VED side effects (Usually from wrong usage)

[Hightemp]

If I may, how many have noticed side effects from use of their VED?

To set things up, I am in week 7 of the protocol and have been taking 5 mg Cialis for the same period of time.

In my case, I have noticed that on some days, I experience slight discomfort akin to a dull ache after a session. Not pain per se, just an ache not dissimilar to that one feels in an arm or leg muscle after a hard work out. This ache appears to increase on the days that I have sex after a session. Not sure if there is a connection or not. The other change I have noticed is that when my penis is flaccid, it is always hangs longer and appears a bit thinner than normal. More "to swing" so to speak.  I no longer see the old "Turtle retreating into his shell" state or "shrinkage" to use an obscure Seinfeld reference. I'm not trying to be funny with these analogies, I just can't come up with any better descriptions.  Anyway, is this normal or indicative of something else?

I am not overly concerned as I have normal sexual function and no pain, just curious.

[Tim468]

All sounds normal to me.

Tim

[GS]

Hightemp,

I'm in my 6th week of the protocol and my issues are almost the same as yours.  I'm glad you wrote in and glad to hear Tim say it all seems normal.

I have actually backed the pressure down a bit and I think it has helped with the discomfort.  I also have been standing in the shower for a while under warm water before I start using the VED and that seems to be helpful.  

Try to remember the advice about the therapy being a marathon and not a sprint.

GS

[Old Man]

GS and Hightemp:

If you guys remember, it has been said all along that less is much better than more with vacuum pressure in VED therapy. The pressure you use has to be adjusted to your own personal feel as you add more pressure with each pump cycle. When you reach a point that feels too tight or you feel discomfort, release and start another cycle using less vacuum.

VED therapy is not an overnight thing - patience is of the essence with this procedure. Just back off on the pressure and use varying amounts in each therapy session. You can and will find a "comfort" zone with the pressure and then stay with that.

A tip that I used with VED therapy:  After getting thoroughly used to the vacuum pressure, I would pump up to a fair amount of pressure, hold it for a few seconds and then while holding that pressure use a "milking action" with the entire VED by moving it in and out on the shaft while keeping a good tight seal. Practice doing this until it becomes second nature and you will see better overall results from the VED therapy.

Now a note about the amount of pressure if you use the VED and restrictor ring(s) for any ED problem: If so, when you are pumping up prior to placing the rings on the shaft of the penis, pump to the desired amount of pressure and hold it for a few seconds before sliding the ring(s) off the cylinder. Should you feel any discomfort with the pumped up pressure, release a small amount before sliding the ring(s) off as the presssure . Doing this will eliminate the pain that some guys are experiencing when using the VED for sexual activity.

Just be careful with the amount of pressure in all cases and you should have no further problems or side effects.

Old Man  

[cowboyfood]

All sounds normal to me.

Tim

I agree with Tim and Old Man.  I definitely felt some discomfort throughout the first protocol I performed.  My discomfort frequency seemed to go away over time.  I'm thinking this is due to the fact that I became more comfortable with VED usage and my body became adapted to the pressure.

That being said, you may notice some discomfort after using the largest cylinder.

However, any discomfort I had was generally mild.  

Whenever I started a different sized tube, I would usually take it "easy" the first couple of days to adjust to the different way the negative pressure effects the penis.

CF

[LTT]

Well Dang it.....I was using my VED device tonight and after I removed it, I had a large bubble on the bottom side of my penis just behind the head....about the size of a medium pecan!   Crap!  Kinda like a blood vessel or something broke...but it is not blue nor has any discoloration...just a collection of fluid.  There is no pain...so who knows. I will call the doc in the morning.  

This all happened when I started a different protocol 3 days ago that was from Dr. Kaplan.  It was a protocol that originally came with my VED unit.  It goes like this.  1st Cylinder - pump for 10 minutes- massage - pump for 10 minutes.  Then use the 2nd Cylinder - pump for 10 minutes- massage - pump for 10 minutes.  It was after this last 10 minute session that when I took it off, I noticed this large bubble!   Just what I needed!!!!   I had built up to a point of having a vacum pressure that would peak at 10 psi and slowly come down....I would pump up to 10....then slowly let it go down.  Could it be that this length of 10 minutes time of pressure is not the right thing to do?

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

[Tim468]

Sounds like edema, not a blister. It should resolve over a matter of hours.

Not sure why you are using a different protocol.

Tim

[Old Man]

LTT:

I agree with Dr. Tim, you overpumped the pressure and made the skin to separate and caused the edema. You should be extremely careful with the amount of vacuum used no matter whose protocol you are using. You should let it all heal before resuming any VED action. Otherwise, you will aggravate the condition and make matters worse.

If you will let us know which VED and what protocol you are using, we might be able to help your through your problems. So, look forward to hearing which one you have, etc.

Old Man  

[LTT]

Thanks guys for the reply....When I woke this morning, the bubble had gone away....whew!   That was crazy!  I can breath again!  Absolutely, will be taking some time off and let it heal before restarting again.  From this I realized for me, I went too far with too much pressure and or for too long a time frame of holding it.  I will be going back to the original Soma protocol.  
Dr. Tim and or Old Man.....how long would you recommend waiting before starting back again?

The VED unit I have is from healthyandactive.com.  The premium penis pump kit with 3 cylinders...small, medium, and large.   I liked it because of the pressure gauge and reasonable price.  The quality is good and have had no problems with it.  There was a recommend pump schedule that was included with the kit from a Dr. Kaplan.  In fairness, his protocol does say however, not to exceed -10 inch pressure.  Now, I have been using the Soma style protocol and went up to 10ip and released after 5-10 seconds and had no problems.  The problem I think could easily have been from having this pressure staying high for 10 minutes at a time as recommend by Dr. Kaplan's protocol.  Evidently for me, I pushed the envelope too much and caused this edema.  Your thoughts are welcome....

The protocol I used before was the Soma for the Three Separate VED's with small, medium and large cylinders.  I will be going back to this for sure after the recommend healing time.

I hope this serves as a good warning for others to learn from my mistake as to what not to do!

Thank you,

[Old Man]

LTT:

Don't feel badly about what you did. Way back in 1995, there was no protocol recommended by anyone, not even my uro or his assistant. I just had to go by trial and error until I found a "sweet spot" with the vacuum and how long to long between pumping cycles.

My recommendation would be to go the Soma protocol as you are doing, but do not hold the presssue for more than about 10 or 15 seconds between pumping cycles. I would add a few minutes to the overall time of the therapy session to compensate for the longer period recommended by the good Dr. Kaplan. His theory might work for someone who has a high threshold of pain and a very tough penis!! Mine is sensitive and I think that most guys are sensitive in this area.

Bottom line is, use less pressure or not more than is very comfortable to stand. The blood flow tends to increase during the holding time, so the feel of the pressure will go up accordingly. The watchword for VED therapy is that less pressure is much better than more so keep that in mind. Follow the protocol according to the cylinders by the weekly schedule.

I would not worry too much about using the pressure gage since you penis is a much better gage since it can feel the pressure as you pump up. Since each and every case of Peyronies Disease is totally different from any other, you alone must be the judge of what is too little or too much in the vacuum department.

Should you not get the desired results after the first 26 week period, go for a second one. Several of us on the forum have had to go for the second period. Since my Peyronies Disease is now considered in an arrested state, I just use the VED for maintenance by pumping it up several times a week just to keep the old tool healthy!

Let us know if there is anything we can help with the therapy, etc.

[Angus]

   I also have vacuum gauges on my VED's and have years of experience with them. Old Man is exactly correct that less vacuum is better, and I can say that, for me, anything over 5 or 6 inHg is too much vacuum. 7 is extremely uncomfortable for me and I discovered that in my early use of the VED's. From experience that I have, I don't agree with holding a vacuum for anything near ten minutes. Like Old Man suggests stick with ten or fifteen seconds then release. Less vacuum with more reps or cycles is worlds better than fewer reps and holding longer. The edema is your body saying back off a little bit. Less aggressive use of the VED with consistent use would be the best approach in my opinion. You'll be fine; your body will tell you when to end the vacuum session each day but limit yourself to 30 minutes or less. Stick with 5 or 6 inches of vacuum maximum if you want to use the gauges as a guide for now.  

[LTT]

Thank you for the reply.  I will let it rest and heal for a few days and then go back using your advice.  I will post later on the results.  

[skunkworks]

So far my side effects from using the VED have been more frequent and much harder erections.

[GS]

Thanks again to Old Man,

Based on advice a few days back from Old Man, I am now using his "Milking Action" process and using less pressure along with it.  I am using the medium cylinder this week as part of the 26 week protocol and my system is this: I pump once-wait 10 seconds, pump a second time-wait 10 seconds and then a very slow 3rd pump.  I hold the 3rd pump for 20 seconds while I move the cylinder in and out on my penis in the "Milking Action".  Then, I release the pressure and start over.

It feels good and seems to give me a good stretch, and it doesn't use too much pressure.  After I am finished with my session and dried off, I apply a little vitamin E oil to my penis and let it soak in before I get dressed.  This seems to be helping with the feeling of dry skin I've been experiencing.  I hope this helps someone.

GS

[GS]

Guys,

I have a couple of irregularly shaped red areas that have shown up on the glans of my penis.  There is no pain or itching associated with them.  Has anyone had anything similar and if so, do you know what is was or have an opinion of anything I need to do for treatment?

GS

[Old Man]

GS:

What you describing might just be the effects of some overpumping the pressure with the VED. However, this type of item usually is accompanied by some pain or irritation.

Try using less vacuum when doing the VED exercises for a few days to see if the redness goes away. If it does, follow the lessor vacuum pressure as the norm for the VED cycles.

Let us know what occurs with the reduced pressure so others can benefit from your discovery if it works.

Old Man

[GS]

Old Man,

The lower pressure is working well; the redness is subsiding already and with the lower pressure, I'm still achieving the same results as with the higher pressure I was using.

For the new users of a VED, here's a suggestion so you won't have problems or damage to your penis using a VED.   USE LESS PRESSURE AND BE PATIENT!

I'm only pumping the VED 2 times to create pressure and then I'm using a gentle milking action about 10 times with the VED to stretch my penis.  The blood flow to my penis takes a little longer to build up, but I'm feeling absolutely no discomfort during or after 10 to 15 repetitions.  Doing harm to myself with the VED has been my main concern with using it.  Now, with the low pressure and good results, I'm feeling very comfortable with the protocol.

GS

[Old Man]

GS:

OK, many thanks for your confidence in the VED protocol. As I said, VED therapy is not an overnight "cure", but with time, it does produce good results. Hopefully, more guys will realize the benefit of VED therapy and join with us in supporting it. The least benefit one can see is a more healthy penis!

Just keep up the good work and I am sure that you will reap many benefits from it use. If you do not get your desired results with the first 26 week protocol, just start over and continue on with your present style of doing the cycles.

Let me know if you need help at any time.

Old Man

[Rickmud]

I am on my second day with the VED I started the 28 day program yesterday. I think its going well. First day I had to figure out how to put the three cylinders together. Then I had to figure out where the two black seals went. Once I saw how the pump fastened. Then it was clear where the seals went.  First day I put the big seal on the end opposite the pump then saw how big it looked and figured that the little black seal fitted inside the big black seal for us little guys. I lubbed up and inserted and pumped. I pumped until it felt like the pressure was about as much as it should be. I didn't think I was erect but was afraid to put on more pressure. Length was only about 4 inches. No pain, it just felt like a lot of pressure. The head looked really strange and flared out to the tubes. Shaft did not flare out to the id of the tube. I pumped up until I felt the pressure was very stong but no pain. Vacuum kept bleeding down and I kept having to cram it harder into my groin to hold pressure. It didn't feel like a normal erection. I did this a few times and noticed my veins were looking large and dark. Penis turning blue. So I bailed on it. Pumped it up a few more times and called it a day. Next morning I start over again. Had a lot of trouble keeping vacuum and am pumping and pumping due to loosing pressure. I get it feeling pressured up a few times and call it a morning. Through out the day I was concerned if I was doing it right. It never felt erect just pressured up.Decided to do the routine twice a day. In the evening I decided I might need to trim as I had read on here where it was helpful. I trimmed and did all the prep and decided to not put the little seal into the big seal. It made it much easier to hold the vacuum pressure. This time I pumped until I felt the same pressure as the last time and held it about 10 seconds and let off the pressure and repeated about 10 times. However this time. It only took nine pumps. it went to a length of about 6 inches this time and the shaft was against the tube. The head looked more normal but not quite normal kind of squashed looking. I repeated 10 times and when I was through noticed when just hanging I was about the same length but about 1/3 more in girth for a while afterward. Is that normal? Does it sound like I'm on track? Or am I overdoing it?

What I still haven't figured out where the creme colored cone shape thing goes and what it's for.

I want to thank you folks for the advice you have given me. After my third use of the device it seems much less trouble than I thought it would be. After the first day, evertime I woke up in the night it was hard like it used to be until that one morning I woke up and it was signaling for a left turn. A little over a year ago.

[Old Man]

Rickmud:

OK, sounds like you are having the "first time" results of VED therapy. However, you should slow down on the presssure. Read my previous post to GS below. VED therapy is not an overnight thing that one just does without getting the hang of the procedure.

The problem you are having with the pressure leaking down seems to be a normal one with first time users. Here are some suggestions that might help with that problem:

1. You say that you have trimmed the excess pubic hair, but did not say if you shaved that cleared area, so you should do that for a better seal as the stubble of being trimmed leaves a minute space that leaks vacuum. You will need to keep this area totally clean of the hair to allow for good seals.

2. You should use both the inner and outer sizing inserts to provide a a good tight seal around the shaft.  Also, the small insert prevents skin from being drawn in between the mouth of the cylinders. There is a gap between the B medium and the A small cylinder if the small insert is not in place. So practice a bit with these to get the best feeling for you.

3. You should apply a bit of lube on both inserts to provide a better seal between each of them as well as the mouth of the cylinders. Make sure that the inserts are firmly pushed into the mouth of the cylinders even if you have to sort of twist them around a bit once they are in place. You need to lube your shaft well also to provide a slippery surface so the penis can easily move up and down the cylinder during pumping cycles.

4. Do your pumping cycles slowly allowing the blood to flow in between pumps as applying more pressure than is necessary to start the flow will cause some pain or discomfort as the erectile tissue is not "used" to the added flow over that of a natural erection.

5. The cone shaped device is used to apply the retainer rings when going for an erection for sexual activity. It provides a simple way to apply the rings over the mouth of the large cylinder. They can be placed on the cylinder manually by simply lubing them, use two fingers to stretch them over the opening and releasing. However, the device helps those who cannot get used to the manual method. If you use the device to place the rings in place, be sure to lube the rings as well as the device to prevent damage to the rings. Lubing the device makes it much easier to slide the rings off, etc.

6. Be extremely careful to observe the color and how the pressure affects your penile tissues. If they become very discolored, you are probably using too much pressure. It is natural for the color to change, but again, overpumping the pressure can and will cause more trauma and that is not needed or desired.

Now, lastly, VED therapy is a case where less is much better than more, so take it easy on the vacuum so that your penis can get used to the added pressure. Remember, that natural erections rely on the heart's pressure to pump the blood in, and the pump uses a whole lot more pressure, etc. Also, VED therapy is not an overnight process, it takes time, so remember this and use the therapy for its intended purpose, slowly and not overpump.

You mentioned a 28 day protocol and I don't know one with that short of time. I am assuming you mean the 26 week three cylinder protocol, so follow the weekly prescribed schedule of exercise cycles. You need to practice a few days before embarking of the daily routine. You can do the exercises twice a day, but reduce the time to a lesser degree for each one.

Keep the forum posted and up to date on how the protocol is working you. I am sure that questions will arise as you progress with the therapy, so feel free to ask any and all as they occur.

Old Man

[Rickmud]

Thanks Old Man,

 Putting the lube on the seals helped a great deal. Yesterday just three pumps did the trick. Anything more than that was uncomfortable. Today 2-1/2 pumps if I did a full 3 it was uncomfortable, but not painful. I hope I am on track. I'm thinking two pumps seems adequate. But still new at this. I'm at day 4 on the 26 week process. Everything looks healthy, no pain, no redness or any problems I can detect. Thanks again.  

[Davea]

I'm a 'newbie' here and I'd just like to add my contribution on overuse of the VED. There's nothing more true than 'less is more'.

I developed Peyronies Disease when I was living in a '3rd world' country (I'm being generous here). No access to Peyronies Disease specialists or medical grade VED's. That was over a year ago. I moved to another 3rd world country and managed to find a urologist who at least knew what Peyronies Disease was but I'm certain that most of you guys know far more about Peyronies Disease than he did. The only thing he could suggest was Vitamin E. I had an unusual reaction to the Vitamin E - 2 of my fingernails became deformed - I could live with that if it only had some effect on the Peyronies Disease, but no.

Anyway, I read about VED's on this website and was encouraged by the positive results. I tried to contact the 'recommended' supplier by email a couple of times to see if they would ship one of the medical grade VED's to me. Unfortunately I didn't get any reaction from them at all. I ended up buying a single cylinder 'sex shop' model but was amazed by the results. I could see an improvement within the first couple of weeks and the improvement continued over the next 6 weeks. BTW I was following the Old Man's recommended protocol for a single cylinder unit.

Through impatience or stupidity - probably a mixture of both - I decided to extend the vacuum time to 45-60 seconds instead of the 15-20 seconds. I developed 2 bruised and swollen areas on the head immediately. I'm sure you can all imagine my reaction! The Old Man calmed me down by saying it would go away fairly quickly and it is much better after only a few days of not using the VED. Of course I'm furious with myself because I can't use it now until this has gone away.

Bottom line is - even a cheap VED is better than nothing but you have to be patient and FOLLOW THE PROTOCOL!

[Rickmud]

I am 5 days into the 11th week of the 26 week three cylinder protocol. The second day of the 11th week I improved from a 90 degree bend to a 45 degree bend when erect. The fouth day of the 11th week I went from a 45 degree bend to a 22 degree bend. Today on the fifth day I had pumped for about 20 minutes using 3 pumps less than I normally use because anything beyond 6 pumps felt uncomfortable. After about 15 minutes the tip and the base of the head of my penis turned blue. I discontinued pumping and after a few minutes the color returned to normal. Tomorrow, I'm just going to play it by ear. I welcome the improvement but worry about the blueness all of a sudden. I had started holding for one minute after pumping up from reading about the UK study at the beginning of this 11th week. Not sure how to go from here.

[newguy]

I am 5 days into the 11th week of the 26 week three cylinder protocol. The second day of the 11th week I improved from a 90 degree bend to a 45 degree bend when erect. The fouth day of the 11th week I went from a 45 degree bend to a 22 degree bend. Today on the fifth day I had pumped for about 20 minutes using 3 pumps less than I normally use because anything beyond 6 pumps felt uncomfortable. After about 15 minutes the tip and the base of the head of my penis turned blue. I discontinued pumping and after a few minutes the color returned to normal. Tomorrow, I'm just going to play it by ear. I welcome the improvement but worry about the blueness all of a sudden. I had started holding for one minute after pumping up from reading about the UK study at the beginning of this 11th week. Not sure how to go from here.

When you say that "The second day of the 11th week I improved from a 90 degree bend to a 45 degree bend when erect" are you stating that the improvement occured on that particular day? I note that there had been no improvement by May 14th. You mention holding for one minute at the start of that week. How long had you been holding prior to that?

[Old Man]

Rickmud:

Just read your post where you stated that you hold the pumped up pressure for at least a minute based on the UK study. I strongly urge to disregard holding the pressure for that long. The blue condition is probably being caused by your holding the pressure too long. My experience over the past 15 years with many cases of VED usage has taught me that holding the pressure longer than 15 to 20 seconds is way too long. Long holding times can and will cause edema (swelling of the skin tissue) and the blue condition you describe.

So, I am saying that you should consider holding the pressure less than you are now doing. In addition, would you explain more in depth about the actual times of getting the curve changed from 90 degrees to what you are currently, i.e. are you saying that the change occurred in several days or are the changes over a period of time?

Old Man

[Angus]

   I think I see what may seem to be contradictory instructions and suggestions regarding VED use and length of time to hold an erection under vacuum. There is no contradiction but one should read and regard all VED instructions carefully and thoughtfully. The suggestions in the Protocol posted on this board regarding time of hold say:

"An erection can be held for UP TO 45 or 60 seconds, HOWEVER, caution should be exercised not to prolong the cycles to the point of pain and discomfort. Use only enough negative pressure needed to produce an erection. The entire daily session should last no longer than 30 minutes."

 Key words are "up to". A man that is over-zealous and pumps up a hard erection with too many pumps (over 5-7 Hg of vacuum) should absolutely NOT hold for 45 or 60 seconds. A man that pumps just a few times and has barely enough vacuum to create a seal, let alone produce an erection, could hold for 45 to 60 seconds with no edema or injury.

 The user of the VED is responsible for making smart decisions about hold times. As stated so many times and re-visited in posts below, "less is more" literally means "if you want no edema or injury using the VED for Peyronies Disease, do not pump up to a painful level of vacuum and do not hold an erection too long within the tube".

 As we've said so many times, you will NOT speed up VED therapy bend correction by pumping more times and holding for unreasonable lengths of time. This therapy and straightening will progress at your body's healing pace, no quicker. You can not speed up the body's healing pace with unreasonable, painful vacuum.

 

[Rickmud]

Newguy,

prior to the start of the 11th week I had been holding for 8 seconds always.

Old Man,

Through the 10th week I had no improvement on the bend when erect. It was obvious it was trying to improve but when I got a natural erection it would start out pretty straight and then go back to the bend. After 2 days of 8-9 pumps holding one minute I had an improvement of from 90 degrees to 45. After 2 more days I had another improvement to about 22 degrees. I did notice that my penis did not fully expand to the walls of the cylinder in the area where the bend is until after about 15 minutes of pumping and holding for 1 minute. The next fifteen minutes of pumping and holding. My penis fully expanded to the walls of the cylinder. I had never fully extended to the walls of the cylinder in the peyronnies area holding for 8 seconds even in the small cylinder except for the 1st day of going back to the A cylinder from the C cylinder for the 5th week I think. After that first day of the fifth week less and less of my penis extended to the sides in the damaged area each day. My penis actually shrank in girth and looked really skinny and taunt in the cylinder. I had a few days of peyronnies sensation so I backed off to three pumps for a few days and when the sensations stopped I went back to normal and then it started increasing in length and girth.

I'm going back to the 8-10 seconds and hope I maintain what I have gained and hope I get more improvement. That was the first time I have had any discoloration or problems througout my use of the VED. But I don't think I'd have improved the bend this fast without the long holding but it isn't worth destroying healthy tissue.  Thanks for the good advice old man.

On another note. When I got the length back it wasn't a slow process either. Over a period of a few days it increased in length to my former length when erect. I noticed during one session of pumping that my penis actually seemed to be as long as it was going to get and during the next depressuring and pressuring up it extended instantaneously about 3/4 of an inch further than it had at anytime before as if it suddenly had a new channel to allow blood flow. I gained more length every couple of days and when I was at my old length it stopped growing in length.

My peyronnies didn't come on over a period of time. I went to bed one night just fine. My penis woke me up early the next morning and the head felt like it had gone to sleep. Like when you lay on your arm all night. I looked at it. It was erect and bent at a 90 degree angle up close to the head. I lost the erection as soon as I discovered that. After that I started slowly losing length and girth from the bend out to the head and the bend began to move down in the direction of the base. It developed a twist as well as not only bending left but twisting upward as well. It is looking much better now.

I do know that I'd be in dire straights if I hadn't found you guys. The ACL and L-Arginine have really helped my circulation. My feet have looked like roadmaps with the broken veins on my feet since I was in my 20's. My feet actually look better now at 58. I'm sure I had a real blood flow problem to my lower body. Blood flow to the body parts is everything.  

[Old Man]

Riockmud:

Great report! Just keep up the good work and let the forum know by posting your continued good results.

Old Man

[Iceman]

i think i overpumped the other day - ive had Peyronies Disease pain for 3 days now - what should i do - it feels lie the old days with the pain now - should i hold off pumpinf for a while??

[newguy]

i think i overpumped the other day - ive had Peyronies Disease pain for 3 days now - what should i do - it feels lie the old days with the pain now - should i hold off pumpinf for a while??

If you think you've aggrevated something I definitely think it makes sense to have a few days off. What level (in Hg if possible) did you pump to and for what duration?

[Old Man]

Iceman:

Just read your post about possible overpumping. This is what we caution about so many times over and over. Now that you have gotten the pain back into the picture, suggest that you lay off on the VED exercise for at least a week, or at least until the pain is not present. It may take longer than week so be your own judge about resuming, etc.

You can test this by simply just pumping up very slowly to see you experience any pain. If you do, then wait longer before resuming the full schedule again. I cannot over emphasize the fact that too high a vacuum pressure can and will definitely do more harm than good with VED therapy. It is a case where less is much better than more.

My experiences with VED therapy has taught me that the above is definitely the best approach to the vacuum therapy.
Let me know if I can help in any way.

Old Man

[YMENOW]

It seems from reading this post when you first started the protocol and the most recent post, you have really pumped hard.  I am in my 4th week using the same protocol, and I am afraid to put the pressure on past the initial erection.  After the 3 pumps I wait and slowly increase it by 2 or 3 and wait 15 seconds and then I release the pressure.  Could it be one can take more pressure as you get into the middle of the 15 week protocol?

You have gone beyond this stage and perhaps you can take more pressure?  I have gotten good stretch in the A and now am getting better stretch in the B.  I still have to get the shaft to touch the sides of the tube where i have the plaque.  From reading the latest post, you have accomplished quite a lot.  Thanks for keeping us in on the progress and pitfalls you have encountered. Sure is helping me.

ymn  

[Old Man]

YMN:

Once you have gotten your penis used to the pressure of vacuum, etc, you can slowly increase the pressure, but be careful to monitor it closely. If you begin to feel any extra tightness, pain or discomfort, relax the pressure and to not exceed that amount on subsequent pumping cycles. Only you can be the judge of how much pressure you can tolerate without causing any injury, etc.

So, just slowly add pressure on a cycle until you get to the stopping point based on how it feels as described above.

Old Man

[Davea]

Hi guys,

This is an update to my post of April 4 where I described the bruising (blueness) and swelling that was caused by holding the pressure of the VED for too long. I have JUST been able to start pumping again (so 2 months later) and already can see it is producing results (in the girth mostly) after just 2 days. During the time I couldn't use it I saw fairly rapid deterioration of all I had achieved in the previous 2 months - so it seems it's back to square one.

I realise that the causes and treatment of Peyonie's is different for everyone but I'm encouraged by what the results I had before and will continue with the VED treatment.

Hope this to deter someone from going at it too hard.....

[YMENOW]

I am in the 12th week of the VED Protocol and I seem to be doing ok; however, I am not sure about the morning erections that I have been having.

The morning erections started about mid 10th week and I have been waking up daily.  I read that it is healthy to have them frequently, but I never thought I would have the morning erections daily. I have an aortic heart valve which pounds loudly during this time and I am worried that this dilemma could lead to another problem.   My wife doesn't mind a wake up now and then, but.... my concern is whether I am doing anything wrong with the VED or is this part of what is to happen once you start doing the therapy?

I was going to start the VED therapy in the morning but now am wondering if this would be a good idea?  

I would appreciate any advice or comments regarding this.

YMN

[newguy]

YMENOW  - It sounds like a good problem to have . People usually complain of a lack of morning erections. Your situation simply suggests that you have healthy functioning. Maybe the VED helped this along.

"I have an aortic heart valve which pounds loudly during this time"

Are you taking any medication alongside the VED, which could be responsible for these changes? I am wondering why this would happen. Maybe you are simply getting stressed out by the daily erections and its causing your ehart to beat faster?

[YMENOW]

Hi Newguy

I can hear the valve all the time and it does get louder when I get excited or when I really have a full bladder. (The fact that you can hear the valve click is the negative of having the mechanical aortic valve.)
I am on coumadin and some other heart meds for the heart.  I do take xanax for anxiety but it wouldn't help me if I took it before I went to bed.  My meds haven't changed at all since I started the ved therapy.  I don't know what is going on, frankly, and hope this daily morning business doesn't compound the problem.


Thank you for your support

ymn

[newguy]

YMENOW - Thanks for the further info. I'm not a medical professional, but in all honesty I can't think of a single reason why the VED would be responsible for your heart valve pounding in such a way. Maybe others will chip in with suggestions, but if it is of concerned, I would go see a doctor about this issue. It's best not to take changes on anything relating to the heart, especially if this pounding in a new occurence. Best of luck!

[YMENOW]

 

I am concerned about the daily morning erections.  I know that it is healthy to have them frequently, but I don't know if what I am experiencing healthy for me.  I want to know if this is normal and if anyone else has them as often as I do?  

I did not get any advice from my doctors but initiated the ved therapy on my own with the suggestion of Old Man.  I thought it was better than doing nothing at the onset. (I had a men's sex specialist doctor who evaluated my peyronies and told me there was nothing more for him to do with me.)

ymn


   

[Old Man]

ymenow:

IMHO, unless you have some other medical problems that would be affected by the morning erections, you should not concentrate so much on them. If they occur, relax and enjoy them or find some way to cause them to dissipate before they last too long.

Based on your age, you may or may not have a problem with erections unless they last longer than 4 hours. Priapism is a disorder where an erection lasts longer than 4 hours and can cause permanent damage to ones erectile tissue with no known way to repair that damage. So, you should monitor the time you are erect and act accordingly.

Normal nocturnal and morning erections usually indicate that ones penis is getting good blood flow and is considered more healthy, etc. Also, it indicates that your libido is in good shape.

If you are still concerned about them, you should seek the help of a good qualified uro or male sex therapist other then the one you have seen.

Old Man

[YMENOW]

I believe that I am stressed out and showing too much concern over what I have been experiencing each morning.  Apparently, it is a good thing and as you say I should relax and enjoy!

For awhile, I was considering stopping the VED because the frequency of the erections in the morning. I really don't want to reverse all my gains due to the therapy that you suggested that I do.  The Protocol definitely has helped me because I can see and feel the difference.  I just wanted to make certain that it was OK to continue with the VED.  Thanks, Old Man!

YMN

[shrout]

This is not strictly a side effect of the VED, but a word of warning to all VED users. Make sure you clean it thoroughly, and on a regular basis. I neglected to do this, and recently suffered a very nasty infection in the urinary tract. I had a very high fever for a couple of days. At one point I was shaking so violently I could hardly breathe, and for two nights woke up with my bedclothes and sheets literally soaked in sweat.  Fortunately the drugs I was given killed it off fairly rapidly, but it was a VERY nasty experience, and one I can only put down to not cleaning the VED regularly. My doc says the rest of my system (kidneys, prostate etc.) is fine, so the infection did not come from an internal source.
I now regularly pour boiling water through the cylinders before use just in case anything nasty is lurking. If you are neglecting VED hygiene like I did please be more careful.  

[Old Man]

shrout:

Thanks for your warning about keeping ones VED thoroughly clean. Yes, infection and other urinary problems can and will develop if the cylinders are not kept really clean. The pump should also be wiped down with an alcohol swab or peroxide at least once a week.

Cleaning the cylinders can be done safely with just regular bacterial soap or a good bath soap solution. You learned first hand what can happen if they are not cleansed after use.

Recently, I had another person that had a problem with not cleaning his VED well too.

So, word of caution  to all users, heed shrout's experience and work safely with your VEDs.

Old Man

[fubar]

Old man

During my last session i noticed a different sensation.  While pumping in the small cylinder I felt a popping or snap maybe just a corrective pull were my indention is. I'm confused as I have not experienced this on onset of using the device.

Now in my sixth week going back to the small cylinder. I now have this new thing going on.it concerns me but not much. My penis though constricted by the small cylinder remains smooth and even.  I experience no pain just wonder what is going on. Could it be my junk is just coming back to life? Maybe I lost some sensitivity and I feel more?

All I know is that I definitely feel something going on were the indention is. Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, fubar

[fubar]

Hello

Just finished my last session about 20 minutes ago. It is more like a movement and then a pull.
over all I feel like I am making  progress . Still wonder about the movement and pull. If anyone
can respond or had the same issue. Please let me know.

Fubar

[Old Man]

fubar:

OK, what you are experiencing is probably the plaque and/or other symptoms adjusting to the pull of the vacuum. Peyronies Disease is a very strange malady and it seems to have a mind of its own and such things can and will happen with the vacuum therapy.

Just be careful not to use too much vacuum when you experience sudden changes in your symptoms. Over pumping can and will cause more trauma, so use your best judgment when applying the vacuum.

Watch your sessions carefully to take notice if this occurs again and adjust your therapy sessions accordingly.

Old Man

[Mike_O]

I am not an expert like Old Man but I offer my thoughts.

When I go from the larger cylinder to the small cylinder it definitely feels different (stretching in other areas) and it takes a few days to adapt. Sometimes, but rarely, I feel a bit of movement - it is never a "pop" or "snap" - usually a fold of skin unfolding in the cylinder.

I have read reports of guys' original injury which included a "pop" or "snap" then lead to Peyronie's... So, like you, I would wonder if this is an injury.

If this were happening to me I would ask myself: Am I doing harm? I would watch for bruising, discoloration, pain or numbness. If the VED is de-sensitizing then pain might not be evident while in the cylinder - so I would be super careful about over-pumping. Absent any signs of problems, I would probably continue therapy on schedule.

I hope you will report your observations on this thread as this is very helpful for others who might have this same experience.

Mike_O

[fubar]

Mike0

Thanks,  I have not done my therapy today.About 6:00 pm I felt some tickling and slight aching under the head. I have decided to take a break for the night and see what tomorrow brings. I have never had pain before this ,just a nice indention and bend.

This pain or sensation is not in the tugging or pulling area.Still less might be more by not exercising the tissues. So I will do the wait and see protocol. Never thought that would come out of my head.

I have to say never had feeling that pain before is a opening experience.  I had my penis cut open sliding down a tree at five but could not escape this.just fing amazing a nail and sliding, six stitches and no Peyronie's.


A few diseases and whuula isn't magic wonderful.



I'm going to continue my therapy tomorrow and let you all know how it
goes.I hope I'm making a wise decision.

Fubar



There are risks in everything right? Maybe this pain is just healing. But I could not explain this pain that is why I am continuing the protocol. There has to be some pain with recovery.It only makes sense.

[Mike_O]

Good to read your update.

So, perhaps the general question is: "If I feel an unusual sensation (tickling, slight aching) should the therapy be continued or modified or stopped?"

Hopefully more forum members will add their comments - here are mine:

After a therapy session I definitely have different sensations. Sometimes it is immediately after therapy, sometimes it is hours later. I would not describe the feeling as "acute pain" but perhaps "slight ache" is accurate. I have always decided to continue therapy the next day, maybe a bit easier, but continue nevertheless and the sensation seems to either go away or subside.

My thinking (right or wrong?) is this is like exercise. If I go for a long walk I might be tired and have a few aches but I go walking again the next day. I feel the aches but not enough to keep me from walking - the fatigue and aches diminish with continued exercise. However, if I go for a walk and get injured (a sprained ankle) then the pain is much more and comes with swelling and bruising then I take a few days off, take some medication, etc. - but I try to get back to walking as soon as possible.

There have been a few posts about this issue - I can't find them at the moment... But the observations were about how long periods of "bed rest" are generally discouraged these days. I also remember some comments that take Peyronie's into consideration - that perhaps continuous VED therapy, even with an injury, might be helpful in preventing additional scar from forming. I personally believe this but everyone must decide for themselves.

Keep us posted and hopefully more guys will comment.

[newguy]

If I felt pain and it continued for a couple of sessions I think I'd have a break. The trouble is, and I sometimes find myself in the same boat, it's occasionally hard to describe or put a name to a particulalr feeling. When I started taking pycnogenol I occasionally felt a strange iitchy feeling in the area where the curvature begins. Sometimes, after VED useage I feel that my penis is a bit tired or that erections are slightly better or worse than unusual. Often there appears to be no rhyme or reason to things. Not related to the VED, but a while I asked Dr Kevine whether it was safe to use traction even though I still felt some pain. His reply was that it was a good idea unless it made the pain worse. If what you're feeling isn't pain as such, maybe you can continue and see it is improves, or take a day or two off to stay on the safe side. If its actual pain, a new pain, then I'd rest until it had gone. Just my take on it of course.