Tomorrow w/ Dr Levine - MN71's Implant Journal

[MN1971]

Well... after the shots, the 6 months with the Penimaster, and the Pentoxifylline 400Mg Er Tablets... my bend went from 52 degrees to I believe he said 63... I hope I am not way off in my description.
He suggested a penile implant... said it really was best course of treatment.

I have lost size, mentally has shaken me, and am worried what would be next.

Still I hesitated with the implant... I decided, with the unwavering support of my wife to go ahead and do it.  

Tomorrow morning I need to be at the outpatient surgical center @ 6am for the penile implant.

I have to say I am nervous.  I have had a number of major surgeries in my life but this one mentally has been the toughest.  

Thanks for listening.   I look forward to reading suggestions to help thru surgical and mental process!

Anyone have any advice?  Suggestion for pain control?  Hell any suggestions or "things I should do"
Would greatly appreciated.  

[Hawk]

Wow MN,  You have been pretty silent.  Most of us are just meeting you for the first time.  I have no clue what your age is or your back story.  I'm sure your surgery will be over before you ever read this.

We wish you the best and hope that you honestly post about your journey.  Not just so we can help you and celebrate with you but so you can help countless other men who lurk and read this forum.  I think this will be a huge mental and physical boost after a couple of weeks of wonder what in the hell you have done.

Best Wishes
Hawk

[Mikel7]

I concur with Hawk.  We wish we could of known more regarding your circumstances. Please keep us informed of your recovery. All the best!    Mike

[MN1971]

Little background...   I just turned 50 last month.  Have always yoyo'd weight wise. Type 2 diabetic though much better regulated these days than on my 20's and early 40's

Not sure what other info can help...

[Hawk]

Again, we wish you the best.  I filled out your signature line that appears under your posts and Private Messages.

There is additional info that makes a difference in your recovery and operation of the implant.  It would help us help you and help you help other men.
1. How extensive was your Erectile Dysfunction, and when did it start?
2. Brand and model and size of implant include whether you have rear tip extenders?
3. Was it placed through an incision in your scrotum or in the fat pad above your penis?
4. Did you only have one incision?
5. Were you sent home TOTALLY deflated or inflated?
6. What are your discharge instructions concerning baths, cycling, etc.?

The best immediate advice I can give is; do not let the pain get ahead of you in the first couple of days.  That means if you have pain, take your pain meds as prescribed.  Do not wait until you are in a lot of pain.  Spend as much time as you can laying flat, maybe even a flat pillow under your butt when laying down, so your genitals are the highest part of your body.
Use cold to reduce swelling.
Every time you take a prescription pain pill, take a stool softener.  You do NOT want to deal with constipation now, and pain killers cause constipation.
Drink lots of water.

When you sit, do NOT sit on a fluffy soft pillow.  It will push up worse on your scrotum than a hard surface.  The best solution for sitting is to roll up a bath towel and bend it in a "V" shape.  Put the point in the middle of the "V" at your tail bone.  Each side of the "V" extends down each leg.  This keeps the pressure totally off of your scrotum.  If you had a scrotal approach, that will be the most tender part of your body.

Keep us updated.

Hawk

[Tortão Pra Direita]

Good luck, man! Wish the best

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 0

Thank you for all info Hawk!   I am literally in recovery.  This SUCKS!  
I had a gastric bypass in 02; a revision in 09, incisional hernia and abdominal wall recon in October of 2020... and lemme tell ya- this pain is way worse!! Holy crap.  

Nurse gives me 5/325 norco; that stuff can kick rocks. I told him what my  pain doctor outside of here subscribes and what they gave me post abdominal wall recon surgery...

Hawk to answer some of your questions as to help you help me:

1. have had Erectile Dysfunction for @ least 10 years.  Have tried all the different pills with success.  The last 3 or 4 years I could only operate when I took @ least 400 mg of viagra or 40-60mg of levitra.  
2. Levine said I am getting the Titan.  Rear tip extrenders???  
3. Not sure about those incisions.  Being I am sitting here in recovery. I will ask.
4. Sending me home semi inflated.  Going back in tomorrow to have drain removed
5.  No showering until Saturday

He mentioned something about a partial circumcision incision?  Which i didn't understand being circumcised as an infant...     I will defin run thru these questions before I leave.

Their trying to get me to. Urinate.... loading me with fluids....  ain't helping.    Eventually I will I am sure.      

[MN1971]

So please keep in mind I can be the patient from absolute hell.   I mean like a 6 year old ... not dealing with pain very well.  They pushing to get me outa there. Wouldn't let me go until I went pee'd

I explained I haven't had my Flomax or rapaflo in 14 hours so I hypothesized the reason for my drippiieness and lack of being able to go...,,,that $hit went in one ear and out the other of my recovery nurse who I am sure was as flustered as I was.  6 bottles of water and 3 cups of coffee and I final was able To get something out

doctor said the plaque wasn't as bad as they thought. Curvature which I previously described was brought down to @ 20degrees with implant and molding.   I am guessing that is positive as well

I go in tomorrow 1pm to see Doc.

Thanks for listening.... I painted a not so flattering portrait of myself.  For that, I also apologize.
-Me  

[MN1971]

I am home resting anytging but comfortable.  Dr spoke to my wife as  I was pretty much out of it post op.

Quite painful even with the meds in my opinion.  Hardest thing right now is urinating.   I am on hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure which makes me urinate every hour and also flomax for the ole' prostate... imagine that after a surgery like this... drainage is consistent (40-50ml's) every-time I go too.  Keeping the wrap and undergarments dry is impossible.  From sitting or standing thddd doesn't seem fro be a more comfortable way to go.

I am all wrapped up and Dr L said he left me with half an erection... doesn't seem like it but I have an appointment tomorrow @ Rush 1pm and I am sure will get more feedback.

I am wondering if there is protocols I will get for this... thus far all I have heard is I am going to be off my feet for a number of weeks.

Gotta run to the little boys room again!  

Thanks for letting me share.  Takes the stress and edge off  

[Hawk]

My grandson drove me to SAM's club where I rode a cart on day 3 but I walked across the parking lot and climbed stairs in my two-story house so you certainly should NOT be off of your feet for weeks.

By the way, Rear Tip Extenders RTE's are non-inflatable tips put on the end of the implant if you are between sizes.  They have some influence on the positioning of tubing angle of erection etc.
You should know the size of your implant and how many if any RTE's you have.

MN, I know people have different approaches.  I consume huge amounts of information.  I read several implants journals and talked to men with implants prior to my surgery.  You are fortunate that you at least have a very good surgeon.  As a result, you will likely do well silently slipping in unnoticed by the forum to get your implant.  I would recommend however that you pick a journal or two to read.  It is time-consuming but well worth it.  It helps you know what to expect and helps you gauge where you are compared to others at the same point post-op.  If you maintain regular updates on this journal it will be listed in the index for other men to learn from for years,

Here is an index of some journals that are fairly complete.
Implant Journals:
Here is a highly recommended resource to those considering and those recently receiving an implant.  While they seem to be extensive reading, they are well worth the time since every man is different and experiences vary.  Some have Erectile Dysfunction with or without Peyronies Disease.  Some have a deformity only and no Erectile Dysfunction.  Some had prior surgeries such as grafting or Nesbit procedure then had an implant. Some had Titan implants and some AMS implants.  Their ages vary from 28 to 80 at the time of implant.  They had varying periods of sexual dysfunction ranging from months to decades. Some had a scrotal approach while some have a public approach.  Some psychologically adjusted to their implant immediately and some had doubts during recovery. The biggest difference might be the variety of surgeons.

The biggest similarity is that every one of us wishes we had opted for the implant surgery even sooner.
Anon's Implant Journal - 34 yrs old, 50-degree curve, no Erectile Dysfunction Titan, Dr Haaky, Atlanta
Cold Brews Implant Journal - 22cm Titan, Dr. Lentz, Duke University
Curved's Implant Journal - Titan, Dr. Eid
FloppyNoMore's Implant Journal -Titan,  Dr. Eid
Hawk's Implant Journal - Live Now in Penile Implant Surgery - Titan, Dr Eid, awake during surgery
Hereiam Implant Journal- 28 yrs old, Titan, Dr. Eid
JackP's implant Journal - The first and oldest implant journal on the forum, AMS-LGX, Dr. Milam
Merrix's Implant Journal - The Ultimate Complete Word on Implant Journals- A Must Read - 42 yrs old,Titan, Dr Eid
P-Diddy - Another Implant Journey- Titan, Dr. Eid Experience with several women where the implant was both revealed and kept secret.
Roddy's Implant Journal - From 90 Degree bend to straight - Deformity only, no erectile Dysfunction, Titan, Dr. Mike Fraser - Glasgow
Stepone's Implant Journal - Titan, Dr. Lentz, Duke University
SteveW's Implant Journal, 20 Years of Peyronies - AMS with RTE's , Dr. Etai Goldberg, Saint Louis, MO
SW01 Implant Journal - Titan, Dr. Campbell, Cincinnati
TDix's Implant Journal - 46 yrs old,Titan, Dr Faysal Yafi, Orange, CA,
Tomas' implant journal - AMS CX, 80 yrs old, Dr Avila

[MN1971]

Thank you Hawk!

I was up most of the night reading everyone's experiences.

I go in @ 1pm today and have a list of questions.
Will share when I get back

M

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 1

Saw PA and removed bandaging... talked wound care... she didn't know the size of the implant... said to call back next week.  That was it literally.  I asked about protocols- using device... ya know looking for some education on what's going on.  Seems my only focus now is wound care and taking it easy for a couple weeks.  

Now I will rely on the members...is this similar to your situations?

[Hawk]

When I left the hospital I was given a paper that came with my implant containing the make, model, size, and serial number.  I was also given an actual-size model of the pump in my scrotum so I could familiarize myself with the layout and feel.  I was given Dr. Eid's cell phone number and told I could call after-hours and on weekends with questions or concerns if I did not want to wait to call the office.  I used that cell phone number more than once in the next two weeks and was always talking to my surgeon within minutes.

How many incisions do you have and what is the location?

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 1

Hawk-
Your surgeon is defin more accessible than Dr L.    I think Dr L is fantastic.  Don't  get me wrong... I though his PA shoulda had that info.  I keep looking for the post surgical notes on the my chart...  
I have one circumcisional incision under the glan.   Shaping went very well she said.  Said I will be very happy with end result.   Yet I really couldn't get the answers to my questions.

It was get me in, clean me up, remove the drain from my scrotum and send me on my way... I had to slow it all down.  
Said come back in 5 weeks and they would teach me the ways of the device.   Only thing I know is it is a stated on one sheet I have:
Penile prosthesis +2, penile straightening, incision and grafting with scrotoplasty..

Now I KNOW per Dr L said they didn't do the grafting... for some reason they didn't need too and same with the scrotumplasty.  Which the scrotumplasty I thought would make my penis seem larger...  

Left me 1/2 inflated and on my way.  

[MN1971]

Hawk- you commented awhile ago about this:
" It is vital, especially for the larger stretchy penises that inflation and deflation of the cylinders is started as soon as possible in order to prevent healing in a retracted foreshortened state."

"It seems that what he means by keeping the cylinders deflated is to make sure that when you are not performing a post-op cycling to totally deflate the cylinders so the scar capsule around the reservoir form to accommodate a fully filled reservoir (fully deflated cylinders).  Certainly, he is advising against Drs. sending patients home partially inflated for several weeks as some doctors do."

You also mentioned the experience of the Dr... I thought Dr L was among the most respected out there... yet he sent me home partially inflated.

Thoughts or rationale???

If I knew how to deflate this.  I would get to work on it in a week...

I have read so much!  Thank you for all your hard work and sharing!  

[MN1971]

The more I read- the more pissed I get at my situation.  

I asked for my surgical report and notes as well as pre and post op measurements.  

My next appointment where the PA is going to show me how to use the device- scheduled for 10 minutes?!?

I think I am going to start another thread...  continue to comment here on my journey...but....

[MN1971]

Had my inplant with Dr Levine yesterday.   I chose him because he was highly recommended and I researched the heck of all my doctors...

Anyway The more I am here.  The more I read and cross check with my own situation the more questions I come up with

Who has used Levine in the past for the penile implant and what can I come to expect post op education/usage/function with him and his team???

TIA

[Benraycamp0]

@MN1971:

I don't know much about implants, but I will say that Dr. Levine's follow-up appointments are always scheduled for 10 minutes. That doesn't mean yours will end in 10 minutes, if you need more time he'll continue working with you until you are done. They just schedule follow-ups for 10 minutes for god knows what reason.

I will say that I'd hope Dr. L's office would schedule surgical follow-ups to be much longer, but it sounds like all his follow-ups are the same structure.  

[Hawk]

MN, I think your end result is going to be fine.  Doctors differ greatly in their procedures and what has worked for them.  I cannot imagine that I ever said anything about larger stretchier penises needing to be inflated any more than any other penis. Dr. Eid starts cycling at 3 days but will let a patient wait a little longer if he is not up to it.   Between the inflation and total deflation, both scar capsules scar in early to maximum capacity.  

I have to accept, however, that a large number of Dr. Levine's patients are not auto-inflating after the implant from a restricted reservoir capsule, and I doubt they lose any significant size. He is a bright man, and if those things were happening, he would adjust his technique and instructions.  Does it take longer to regain maximum penile size from the delay in cycling?  I don't know the answer, but I am sure you will get there.

So it sounds like you were circumcised for some reason ??  What was that about?

It also sounds like you have a scrotal approach.  Is your scrotal incision verticle on the seam (raphe) or horizontal?

How soon can you sit in a tub of water?

[Hawk]

We have no one on the forum who ever used Dr. Levine for an implant.  

I do not want you to take this wrong, but I am surprised that you were almost invisible before surgery but are very vocal now.  It seems inconsistent.  I would have thought you would have made dozens of posts before surgery and read some member implant journals.

At any rate, I am glad you are more involved at this point.

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 2


Thanks for the left handed compliment.  "It seems inconsistent".  

As with anything... you don't know what you don't know until you find out you don't know!

I didn't know there was this in-depth of a resource.  The advertising for it was less than overwhelming when I did google search originally on the Penimaster 6 months ago.

We're you trying to say it's people's fault for not reading the journals before their surgery?  Of course it is...  if their aware it's available to them.

Now please don't take this the wrong way; imagine someone shy/a newcomer sees your response. That person decides this might not be the place to get support or information... I don't think that's the reaction you want.

[MN1971]

Hawk- surprisingly there isn't a scrotum incision.  Unless I just haven't seen it yet...  he said they didn't have to do the grafting as it wasn't as bad as expected... was able be handled with the implant and molding.  There is no scrotal incision either.   I was pretty out of it when he came and saw me and talked to my wife post...  Tub of water?  I thought it was 3-4 weeks before any type of submersion?  

Thanks again.

[TDix]

You would definitely know if you had a scrotal incision.  Sounds like yours was probably done infrapubic.  I asked my doctor prior to my surgery which approach he took, so I knew going I. What I was gonna get

[Roddy]

Hi MN

Just read this  all now. I empathise with your level of worry and anxiety. I remember it well.

You said in one of your posts that you don't handle pain very well. I would wholeheartedly agree with the advice to STAY AHEAD OF THE PAIN by taking your pain medication as often as allowed to. Don't do what I did and react to the pain. I learned the difficult way by doing that and then when I did stay ahead of the pain it was easy. All my healing was going on over weeks and I was almost pain free, thanks to the pain meds.

It is very difficult for you to realise at this time how wonderful things are going to be in the future for you. Emotionally you will be very fragile for the next couple of weeks, and there will be many challenges ahead, but then you'll begin to see huge improvements and will start to realise how much this whole thing was worth it. You said that you spent the night reading everyone's journals. This is a great start for you as you'll maybe have a sense how, for many, things were difficult after surgery (lots of pain, lack of mobility, doubts, frustration, helplessness etc) but that, in time, there are nothing but fantastic success stories within a couple of months/years.

Good luck, my friend. Ask as many questions of us all as you want to - I certainly did - and the experience and knowledge on here will see you through.  

[Hawk]

MN,   Fair enough, my friend.

We (forum leadership) must understand what is going on with the forum and membership if we are going to be a worthwhile resource. My puzzlement is that you registered in November and were here almost 5 months after registration.  I understand that the written word loses a lot as compared to face-to-face communication.  Please understand that I sincerely have no interest in criticizing.  My interest is in understanding how we might have failed. What could we have done to make a difference, to send you into surgery better informed?  Fortunately for you, the result is likely to be only a little frustration and stress.  You did enough homework that I think was totally independent of the forum that you ended up with a great surgeon.   Many do not and have far worse outcomes.

My question is: Is there anything we could have done differently?  At first, when you posted the day before surgery, I thought you were just one of those men who does not like to communicate or does not get the whole "forum thing."  It is clear that is not the case, so I have to wonder if it was us.

I hope this comes across in the tone and manner it is intended.

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 3

Well I continue to read and learn... I do not have access to hot bathes and DrL said no baths... but a nice hot shower has helped "relax" things in the scrotum a little.   I am hesitant to explore the area... I have read I should have the penis itself in an upward position (laying towards the belly button)... while this is something the PA or DrL hasn't said to do... I figured I would take some of the advice on here... bought some compression underwear and got it upright... OUCH!!! Gotta suffer thru it I guess.

After shower penis and scrotum were extremely dry... I applied some Clinique moisturizer on them both and actually felt pretty good.   One other thing I have noticed is the bruising has diminished some.  

Like everyone has said... each day gets easier.  True... even if in baby steps!

[MN1971]

Wow am I sore being upright against my lower abdomen.  

[Hawk]

You can angle into the leg crease on either side.  It does not have to be completely straight up.

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 4

Thanks Hawk- will try that today.

Still sore this AM.

ESP around the incision which is around the entire circumference of the penis.   Been putting neosporin with pain relief on it.   Helps slightly.

Nothing else to report.  One day at a time!  

[Pfract]

Hey MN1971! I have no read anything about anybody using Dr. Levine but he sure is well known for treating peyronies patients and i am eager to know your end result. I hope you are more than happy with the outcome. the forum does have an overwhelming amount of info, so it is easy to miss a lot of info....

Keep us posted sir!

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 5

Thanks PFRact

Worked up last night and my scrotum was itching like crazy!  Got up went potty; which is a major pain in the @$$ from the surgery; my go to to handle any itching is Witch Hazel.  Knowing that it also helps with inflammation and promotes healings. So in my 1/2 awake stupor I poured prob 1/4 of a bottle on the entire area... genius I figured!   No sting no burn and quick heal of the itching.
I am still using the neosporin on the incision...

Other than same pain, I have been keeping up on meds & keep reading all the journals.  They have inspired me. Inspired me to keep keep my chin up per s positive outcome & to report daily.

Best wishes
M

[Hawk]

My guess is that since itching is often a sensation from healing and nerves regenerating at incision points that much of it is a good sign and going on inside of your scrotum.  I am not sure the Witch Hazel will help much but it won't hurt if the incision is sealed.

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 6

For those who don't know

Had inplant 6 days ago.

Doctor did an Circumcisional incision (rather than thru the scrotum) about 1/2 inch below the head of the penis (I am already circumcised) to do implant and also to remove/reshape plaque from the peyronies...

Doctor ended up simply having to reshape thru the implant and molding.  

My question relates to pain and wound care.  I have read a number of the different journals but want to delve deeper into exactly what. I am dealing with TODAY.

Please comment if you had similar experience; same incision and how long was the pain and how was the wound care?  How did Dr close your incision?  He used dissolvable stitches on me.  

Thank you in advance!!
M

 

[Hawk]

Shouldn't this be part of your journal since it relates to your experience with implant surgery?  I will gladly merge it.

I am sure no one else here has a 3 piece implant installed through the shaft of their penis, IF that is what you are saying.  I am very skeptical and/or ignorant that can be done.  Are you saying the ONLY incision you have is around the base of the glans??  I cannot imagine they can install a reservoir simply by degloving the penis.

I think those most likely to have had a similar incision are those who had grafting or TEP like Tortão Pra Direita.

Hopefully, they will comment, BUT PLEASE respond to my question about all incisions so we can better understand.

[Tortão Pra Direita]

I kinda don't understand how, but doctors are able to insert everything through this incision below the glans. It's called subcoronal approach, as far as I know.

On the patient side, the healing is tough. I'm 24 days post-op. The implant is still a bit rigid, and my flaccid penis is pointing at 4 o'clock (I think this angle is normal at this time and it will get better. I hope so).

So there's an incision below the glans and your flaccid is a semi-rigid at this point, right? It's tough to conceal the penis under the pants. You need to point it up (but without pressuring the incision) and wear a sweatshirt to hide it. That's what I'm doing.

Regarding sex... well, I think I'll be able to make sex just after 2 months from now, or maybe more months. Remember, there's an incision below the glans and sex involves a lot of friction.

[Tortão Pra Direita]

Regarding wound care... 3x (sometimes I do 2x) a day I wash it with a chlorhexidine spray, dry it with gauze and then spray an antibiotic on it. Then I make bandages with gauze and Coban.

Regarding pain... if I stay sit down on my char working home-office I let my penis out of my pants. I feel no pain this way.
When I go to lunch or need to leave my house and stay 15~20 minutes with my penis pointing up, I start to feel discomfort around the incision area.

Also, I feel pain (mostly at the base of my shaft) after releasing my penis from pointing up. I think this is probably caused by the incisions my penis received.

The doctor used absorbable stitches to close the incision. I don't know if all, but some stitches are coming out.



PS: this is how it's made. I don't have the stomach to watch it, but if anybody wants to see it..
https://auau.auanet.org/content/v3-04-subcoronal-approach-inflatable-penile-prosthesis-placement-modified-no-touch-technique#:~:text=The%20subcoronal%20approach%20allows%20for,a%20modified%20no%20touch%20technique.

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 6

Hawk-
There is NO other incisions... I have found the pump and from the discussion with PA... it's the 3 part Titan... now they have still not answered my emails... been 3 working days and the weekend.
I don't hear from them tomorrow I am going to explode on them

I am pretty salty today...tired of being in pain.

Finally got my measurement stuff from the PA

Not that I really understand... and. I feel like an moron NOT asking more questions before hand abs simply trusting the doctor.  Again, the problem being, and am sure for a lot of men, discussing this is probably pretty difficult.    I told him I wanted "length and girth i had before all this started".  
Being I don't go back in for another month I do not want to stew about this...  I should be accepting and happy we fixed an issue for my wife and I.

Ok
Colloplast Titan
22cm
3cMRTE

All done thru the circumcision incision.  
I asked how the heck did you get three pieces thru there.. she said when it was rolled down it's quite a task but could be done...  well lemme tell ya... maybe that's why I am so sore down there.

Lesson learned-

GET ALL THE DETAILS OF THE SURGERY BEFORE THEY DO IT!!!  

[Hawk]

I had to laugh at " I don't have the stomach to watch it,".  Not because I thought it was strange but because I completely understand.

It was difficult to watch.  I had to disassociate myself from seeing it as a penis or anything related to a body.  I found it interesting and educational.  Now we have guys with all 3 approaches.

Did either of you have drains?  if so, where did they enter the body?

[Hawk]

There are many of us here with 22 cm Titans.  What size were you hoping for after surgery and what was your size the week before surgery?

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 6

The PA didn't share any of those things... guaranteed I get them @ week 5.   She is mailing my surgical notes and report this week.   Our family company has done medical case management for injured workers for 35 years... my mother owned the company and usually accompanies pre surgical visits with whomever because she speaks the lingo.. this medical case though I didn't find bringing her was appropriate!  Hahahahahahahaha


I too just watched the video literally!!!!. I was swear. I couldn't believe it!   And does explain a lot about my pain!   WOW!!  I am going to be seeing that run thru my thoughts for sometime!  

Thank you Mr Tortao for all your sharing!!! Your 18 days ahead in your journey and will be a good foreshadowing for me!  

HAWK- 22cm is  great if that's what it's supposed to be.   I told him to give me the biggest one made. Hahaha. After researching now- that's not 22cm

It's all relative; if it works, we will be happy... and never have to be concerned about things that bothered me in the past.  

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 7

Today is 1 week post op.  Still hurting really good.  ESP around incision and testicles.  Using neosporin with pain relief on incision... using one of those "Boppy" pillows for support of my scrotum. For those that don't know a Boppy pilllw is what woman place  their waist and lay an infant on when they breastfeed.  I turn it around and does help while i sit in a lazy boy recliner.
No signs of infection and bruising subsiding.
Other than that I am in holding pattern: taking it easy, taking prescribed meds, limited activity until I see PA & Dr in 4 weeks.

I am very grateful for others journals of their experiences.  Much of my time is catching up on what i don't know.  It's been an education! For that I am thankful.  

More as things develop... or not!  

Q a

[Hawk]

Usually as you sit on a soft pillow and your butt pushes down the pillow lofts up and presses on your scrotum.  I found it better to roll a bath towel and bend it like a "V" with the point at your tailbone and the two legs of the "V" under your legs.  That lifts your body just enough to take all the pressure off of your scrotum.  

[MN1971]

I cannot seem to get attachment right.

Here is a link if you want to see it.   I have been messing with trying to post for the last hour!
-M

https://www.google.com/search?q=boppy+nursing+pillow&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&sxsrf=ALeKk038fWQihCS6qbwXFLnvblKSNaGarw:1619050554352&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEjampyZDwAhWCJ80KHd_xBO4Q_AUoAnoECAIQAg&biw=414&bih=622#imgrc=s4jLNsedORaHNM

[MN1971]

Question- what and why use RTE's???   Positives?  Negatives???  

[Hawk]

Your cushion serves the purpose.  The only caution is that a "U" works better than a "C" design because the "C" is more open, but if you can configure it to keep the open end from closing in too close to the scrotum, then you are good.

Titan implants come in increments of 2cm's (20,22,24)  AMS/Boston Scientific come in increments of 3cm (15, 18, 21)

I will use Titan as an example.

There is one purpose of RTE's.  That is to get that extra little bit of size if you have one cm of capacity left after inserting the cylinders, but you don't have enough to accommodate the next larger implant, which is two cm longer.

Sometimes surgeons go into surgery without a full selection of sizes 20cm, 22cm, 24cm.  A person having room for a 24cm gets a 22cm with two RTE's.  This causes 2 issues.   RTE,s do not inflate, and they are smaller in diameter than the implant base. Think of a post in a post hole.  If the base is inflated, it fits snug in the hole.  If it does not inflate and is a small diameter and the post hole gets a little enlarged, you will have some wobble in the post.  Your inflated penis may point down rather than up or straight out at 90degrees from the body.  It does not mean it is not functional, but aesthetically men are less satisfied.  If your scar capsule around the base gets slightly enlarged with no RTE, then inflating it still snugs the implant in the scar capsule.

The other issue is that RTE's move the entire implant forward.  This means the junction where the tubes connect to the cylinders moves forward.  The tubes are then less hidden back along the part of the penis shaft in your body.  The tubes can be felt at the visible base of the penis and sometimes even seen in the form of a slight bulge under the skin.

Some surgeons will stack 3 or 4 RTE's.  Dr. Eid never uses more than 1 RTE per cylinder.  In fact, if you are between sizes - say 23.5cm he will try to shave some of the permanent base off of a 24cm cylinder.  So rather than 22 with a 1cm RTE (and .5cm left empty), You would get a shaved down 24cm. You have the most implant you can handle, the tubing junction is well hidden, and most of the tip of the base of the implant that goes in the crus is inflatable and very stable.

I struggle to explain this stuff clearly.  I hope that makes sense.

[Mikel7]

I watched the video, ( after I opened my eyes)  and this procedure is absolutely extraordinary!!   Keep on recovering and thank you for posting your progress.   It is amazing that there are physicians that possess the skill to develop such a technique. To cut, suture, and implant in such a way - just like an architect building a bridge.

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 8

Good morning!  
Hurting again... taking meds as prescribed plus advil...  just gotta power thru.
Have. Pronounced lump at the base, right side of the penis... between the scrotum and the shaft.  Started noticing it yesterday and here today it hurts like hell. If it's still bothering me before end of business will call and try to get in to see Dr that is seeing patients for DrL while he is out of his PA.
Thoughts on what it could be??  It wasn't there pre- surgery?   Obviously it's surgery related.    

[MN1971]

Post-op Day 8


Good morning Implantoneians...

I must be feeling better because mentally I woke up thinking about putting a serious "hurtin'"  on my wifey.  Ya gonna be a long 4 weeks as I hopefully continue to heal.

Pain this AM and last night- much better as I made it a point to stay on top of it.  
As far as wound goes- I am wrapping it gently with non stick bandages and using the "tough wrap" very gently to keep it in place.  On the bandages I am putting neosporin w/ pain relief.   Incision looks really good.  Head and scrotum is still pretty bruised up but shaft looks good.  

This is simply a holding pattern... and I am just enjoying the ride or trying too.  
This is a slow process but I gain. Strength in reading the other journals saying how well worth the entire experience is for themselves and their significant other.

Thanks for being here!
M

[Hawk]

Great to hear the good news.

Although to is great to hear, we all knew you were going to get there.  Consider that you are only 8 days out in a healing and improvement process that takes months to complete.


Hawk
PS: Please always put the period of time post-op in bold at the top of posts.  It is critical if others are ever going to benefit from your journal and see where you were at a specific point in the process.  I fixed prior posts. - Thanks

[MN1971]

Post-op day 10.

Best day I have felt yet.... except when I am walking or standing for any period of time 30 or more... sitting square in bleachers on padding @ my son's football game was rather uncomfortable too.

Seems all stitches have fallen out.. not much more.

Thanks for being here and the support

M