Peyronies Society Forums

Erectile Dysfunction Forum - for all men with ED => Penile Implants => Topic started by: tomas1 on December 21, 2018, 02:33:20 PM

Title: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on December 21, 2018, 02:33:20 PM
At last, some good news.
I just got a call from my urologist's office stating I can probably get the surgery next month.
I also hope to be able to report that things went well. That's my hope.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 21, 2018, 08:47:26 PM
Great news Tomas.  Please gives us more details as you can.  We want to hear from you and stay informed about your journey.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on December 22, 2018, 01:09:16 AM
Hey Tomas! Haven't seen you on the board before, maybe I have missed you? What's your story, if I may ask? Anybody more know in terms of implants that you are planning to go to?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on December 22, 2018, 03:44:26 PM
I was always pretty active on FT mostly about injections. They began to slow down and I had to keep upping the strength of the formula and finally it all quit working.

My wife and I still "had" a pretty active sex life; I guess we averaged 2 to 3 times a week. Not bad for old people.
I approached my urologist, Dr Desiderio Avila in Phoenix about implants back in late October and he seemed pretty enthused about it. He said I'd need pre-surgery approval from a GP and I got that quickly.

After that, I heard nothing and was almost to the point of trying to get an appointment in Baltimore, my hometown. I left there in 1965 so I'm not much of a native anymore. I also left a message to the surgical scheduler and heard nothing back until yesterday, Friday Dec 21.

I figured what the hell, I'll do it. There have to be many competent, non-superstar surgeons out there and I hope he will be one.

We still don't have the date set, but it sounds like sometime in Jan 2019.

It's my real hope that I can report an almost trouble free surgical result. My wife said no pictures but that wasn't going to happen lol. I hope to have the AMS 700 LGX.

Since I have neither Peyronies nor noticeable scarring maybe that will work.
Doc also said he has had success with that one even for guys who are well endowed. I'm somewhere in the average range.

I'll do my best to post updates abd thanks for the support.

Tom
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on December 22, 2018, 06:49:06 PM
Thomas.... I don't mean to undermine your doctor or steer you out your path, but being from Baltimore and not seeing Dr Kramer.... It's like going to Italy and not seeing the Colosseum. Please.... Are you familiar with his work?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on December 22, 2018, 08:35:16 PM
Great news Tomas, please keep us informed as you go along.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 22, 2018, 10:55:33 PM
Tomas,

I completely agree, there have to be a lot of great surgeons out there that are not the superstars.  In addition to that even a mediocre surgeon produces some really good surgeries.  The problem how do we find them mixed in among the surgeons that produce the bad outcomes that are not uncommon?  It is a game of chance and I was always told never to gamble that which I was not willing to lose.  I am kind of with Pfract.  If I had ANY connection with Baltimore I would be in Dr. Krammer's office.  Not sure about Kramer but Eid has you cycling in 3 days and sex in we days.  This is months faster recovery than many doctors.

In any case if you weigh the odds and accept the risk and decide to go local I will be sending you all the best wishes I can muster.  I will be thrilled to get great reports.  Keep us updated.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on December 23, 2018, 11:42:15 AM
Thanks for the well wishes. Since I left B-more in 1965 just about everyone I was close to have either died or moved out. I'm going to put trust in my local guy. He has always been very accommodating of my wishes and I hope this will be the same.

I'm a bit envious of p-diddy's rapid progress and hope for something similar.
I've always been a fast healer and never suffered any infections even with wounds that I handled myself. Not the brightest course but what the heck?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 23, 2018, 12:06:59 PM
Well, keep us up to date all the way with yourself.  We are very interested.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on December 26, 2018, 09:44:19 PM
tomas1, you are amazing. Best wishes to you. Cheers.

Pfract, and Hawk, anyone with balls enough to get an implant at 80 likely can tell his local doctor he can come back and strangle him to death before his burns his office to the ground if he does a half assed job.

Go for it man!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 26, 2018, 09:58:14 PM
I met an 81 yr old in Dr. Eid's office that was in for a check-up.  He had his implant a year.  He said his wife has the Mona Lisa touch procedure and they were like teenagers.  He used his implant 300 times the first year.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on December 26, 2018, 11:12:26 PM
Lol? Mona Lisa touch procedure? Have to google that out. Gimme a sec  8)
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 01, 2019, 10:37:22 AM
Hi again, guys,
Thanks for the positive replies.
Just to update things, my doc's office called and I have a tentative date at Chandler hospital on the 22d of Jan.

I will see him a week earlier and I'll give him a pep talk.
I want him to look back and say it's the best result he's ever had.

I think things will go well since I've always healed my wounds well and have never had an infection (knock, knock).

That was an interesting story about the 81 year old guy. I think I'll have similar results, but my wife usually doesn't like 2 days in-a-row. I think when we finally get it going again we'll use it a lot.


I'll let you know how the pre-op goes.
Tom
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 01, 2019, 02:10:23 PM
Tomas

Please take objective exact measurements before surgery.  If you can get an erection with a VED and a VED band do that.  Press the ruler very firm against the pubic bone and measure to the tip.  Take 3 girth measurements (1. behind the glans 2. Midshaft 3. Very near the base).

If you cannot get a firm erection with the VED or other means than press the ruler very firmly against the pubic bone and stretch the flaccid penis straight out parallel to the floor.  Measure to the tip.  That is usually VERY close to erect length.

Do NOT underestimate this surgery.  I am in excellent health and great shape. It kicked my butt the first two days and was tedious after that for a couple weeks.

Best wishes
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 02, 2019, 05:56:24 PM
I've always been the same size and never lost any length. When I first experienced ED I kept up with the VED.
Now that NOTHING is working, I still use the VED to not lose anything. I can pump to 1/2" more using it, but don't really need the extra 1/2" lol.

Using injections when they worked well I did notice some nice increase in girth, but didn't measure it.

Coming out of the VED I still have a good sized softie, but I think the girth is less than it was with the injections.

Can you tell me why it's important to know the girth measurement?

I hope to get implanted with the LGX and hopefully it will fill me out to where I should be.

Also, I hope to get the peno-scrotal method. I wonder if it will matter that much? My doc said it depends on the patient, but how come? Maybe I'll revisit that with him.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on January 02, 2019, 09:43:11 PM
There are arguments pro and con with both infrapubic and penalscrotal approaches.  For the best outcome, I believe it's most important your doc is very familiar (does regularly and High volume) w the approach they use with you and AND that pumping inflation begins within 3 days of surgery.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 02, 2019, 10:28:17 PM
I would want to know my exact measurements going in to compare them to post op.  I just cannot imagine saying," wow it looks like I gained about an inch or this doctor shorted me 2" I think but I am not positive.  How can you or anyone else on the forum evaluate your doctor if there is no reference point?

I'm not sure what advantages the infra-pubic approach is supposed to have because the only upside I have heard is faster recovery, yet no one has faster recovery than Dr. Eid's patients with penoscrotal approach.  My impression is peoscrotal also gives a better, more concealed routing of the tubing.  Also there is a greater risk of sensory loss.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 03, 2019, 04:42:28 PM
I know I'll have a length benchmark to use after surgery.
As far as girth goes, if I get (and I think I will) the LGX, I should be fine.

Just got a call from the doc's office. I go to the hospital at 5am and surgery is at 7.
No sex till next day. Just kidding of course.

I told the woman who call that I didn't want the doc to drink too much the night before.
I said that to my eye doc before cataract surgery and he didn't appreciate it.

By the way, today I had my last Yag procedure done by a different eye doc.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on January 03, 2019, 10:01:29 PM
Titan provides the most girth.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 12, 2019, 04:26:11 PM
Got a call from surgery scheduler yesterday.
She asked if I was diabetic, No
Asked if I have a cardiologist, No
Asked if I have a pacemaker, No

Asked if I use blood thinners, Baby aspirin
Fish oil, Yes
Vitamin D, Yes

She said stop 7 days prior to surgery and no pain relief except Tylenol
That won't be necessary.

I VEDing each day to keep things going.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 12, 2019, 06:52:31 PM
Through a lot of searching I have never heard of vitamin D being stopped prior to surgery.  To the contrary, vitamin D is frequently recommended because it speeds healing and studies suggest it reduces mortality, and infection.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 13, 2019, 11:39:50 AM
I'll check that out on Wednesday.
It's not a big deal either way for me.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on January 13, 2019, 11:57:23 AM
I've heard both re Vit D and surgery. I lowered my intake before surgery and increased two weeks after...just my own intuitive method of dealing w the conflicting info.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on January 13, 2019, 01:52:17 PM
I have not heard of a vitamin D issue. I've had 22 surgeries and it has never been mentioned and I do take it for bone deterioration caused by my other meds.   Vitamin E was prescribed for me by Dr. Steven Brandes in 2008 and I took it until this year for penis circulation.  Each surgery I was told to stop the E for 2 weeks because it will cause bleeding.  80 and getting an implant. That is something! Cheers.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 13, 2019, 03:51:36 PM
It's funny, but I never really felt old until my bro-in-law who is a week older is more dead than alive and the number 80 gives me pause.

Last year I re-shingled my whole 2k sq ft roof and changed most of the fascia boards, furring, and drip edges.
My wife always helps me on projects, but since I took a dive off a friend's roof 10 years ago, she refuses to go on the roof anymore.


By the way, everything was in slow motion during my dive, but I did break a wrist and got a mild concussion.
Lucky I landed on dirt but it rang my bell.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 16, 2019, 07:30:35 PM
I saw my uro today for my pre-op for my implant on 01/22/19.
He asked if I had any concerns and I gave him several:

Can I get the LGX?
He said he always tries to use it unless there's excessive scarring, or cylinders are longer than 18cm.
I said I've always been 6" and shouldn't have a problem,
He reminded me he wouldn't know the whole length until he measured it all.
I notice that many others here fall into the sweet spot he wants, so that's encouraging.

Can I have the peno-scrotal method?
He said that should not be a problem.
I worry about the tubing routing that some have encountered.

Will I have to stay in the hospital over night?
He said he likes to do that to guard against infection.
I'd feel safer in my own home, but I'll go along.
At least I can get catheter removal and urinary stream monitored that way.

I want you be able to say this is one of your best results ever.
Naturally he agreed with that.

I am to bathe each day with Hibiclens to ward off bacteria. Funny, I can't use it in the genital area.
I guess it at least prevents bacteria in general.

We tried to get the post-op prescriptions at Walmart but they denied the opioids due to the frequency or qty written. I guess it's for the common good like every other restriction put on everyone like TSA, baby formula, and cough meds. I have time for that to be resolved.

This will be my first stay overnight in a hospital since I got my tonsils out 73 years ago.

By they way, I misunderstood the vitamin yesterday. It was vitamin E they wanted stopped, not D.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 17, 2019, 12:16:08 AM
Tomas,  I am almost certain the surgeon intends for you tobwas the genital area with Hibiclens.  Mine did.

It is crucial you find out ASAP.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 17, 2019, 03:29:30 PM
Hawk,
I actually arrived at the same conclusion.
Maybe the restriction was for women to not get it internally.
I'll keep it away from my pee hole though.
Nice to hear support about that and thanks for it.

Wonder if I should do a little "manscaping" before d-day?
Maybe just shorten the hair?

Wonder if I should take my laptop along?
My wife could shepherd it.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 17, 2019, 07:50:40 PM
Tomas,

Dr Eid specified do NOT shave or clip because it promotes bacterial growth.  I am not sure I understand the concept but I followed the instructions.  At this stage for a few days I would be far more concerned about eradicating skin bacteria that could get transferred to the implant during handling than I would about getting Hibiclens in my pee-hole.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on January 17, 2019, 09:39:08 PM
My doc recommended hibiclens for several days before surgery. Also, recommended shaving by surgeon not day or two before.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 18, 2019, 02:31:53 PM
Exactly as Tony said !
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 18, 2019, 03:46:02 PM
OK, no manscaping.
Washed the surgical area with Hibiclens last night and obviously had no issues.

I called uro office about the Percocet and they didn't know anything, but would look into it.
We went to Walmart and only got the anti-bacteria and stool softener.

I over reacted to the pharmacist about the Percocet.
I even said "f-it, I don't care".
My nerves are a bit raw and I can't help it.
If it all gets resolved, I'll apologize to him.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Old Man on January 18, 2019, 07:03:11 PM
Tom:

Yep, that was it. I found your post after I wrote my PM to you. It was listed in the new posts listing in the home page index.

Thanks for all your PMs keeping me up to date on your count down to your surgery soon.

Regards, Bill
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 18, 2019, 07:49:15 PM
Thanks for checking up on me.
I got a call from uro's office, but they hung up before I could answer.
I guess I can go to WM again on Monday to check.

Barb and I took a dry run to Chandler hospital so I know how long it takes to get there.
It took 20 minutes and the parking lot should be empty at 5am.
I hope my doc is an early person.

I  think if she still loved me she would stay in my room all night.
Just kidding, I guess.
She bought me some PJs today and hope she doesn't expect me to wear them at home lol.

I'm curious to see when checkout time is?
I hope it's early, but probably not.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 19, 2019, 03:50:44 PM
Doc's office called WM and straightened thing out.
We went there and got 30 Oxys and I apologized to the pharmacist.
He was gracious and said it was no big deal.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on January 19, 2019, 03:53:37 PM
Sometimes pharmacists get overzealous, mostly there a great underutilized resource re meds, side-effects, interactions, etc.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 21, 2019, 02:45:12 PM
Well, it's on for tomorrow morning.
I really don't like spending a night in a hospital, but I'll handle it.
I assume I'll take my pain, antibiotic, stool softener and some Tylenol along.

Also taking a robe, PJs and slippers.

Don't know how long my wife will hang out, but I guess she can go home for lunch.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on January 21, 2019, 11:12:57 PM
Best wishes. Heals easier than wrists, doesn't get dirt in your teeth like the bell ringing. Cheers.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on January 21, 2019, 11:24:19 PM
Congrats on your surgery, please keep us posted.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 25, 2019, 09:07:10 AM
Sorry so late reporting in but haven't really felt up to it.

Well, I had the surgery on !/22 and it seemed to go pretty well.
I ended up with the 18cm AMS 700 CX with 3.5cm RTE.
Not happy with the choice, but I'll use it someday.

The next day the only discomfort was the damn catheter.
After getting released the next day it seems I get a new pain or discomfort each day.
One that continues to torment me is in the low groin area probably where he opened it to insert the reservoir.

For some reason, my scrotum hasn't swollen noticeably, but my penis did today. I'm icing it.
I'm using the Oxi more than I anticipated. Good thing I got em.

My doc is disappointing me by not giving me any post-op instructions and hasn't even called to check on me.
I will let him know this when I see him.

I also have some congestion that costs me sleep.
I can't wait to start healing.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on January 28, 2019, 09:34:05 PM
200 cc saline?  Are you serious? That sounds excessive. Heal well. 6 days out now, you should see noticeable improvement quickly. Cheers man
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Bubba dawg on January 29, 2019, 06:30:09 AM
I have had 4 Surgeries. No doctor called to check up on me either. So that is normal in my experience. They figure you will call them if you have any problems that are not normal side effects. Glad things went well. Try and focus on the positives. Your still alive and able to have Surgery at 80 years old!!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 29, 2019, 10:56:15 AM
Ali, they put that on the surgery report. They probably didn't need to use all 200cc of it. The note was very sketchy and I wouldn't have seen it unless I asked the nurse if he could find it.

Calling the doc's office is a real pain, but I do wish he would have followed up with a welfare call.
I got called after cataract surgery and skin cancer surgery.

Bubba, as far as being 80, I simply don't feel old. If my wife wasn't as horny as I am, I wouldn't have done it. Last night I thought about trying it out, but cooler heads prevailed. We settled for a nice kiss and some I love yous. We don't do that often enough.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Bubba dawg on January 29, 2019, 03:54:06 PM
Great you both still love sex.. I had a friend who was still having sex in his 90s. How old is your wife?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 29, 2019, 04:29:59 PM
She's 78, I can't recall her ever being sick.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 30, 2019, 04:21:09 PM
I just got around to putting some Neosporin on the sutures and noticed I have a horizontal incision on the scrotum.
My pump is quite happy since it's hanging below my shrunken balls thanks to T shots.

In case anyone has read all this, have any of you had the most discomfort with where the reservoir was pushed through some kind of barrier? Mine is still painful and does require pain meds. It grabs me when I rise from a lounge chair. My wife is able to pull my arm and it doesn't seem to hurt then.

Also, I have no scrotal swelling or bruising. My "snake eyes" decided to seep some clear fluid yesterday and I put some Neosporin on them and they seem to be fine now.

My wife wasn't going to let anyone back east know I had surgery. Today, her sister said she has stage 1 breast cancer and it seems quite treatable. Barb slipped and said I had surgery. When asked why, she said a male thing. I emailed sis-in-law and told all.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 31, 2019, 10:55:17 AM
Day 9 and it seems encouraging.
My major discomfort hasn't shown up today.

The only problem is we are getting quite horny and I notice distinct engorgement of my penis and happily my glans.
That was one thing I was worried about with implant. Barb wants me to resume my T shots.
I told her I don't want to get any hornier. I'll take one today though.

My "snake eyes" also seem just about healed and won't show when it's all healed.
I did put Neosporine on em again today.
I'd like to walk about with it in the air, but don't

I haven't drank any beer since day 1 post-op and don't miss it.
I know when I start again, I'll have a hard time stopping.
I suggested to my wife that I'd like to stop drinking and she could lose some weight.
No answer!
My BP has been great; go figure lol.

I can easily find my little pump and even made a half-hearted attempt to squeeze it this morning.
The pump seems to be moving around freely in my roomy scrotum.
I probably should wait until next Thu and have the doc tutor me on operation.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on January 31, 2019, 09:07:31 PM
Thank you for the great report. Keep doing well! That is awesome. Cheers.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 02, 2019, 02:38:41 PM
10 days out and my snake bites have completely healed and closed.
My wife refused to suck the poison out also.

I can't tell if I am properly sized, but I know my doc was very careful measuring (from what he told me his plan was).
I really like the flaccid look and feel so far.
I can't tell if any fluid was left in the cylinders, but a doc did squeeze a lot out.

Funny, I have no sensation of the reservoir. The pain from the penetration to put it in also seems to be gone.
That really felt like what I'd imagine a hernia feels like. It returned once tonight, but not next morning.

My sutures were feeling very tight this morning. I put some Neosporine on them and they appear inflamed. I'll have to momitor that.
The swelling on them is reddish and looks worse than it feels.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 02, 2019, 02:45:05 PM
Day 11, sutures haven't changed and I hope the Neosporin helps. It does alleviate the tight feeling of them.

Barb wanted to go shopping this morning. I told her I should probablt sit in the truck due to having a buldge.
She said it won't be a problem and come on in.

It does feel funny having an almost constant of arousal but it can't swell much.

Decided to buy a 30 pack of Bud Light since it's on sale for $16.99. Didn't read the small print and ended up needing to buy 2. All this and still not drinking. I'll try to hold off it a bit longer.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on February 02, 2019, 05:21:45 PM
I never felt the reservoir, I think that's pretty common.  Sounds like you're progressing well.  When do you start pumping?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 02, 2019, 05:54:54 PM
I go to pumping school next Thu.
It'll be interesting to see when we're cleared for sex. Hope it's soon, but I doubt it.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on February 02, 2019, 11:01:26 PM
Sounds good. It is normal for sutures to start getting tight as things heal. Once they come out, each suture spot will be red for a couple days but that is about it. If they are self dissolving, sometimes they do not do as advertised. Self dissolving comes in many models, some as long as 3 month till they are supposed to dissolve. I always think it a good idea to put some triple antibiotic on after suture removal for the sole reason that pulling the suture through the skin can introduce bacteria below skin level.  Cheers man. You are an inspiration.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 03, 2019, 09:18:58 AM
That sounds right about "self dissolving" sutures.
When I had a vasectomy, they didn't dissolve fast enough for me and rubbed me the wrong way when I played golf.
I used a nail clipper and pulled them out. I'd kinda like the doc to do it this time since it's a bit difficult to get down there.

On a side note, the pump I got seems tiny. I always thought the AMS pump was large?
It sits toward the rear of my sack. So far I haven't sat on it.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on February 03, 2019, 11:54:04 AM
Sounds like a good placement as long as you are able to activate and deactivate the pump.  I concentrated on tugging my pump towards the bottom of the sack and now have more exposure to it than needed-which makes it seem larger (that and smaller testiicles due to T deficiency and supplementation).
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 03, 2019, 03:23:34 PM
My pump is sitting down low, so I think it'll be easy to operate if that's possible.
I did give it a half-hearted pump once, but got scared that I wouldn't know how to deflate.
I haven't tried to find the deflate button and know I should wait for my training.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 05, 2019, 05:14:51 PM
2 weeks, things going pretty well today. Haven't used any pain meds last 2 days. I do have some tenderness and slight swelling just above my penis on the right side. I think that's where the reservoir tubing is routed, but I'm unsure.

I have my post-op this Thu in 2 days and have to learn how to cycle. I'd like to be doing that already, but I want to learn exactly how before doing it.

I did find an interesting paper on the AMS implant procedure:
https://www.bostonscientific.com/content/dam/Manuals/us/current-rev-en/92162622-01B_AMS700_ORM_en_s.pdf

Now I know how the snake bites originate.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 07, 2019, 05:16:10 PM
Went for the post-op today.
I guess things are going well but the doc didn't give me a chance to "solo" on inflation/deflation.
He did infate several pumps and it seemed to work, then he deflated it.

He made another appointment in 3 months.

He did say when I first start inflating to not inflate fully in case I can't find the deflate button.
I'll try to cycle it at least once a day.

Actually, I feel ready for action, but he suggested waiting another week.
I skipped one testosterone shot and Barb asked why.
I told her I didn't want to get any hornier lol.

I just attempted to inflate. I got it maybe 80% inflated but couldn't seem to get further.
I really wasn't able to completely squeeze the bulb.

Penis does look very nice, if I do say so lol.
I did a quick measurement and have my pre-op length.

I think I may have been an easy implant since I had no other conditions like scarring, Peyronies etc.
I think I could recommend this doctor. I went with a gut feel since I didn't know much about him.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 08, 2019, 04:31:23 PM
I pumped up yesterday and got maybe 75/80% hard.
Did it again today and same result.
Maybe the pump isn't broken in completely, but I did give it over 25 pumps today, but don't  believe I good a complete squeeze on the bulb.
I'll keep doing it each day and hope to get harder.
I could have sex with it as it is, but harder would probably be better.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on February 08, 2019, 09:04:58 PM
Congrats on already having your pre op length.  Re:?pumping, for quite awhile i was partially deflating while inflating—be sure you have NO contact with the deflate button with the hand holding the tubes while pumping.  Also, I found the later pumps take a lot more strength than the first 12-20 pumps.  Keep trying!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on February 09, 2019, 12:06:21 AM
I have a Titan but when I want a maximum pump I use both hands by placing the thumb and index finger of the one hand on top of the thumb and index finger of the hand doing the pumping to squeeze out those last partial pumps.  Once you get it it will be as hard and any erection you had as a teenager.

You are doing great for this stage of recovery.  Keep it going.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 10, 2019, 01:35:40 PM
I may be worrying too soon, but I pumped again today.
I put a heating pad under the pump and when I pumped, I was able to squeeze the bulb completely.
I pumped 25 times and still didn't get as hard as everyone claims to get.
I suppose it would work for sex, but really don't know.

I don't want to pump more than once daily since it might make the scrotum sore.
So far, pumping and deflating isn't difficult or painful.

I do have 4 days to experiment before my coming out party next Friday.
I plan a lunch and movie before the main event.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on February 12, 2019, 12:27:47 AM
What happens if you pump 30 times ???
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 12, 2019, 10:36:37 AM
Hawk, I may have been accidentally squeezing the deflate button while inflating.
Yesterday, I used the heating pad and found the pump very hard and unsqueezable.
I heated again and finally got some squeezes in.
By now my scrotum was a bit tender so I quit after 10 pumps with the usual 75/80% erection.
I let it rest for a bit and returned and got in around 10 more pumps.
I'd estimate I got to 90% and my wife thinks she could handle that.

As far as length goes, I'm right at or slightly over my tri-mix length.

I feel my surgeon did everything perfectly since my reservior is undetectable, my pump is quite happy in the back of the scrotum and moves easily to the front for pumping. My cylinders seem to be perfectly sized and there is no sign of them being too short or too long. My incision has completely healed and I feel no whiskers. There are no signs of "snake eyes". My only complaint with my doctor is his lack of communication. I wish he would have given me a means to contact him instead of going through all the BS with the office. I haven't tried to contact him though. I would recommend Dr Avila with those caveats.

My penis is actually looking completely natural and is nice and round. My glans is completely acceptable with no sign of it not being suitable for sex. I'd post a picture, but don't feel comfortable doing that. Needless to say, my penis doesn't look 80 years old lol.

Right now my only complaint is with the AMS MS pump being too difficult to compress. I do still have all the hand strength I've ever had so that's not the problem.

Everything is really looking up except for frost delay at the golf course today preventing me from returning to the links.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 16, 2019, 10:11:15 AM
We decided to give it a test drive yesterday.
I'm glad I didn't make a big production of it because it was a snoozer.

I hate the MS pump so far and if it doesn't get better, I'll give up sex.
I get one complete pump right after the valve changes and after that,
Very little depressing if any.

My erection looks all right, but is no where hard or girthy enough.
Obviously it was a big disappointment.
I did start to feel the beginnings of a possible orgasm, but it was no Bueno.

Sorry about the lousy report, but if it improves, I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 16, 2019, 05:14:06 PM
I practice pumped today and it seemed a bit better.
My pump did loosen up some and I got in around 40 pumps, but not full ones.
The pump seems to be slightly softer.
I don't feel anything in the glans and I guess since it's not floppy or sore that's encouraging.

My wife got a little irritation and had a little blood today.
I'll give her a couple more days off and try again.
She had a similar problem after a previous layoff.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Bubba dawg on February 17, 2019, 06:36:01 AM
I don't know how invasive this surgery is, but it can take a long time to heal up from any kind of surgery. I would not get discouraged yet. Give it plenty of time to heal
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 17, 2019, 08:39:46 AM
I feel that my surgery went better than many.
I do not even notice any of the components.
I think that when I get my pump broken in and I get more proficient using it,
I will be fine. I can hardly wait.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on February 17, 2019, 01:51:21 PM
Tomas1: you have to make sure you are pressing as hard as you can on the pump and also that you cycle your device properly before everything heals up, otherwise you may have some issues.

You can always go to your doctor and ask him to double check the implant functionality and give you some pointers on in the pump works?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 18, 2019, 11:53:22 AM
I can tell that my pump is getting broken in.

This morning I decided to surprise my wife when she got out of bed for a couple minutes and tried to pump.
At first it felt hard so I hit the deflate and tried again. Lo-and-behold, the pump allowed quite a bit of compression.
Most of the pumps were no where near full ones so I pumped about 50 times.

It really worked well and my wife really enjoyed it.
She had no discomfort and gave multiple pleasure sounds while I tried to climax.
She finally had enough and I reluctantly quit.

There was no round 2, but that wasn't my idea.
I did seem to lose a bit of stiffness afterward and hadn't done anything to cause that.
That would be no problem since I know additional pumping would remedy that.

I do notice a small swelling in a spot on the low right of my penis.
I had a dent there before the surgery but will keep watch on it.

Happy to give a good report, but It's still one day before doc wanted me to start.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Bubba dawg on February 18, 2019, 12:44:15 PM
Man you getting greedy Thomas. Most women dont like marathon sex. Most dont have orgasms during penetration. You made her bleed one time. Maybe you are expecting too much? She seems to be a nice woman letting you still have sex with her. Many women stop having sex during and after menapause. My wife is not nearly as horny as she used to be before menopause.  She lost a lot of energy. Lucky to get it one time per week. You are shooting for marathon sex lol
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 18, 2019, 02:03:37 PM
Bubba, my wife doesn't realize she's getting old.
I don't feel 80 and she doesn't feel 78.
She never slowed down after menopause.

She will do it every 2 days, but prefers every 3 days.

I guess her sore spot healed up quickly.

We've had doubles several times using tri-mix but not very often.

I used a dab of canola oil to lube but might try some water soluble stuff when we get to the store.
I've heard that anything you can eat is ok for lubrication.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Old Man on February 18, 2019, 02:59:37 PM
Tom:

I think it would be better for you to use any good brand of water soluble personal lubricant. I use the Walmart Equate brand of water soluble lubricant. It only costs around $2.00 plus tax or so here in AL. It washes up nicely with warm water, or you can use a mild hand soap too, whatever you guys choice would be .

I bet you guys never did two sessions in one bedding many times before the implant, huh? 8) 8) 8)

Best to you, Old Man Bill

PS: I sometimes use a warming gel before penetrating. It gives a more sensitive feeling, especially when reaching a climax and ejaculation.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 18, 2019, 04:18:12 PM
Yeah we did with tri-mix.
This is only the second time with implant and still betting the "hang" of it.
I just did buy WalMart store brand of personal lube.
The canola worked fine, but my wife didn't like its smell.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Bubba dawg on February 18, 2019, 04:20:09 PM
My wife had to get estrogen creme. Lack of estrogen causes the uterus to deteriorate
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 18, 2019, 05:53:45 PM
I'd like my wife to see a "female" doc.
She doesn't mind if it's a male though.
I'll check if my uro office offers one?
I have seen women patients there even young ones.
She realizes she has also changed in there.
Too bad it only shows on us guys.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Bubba dawg on February 18, 2019, 07:00:12 PM
Really a shame that most of my testosterone is covered by insurance. She uses the same insurance company and has to pay a lot more for the creme. Tge creme does last a long time. Yea a regular doctor or a gynecologist could prescribe it for her
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 19, 2019, 05:08:30 PM
They were talking about well woman exams on TV today.
I knew Medicare doesn't cover it for Barb.
She said "just til a certain age".
You'd think with increasing longevity things would change, but they just try to cover less and less and make us pay more.
Even our supplement is over $500 now per month.
I'd complain more if I couldn't afford it.
End of rant.

Today, I pumped up again and it went easier; not extremely easier, but OK.
I'm going to try to hold off sex til Friday to let things settle for both of us.
We'll see how that works. we have little self control.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 20, 2019, 03:35:22 PM
So much for self control. Today wasn't going well due to tax problems.
I decided to pump up at around 11:30am.
I was able to use the pump without heat but didn't get full pumps again.
Once it was up, I asked my wife if we could put it in.

Wasn't exactly impromptu but we have to take what we can get.
Anyway, the sex was pretty good and I had my first orgasm in maybe 4 months.
I told my wife it was probably powder, but stuff did come out.

I had pumped more than ever and could feel slight pain in the glans.
I don't like that, but it wasn't bad.
I won't pump that much in the future.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 24, 2019, 06:43:04 PM
Not much new to report. My wife seems fine with trying the new toy every other day.
This morning was OK, but I couldn't finish the job. She was a good sport and we went longer than usual.
Also, we didn't need to lube and that was better. At least we are showing a lot of love for each other even when not having sex and that is actually great.

Being old and fit isn't too bad.
I still don't like the almost always hard situation with the CX, but I will get used to it.
My wife gets a kick out of my obsession with the damn thing lol.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Stabler on February 24, 2019, 07:07:51 PM
Hi Tomas1,

I have been following this thread to see how things were going after surgery. Please excuse my ignorance on this subject I have no experience in this area  ;D

If I am reading the thread correctly you are only about 1 month from surgery day. I am wondering are you expecting more than you should at this point? I mean this is a surgery in the most sensitive area, does this take time to heal that has not come to pass yet? You have only been trying for a little over a week if I am reading correctly. Again, I am asking because I don't know....

I think it is impressive that you are having sex this soon after surgery and it sounds like you and your wife are having fun learning at least and that is always a good thing.

I appreciate your posting so I can learn on this subject.

Stabler
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 24, 2019, 07:21:08 PM
I realize it's early in the experience. I actually feel great except for a pain or discomfort here and there.
I don't plan to cycle every day now to see if the small pains go away.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on February 25, 2019, 01:25:31 PM
Sounds like it's going really well.  The hardness when flaccid doedecrease w tine.  There's still inflammation during the healing period and the material softens w time as well.  The pain upon pumping is a good thing as you are stretching the tissues and will allow you to regain maximum size.  Does your doc recommend pumping once or twice s day to Max, and if so holding for how long?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 26, 2019, 02:32:37 PM
My doc is a very bad communicator. I got NO instructions on cycling.
From what I read, Eid and Kramer are very good at that and I think it adds to their popularity.
Just from my experience, I think my doc is very competent. Maybe he gets all the business he wants from word of mouth.

We tried again this morning and my wife doesn't mind the every 2 day regimen at all.
I had no discomfort but finishing is still hard to come by.

Good to know that flaccid will improve. The damn thing really gets in the way and demands attention.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on February 26, 2019, 05:48:11 PM
Here's one doc's pumping protocol put out in the 2018 AMS patient video.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 26, 2019, 07:46:43 PM
I quite possibly haven't pumped to the maximum amount possible, but so far, I can't feel anything in my penis when inflating.
That's not to say it's numb; just feel nothing. I'd like to actually feel that the implant is trying to increase my girth. I don't want to feel it trying to push against the glans though.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 27, 2019, 07:09:26 PM
I decided to cycle while in bed this morning. One thing led to another and we ended up doing it again.
I didn't get any complaints, but won't cycle in bed unless I mean business. I'm lucky to have a wife who is very loving to me and I don't want to overdo things.

The pump is getting more user friendly and that's a good thing.
I still don't believe I'm getting as much girth as 18mm would give.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on February 28, 2019, 12:13:06 PM
Hey TonySa! Thank you for sharing those tips from Ams! Never seen them before and I was impressed to see the ved mentioned for the first time with the implant cycling!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on February 28, 2019, 03:13:39 PM
It's only one of two places that mentions VED post implant.  There is one medical article of a doc that uses it (was mentioned somewhere on FT)
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on February 28, 2019, 06:15:31 PM
With either brand implant, I found if it was hard to pump that deflating it again all I could get out, then resume to start to pump reset things so it was much easier to pump. Cheers everybody.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on February 28, 2019, 07:29:51 PM
Yeah, I always have to hit the deflate again before inflating. My wife asked if I have to cycle every day forever and I said no.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 02, 2019, 04:25:29 PM
My MS pump finally seems to be more pliable now. It still requires a lot of hand strength but that's not a problem for me.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on March 02, 2019, 09:03:56 PM
I think one of the most surprising things about getting an implant is the force needed to pump.  Those pumps are not delicate in the least.  I am in shape and have a stronger than average grip and was surprised.  I am sure my wife could not pump it.  I asked her what we would do if I had a hand injury or lost my grip and she said we could call the neighbor to come over.  Presumably, that would be to pump me up and not take my place  :)
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on March 03, 2019, 10:48:04 AM
I had a good laugh at that hawk! Haha
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 03, 2019, 04:37:33 PM
Me too; I think I'd use pliers with something to soften the jaws.
Luckily, it's getting easier and soon may not take as many pumps.

Today was a good news/bad news day.
We had sex this am and I finally reached orgasm for just the second time post-op.
My wife gets uncomfortable at under 10 minutes and it took 14. I just see the clock next to the bed and don't constantly time things.
It's a shame orgasms came so fast when we were young since sex would have been great if it took longer. That's how it is and I think it'll get better.

Now the bad news: I was at my son's house to help a little with his 76 Blazer reclamation project. I picked up a truck fender and felt my incision where the reservoir goes through some sort of membrane pull. It really hurt like a hot poker and I guess I shouldn't have done that. I can't ever give in to being old and someday, it will hit me and I probably won't take it well. I re-shingled my 20k sq foot roof last year and that was a lot of hard work. At least I didn't fall off the roof like I did 10 years ago helping my golf partner do his.

At least he gave me some help and guidance doing my roof. 3 1/2" of rain last week and no leaks.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on March 04, 2019, 11:59:19 AM
Thomas, When I was in Dr. Eid's office before my surgery he introduced me to an 81-year-old guy that has had his implant for almost 2 years.  Like you, he was in unbelievable shape.  He told me his wife had a procedure called  Monolisa Touch which seems to be a relatively painless procedure that causes the vaginal tissue, lubrication, and more to regenerate.  He said they were like high-school kids and they used his implant over 300 times the first year.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 04, 2019, 12:58:52 PM
Hawk,
I recall you mentioning that in your journal.
We'll see if I get less horny or she gets more horny.
Every 2 or 3 days is probably more reasonable for us nowadays.

I was just talking to a friend I've known for 54 years, but haven't seen for 40.
He was using me for a Guinea pig since we are near the same age.
He was pretty much convinced to get the surgery, but his wife showed some reservations, She has diabetes and that may make a difference. I tried to give him some "older brother" advice and did say listen to her signals  She may just be trying to spare him the operation, but we'll see. I won't push him since I would really be disappointed if I went through this for no reason.

My damned side still hurts, but too badly. It better not affect my golf game tomorrow.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 07, 2019, 05:55:51 PM
I guess things are progressing well with my recovery so far.
A thing I don't like is if I pump up to where I want it, I get a pain in the glans from the tip(s).

I wonder if guys who aggressively try to increase length have the same discomfort?
Maybe it's something that takes some getting used to?

My pain from the hernia like pain is gone and I'll try not to lift anything heavier than my golf bag for awhile.

One thing of concern to me is when flaccid, I have a hard bump on the low side of my penis.
It's right where I had a dent probably from injections?
When pumped up, it's gone so maybe it's kink in the cylinder, but I doubt that.

My golf game totally sucks since surgery and a 3+ week layoff. I guess that also takes time to recover?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: TonySa on March 08, 2019, 04:21:00 PM
I understand if you have discomfort in the glans when fully pumped it's a good sign you're maximally sized and decreases as the penis stretches a bit over time.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on March 08, 2019, 04:26:38 PM
I would generally agree with that statement. 
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 08, 2019, 04:43:04 PM
That's good to know.
It's more of a discomfort than a real pain.

Today, I practice pumped and it depressed a lot more, and pretty easy.
15 pumps and I think it would work. The glans pain was there but minimal.

I don't like the container the Equate lubricant come in especially trying to do it in the dark.
I squeezed some out and put it in a small jar.
Makes it easier to simply open the lid, stick a finger in to get some to use.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 15, 2019, 08:59:18 PM
It's been awhile since I posted an update.
Things are going well except that I think the length of my RTEs is too long and I don't have the axial rigidity I used to have.
I feel like one of those porn actors who have their penises unhooked from the anchor. It's not that bad since it does hang at about 4 o-clock when pumped.

My wife is carrying some extra weight and refuses to try any position other than what the missionaries taught her.
I get it in about half way and she's happy with that and it leaves me not happy.
Even a pillow would help but what a pain trying to get that to happen.
Enough about my marital problems. She's good for going every other day, but i'm always horny.

I'm still irked that my doc refused to put in an LGX claiming I'd be floppy. Funny, I've never heard of anyone having that with an 18cm implant. I've even seen posters with 21cm LGXs. I'd like to complain about the RTEs and the CX, but it's too late. If I ever need a revision, it will be a sticking point for sure.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on March 15, 2019, 11:02:18 PM
Thomas, while I am a huge advocate for pre-surgery research now is not the time to second guess yourself.  The angle of your erection should not be a hindrance if it is very firm and does not bend or buckle during insertion.  I also think I miss the point of why you can only get it part way in unless you meant that your wife's weight blocked you. 

I have little advice on how to get her to try different positions or use a pillow but maybe a heart to heart discussion when you are not having sex would help.  Just be kind loving, and make sure you let her know she is sexy to you and that she has no reason to feel self-conscious.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Alibaba on March 15, 2019, 11:42:18 PM
I can't imagine a CX being floppy unless you have a lot of dick hanging on that thing. I would suspect the tip extenders are a lot of your issue hanging down. If mine hung at 4:00 pumped up, I would be pissed.  See if you can talk her into an edge of the bed knees bent deal. Kind of a combo of missionary and who knows what name they have for it? 
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 16, 2019, 07:14:23 PM
I think I was feeling sorry for my self yesterday, but everything I said is true.
My wife's belly does keep me from getting all way in.

The CX does get rigid, but what I believe is the hinge point isn't far from the outside.

It's still lots better than a limp dick, but I want perfection lol.
This morning we tried again (wow, 2 days in-a-row), and not much change.

I didn't pump too many times and she said it didn't seem hard. I think she meant girthy.
It is hard even when flaccid, but that's what she said.
She has as many issues with tissue atrophy as I, but it doesn't register with her.

I'm really sorry to vent, but old age sex isn't great, but at least it's sex.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on March 25, 2019, 11:38:42 AM
Not much new to report after a bit over 2 months post-op.
I did receive some unwelcome billing news.
The doc hired a surgical assistant and her services aren't Medicare covered for some reason.
I'm supposed to pay her $500. I complained to my uro office and if they don't help with this, it's adios to them.

My pumping is getting a lot easier and I can pump up pretty fast.
My wife claims to not like sex every morning, but she always comes back for more.
She woke up in a great mood today and enjoyed it a lot.
She does get tired of it in around 10 minutes and it takes longer for me to reach orgasm than that.
I will give it rests on Tue and Thu, golf days. I tee off before daybreak.

Yesterday, she let me try twice after some rest, but still no dice.
Rosie was able to get me off and boy, what a relief.
I even squirted and didn't know I still could.

Sorry to bore you with "sex lives of old farts", but someday, I'll read all this and see how it was.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on April 03, 2019, 07:03:02 PM
I have to admit that things are going well with my surgery and apparatus.
The pump has gotten somewhat more pliable and pumping and deflating is pretty easy.
I usually pump up each morning before time to arise.
One thing usually leads to another and sex usually ensues.

Yesterday was a golf day and my wife said "I thought we weren't doing this on gold days".
It still happened as it has the last 2 golf days.
I took that to mean all days but them are doable.
Dammit, tomorrow's another golf day but we'll see how that goes.
Now, if I could just eliminate the damned triple-bogeys.

Our relationship seems about the best it's ever been, and life is good.
As we said on the beach in Mexico "la vida, no chupa".
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on April 03, 2019, 08:30:42 PM
Oh, the hell with golf Tomas.  You might want to just give that up since now you can stay home and get a hole in one.  ;)
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on April 04, 2019, 06:55:17 PM
Good one, Hawk. Golf game sucked today and no sex this morning. I didn't have my heart in it anyhow, and it was time to get up.
Golf game stank but the weather was great and we finished at 9:15.

I told my wife that I have a great plan. Let's have sex tonight and get up early and walk tomorrow.
She smiled and that means all right. Our relationship is probably as good as it ever has been and we like that.

I think sex still has a role to play in a relationship, but I could be wrong. I have had some friends in sexless marriages and there was little love there. There are obviously many exceptions to this theory though.

Sorry to pontificate.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on April 04, 2019, 08:27:33 PM
I think you are correct.  I was in a neurologist's office with a family member and was reading some charts on the wall dealing with preserving mental cognizance and maintaining sexual intimacy was one of the key factors.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on November 25, 2019, 04:13:15 PM
The last time I saw my urologist he suggested that I discontinue the T injections.
I figured I'd give it a try and here's where I am now:

Since I stopped the T shots, I've basically felt like crap to put it mildly.
I've lost both strength and stamina.
I told my wife I feel 5 years older or maybe this is how it feels to be 81?
Also my libido has totally disappeared. I told my wife that had I felt this way, I wouldn't have got the implant.
Also when I play golf, all my clubs have lost around 15 yards. Makes it difficult to chose the right club.

Long story short, I'd rather take my chances on prostate cancer increasing than live this way.
My family doctor even mentioned a shot to totally kill testosterone. I said that sounds like chemical castration, but he said not.
I started taking the T shots again today and hope to get back to my old self.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on November 25, 2019, 05:56:50 PM
Possibly you are experiencing the impact of sudden withdrawal of T and maybe the symptoms will taper off as your body adjusts.


Quote from: tomas1 on November 25, 2019, 04:13:15 PM
My family doctor even mentioned a shot to totally kill testosterone. I said that sounds like chemical castration, but he said not.
I started taking the T shots again today and hope to get back to my old self.

That is exactly chemical castration by very definition.  In fact, it is a little beyond castration because it kills all testosterone including the small amounts produced by the pituitary gland (that's why women have some testosterone).

I am not arguing for or against it.  I face the same dilemma in my not too distant future (long before I hit 81).  I am only pointing out that either your urologist is utterly uninformed or disingenuous or you misunderstood him.

Tomas, I am interested in your prostate cancer info.  What was your Gleason score?  What is your current PSA reading?  How soon did it start up after surgery?  Did you have radiation?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on November 25, 2019, 06:45:05 PM
Hawk,
I believe my urologist advised normal precaution about stopping the T shots.
My family doctor floated the possible T killing shots just in passing; not as a recommendation.

I'm having trouble posting since my eyes were dilated today and That someone for spell check.

Any way, my Gleason score was 3 + 3 or Gleason 6.
My PSA levels were steadily going up the last 2 times but was around a bit over 5 the last check.
My next check is on 12/2 and we'll see how it goes.

As I said before, I really don't want to keep feeling and acting the way I have been.
Getting old sucks, but I actually feel I have more work to do on earth:

I want to:
Tile my back covered patio
Put hardwood flooring in the master bedroom, and the 3 other bedrooms,
Replace the kitchen cabinets and counter tops.

Sorry I digress but that's what I think, and I'm capable of doing all think (or think I am).
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on November 26, 2019, 08:48:07 AM
Tomas you are every woman's dream come true.  You have a dick that works on demand and you feel you are meant to have more time on this earth so you can do more home renovation projects :)


You have a tough call on the T.   Gleason 6 would suggest that it not very aggressive (unlike my Gleason 8 .)  On the other hand, your PSA is at 5 where a man might consider starting T suppression treatment.

A big factor is PSA velocity which is a calculation of your PSA doubling time.  If carefully looking over your last few years of PSA record you see it is taking your PSA more than a year to double that is good especially considering that you were on T replacement.  If you jumped from 2.5 to 5.0 in 6 months that is cause for concern.  You would be at 20.0 in another year.  If your PSA has only gone up by 25 - 35% in the last year even with T replacement you might go another 3 years before your hit 10.0.  Your PCa is undoubtedly still very T dependent.  Because of that, the PCa will definitely fall back whenever you get off of T and probably fall to near zero if you suppress all T even if you do that at a future date.  The problem is that PCa does not remain T dependant.  Sometime after 1 - 4 years it becomes independent of T and starts increasing again.  Some Oncologists suppress T for a year or so then give the patient a break and let the T levels increase for a period of time (for a year or more) then suppress the T again.  If you have access, I would consider going to a cutting edge center like Memorial Sloan-Kettering in Manhattan, MD Anderson in TX, or a handful of other centers.  Discuss your concern about the quality of life over just prolonging months of life.  It COULD BE that you could stay on T for years and die from a truck running over you or a heart attack or a thousand other causes and the PCa never becomes a factor.  Of course, the opposite is possible.  I would want the opinion of more than just a good urologist guiding my decision making.  Urologists deal with a hundred conditions in men and women.  Find an oncologist at a research center who specializes in prostate cancer.

If you are interested, here is a great forum with a lot of patients with a lot of experience.  https://www.cancerforums.net/forums/14-Prostate-Cancer-Forum
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on November 26, 2019, 01:39:11 PM
Hawk,
My urologist's wife is the oncologist he referred me to.
They both work under the same organization at different facilities..
She was quite candid about the treatment options and also recommended the watching protocol.
She could have easily recommended treatment, but she didn't.
I liked that.

My PSA has no where near doubled in a year. during 6 month increments I don't have the exact scores, but I think it may have increased about 33% the last 2 blood tests. I get tested again next week and have a uro apt 2 weeks hence.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on November 26, 2019, 05:46:21 PM
PSA velocity is EVERYTHING.  It is worth your time to take an active role and graph it if your provider does not do so on a patient portal.  Know your numbers and track your velocity.  An oncologist that treats many kinds of cancer from prostate cancer to lung cancer just cannot be as informed as an oncologist that specializes.  I have seen the difference.

If you truly were over 3.0 a year ago and you are no more than 5.0 now AND you were on T replacement, that is a very good sign that PCa will likely not kill you.  If all that is true then I personally would be very hesitant to walking away from T replacement.  That, however, is a risk everyone must decide for themselves after consulting with the best medical advice.

Best wishes!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on November 27, 2019, 03:44:21 PM
It seems we're on the same page about all this.
I'm petty sure the oncologist does specialize in the prostate mostly since her husband is my urologist and she really seems knowledgeable about the treatment options.

I also do plan to continue the T injections.
Women are starting to look good to me again, even my wife. :D
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on November 29, 2019, 02:36:58 PM
I resumed my T shots last Sunday and finally my libido is coming back.
My wife asked me if my pump had been broken.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 01, 2019, 05:26:27 PM
She knows about your T situation, right?
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on December 02, 2019, 11:15:28 AM
Yes, but I think she didn't know the extent of my libido crashing.
I had no desire to even pump up at all for several weeks.

We had sex one time and I totally lost interest and canceled it.

This week, after almost a week back on T, we had satisfying sex.

Got my blood test this morning and will see how the PSA looks in 2 weeks (or sooner).
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 02, 2019, 11:34:13 AM
As I posted on a prostate cancer forum once, I recommended an implant and told the guys that even if they had to go on T suppression that at least they could still pump it up and fake it for their wives since our wives have probably faked it for us more than once over the years :)
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on December 11, 2019, 05:09:06 PM
Now my libido is back but my wife has a lingering cold/cough.
She gets coughing when we have sex. I have to admit I like the contractions the coughs bring on, but the coughing makes her have me stop.

I'm now feeling like my old self and that's a good feeling. I had told my wife that without T, I felt 5 years older. I said maybe that's how 81 year old guys feel, but I didn't like it.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on December 16, 2019, 07:06:03 PM
I just accessed my PSA results.
It was down to 2.5 from over 5.

I guess it was due to having stopped the T injections, but I had taken the injection 2 times before the test.
I'll relate to thee doc and he probably won't like it, tough.
Whatever, I will continue the T shots since our sex lives are back on track.

My wife is a good sport and almost never turns me down.
Not bad for a 79 year old gal (79 on the 23d of this month).
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on December 21, 2019, 07:15:25 PM
I would do exactly what you are doing if I were in your shoes.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 22, 2020, 10:42:24 AM
Well, today I get my 1 year pin.
It's been a pretty quick year like all of them nowadays.

I still would like sex every morning, but realize that may not be practical.
My wife's a good sport and is agreeable most times.
It does require some foreplay.

I have no issues with the apparatus at all.
I can pump 4 times and it's near full size, but we like it to be all it can be.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 22, 2020, 11:08:56 AM
Quote from: tomas1 on January 22, 2020, 10:42:24 AM
My wife's a good sport and is agreeable most times.
It does require some foreplay.

My friend, I hope a bionic dick has not spoiled you.  You don't want a pump up dick and a pump up sex doll.  Foreplay is the icing on the cake :)

Tell your dick happy birthday for me, lol  Congratulations!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on January 22, 2020, 05:11:09 PM
Calling it apparatus! Haha Tomas... I hope that, at your age, if I get there I will be having as much fun as you do. Congrats!
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on January 22, 2020, 07:56:47 PM
I have to admit even with all the aches and pains, life's not bad.
Eventually the shoe will drop and things will change.

I find myself worrying what will become of all the crap we've accumulated.
I hate the idea of estate sales.

Don't know why I mentioned that.
It also sucks when many people our age are dying.

I told my wife that my dick is a year old. She wasn't impressed lol.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on January 22, 2020, 10:34:44 PM
When I was a couple decades younger I had an older friend tell me that as you get older that "all the stuff you accumulate just becomes a burden, caring for it, moving it around, wondering who to give it to, searching through the lot of to find what you are looking for".  That has always stuck with me.  And I just had the experience of going back to to a state and a town where I was a teen and looking up old school mates only to find the vast majority had passed on and I was only 68 at the time.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Pfract on January 23, 2020, 09:46:33 AM
That must of been right in the feels boss....
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on June 28, 2020, 05:09:39 PM
Well, it's almost been a year and a half post-op.

My urologist recommended checking my prostate cancer more diligently due to e taking the testosterone again.
I had another PSA test and it was back a little over 5

We're doing the biopsies again on 7/7 and we'll see if the PC has stabilized.

On the sex side, I seem to drive my wife crazy lately.
She does still like sex, but doesn't last very long.
One nice side effect is she has natural moisture and that helps a lot.
I can reach orgasm when we (she) lasts long enough for it to happen.

She does pretty well for being over 79 years old.
I still have the flaccid kink, and usually keep several pumps in my implant to get rid of that.

All this social distancing seems to give our family an excuse to not see us.
I told my wife yesterday that it's a good thing we love each other since that's all we have.

OK, I still have golf, but that doesn't improve with age lol.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: tomas1 on July 23, 2020, 04:25:29 PM
I had good news with the biopsies.
Still 3+3=6 Gleason.
He suggested not getting more biopsies for 18 months.
That works for me.
We'll still check the PSA every 6 months.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Stepone on August 05, 2020, 08:59:37 PM
Great news, glad it went well.
Title: Re: Tomas1 - Implant Journal
Post by: Hawk on August 05, 2020, 10:49:14 PM
Thomas,  He would be damned hard pressed to talk me into any more biopsies at your age.  Often results of the pathology report after a prostatectomy reflect a different reading than the pre-surgical biopsy proving the biopsy is not highly accurate.  The reason being that they only collect a few pinpoint random samples of the prostate.  Your low Gleason score on several biopsies and your age mean it cannot kill you.  I have had Gleason 8 PCa in my body for more than 16 years (age 53) since the surgery and it is still not detectable on the latest most sensitive Petscan specifically for Prostate Cancer. And, I have never had hormone suppression and my T is high normal.