Young-ish guy (33) -- Just been diagnosed :(

[silverman]

Hi all, I'll get right to it---

I first noticed something was wrong 2 months ago while taking a shower. For me, the bend in my penis was not gradual- the physical symptoms seemed to manifest out of no-where. After a visit to a specialist, I received the diagnosis that I am in the early stages of Peyronies. I am not sure what caused it, (I certainly never noticed any kind of injury) but I guess it doesn't matter.

I am having a tough time with adjusting to the reality that this is something that is not going to go away very easily. I felt like my life was on a roll before this happened. I just finished graduate school, and I have been working real hard to improve myself in every area and having lots of sucess. It is hard for me to deal with the helplessness that i feel with this disease.

I am currently in a relationship that I am not super happy in. My GF is a fantastic person and a wonderful friend, but after 4 years I have to face the fact that I am not in love with her and probably never was. Before the diagnosis, I had planned to break up with her in the most gentle way possible. After receiving my diagnosis I am afraid to.

My girlfriend is understanding and loyal and I know that that this condition is not a deal breaker for her. I am afraid to sacrifice what I have and reenter the relationship marketplace with this horrible handicap. How the hell am I going to explain this to potential partners? Am I going to have to deal with this for the rest of my life?

I feel like all of the confidence that I have worked so hard to build is now shot over something that I have no control over. Quite frankly, I feel stuck and depressed. I keep telling myself that there are people that have to deal with cancer and other life-threatening diseases and that I am lucky by comparison-- but I still can't stop feeling sorry for myself and being pessimistic about my outlook.

I would love to hear from people who have had success with treatment, to hear that there is hope that I can get this sorted out, or just a a pep talk and words of encouragement. Please help.

[LWillisjr]

What symptoms do you have?

Pain?
Degree of curvature?
Erection quality/rigidity?