Hello ! I'm really pleased to have found this forum an am grateful it was setup. I'd like to introduce myself and to ask a few questions which I hope you can answer.
My name is Jack and I am 57, live in mainland Europe. I'm married, averagely fit, vegetarian and a happy father of three girls.
I'm here because for some time I noticed I had some very slight pain during "normal" lovemaking. In a relaxed state there was nothing visible or to be felt so I presumed this was something that would pass. However one day I checked immediately after making love and noticed a swelling on the right hand side from about 1.5cm from the base and tapering in near the head. A second check revealed a bend of about 20 degrees to the right. The pain that I experience is noticeable but mild. In a relaxed state there I don't feel much but did feel there was a slight throbbing. I also notice that when I pee at a urinal the flow tends to move to the right. I guess I had avoided looking at it for at least 6 - 8 months.
I immediately made an appointment with the local urologist. He checked by hand and by sonograph and found no lump or calcification. He immediately suspected IPP but recommended I ask for a second opinion at a university clinic. A few weeks later I had my appointment at the clinic and they told me this could well be IPP. I had probably found it early. They too carried out checks and reported no sign of plaque formation. They recommended to try Arcoxia (to reduce pain and inflammation) for 3 weeks. There was a misunderstanding because I thought I should take it for 2 which I did and then stopped. It didn't help. Their second recommendation was Potaba Glenwoood. I was informed that this won't cure but might halt the progress. I was also told that there is more chance of stopping further growth if I take it now rather than later when plaque has formed and that the mild pain I experience would eventually pass when I'm out of this first phase.
I returned to my local urologist for a standard checkup this week as well as to seek his advice. He recommended Potaba. I asked if there were any other complimentary things I could take or do myself such as massage. Nothing was recommended. Just Potaba, which I now have at home (as a powder) ready to take. I'm now unsure if I should start taking it.
I was initially quite down about this illness. I was relieved it's not life threatening but sad that it's sex life threatening ! I have the support of my wife and know we´ll just take what comes !
Still I am keen to do the best I can to stop the advance and if possible reverse it a bit hence my questions:
1. The Dr and the university clinic recommended Potaba. Would you recommend I take it at this stage ?
2. My Urologist and the Potaba manufacturer have been very clear that it needs to be taken exactly and strictly every 6 hours, the powder should be mixed fresh with water and always with some food. This means only having 6 hours sleep, getting up, eating a banana, consuming the Potaba. As this is due to continue for 6 months to a year that's not a pleasant thought. I don't fall asleep again easily and I really need my sleep. Were others recommended this strict regime ? Any tips ?
3. Are there any complimentary things you would recommend me doing ? Massage ? Warmth ? Cold showers ? Anything I should take as well as the Potaba ?
4. I asked at the clinic and they said sex didn't make things any worse and so shouldn't be avoided. In your experience is this correct ?
5. When plaque forms is this feelable as a lump ?
I have read the survival guide which I found really useful. I will keep reading in the coming months to find out more. Thanks for your help at this early stage and take care.
Welcome Jack Of Hearts to the forum. Thank you for filling out your signature line. The survival guide will give you a better understanding of the various treatments for peyronies. I cannot say if potaba can help you or not. I believe that it has mixed reviews. You could look into VED therapy and gentle traction.
I would first take a length and girth measurement of yourself to get a baseline of where you stand. Then you can gauge if things are getting worse or not. It is wonderful that you have your wife involved in this as I am in the same boat. Mentally it has helped me along on this journey for her support.
If you are in any pain I can personally say that heat therapy has helped me out a great deal. I have used a heating pad on low covered with a towel so as not to burn myself. It is very diffcult to find a real Dr that is educated in peyronies treatments. They all have their opinions and protocols. I would also syggest taking Cialis as this wil help with reducing inflammation and promoting oxygen to your penis. Also if you need to address any issues with your health/lifestyle/diet changes you might try that.
Searching the forum and reading other members experiences is a great help as we are all on a very similar journey in this dreaded disease, :) Mikel7