Psychological issues and Peyronie’s Disease

[Stepone]

So this is my question. How have you handled all the physical manhood threatening issues psychologically?  Having Peyronie's disease is a real challenge to our manhood. Who do we blame for this disease? Is it our fault? Is it the reason for issues with our spouses/lovers/friends?
I have made it through this, but over the years, it seems I have had various people discuss this issue with me personally and I am wondering if this is something we should be discussing openly?
I am not saying that everyone wants or should air their very private psychological issues, but perhaps some of us could discuss how the disease has impacted their lives, spouses, partners, friends, etc.
Let me start by saying I discussed my Peyronie's disease with all my brothers and sisters. Interestingly enough, I got no questions, just a "I hope this works out for you".
I thought it odd, as I really thought I would at least get a question from my older brother that told me had penis issues.
My spouse has been great, but I wonder how many of us receive support if we share "our secret".
I have many stories about when I have told a surgeon I have an implant... and their reactions.
I also became depressed as I felt I was losing my manhood. I am thankful I was prescribed an antidepressant by my urologist and was suggested to exercise more and start on testosterone replacement because of low testosterone.
I hope we can continue to share not only our physical, but also our psychological issues.
StepOne  

[Sonic]

Constantly up and down. I have a suspicion that urologists at least in half of cases wrongly diagnose people with Peyronies when they actually have corporal fibrosis. Peyronies is an injury to the tunica, really makes no sense for so many guys to develop advanced Erectile Dysfunction. Why would people get agressive Erectile Dysfunction if only the tunica is damaged? It makes much more sense that the corporal chambers/tissues have been damaged. Most likely corporal fibrosis can also create symptoms like narrowing/dents.

By far the worst part of this whole ''disease'' is the Erectile Dysfunction issues and loss of girth etc which causes penile instability. Based on most posts I've seen this is what bothers men the most. When I had noticed a curve at the start of my journey I really wasn't that down, but once the Erectile Dysfunction began is where it all went downhill.

Personally, it will be a pshycologically up and down battle for the rest of my life. It might be a little better if I get significant improvement but even then the thought of reinjuring onseself will always be there, and if I one day opt for the implant route I know I will still be very down about the fact that I will never get natural erections again.. But I'll never let this condition get the better of me, I'll keep going and fighting daily and I suggest everyone does the same.

[Stepone]

Sonic, I hear you loud and clear. I did not experience any penis issues until I was in my late 50's and that was a trauma I had to deal with on my own.
The good thing now, is that penis issues are more out front, but finding a good urologist is difficult and frustrating. Particularly frustrating is when the urologist will say, it doesn't look too bad and if you can get erections 50 percent of the time, that's not too bad.
That is crazy and dehumanizing.
The only truthful thing the first 4 or  5 urologists told me was it will most likely get worse.
Please don't use any needles to give you an erection. The urologist that did my implant told me, that had caused some of the damage to my penis.
This site, Hawk, and others gave me lots of information and helped me through all these issues.
I hope you will learn from this site and never hold back on questions because you think they may be too sensitive.
I am no longer worrying about my implant and my "natural" erections. Time has cured me of that. Now pumping up to have sex seems so normal.
Best wishes
StepOne  

[Hawk]

I read these posts quickly so I might have missed some points, but:

Peyronies Disease can cause Erectile Dysfunction because, depending on where the scar tissue is located, it can cause venous leak.  Penile veins lie close to the surface of the tunica. If tunica scar tissue is next to any vein, then the erection cannot constrict that vein.  Think of driving over a curb with a hose lying on the street parallel and close to the curb.  The hose will be protected from constriction by the curb/scar tissue.  The open vein drains the blood from the penis, and the entire erectile process collapses.

I am happy to discuss my psychological journey and struggles openly, but the proper place for that is the Psychological Component board.  I will say here that I find it an utter waste of time trying to figure out who to blame.  How does fixing blame help any aspect of this or any other struggle?  Where does the notion come from that blame even exists for Peyronies Disease anymore than it does for a lightning strike or a diagnosis of MS?  Generally speaking, I think expending psychological energy on placing blame means that you have less energy to direct toward solutions.  If I had spent time trying to place blame, I would have never had the mental energy to start this forum.

[Sonic]

Peyronies Disease can cause Erectile Dysfunction because, depending on where the scar tissue is located, it can cause venous leak.  Penile veins lie close to the surface of the tunica. If tunica scar tissue is next to any vein, then the erection cannot constrict that vein.  Think of driving over a curb with a hose lying on the street parallel and close to the curb.  The hose will be protected from constriction by the curb/scar tissue.  The open vein drains the blood from the penis, and the entire erectile process collapses.

That actually makes a lot of sense. Never been explained to me like this before. Very interesting.

[MRFOOTBALL101]

StepOne I admit I'm separated and started drinking heavily again my soon to be ex gave me no support and it caused me years ago to hurt myself more by putting weights during the chronic stage and caused a penile fracture. I had 2 surgeries and a rigid implant, and it still wasn't enough. So, find a good head doctor if need be and try not to self-medicate.


The quote was removed by the administrator.  Per rules, do NOT quote entire posts.

[Stepone]

Football guy,
I hear you.
Yes, there are so many internet snake oil treatments, I think some guys injure themselves and make things worse.
When my dick was shrinking and I was using a pump, I think I messed up some of the nerves in my penis, as I
May have pumped too much. I mean tissues and nerves can only stretch so much.
I also agree about not self medicating, it is good to get help.
Thanks for sharing.
 

[Dave1998]

StepOne I admit I'm separated and started drinking heavily again my soon to be ex gave me no support and it caused me years ago to hurt myself more by putting weights during the chronic stage and caused a penile fracture. I had 2 surgeries and a rigid implant, and it still wasn't enough. So, find a good head doctor if need be and try not to self-medicate.

What do you mean the implant and it still wasn't enough?

The quote was removed by the administrator.  Per rules, do NOT quote entire posts.

[curvedcarnivore]

Unfortunately I've allowed this disease to completely ruin my life. I'm trying very hard to cope, and will keep trying, but Unforunately my thinking has been horrible and unhelpful.  

[Stepone]

Curvedcarnivore,
I really feel your pain.
I had to go through 4 urologists, before they even mentioned there was anything they could do at all. The first urologist said nothing could be done.
The second urologist prescribed me a useless prescription, the third suggested penis rings and stretchers. All of this happened over a period of 6 months and a total killing of my sex life.
Fortunately I found the 4th urologist that did some tests, but told me to wait another 3 months, so then I went to a 5th urologist specializing in Peyronie's disease and he suggested injections, then I found a 5th urologist that said he could fix my penis and did a Nesbit that fixed the curve and hinge, but I lost almost 2" and I had venous leak.
As it turned out, I found this site and a lot of information by reading many journals and chats.
This entire journey it took me almost 3 years. It was dreadful, so yes I feel your pain.
I don't know what doctor or surgeon you have seen, but I would definitely check for a high volume implant surgeon and get their opinion.
I don't recall, if you filled in the signature line with your location.
I hope this helps and definitely feel free to pm me if needed.
Big guy hugs
StepOne  

[curvedcarnivore]

Thank you so much.

So, you feel an implant is the only solution and I shouldn't bother with any other surgery?

Also, I'm in Australia.  

[Stepone]

CurvedCarnivore,

Does your penis get hard and stay hard with medications?
If you don't have venous leak and you are only experiencing a curve, I think I would try straightening techniques as prescribed by your urologist.
Many people have had successful treatments without surgery.
For me, because my penis was damaged by the Nesbit surgery and I could no longer maintain erections, the implant was best.
Also do not try injections into your penis to get an erection as they too can damage your penis. One of the urologists suggested this to me too, but the injections did not keep my penis hard and they also were damaging my penis.
I hope this helps.
StepOne  

[Hawk]

If you have Peyronies Disease and your doctor recommends injections for ED.  Get another doctor, and do NOT trust anything he says.  He is a fool and he is taking chances with your only penis.

[curvedcarnivore]

CurvedCarnivore,

Does your penis get hard and stay hard with medications?
If you don't have venous leak and you are only experiencing a curve, I think I would try straightening techniques as prescribed by your urologist.
Many people have had successful treatments without surgery.
For me, because my penis was damaged by the Nesbit surgery and I could no longer maintain erections, the implant was best.
Also do not try injections into your penis to get an erection as they too can damage your penis. One of the urologists suggested this to me too, but the injections did not keep my penis hard and they also were damaging my penis.
I hope this helps.
StepOne

Thanks mate. I have no idea if I have ED or my extreme anxiety is preventing me from getting erections.

As I'm absolutely disgusted in myself which makes getting hard impossible.

However, when I first started taking Cialis I did get hard overnight. But my anxiety has since gotten a lot worse and the erections have stopped.

I'm starting to think I may just have to go straight to an implant after giving traction a year and get this over and done with?

[Stepone]

CurvedCarnivore,
Yes anxiety is dreadful and yes certainly can cause ED.
Since the Cialis worked when your anxiety was less, in my opinion it appears your increased anxiety could be the main culprit.
Focusing on reducing anxiety would seem to be a good choice.
Have you talked with a licensed mental health worker such as counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist?
When I was in my 40's, because of some health and personal issues, I too had erection issues, but with Viagra and counseling, I was able to improve my erections. Most of my problems were psychological and after some time, I no longer needed the Viagra. My urologist prescribed 100 mg Viagra and I would cut them into 4 pieces and take the smaller pieces along with 1 Sudafed to prevent the flushing in my face.
In my late 50's I developed venous leak and then Peyronie's disease.
Sadly penis problems can really damage our personal well being.
I thoroughly understand your disgust, but perhaps I believe your self-disgust could be eliminated with psychological help, which could improve your penis health.
Best wishes and man hugs back to you.
Stay strong and I pray for an improved life for you.
StepOne