells me to go at my own pace. So every couple of weeks I take 80 or 100mg of Viagra and see what I can achieve. I do get good blood flow and moderate hardness, although it doesn't last too long. My wife and I feel the limited erection I get isn't enough for penetration. That said, I feel some improvement, and it is nice to know things may get better.

I've read that even with nerves spared, the surgery "shocks" or damages the nerves. Nerves take a long time to recover, and you have to be patient. It may take 1-2 years for a return to "normal". A younger man should see faster improvement.

Hang in there. You've got time.
Posted 3/9/2017 12:12 PM (GMT -5)
speak to your doctor. Insurance often covers a medical grade vacuum pump for penile rehab
Posted 3/9/2017 12:16 PM (GMT -5)
Try typing "penile pump" into the Amazon search bar. Lots of options that won't break the bank.

Some of the guys have had better luck with some brands than others. I'm sure they will chime in.

Jon
Posted 3/13/2017 12:03 PM (GMT -5)
Tennis23,
I also had RP with bilateral nerve sparing on Nov 2, 2016 for my Gleason 7(4+3). I was in surgery 5+ hours, longer than anticipated because of prior TURP. My recovery was painful and slower than anticipated.
As of now, 4+ months post op, I still do not have any feelings in penis and perineum. Still did not experienced my first post op orgasm. I am on 10 mg Cialis daily with once a week full dose. So far, no signs of life, ABSOLUTE ZERO. Started using VED but after pulling penis out erection goes down in less than a minute. Also suffered significant shrinkage.
Btw, I am 52, healthy and in good shape. Not on any meds beside Cialis, Oxybutinin, Vit D3 and glucosamine.
Did not have any ED problems prior to RP.
MK
Posted 3/13/2017 12:04 PM (GMT -5)
Forgot to mention, also had bilateral pelvic limph nodes dissection.
Posted 3/13/2017 12:07 PM (GMT -5)
Ok. Keep the faith! I hope and pray you have a speedy recovery. Brian smile
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