Topic: Excision and Grafting (PEG) surgery with Dr Levine: JOURNAL (Read 10353 times)

Mikel7 · « **Reply #100 on:** March 27, 2021, 06:02:05 AM »

Great recovering!

Daremo · « **Reply #101 on:** March 27, 2021, 05:43:02 PM »

6 weeks 3 day post op:

Was able to do 3 hours or traction last night. Fairly easily. Had (tried?) to have sex with the mrs. Still only about 80% erection strength, and makes it very difficult to use. Also, a bit defeating. I think I'll hold off attempting that again for a few weeks to see if I regain more use.

Mikel7 · « **Reply #102 on:** March 28, 2021, 05:30:26 AM »

You are still healing - I'm sure things will continue to improve. You don't want to jump the gun. LOL .

GaussRifle · « **Reply #103 on:** March 30, 2021, 03:05:48 PM »

I have a question. Why was this surgery plaque excision and nkt incision to reduce risk of worsening erections ? Also bucol mucosa grafts seem to have excellent outcomes. Why was this a different graft ? Not saying you won't improve , just curios based on my research.

Daremo · « **Reply #104 on:** March 30, 2021, 10:19:28 PM »

Quote from: gaussrifle on March 30, 2021, 03:05:48 PM

I have a question. Why was this surgery plaque excision and nkt incision to reduce risk of worsening erections ? Also bucol mucosa grafts seem to have excellent outcomes. Why was this a different graft ? Not saying you won't improve , just curios based on my research.

Based on the severity of the hour glassing and the bend, coupled with the ultrasound and my pre surgery erections were still 100%, Dr. Levine felt that I was a perfect patient for the procedure he had. He said the graft I was given had proven to him to be the most effective for a positive recovery in the long run...

BUT, after surgery in recovery, he did tell me once he got in there, the plaque was much more extensive then the ultrasound showed. He was still confident I will make a full recovery.

Daremo · « **Reply #105 on:** March 31, 2021, 12:22:38 PM »

7 weeks Post Op:

Everything is near the same for me. I'm able to do 3 hours of traction at night fairly comfortably. The last 20-30 minutes gets a bit uncomfortable. I'm still only seeing about 80% erectile fullness. I was expecting more by now. Still hoping this improves.

So, if anyone is still reading this who has gone through this, Obviously, the more excited you get, the stronger your erections are. Should I be having the Mrs help me with that part of it nightly? It's going to sound shady as hell asking her, but I have this dumb theory that if I'm trying to force more blood to the erection, it would only help with getting things back to normal.

Mikel7 · « **Reply #106 on:** March 31, 2021, 12:40:41 PM »

Amazing results just after 2 weeks! I'm sure Dr Levine will love to hear this also! Please don't push yourself too fast. I'm sure it is a relief to experience the result you are getting.

Mike

Curvekiller94 · « **Reply #107 on:** April 04, 2021, 10:51:33 PM »

How is your pain level post surgery?

Daremo · « **Reply #108 on:** April 06, 2021, 12:20:45 PM »

Quote from: Curvekiller94 on April 04, 2021, 10:51:33 PM

How is your pain level post surgery?

The first 2 weeks are rough of course as expected. It's painful, but not horrible. It's a deep throbbing discomfort and medium pain. Once the first couple of weeks pass, and healing really starts to take hold it's more about sensitivity and discomfort.

Almost 8 weeks since surgery, I still have discomfort. It's the sensitivity on the head, which IS getting better. The grafting area isn't bad, surprisingly. The "Pain" is all around the incision site. I didn't expect that area to be the worst of it all, but it is. I think it has everything to do with nerves and needing time for that to heal.

All in all, total pain, on a scale of 0 to 10... Week 1: 7. Week 2: 6. Weeks 3-6: 5. Weeks 7-8: 4. It's getting better and better.

Being inpatient like I am, Im frustrated 8 weeks out, I thought I'd be further along in healing, but I have to keep reminding myself, this is a process, and not a race. I started traction only 2 weeks ago so I have 2.5 months more of that before me.

Mikel7 · « **Reply #109 on:** April 06, 2021, 02:39:51 PM »

Patience....You are not 17 and healing takes time.

Daremo · « **Reply #110 on:** April 07, 2021, 01:01:06 PM »

8 Weeks Post OP:

Today is 8 weeks. For the most part, swelling is down. Maybe 15% remains in the incision area. 2 weeks of traction, at 3 hours per day. This isn't bad. I expected much worse discomfort, but it's tolerable. Sensitivity of the head is better. Still hyper sensitive but calming down more and more. The graft area is pretty solid. From what Ive read, this could take a full 12 months to soften.

Things I noticed: I'm still at about 80% for full erections. It's usable, with caution. The area that had the hinge still feels like a weak spot. It can bend in that same spot, not hinged, but weakened. It causes fear of re-injury to use it, so I've decided to hold off for a few weeks, to allow more healing. The last thing I want is to have to go through this a second time.

Over all after 8 weeks, I'm healing up. It can get frustrating being impatient. I want faster results, but I know this isn't a race. At only 2 months in, I'm better then I was before the surgery. Less pain, no bend in the erection, so now I keep doing what the Dr says to do, and healing up, and hope that 80% turns into 100% in the coming months!

Mikel7 · « **Reply #111 on:** April 07, 2021, 01:15:07 PM »

Good news! You won't have to go through this a second time.

john.doe.550 · « **Reply #112 on:** April 07, 2021, 11:00:01 PM »

Daremo, yours is a really great story. You're brave, too. Thank you for sharing your story. You're going to be in tip top shape soon.

Pfract · « **Reply #113 on:** April 08, 2021, 11:46:03 AM »

Encouraging news Daremo! Here's hoping you keep healing and have a good outcome!

Daremo · « **Reply #114 on:** April 14, 2021, 03:05:00 PM »

9 Weeks Post Op:

9 weeks today. Traction is fine, 3 hours every night. Very minimal discomfort while doing traction.

Overall discomfort and pain... Still deep throb occasionally in the graft area. Since most swelling is gone, the graft area while doing traction is visible. It's solid, looking forward to it softening a bit, possibly aiding in gaining length back.

Still now, the most discomfort / pain is in the incision area and what I believe to be internal stitches at the incision site. I think they must stitch the incision to tissue inside, and not just skin to skin. The stitch knots is what I feel and I believe to be the source of 75% of my discomfort. Im wondering if when all is said and done, I might need to go in and have these removed inside.

I have not attempted to have sex since the last time we tried. I'm not confident in the stability of the erections. I still can't get things above 80% full, even with Cialis. I CAN use it, but for now, it's more mental. Im worried about hurting myself again, which also makes it difficult to maintain the erection thinking about it, so I'm waiting a bit to try again. More time, more healing, just hoping it gets better as I heal over time.

john.doe.550 · « **Reply #115 on:** April 16, 2021, 01:01:38 AM »

Daremo, the continuous detail sharing you've undertaken are greatly appreciated. Thank you. There are more than a few forum readers interested in how it goes for you. Wishing you maximum success.

Daremo · « **Reply #116 on:** April 22, 2021, 12:22:31 PM »

10 weeks, 1 day Post Op

It seems to be at the point where things have slowed down, giving little to report. Swelling is almost completely gone, other than a small bit of tissue around the incision. Traction is fine, and sensitivity is about the same. Still hyper sensitive but only in the head and incision area.

Still only 80% erection. No better than that, yet.

Other than the same discomfort due to the incision areas sensitivity, and possibly the stitches under the incision, It's moving along.

Daremo · « **Reply #117 on:** April 28, 2021, 12:30:40 PM »

11 weeks Post Op

Absolutely nothing new to report. I feel I'm exactly in the same place I was a week about. Same sensitivity, same 80% erections, same discomfort and still taking Cialis nightly and 3 hours of traction. I'm still waiting to get over this plateau and see something new in healing.

Tortão Pra Direita · « **Reply #118 on:** April 28, 2021, 04:01:37 PM »

Are you able to do VED?

Before my surgery, I was doing VED 2x a day and I was amazed by how it made my erections stronger, especially morning woods.

I think you should try if your doctor allows you. Be very careful in the beginnig.

Daremo · « **Reply #119 on:** April 29, 2021, 04:55:58 PM »

I will ask my doctor about this. Thank you!

Daremo · « **Reply #120 on:** May 06, 2021, 12:57:21 PM »

12 weeks Post Op:

Things are improving in regards to sensitivity and such. It's very slowly coming back. Still not much more to offer at the moment. Erections are decent, but still a "weak" spot where the initial bend was. I still need to ask Dr Levine if VED is OK to try, and if it could help with this. Still the incision area is the main source of my discomfort. I WISH I had a surgery video of my procedure and I might be able to pinpoint exactly what hurts and answer so many of my own questions about where certain things are inside, and why. I think the most frustrating part of this surgery is the follow up, and seeing other team members and not Dr Levine. It's hard to get accurate answers for specific questions.

Mikel7 · « **Reply #121 on:** May 06, 2021, 02:30:07 PM »

Quote from: Daremo on May 06, 2021, 12:57:21 PM

I think the most frustrating part of this surgery is the follow up, and seeing other team members and not Dr Levine. It's hard to get accurate answers for specific questions.

Since you are a patient of Dr Levine you can use the patient portal -->https://uropartners.followmyhealth.com/Login/Home/Index?authproviders=0&returnArea=PatientAccess#!/default . This should allow you to ask a question and get a response in a reasonable amount of time. I have access to my account and all of my billing, etc.....

Daremo · « **Reply #122 on:** May 07, 2021, 03:48:54 PM »

Fantastic information! Thank you!

Daremo · « **Reply #123 on:** May 12, 2021, 01:06:32 PM »

13 weeks post op:

Same story today! Im getting close to being out of the 90 day Cialis supply. I still have not heard back through the patient portal, so I am calling today for a couple of answers. Nothing good or bad to report, just still healing my way through this, with the same 80% I've been dealing with.

Kobegianna · « **Reply #124 on:** May 12, 2021, 03:39:09 PM »

Do you mind posting photos or are you still uncomfortable?

Daremo · « **Reply #125 on:** May 13, 2021, 11:41:48 AM »

13 Week post op update:

I was able to talk to one of Dr. Levine's team members. I discussed several things. 1, the internal stitches and discomfort around the incision area. As I suspected, I shouldn't have this sort of discomfort and pain in that area still. I explained it's the stitch knots, I can feel them on both sides, and they are the source of the shooting pain. I have a in person follow up 6 weeks or so, so I was told to message the area while in traction to help loosen the scar tissue around the stitches, but was told this isn't quite normal. I MAY have to have them removed at some point. Yay.

I asked about the use of a VED device to help bring more blood to the erections and help to strengthen them. I was told NO. Do NOT use a VED device for at LEAST one full year after surgery. It was explained to me drawing to much blood in the graft area could cause blood to get under the graft and force the graft to separate. This is something to try in the future, but not now.

I was also told erection strength might get better still, but it seem likely I may be close to "as is" so we upped the Cialis from 5mg to the 20mg to see if that helps. I was also informed that the "weak" area where the bend used to be is nothing to be worried about, that even if it remains a weaker area, there's no risk of re-injury. This one, I had a hard tome believing. I don't want to take any chances with this.

SO, on the positive side. Sex is doable. I just have to keep it slow and careful. It works, and the promise of my erections being straight are 100%. It's perfectly straight. There's the possibility of improvement, so even if it stays like this, and gets no better, I'm in a better position then I was the day before Surgery. I'd consider things a success with a couple minor hiccups, that can still be worked out.

So far so good, Im still following all directions, traction, Cialis, and so on. The stitch pain isn't unbearable but if I can get these out, and release that discomfort, I will consider that down the line. I'm assuming it would be 2 small incisions, to get them out, and then just some surface skin healing.

I'll consider the photos at some point, as asked in the post above me.

Daremo · « **Reply #126 on:** May 19, 2021, 05:16:56 PM »

14 week Post Op:

Nothing new to report. Just sticking to the routine, and healing. Everything remains the same. I am done with my 5mg of nightly Cialis, and was given 20MG of Cialis to try prior to sexual activity. Haven't had the time to give this a shot yet. Soon I hope.

Tortão Pra Direita · « **Reply #127 on:** June 24, 2021, 10:58:08 AM »

How are you doing, Daremo? Hope everything is going well!

Wilson · « **Reply #128 on:** June 24, 2021, 03:27:21 PM »

Hi Tortao Pra Direita, How do you feel after your surgery in general? Would you recommend it? Thanks in advance. Sincerely.

Tortão Pra Direita · « **Reply #129 on:** June 25, 2021, 12:44:14 PM »

Wilson,
I updated my journal. Take a look!

Wilson · « **Reply #130 on:** June 25, 2021, 08:12:36 PM »

Tortao, Ok. Thanks for reply.

edgar · « **Reply #131 on:** July 16, 2021, 04:20:11 PM »

Any news Daremo? How has your recovery been since May?

Daremo · « **Reply #132 on:** July 17, 2021, 09:22:09 PM »

22 week post op update!

Hey gang! Sorry for not updating more often, but I honestly didn’t have much to add, until now...

I had my 5 month follow up visit, and I had some concerns and questions. Before I get to that, how am I doing?

I’m doing well. The pain level has dropped. I still have some discomfort around the incision area, and some slight numbness in the incision area but overall not too bad.

My erection strength is about 85-90% what it was before surgery. Cialis does help with stronger erections, but its still usable without it, but its a nice to use to give her more normal feeling sex.

So, onto the new development. I have noticed deformation is starting. Its forming almost a slight “S” pattern, where there’s a protrusion in the graft area on the left side, and an indentation on the right side, and when erect, the glans is twisting overall to the left. I’m still straight(ish) and its totally usable, but the deformation is a deflating to say the least.

At my follow up, I saw one of Dr Levines associates, who checked everything out, length is slowly coming back, gained a half inch, and she told me not to panic about the deformation. She feels its the healing, and in a few more months the graft will soften more, and it should straighten out. She said it would be an anomaly if it didn’t. Well, with my luck, it wont heal right. Haha

I have a follow up in November with Dr Levine himself, IF I need it. Meaning, if the deformation doesn’t work itself out with healing and continued traction, then I see him in November, they will induce an erection and I’ll get everything scanned and checked and we’ll talk options then. If I feel I’m good, I can just cancel the appointment and I’m good to go.

If it gets no worse then it is, I think I can live with it. It works, she’s happy, I’m not in pain... I’m hoping it gets better in time.

SO I ask anyone who has gone through this... Is deformation during healing normal, and did yours get better with time as I WAS TOLD? I have this feeling I’m going to end up seeing him in November and a second surgery may be needed to fix this. God, I hope I’m wrong.

To answer a couple questions above:

I’m doing well. Not perfect, but much better than before surgery. I would absolutely have the surgery again, so if you’re on the fence, and weigh the risks, and go to a reputable expert in the field, it’s made my sex life enjoyable again. I do have a mental block of hurting myself again, so sex is different than it was. I take things slow, and less aggressive then I did. Not sure ill ever get over that, but hey, I can have sex with my own erection.

The thing I was reminded of from the follow up visit, and its a good thing to beat in your head in case you are considering the surgery, you will NEVER be the way you were pre peryonies. Things will feel weird, foreign, and you’ll constantly be comparing things post surgery to before. Impossible to not, but keep it in mind. You wont be the same, but if its successful, you will be fixed to a point where it’s usable. I’m sure in time it will be “normal” to me, but I will have 7 months more of healing.

Wilson · « **Reply #133 on:** July 18, 2021, 04:38:40 AM »

Daremo, Thanks for your update and input. We waited you. So, that’s all what Mr Levine can do for all of us? I know that he is not a magician, but I expected more from him. I don’t really know and a bit in doubts now - will this Demon’s disorder forever be removed by a specialist surgeon!? However, Thanks for reply and Happy for you.

Mikel7 · « **Reply #134 on:** July 18, 2021, 07:05:50 AM »

Thanks for getting back and updating! I also see Dr Levine and if I feel comfortable with his judgements.

Jack1909 · « **Reply #135 on:** July 19, 2021, 12:30:39 PM »

Don't wanna be harsh on you but a second surgery would mean worsening Erectile Dysfunction almost surely, so do not rush into it whatever the Doctor says.

Daremo · « **Reply #136 on:** July 21, 2021, 08:23:24 PM »

Quote from: Wilson on July 18, 2021, 04:38:40 AM

Daremo, Thanks for your update and input. We waited you. So, that’s all what Mr Levine can do for all of us? I know that he is not a magician, but I expected more from him. I don’t really know and a bit in doubts now - will this Demon’s disorder forever be removed by a specialist surgeon!? However, Thanks for reply and Happy for you.

This disease is very frustrating. Since there’s no cure, and it’s damaging, and we’re all seeking for a miracle worker to save us. Dr. Levine did exactly what he said he would. He straight into my dick. I was warned from everybody at the doctors office from my very first visit, that I would never be the same before the disease again. My normal would be a new normal. The surgery in my eyes was a success. It did exactly what it was supposed to. My healing is going well, my only concern now is this new deformation, and I can’t blame the doctor for that because for 4 1/2 months it was straight. I don’t know if my body is not healing correctly, I don’t know if the graft didn’t heal correctly, I don’t know if in another two months everything will straighten out and I will be completely straight again. All I can do is wait, trust the doctor, he has not steered me wrong yet.

Daremo · « **Reply #137 on:** July 21, 2021, 08:27:39 PM »

Quote from: Mikel7 on July 18, 2021, 07:05:50 AM

Thanks for getting back and updating! I also see Dr Levine and if I feel comfortable with his judgements.

I do too. Very much so. My only frustration is, I have not seen him since the surgery. All of my follow ups have been with his associates.

Quote from: Jack1909 on July 19, 2021, 12:30:39 PM

Don't wanna be harsh on you but a second surgery would mean worsening Erectile Dysfunction almost surely, so do not rush into it whatever the Doctor says.

I already thought of that, and trust me the last thing I want is another surgery. I am hoping that this either gets better, or doesn’t get any worse. If it doesn’t get worse, I could live like this. No problem, it still works, she still pleased, it’s hard enough to compare to the way things were before the disease. But if this is how I have to live the rest of my life, I can live the rest of my life happy. If it gets worse, then we talk about a second surgery. I’m hoping not to get there.

Wilson · « **Reply #138 on:** July 22, 2021, 07:49:28 AM »

Daremo, Thanks for reply. So, you are saying that there is no cure? What do you mean by that? Pills etc? I know that there is no magic cure pills. But, what about surgery? I know, it is makes a member straight again. But, what the real point of the surgery? Does the successful surgery cure peyronie by golden hands of the surgeon? What Mr. Levine says related to this issue? Thanks in advance. Sincerely. (Don’t delete this message as I replied on Daremo’s message to me)

Daremo · « **Reply #139 on:** July 23, 2021, 12:42:07 AM »

Quote from: Wilson on July 22, 2021, 07:49:28 AM

Daremo, Thanks for reply. So, you are saying that there is no cure? What do you mean by that? Pills etc? I know that there is no magic cure pills. But, what about surgery? I know, it is makes a member straight again. But, what the real point of the surgery? Does the successful surgery cure peyronie by golden hands of the surgeon? What Mr. Levine says related to this issue? Thanks in advance. Sincerely. (Don’t delete this message as I replied on Daremo’s message to me)

Hey Wilson, I mean once you get Peyronies, there’s no medicine to reverse the effects. The surgery only corrects the damage that the disease has done. I’ve been told it’s unlikely to happen again, but anything is possible I suppose. One the damage sets in, all you can do is basically get surgery to make your erections straight again, and that comes with risk as well as you needing to lower your expectations. Once the disease causes it’s damage, even with surgery, you will never be the same again. Period. A reputable doctor can make you straight, and by removing the scar tissue and plaque buildup, remove the pain, it still won’t be what you had before the damage. This is the hardest thing for us to adjust to. I was very happy with my erections. Strong, straight, and no complaints from the ladies. Where my fiancé now tells me after surgery, sex feels normal to her, and she’s satisfied, it’s still not normal to me. This is a mental hurdle I need to get passed. And I will. I have no choice.

My best advice... don’t look for miracles. Just look for a new normal. As long as it’s straight, and pain free, and you can use it sexually, then it’s a complete success. It may never be as long, or as hard as it was, but it’s better the. Painful and unusable. Dr Levine never gave me false hope or expectations. He was honest with me, and he did what he said he could do. When my procedure was supposed to take 45 minutes, and it took 3 hours, and he said it was much more extensive then he thought, I figured I was in trouble, but honestly, I’m happy with the results. I’m still healing, and anything could change in the next 7 months, but right now, my sex life is back to “normal” and we just adjust to the new normal. Find a good doctor, trust him, keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll come out of this happy!

Wilson · « **Reply #140 on:** July 23, 2021, 04:28:56 AM »

Daremo, Thanks for detailed answer. Now, I got you. I will try to be a realistic, even though - it’s very hard. Many Thanks for the concern. All the Best. Sincerely.

howtheheck · « **Reply #141 on:** December 30, 2021, 07:41:00 PM »

Daremo, I finally got around to reading your journal from start to finish, it seemed like things are slowly getting better and your mindset is very positive. You did mention that The Dr. said you should visit in November for some of your lingering issues if they are still around by then. I know you have not visited the site in a while, but I am hoping that is because everything has worked out. Either way since I spent the last 10 minutes just reading your journal, I feel like there are a few pages left to read:). If you get back on at some point....I and I think others would like to know how you are now.

Daremo · « **Reply #142 on:** July 20, 2022, 11:10:18 AM »

Quote from: howtheheck on December 30, 2021, 07:41:00 PM

Daremo, I finally got around to reading your journal from start to finish, it seemed like things are slowly getting better and your mindset is very positive. You did mention that The Dr. said you should visit in November for some of your lingering issues if they are still around by then. I know you have not visited the site in a while, but I am hoping that is because everything has worked out. Either way since I spent the last 10 minutes just reading your journal, I feel like there are a few pages left to read:). If you get back on at some point....I and I think others would like to know how you are now.

It's been awhile since I've posted!

So, where am I at? I'd say... 85% back to "normal". The good news, in the attempt to fix the issue, the surgery was a success. My issue, I'm fairly certain the graft shifted inside, likely do to too much tension on the stretching unit. It caused a slight twist to the left, and a tissue lump that moved, so erect, it's still "deformed" BUT straight, and it works for me. SO, I'd consider this a win. It's MUCH better then living with the painful bend. Feeling in the glans and around the incision area is also about 85% as it was. Still a bit dull to the touch.

This was a brutal and looooooong recovery for me. I still have some depression and mental trauma from it all, so Im working on that. It helps to have a partner who understands and isn't fazed by any of it. Going through a hard break up right after the surgery wasn't easy on me either.

Anyway, I'm OK. Not as good as I had hoped, but better then I was post peyronies.

chrisaaa7 · « **Reply #143 on:** July 20, 2022, 02:15:09 PM »

Congrats man! I’m happy you find your surgery a success and you ended up with a good outcome. I hope that everything continues well for you.

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Author Topic: Excision and Grafting (PEG) surgery with Dr Levine: JOURNAL (Read 10353 times)