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THE EVASIVE WOODY...

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 11/6/2006 10:43 AM (GMT -5)
As I said on my previous post, I had Davinci 6/15.  Still no wood.  There is progress though.  I was using the pump which kind of works.  The pump seems somewhat painful at times and the whole ring ejector thing is clumsy, noisy and not pleasant (hurts too).  I have chosen not to use it - not a good return for the effort if you know what I mean.  I tried Viagra and got ALL the bad sysmptoms - definately not worth it.  Doc them prescribed Cialis which is better, but I still get conjested and headaches.  Doc says just wait and it will eventually return.  It is maybe 60% there, for which I am grateful.  Still not good enough for penetration, but progress is good.  I haved backed off the pump and I read a post here recently that said the inactivity can slow progress or worse.  Any opinions here or alternative methods?

This is a major issue in my marriage, which has already been tested this year almost to the breaking point.  I hope this gets easier...

Blessings,

Dennis

Posted 11/6/2006 12:41 PM (GMT -5)
Wish I could tell you I knew about a majic pill, but I don't.  Your 60% there actually sounds pretty good.

I am involved in a study on the drug Muse, which in the past was by injection into the penis.  The new Muse however is a tiny pill (reallllllly tiny) that is inserted into the urethra.  It feels a little strange when being inserted, but not pain.

I have only been going for 4 days, but even at the absolute lowest dose, it causes quite a bit of penis swelling.  The only side effects seems to be mild discomfort from the swelling, and a very small percentage of men report burning.  I think that once I get used to it, it shows some real promise for a real erection.

Posted 11/6/2006 12:54 PM (GMT -5)
Dennis,

If you can get 60%, try the Cialis with a lubed ring. Don't ry the small ring unless you require one of course. Perhaps even one of the adjustable ones will help. Pre and post stimulation may just do the trick enough to make you both happy. Use the pump a few times a week just for rehab. My 2-cents.

Swim
Posted 11/6/2006 2:47 PM (GMT -5)
Dennis,

Jeff and I are also wondering the same things. He is maybe 50% there and takes Cialis. he's going to ask about the pump when he sees his doctor in a couple of weeks. in the meantime, daily stimulation in the shower and "couple" time 2-3 times a week. everyone keeps saying to be patient, but darn that's hard sometimes. thanks for asking the questions you did. kat
Posted 11/7/2006 2:25 PM (GMT -5)
Hi all, this is a real issue with me. I'm single and the thought of being impotent for the rest of my life is terrifying. I am considering the DaVinci procedure and have a surgery date scheduled for 2/6/07. In the interim, while waiting I am looking for more information regarding ED. Of course, my primary objective is to remove the cancer.... period. But the ED and contenence issue is a powerful secondary issue that leaves me preoccupied. I've interviewed 3 surgeons who do the DaVinci procedure. The surgeon I've selected made it a point of emphasizing post-operative therapies to help blood circulation to reduce the incidence of ED including taking Viagra (or something equivalent) every 3rd day post-op and using a penile pump. I'd never seen a pump except those that are advertised on sex ads. I never took the subject seriously until now. He mentioned if that doesn't work that he can give 'shots". Shots????? Where???? Ugh!!!! Somehow, I'll live with whatever comes my way.

Jay
Posted 11/7/2006 5:00 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Jay!
You guessed it! Bob was talking to the doctor about possible ED and he too mentioned shots that work almost in 100% of cases . . . and when asked where he confirmed in fact that it would be where you most fear it to be! LOL -- my suggestion was that "I" would be in control of the injection!! :))

He said actually it's a very small needle and a very small pinch for the end result . . .of course I know you guys and your equipment!!
Posted 11/7/2006 6:27 PM (GMT -5)
Hey Jay,

I certainly know where you are coming from. Just had my Da Vinci last week. Because of the incontinence and impotent issue I considered other types of treatment while I already had the surgery scheduled. Not only getting the cancer out but knowing that it is gone was just too high of a priority for me to try any other treatment. I chose what I believe is as good a surgeon as I could get and had to trust he gave me his best. I will start on a penile rehabilitation program at three weeks past surgery which includes Viagra. If that does not work then it is on to trying Cialis and Levitra. The pump is also an option. The shots apparently do work virtually 100% and my surgeon tells me that many men opt for this because the hardness of the erection is more like normal then what you get with the pills or the pump. I was told that the shots do not hurt much as an insulin needle is used. Apparently the shot is also fairly expensive and i have heard something like $20 to $30 a dose. If it takes the shot then I will do it in order to maintain my quality of life.

By the way, my Da Vinci experience was very good.

Tamu
Posted 11/8/2006 11:54 AM (GMT -5)
I had posted this on another thread but thought it may help!

I had the DaVinci in January, 2005. Everything went very well and all PSA's have been at 0.00 since, which is the main thing to consider. My Doc started me on Cialis and I took 2 a week for about six months. It caused some really bad lower back pain and over the first six months I showed some improvement but not like the old days. After about 15 months things were still not progressing enough with the Cialis and I decided to buy an Osbon Vacuum Pump. This did make a significant difference. My girlfriend and I had our first significant intercourse and it was great! Long overdue! So, I have used the pump pretty much every weekend since then and it always gives me an erection that is usable.

I have recently started taking Viagra 100mg, I might cut that back some, but it seems that with the Viagra and the pump it's almost like old times. Very encouraging.

So far, without using the pump, or without a med, nothing much is going on. I'm hopeful that in time some other feelings may return. If not, it's me and my pump!
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