12 years on Peyronies

[Steve W]

My initial bend was 90 degrees, and with Verapamil injections and stretching the bend was reduced to about 45-50 degrees. Over the years however, the hinging effect has become so severe that if I can maintain an erection long enough to attempt penetration, the weakness mid shaft prevents it and prevents any thrusting movement.

[james1947]

Steve W

Can you give us some more details regarding your Peyronies symptoms and your treatments?

James

[Steve W]

My Peyronie's hit about 12 years ago. It was very sudden, and continued to worsen over the initial weeks. At it's worst, my curve was 90 degrees up and to the left. I underwent the standard Verapamil injection series (12 shots?) directly into the plaque. At the same time, I began using a traction device, spending a minimum of 4 hours a day in the torture device. After a year or so, my curve was reduced to 45-50 degrees, and I was able to function sexually. After about 4 years, erections became less and less firm. Viagra helped and I continued on, still using the stretcher 12 or so hours a week. About 2 years ago (10 years in) what is called "hinging" began right in the middle of my shaft, where the "hourglass" effect is most serious. I had already lost over an inch in length and a dramatic amount of girth. The hinging has become so severe that I can no longer perform sexually. If hard enough, which it never really is, the weakness prevents any thrusting action. I can masturbate, but the erection is weak and all sensitivity has been reduced. It is amazing and sad how much this disease affects your entire life, leaving me quite depressed.

I have spoken with my urologist about the implant and I am a candidate, but my insurance WILL NOT cover it and I can't afford the many, many thousands the procedure costs.

[hope4all]

Steve W. Fight your insurance company, if you haven't already. I've worked for health insurance companies for a long time and have seen it all. Follow the grievance process outlined in your plan. If that doesn't work, complain to your State Insurance Commissioner and also to the US Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) by sending a letter to both and copying your insurance company.  I understand this is an embarrassing and sensitive matter, but you have privacy rights by law and anyone who breaks that law can be held accountable with serious fines, in the tens of thousands of dollars, it's part of HIPAA. DHHS has a whole division that investigates privacy violations and also grievances as does your state insurance officials.  I would urge you to fight the good fight!  Good luck.
hope4all

[james1947]

Steve

I split your posts and open a new topic that other members may relate to your problems.
I understand from your post that during 12 years the only treatment you have done is Verapamil injections.
Very few forum members had success with this treatment. Most got nothing or worse.
Proposing you to check if you are not eligible for Xiaflex. The reports are very encouraging.
Implants are a viable solution indeed. Check out the topics bellow:
Penile Implant Surgery - Peyronies Society Forums
Implant saved my life - Peyronies Society Forums
By the way, the price can be low as $12,000.
Dr. Drogo Montague at the Cleveland Clinic can implant an AMS 700 LGX for $12,000.
Dr. Drogo Karl Montague
Cleveland Clinic Center for Rehab
9500 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44195

Quote from an email I got:

This is the real deal. Angel at the Cleveland Clinic in the urology financial department
can give you more details. Her number is
216-445-4475. There is a loan you can get with 4
requirements. 1) you must have a job
2) you must have a valid social security number
3) if you have ever declared bankruptcy, it must be
discharged
4) you must be in good standing with US Bank

They may help you also if possible to get your insurance pay.

James

[Steve W]

Thank you for the encouraging words. I have an appointment with my Uro at the end of Feb. and we will see. He is willing to help fight the insurance company, for what it's worth.  

[james1947]

Steve

If you will go on the implant road or any surgery, make sure the doctor have hundreds of such surgeries under his belt.
You want the best surgeon when you are going under the knife!!!

James