VED's - Vacuum Erection Devices

[Old Man]

Steven:

You are welcome anytime. We all need to work together to try for some relief from this horrible mess called Peyronies Disease.

In some respects, I could write a book about it and its havoc!

Old Man

[steven]

Old Man, THanks for the response...

Steven

[Old Man]

Steven:

What is meant by mis-use of the VED is like just about like anything else that is abused. There are many ways that one can cause further injury/trauma to the penis by mis-use. I have stated over and over many times in my posts about VED usage that extreme caution should be exercised. I will give some specific examples of mis-use below.

1. Pumping up the penis with way too high vacuum pressure.
2. Holding this pressure for extended periods of time after pumping too high.
3. Using a retainer ring/rings while doing Peyronies Disease exercises. They should never ever be used in conjuntion with Peyronies Disease therapy. This causes restrictions of normal blood flow which is essential in Peyronies Disease therapy.
4. Using the retainer ring/rings and leaving them on beyond the recommended 30 minute time limit for sex. These rings act in the same manner that a tourniquet does when applied to any part of the body to control blood flow in an injury. So, leaving them on too long can and will cause injury to the erectile tissue and/or blood vessels.
5. Any violent action while using the VED can and will cause further injury to the tissue.
6. If the VED one is using has a vacuum gage on it, the pressure can be monitored, but the best rule of thumb is that one experiences pain or discomfort, something is not right, so stop and correct the problem before continuing with the exercise(s).

So, bottom line is, do not under any circumstances use too high a vacuum pressure and do not use any violent maneuver so to speak while using the VED. Used in moderation and in accordance with the instructions contained in the package when one is purchased will produce satisfactory results. I recommend using only medical quality VEDs and not those of the "sex toy" type.

Again, as I have stated many times before, the VED usually will work for most all guys. However, there are some cases where the symptoms have advanced to such a state that recovery may not come. I have seen only 1 or 2 cases since I have been counseling guys in using the VED that failed to at least respond to some degree.

Hope that the above helps, but if you have anything further, fire away and I will be glad to help.

Sincerely, Old Man

[steven]

Old Man,

I read somewhere that the mis -use of a Ved could cause numbness in the penis, is that true?, if so, what kind of misue would cause that.

Steven

[Old Man]

adam1951.

Wrote you email off the forum at the email address listed in your profile, but it was returned undelivered stating the address was not correct. You can email me at the one shown in my profile and I know it works because I receive emails all the time to that address.

To answer your question about the VED regimen, no, I have not posted it on this forum. It was posted several times on the old forum, but it raised so much controversy that I just gave up on it came over to this forum. I never post there anymore.

Give me an eamil sometime and we can discuss the regimen more at that time. Sometimes my ISP refuses to accept some addresses when I know that they are right. I might have too many controls on my computer!

Old Man

[adam1951]

Dear Old Man,

Have you posted your regimen for VED treatment yet?  I was looking for it in this thread without success.

[Old Man]

Bob:
As you know, I have used the Osbon Esteem manual model for ED and Peyronies Disease for over 10 years and it has been the "weapon of choice" for both. I also have a SomaCorrect manual model that was furnished by the Augusta Medical Company for evaluation for them. Have been using it in conjunction with the Esteem for about 4 months. They both are of good medical quality and are durable units if handled properly and not abused. Some guys on the old BTC forum have reported of things breaking on the Esteem and the company not honoring the warranty. This was because they were either bought second hand or from a company not authorized to sell them etc. I have not had any mechanical problems with the Esteem unit. Only have had to buy replacements retainer rings for erections caused by normal wear and tear.

My opinion of both is about the same. Each unit is designed for a specific purpose and I will elaborate on each for you. The Esteem is primarily designed for ED. However, I have worked out a regimen of exercises under the supervision of my uro that has worked successfully for me to regain the lost dimensions and corrected the curve(s) that I had. It is a rather simple exercise program that only requires about 10 minutes or so each day after the initial phase of the regimen.  I think that the Esteem still carries a lifetime warranty on the main mechanical parts. They are available on several web sites as reduced prices.

The Soma Correct is primarily designed for Peyronies Disease and is a very good medical quality unit also. It has three different sized cylinders that are used in a 26 week course of exercises. A definite routine is established and a brochure with that regimen comes with the unit. It can also be used as an erection aid when you purchase the separate retainer rings from the company. It carries a good warranty when purchased from an authorized source. From my experience with it there has been no problems at all. It provides a good exercise for Peyronies Disease in that the different size cylinders places pressure at the required places on the penis to assist in eliminating the plaque/nodules, etc.

I really think that if one does not have an ED problem the Soma Correct would be the better purchase. If one has both ED and Peyronies Disease problems, the Esteem would be the better buy. I recommend the manual models of each since you can control the amount of vacuum applied more readily. A battery powered model could cause one to use too much pressure. Caution in the amount of vacuum used is the watchword in either model.

The above carries the usual disclaimer that I do not represent any company in sales nor promotion of VEDs. It is my own experience with the units after a radical prostatectomy over 10 years ago.

If there is anything further that I can help with, just let me know.

Sincerely, Old Man

[bob]

Thanks - as always your advice is right on the mark! I was, in fact, going to insist on a VED prescription upon my return visit to Dr. Mulhall, and still intend to do so. I recently watched a video online for the Osbon model, although it wasn't easy to do because I have dialup at home. (There is a broadband line at work but such content would typically be blocked.)

Having read a number of things from you and others on this topic, should I ask for the Osbon Esteem model (which you use) or the SomaCorrect? Would the latter be easier to use because it is designed for Peyronies Disease?

[Old Man]

Bob:

I too had the narrowing and/or hourglass effect for several years. At times it would go away only to return later. Overall, I would say that it came and left about 3 times over the years.

After my radical prostatectomy, it came back as well as a 45 degree downward and 45 degree curve to the right. Just about everything my uro and I tried came to no avail.

We decided to try a rather simple exercise routine with the VED. It worked, but rather slowly, taking about 6 months. The therapy was done twice a day for 2 months and then once a day for 4 months when the mess just faded away.

At present, I only have a very slight indication on the left side of the shaft that shows where the effect was located. I have regained my lost dimensions and sexual activity is no longer a problem. However, I do use the VED for erections due to total impotence as a result of the non-nerve sparing surgery. My prostate gland was so large that it was not possible to save the nerves.

The above is my observation only. It may or may not work for someone else.

Old Man

[bob]

I have the "waisting" or "hourglass syndrome. After a long period in which my condition neither improved nor worsened, I noticed that the "waistline" of that hourglass seems to be getting narrower. Anybody out there experience the same? Ironically, I just postponed my followup visit to Dr. Mulhall in NYC - I rescheduled for Nov. 1.

Bob

[Old Man]

Mezz:

Sorry that I missed your post regarding an Osbon Esteem manual model VED on EBay. You need to check there on a daily basis. Last Sunday afternoon I was browsing there and saw 9 VEDs listed. One was an Osbon Esteem manual shown as Buy Now for $95.00. It was listed as new in the box.  If it is still available, it should make for a good purchase.

The Osbon Erecaid name is applied to both models of the VED made originally by Mr. Geddings Osbon in Augusta GA. He had two models, the Erecaid Classic and the Erecaid Esteem. Both were/are available as battery powered models also. Timm Medical Division of Endocare Company in MN now has the production rights, etc.

You should keep looking on EBay for one. They do appear there quite often. Several guys that I have worked with bought their's there for quite a lot of savings. One said he bought two of them for around $50 each.

As you know, my personal experience has been with the Classic and the Esteem models of VEDs. I also have a Soma Correct unit that I am evaluating for the Augusta Medical Systems in GA. It is a very good unit, but like the new Osbon units they are quite pricey. But, as the old adage says, you get what you pay for. If bought from the company or their authorized distributor, they carry a better warranty than if bought used (which has none), etc. Any medical quality unit is a better unit that some of the "sex toy models" available as over the counter units.

Let me know if I have not answered your questions, etc. Will be glad to help in any way possible.

Old Man

[mezz]

Old Man,

It seems that the most easily purchased VED is the Osbon Erecaid.  What is your opinion on this model?  I'm thinking I'm about ready to start my next phase of treatment, which is going to take place over the next six months, and will include VED therapy combined with Pentox/Viagra/N02. 

I'm trying to keep costs down, so I'm looking for a VED that is going to be effective, but one that is readily available for not a whole lot of money.  I've looked for the Osbon Esteem that I've seen mentioned, but haven't come across one on Ebay. 

Any advice as far as the purchase of a VED?

[nick]

It seems like something that could be usefull as a sort of brace. If it weren't for her discomfort I would use damn duct tape and popsicle sticks    

[Old Man]

Nick:
The item you are talking about does work for some guys who have a problem with penetrating. It does nothing more than provide support on the underside of the penis to help it stay sort of level or straight. It might help the hinging effect, but from my experience of using a similar product it did not work for me. Rejoyn also makes a mediocre VED but does not appear to be of a good medical quality. Some guys I have worked with have used them with somewhat of a success, etc.

The VED has been the "weapon of choice" for my impotency problem since the age of 55. Started using the VED after radical prostatectomy in 1995. Before that, I used a retainer ring of various sizes and strengths which worked very well. I had to develop as much erection as possible, then slide the retainer ring in place at the base of the penis. In most cases, it worked well.

Now, I use the VED exclusively for erections and it has served me well for the past 10 plus years. Again, I must state that caution is the watchword in using the VED for ED and Peyronies Disease therapy. The best rule of thumb in using the VED is if it hurts or causes discomfort, don't use it.

Old Man

[nick]

I am having a "hinging" problem. I'm thinking about trying a product and I'm wondering if anyone has tried it. It's called Rejoyn support sleeve. It looks great. It appears to be a some what thick silicone to add as the name would suggest support. A sort of schlong sling, or c**k cast well you get the idea. 

[juma]

OM, I would never use anything but an esteem after reading your many posts.  you were absolutely right about the control aspect.  I can see one of those electrics yanking the head right off on an overpump.  I bought two of them used for $50 each on ebay.  they hadn't even opened the lube so they didn't get much if any use.  A pass through the dishwasher and they are great (but don't tell my wife).

One side is slightly indented from an attack 20 years ago.  I'm hoping to stretch it back out over the next year or so.

juma

[Old Man]

JUMA:

This happens sometimes when the temperature of your penis is different from the cylinder, etc. What I did was to run hot water over the cylinder before using it and that seemed to reduce the amount of condensate inside the cylinder(s).

Or, if that does not reduce the fogging, try running cold water over the cylinder in the reverse cycle.

Just experiment with different temps of the cylinder(s). BTW, which VED are you using, the Osbon Esteem, the Soma Correct or another brand?

Regards, Old Man

[juma]

how do ya keep the VED from fogging up?  kind of annoying not being able to see what you are doing....

juma

[Old Man]

Note to Juma:
Yep, it is not unusual to not get an erection the first few times one uses the VED. It takes time, patience and using extreme caution in the amount of vacuum pressure one uses.

As Mountain Hikin Bob says below, go slow and easy, use plenty lubricant and never, but never over pump the pressure. If at any time you experience any discomfort, stop, and relax the pressure before proceeding further.

Caution is the watchword in using the VED. Believe me, I have been there and done that in the overpumping thing. Have had to stop the exercises and let the old tool heal before proceeding.

Take care and you will see results soon.

Regards, Old Man

[Mountain Hiker Bob]

Glad to hear Bill is doing okay.  That's rough in the Southeast.

I too use the Walmart brand, Equate, lubricant.  MUCHO cheaper and just as good, when I use the VED, my coveted Osbon.

My number one rule in VED use:  Easy Does It.

Mountain Hikin Bob

[lazarini]

This is just my best wishes for Old Man.  I heard from him on yeasterday and for any that know him, I wanted to let you know that he told me that he is well.  My blessings and best wishes are with him as well as all who have struggled and are struggling throught this catastrophe.

[juma]

ok old man.

tried to go slow and cautious but maybe not enough.

so its not unusual to not get a perfect woody the first time?

juma

[Old Man]

Note to JUMA:

You might also want to try the Wal Mart Equate brand of personal lubricant. It works just as well as KY Gel and/or the Osbon lubricant. It is water soluble too and cleans up nicely with no mess, etc.

I have used the Wal Mart brand for several years now. It costs $1.94 per tube here in my hometown.  This makes it cost about one half as much as KY, etc.


BTW, if you feel too much pull in the abdominal wall of your lower area, you might be using too much vacuum pressure too fast. Work slowly with the pumping and let the blood flow work for you.

Old Man

[juma]

gave it a first try yesterday with the VED.  When I got to the point where I thought it was becoming uncomfortable, it was not firm enough for sex (well maybe just enough).  So, after a few more pump up and down, I stopped.  I just figured this was about normal for starting and I would rest a day or two and try again...good move?  is this what I should expect?  also, I felt pulled out in my lower abdomen for the rest of the evening but ok the next day - normal?

juma

[nick]

KY it's water soluble

[juma]

whats the best lube to use after running out osbun's?

[Larry H]

Bill,

Take care my friend, I'm thinking about you.

Larry

[Old Man]

Thanks Marti:

We have battened down the hatches for the night and turning in. The weather has deteriorated quite a bit since my last post.

It will be bad enough for us in Southwest Alabama, but New Orleans will be the place not to be this time. I have spent a lot time around there with the U.S. Navy Reserve and believe me I would not want to be there tonight and tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Regards, Old Man

[marti]

Keep Safe, Old Man...it sounds really nasty!

Best,
Marti

[Old Man]

UPDATE ON VED REGIMEN:

Due to the impending landfall of Hurricane Katrina, I will be delayed in getting the regimen in a format that I can present here is in intelligent manner.

If we lose power as usual with a hurricane, it might be quite a while before it is restored. Have a backup generator, but due to power surges from it, I do not boot up my computers with it running.

However, I will be getting it on here as soon as possible after the big blow is over.

Old Man

[nick]

good point with the formula you're right I'm sure the pump would draw of the formula.

[Hawk]

I am far from an expert on any of these remedies but if we assume that infrared light and a VED have the potential to help, I would see no reason that they would have to be administered at the same instant.  For one thing, a VED creates a lower pressure around the penis than in the penis resulting in blood flowing to fill that vacuum.  Too much vacuum can actually draw little dots of blood to the surface (much like a hicky on your neck) If any change occurred, from using Thacker formula with a VED, it would be to Draw the Thacker formula out, not in. 

There are several conventional treatments that have the potential to do some good.  I think it would be a mistake to say that if we combined 3 of them at the exact same moment that “would really work”

[nick]

I was wonder about the idea of infrared light and a VED. My thought is since the pump is clear plastic the light and warmth would penetrate. Hell even slather some thackers formula on before the pump. Does anyone think there would be any harm in that.  There are many times that I have wished I could heat up my junk while pumping. If the 2 by themselves could help what about together ?

[Old Man]

Josh:

Have quite a few things to do in the next day or so, but will be putting the facts together and post them as soon as they are ready. Just hang in there and I will get it done soon.

Old Man

[Joshua]

Old Man:
I am looking forward to your post. I am going to make it a sticky for this category. It will remain a header for this topic, so give us all the details.
Thanks
Josh

[Old Man]

OK Guys:

Just wanted to be sure that it was all right to state the brand name and other aspects of the VED. I suppose that I had become gun shy after all the crap that was thrown at me on the "other forum". BTW, it has now deteriorated so far down the toilet that there appears to be no redemption for it.

Will be getting my fact together in the next few days and will post the exact regimen that I followed for the 6 months that it took to get rid of the plaque formation and curve.

Another note: I now have acquired the newer model Soma Correct from Augusta Medical Systems. I have been asked by them to do a thorough test of it and give them my recommendations for correction of defects, in any, so that they might revise it accordingly. So far, my testing indicates that it is a viable unit to work with Peyronies Disease.  More on this unit later.

Old Man

[Larry H]

Michael,

It's Vacuum Erection Device, and was designed for men who for whatever reason could not get or maintain an erection, such as ED from prostate surgery.

In recent years there has been success reported in using it to improve problems related to Peyronies Disease. Old Man is the fountain of knowledge on the use of this device, and I'm sure he will be getting back to the forum with his insight into it's use for Peyronies Disease.

Until then I thought I would give you a quick heads up.

My Best,

Larry H

[Michael]

I'm still very new at this; I know the V must stand for vacuum... but I really have no clue as to what this is.  Any description or a link to somewhere that might describe these...contraptions? -- would be appreciated.  I may have missed this somewhere; if so, my appy-polly-loggys.

[nick]

I agree with Hawk. Youre information, kindness and willingness to help others is amazing. Hell even if you were a rep, I'd buy your product. Have you ever tried to get info from these companies. They never have a clue about the product they are selling.

[Hawk]

One problem though, my regimen is based on a certain brand of VED and I don't want the forum to get the idea (like the old one) that I am company rep, etc.

I will have to state the brand because it was the one that gave me the most success. What do you think about this?

Old Man

Old Man, we all appreciate your concern but this is an honest "tell it like it is" forum. We want you to tell it like you see it.  We can not promise what every member will think, or that they will not vigerously debate the usefulness of the tecnique.  

We can promise they will not attack or accuse the messenger.  In fact I don't even think there is anyone on this forum that would be inclined to treat a fellow member that way.

We all look forward to hearing from you.

[Old Man]

Joshua:

OK, will take me a little while, but will be working on this in the next few days. It is rather simple.

One problem though, my regimen is based on a certain brand of VED and I don't want the forum to get the idea (lack the old one) that I am company rep, etc.

I will have to state the brand because it was the one that gave me the most success. What do you think about this?

Old Man

[Joshua]

Old man:
when and if you get a chance, I would love for you to post the VED therapy program you followed. This would be a great resource for many seeking to use the ved for Peyronies Disease therapy.

[nick]

I have been using ved for a couple months. I haven't really noticed any difference yet. It becomes engored and stays more full the next day. So it seems more straight. So for me the verdict is not in yet.

[Old Forum]

Hawkman, Administrator          Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:39 pm

First I want to make it clear I am not recommending any plan of action. I can barely figure out what I am doing next with my own dilemma. I also want to remind everyone of the old adage, “A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing” I definitely possess limited knowledge on this topic. I suspect even the so-called experts possess little knowledge on this topic.

With that in mind I want to present a few facts that are far removed from our situation and then dangerously extrapolate that to Peyronies Disease.

One of the major management problems of burn victims is contracture of scar tissue. Positional splints, elastic bandages, and stretching techniques are employed to literally prevent the drawing effects of scar tissue. These procedures are relatively successful. There are questions as to whether at a cellular level they stretch existing cells, making them thinner and weaker, or proliferate new cells, but one way or the other; the scar tissue area does increase. Stretching is successful.

With Peyronies Disease, our scarred area is not under tension most of the time. If you have ED, it is seldom under any tension. The plaque may be free to contract unchecked. It seems to form or draw to the reduced flacid size and we know the results when we get an erection. Why wouldn’t reasonable regular stretching prevent contracture of the tissue even in the early acute phase of the disease? Burn patients must stretch every morning because tension has been off the area all night. It is not a morning stretch like most people do, but in depth, involved, slow, restoration stretching to bring them to where they were the day before or even beyond that to reach new flexibility.

There are probably more problems with this correlation than I can imagine, but here are a few I recognize. Burn victims are stretching scarred skin, which may not correlate to scarred tunica albuginea. If you are depending on VED engorgement to do the stretching, the stretching force needed might damage corpora cavernosal tissue. The fact that the Peyronies Disease scar tissue is usually very relaxed, might offset any gains that a practical amount of stretching could accomplish. Maybe small graduated weights could be used to keep a more constant stretch but then the delicate surrounding tunica albuginea tissue might tear before the scar tissue stretched, resulting in micro tears, bleeding, and more scar tissue.

Let’s face it, Peyronies Disease plaque (scar tissue) is NOT skin scar tissue. For one thing, Peyronies Disease plaque calcifies so the comparison is no doubt very flawed. Nevertheless, I wonder if the question of stretching the plaque in some manner such as a VED, at some stage of the disease, is not still on the table.

I present this idea only because I want other people to share their ideas, share want they think worked, and what they think did not work. Share credible information you have run across. I for one need it.

[Hawk]

Any discussion on VED's, their use, results, recommendations, experiences, and protocols.