I'm still looking to ask questions about various types of surgery, that I think people will benefit from. A problem that has been pointed out previously, is that once people receive surgery they often leave here, so maybe we'll be a little short on answers, but here goes.
For those undergoing plication surgery, do the sutures become less apparent over time? As they obviously do not dissolve, does it therefore follow that they are noticable indefinitely? How noticable are they? Is the area at all painful in the short/long term?
Since the penis has to be degloved during this type of surgery, for uncircumcised men is circumcision option, or does it have to take place?
Do we have much reliable information as to the success rates of this type of surgery, from the top urologists? (lue, levine.. rather than general stats that probably are not representative of the very best peyronie's surgeons)
I can only speak from my personal experience as someone who is about 3 months post operation, but it does seem to me that my sutures are becoming less apparent as time is continuing on. I would say that the plications are far more noticeable to the touch while in a flaccid state, compared to being erect. In the weeks following surgery the plications were noticeable to sight when I was erect, but now at 3 months I can not see them anymore and can only slightly feel them in an erect state. As far as pain is concerned, I never really had much pain even in the days after the surgery. Most of the pain I experienced was from swelling and from the area where the penis was degloved, and even then it wasn't too bad.
I was already circumcised prior to my surgery, so I don't have personal experience with having to make the choice to have it done at the time of surgery. But from the literature Dr. Levine's office gives you, it sounds like it is mandatory to have the circumcision done at the time of the plication surgery.
Dr. Levine told me that all of his plication surgeries have been a success, with the exception of one guy that didn't take the necessary 6 weeks of rest that are required before returning to sexual activity. But even in that case Dr. Levine said he was able to fix it again in second surgery. One thing that needs to be considered however is what exactly defines success for this surgery? What is considered a success might be different for each patient. I went from 40 degree curvature to straight, but I would probably still have considered it a success if there was still some slight residual curve, so each patient should think about what they would consider a success.
Quote from: newguy on September 16, 2009, 05:49:46 AM
I'm still looking to ask questions about various types of surgery, that I think people will benefit from. A problem that has been pointed out previously, is that once people receive surgery they often leave here, so maybe we'll be a little short on answers, but here goes.
For those undergoing plication surgery, do the sutures become less apparent over time? As they obviously do not dissolve, does it therefore follow that they are noticable indefinitely? How noticable are they? Is the area at all painful in the short/long term?
Since the penis has to be degloved during this type of surgery, for uncircumcised men is circumcision option, or does it have to take place?
Do we have much reliable information as to the success rates of this type of surgery, from the top urologists? (lue, levine.. rather than general stats that probably are not representative of the very best peyronie's surgeons)
emperordune - Thanks very much for taking the time to give us this update. It really does sound like the operation was a great success for you, and Levines words concerning the success rate of the procedure is heartening. It's of course a valid point concerning what constitutes "success" for one person being less so for another.
The details concerning the stitches becoming less noticable when erect is also pleasing to hear. I've read a few studies where a minority of patients experienced pain and/or curvature changes after surgery, but in your cae it really does seem like everything went completely to plan. I scowered the literature and in the google knol resource Dr Lue mentions pain in around 10% of patients. In another study of 132 men (plication surgery carried out by Dr Lue).. "At 6 months 93% of patients reported straight erections and 7% reported almost straight but acceptable erections. Recurrence of curvature was reported by 15% of patients at a mean of 2.6 years of followup. Four patients reported worsening of erectile function after the procedure. " That's not too bad really. A good success rate.
Newguy,
I do have a copy of a study that Levine did. I'll try to locate and can email it to you.
Hi all
My husband and I are about to take the plunge and have the plication surgery (well, technically, he is). We will keep you updated about how we go because I can see how important it is for members to have information from others who have gone through procedures. Our first hurdle is for my husband to pass a test to say that he is clear of staph (as he has had infections post other surgeries and, needless to say, we wouldn't want another one associated with this surgery).
Best wishes to all.
Thanks so much Karen :). It will be tremendous for us to start getting more patient experienes filtering through.
Hi again
By the way, my husband is not circumcised and it was presented to us as an optional part of the plication surgery. The surgeon reckons it makes healing a bit more difficult if you don't (due to swelling etc). But he certainly didn't think it was impossible.
And also for your info, he felt the surgery is pretty straightforward and about 95% successful (as defined by patients' satisfaction). The surgeon also said he had only had one complication with the surgery, when the stitches didn't hold, but he was able to fix that. So here's hoping.
Yes, I guess that is the beauty of plication surgery. It's much less invasive than other types of surgery, so in theory if something does go wrong, it's 'probably' quite often fixable. Thanks for the circumcision info. My hunch would be that some urologists would routinely circumcise, but at least now we know that it can be achieved without circumcision, so many thanks for increasing our understaning of that area.
Hi all
I promised to give you more info re my husband's op so here goes. He had surgery on Friday. We had a lot of run-around because we decided to use a more experienced surgeon in a large city, but then found it hard to get hold of him, his office forgot to fax the hospital, etc. etc. Nonetheless, when we got to the hospital they were very professional and helpful.
My husband had the surgery, stayed overnight and then was discharged the next day. We stayed another night with a friend before returning home by train (the gentlest mode of travel apparently).
My husband said that so far there is not as much pain as he would have anticipated. It is manageable with occasional doses of panadeine. He thinks the swelling has decreased a little. He feels hopeful that it will all heal okay. He was told to expect more erections than usual as he heals, and not to panic, but try to relax when they happen. So far, they were right but he has stayed relaxed and it's okay.
We will return to see the surgeon in four weeks for a check up. I'll keep letting you know how things progress.
Best to everyone,
Karen
Hey Karen,
Do you mind saying where the doctor was located? or who he was?
Thanks for the update Karen. Fingers crossed that it all works out well for your husband!!
Hi again,
5 days post surgery and my husband says that he just has a dull ache now. He is happy that he is "hanging straight" as that wasn't the case before the surgery. He has been sore because of involuntary erections that seem to be getting more frequent. But the swelling has subsided quite a bit and everything seems on track.
I forgot to say before that the surgeon reported, after he checked his work at the end of the surgery, that he "now points to magnetic north" (which apparently means he is roughly straight when erect).
Chiguy, mu husband is shy, but if you send me a personal message and let me know which country you are in, he is happy to share details if we are in the same one.
We will have a follow up appointment with the surgeon in four weeks, and will keep you posted.
Hi again
17 days post surgery and my husband is back at work. Most of his dissolvable stitches have fallen out and he seems quite comfortable now. He probably could have gone back to work earlier but we wanted to be sure he rested as much as he needed. We are looking forward to a check up appointment with the surgeon next week. We'll let you know how we go.
karenb,
Thanks so much for the update. Will be hoping for a full recovery.
Les
Hi. I've have Peyronies and I've heard there's a new procedure used in Europe called the Leriche technique. Has this been successful? And if so can someone tell me of a urologist that would perform it on me? Thanks.
Sad
If I remember correctly it was done by a doctor in France several years ago.
There are no successful outcomes or doctors in the US that I know of.
Jackp
Hi again
Just updating you now that my husband is 4 weeks post surgery. We saw the surgeon again yesterday and he is happy that the wound is healing well. He advised that we wait another 3 weeks before 'trying it out'.
My husband wants to say that he is very happy with the surgery so far and the way things are healing, just a little frustrated by the waiting. There is less pain each day and most of the stitches have dissolved. Now it's just a waiting game. Will let you know more when we do!
Karenb
Quote from: karenb on December 11, 2009, 02:26:36 AM
Hi again
Just updating you now that my husband is 4 weeks post surgery. We saw the surgeon again yesterday and he is happy that the wound is healing well. He advised that we wait another 3 weeks before 'trying it out'.
My husband wants to say that he is very happy with the surgery so far and the way things are healing, just a little frustrated by the waiting. There is less pain each day and most of the stitches have dissolved. Now it's just a waiting game. Will let you know more when we do!
Karenb
Karenb,
Great news and thanks for keeping us updated!!! Hopefully another successful surgery case. I encourage you to be patient and take things easy. I know it can be frustrating to wait, but be reminded that the recovery is a slow process. You will want to be very careful once you "try it out" and still be cautious for awhile.
I promise to be gentle with him lwillisjr!
Dr Lue operated on me. It's been very troublesome. He assures me that a VERY small percentage of men have problems. Well, that's me. Pain from the outset and plenty of it. Strong and I mean STRONG pain meds. It looked so horrible at first, that what with the pain, I asked him to remove the stitches less than a week after surgery. He convinced me to wait.
Yes, it got better. Yes, eventually I could count myself in the lower 5% lengthwise (and I started out in the top 10). My fiancee is not here in this country (USA) yet so my only test was masturbation. Very painful. Orgasm-- when I could manage it-- could not overcome pain, or worse: shame. Yes, I am ashamed of my dick. The scar (Dr Lue does it lengthwise which is doubtless better than around, as far as messing with nerves) of course does not stretch so in my opinion it's ugly as hell. AND that was the most sensitive part of my penis, which I didn't think to tell him.
It's been months. Now he is injecting a type of steriod at the sites of the knots in the permanent sutures. That helps-- a lot less pain. But masturbation, even gently, is no fun. I spend most of my day trying to forget about it, or just forgetting about it-- but that isn't going to work when I go back to stay with my wife (we'll be married by then) in a month.
I keep telling myself to handle it like a man... and ending in tears. You know, it takes a long time to find the right woman, after making the idiotic mistakes of youth. And I don't equate sex with love. And I know there are other ways to express love through sex.
But I am one unhappy son of a bitch, let me tell you.
I'm still looking to ask questions about various types of surgery, that I think people will benefit from. A problem that has been pointed out previously, is that once people receive surgery they often leave here, so maybe we'll be a little short on answers, but here goes.
For those undergoing plication surgery, do the sutures become less apparent over time? As they obviously do not dissolve, does it therefore follow that they are noticable indefinitely? How noticable are they? Is the area at all painful in the short/long term?
Since the penis has to be degloved during this type of surgery, for uncircumcised men is circumcision option, or does it have to take place?
Do we have much reliable information as to the success rates of this type of surgery, from the top urologists? (lue, levine.. rather than general stats that probably are not representative of the very best peyronie's surgeons)
bent1234,
Sorry to hear of your experience. I have a few questions if you don't mind:
1. How long has it been since you had the surgery?
2. You said you could eventually count yourself in the lower 5% lengthwise and started out in the top 10. What do you mean by that? Your statement is confusing.
3. You state the Dr. Lue does it lengthwise instead of around. Are you referring to the de-gloving scar? The nerves to the glans runs in a bundle along the top side of the tunica, they do not run through the skin that is de-gloved. So I do not understand why Dr. Lue does this lengthwise if that is what you are referring too.
4. What was your degree of curvature and in what direction was the curve? Was it on the extreme side for the plication procedure?
5. Is your erection straight, and it is the pain and appearance that you are trying to overcome now?
Again, I am sorry for your experience. By for the majority of men I converse are very satisfied with their plication surgeries. Any insight you can provide would be of great benefit for others who are considering this.
Les
Les, thanks, quick reply. I just signed on to this site-- and I am not a "joiner." But who the hell do you talk to about this stuff?? The guy on the next barstool? Your best friend? NO.
I had the surgery perhaps 6 months ago. Today was the third set of four injections directly into the knots (some steriod and pain killer) I'm due for three more set. They happen two to three weeks apart. Rather few men seem to need them. They help the tissue not scarify too badly, as I understand it. Guess I scarify easily/badly.
Look up penis size. You'll find a bell curve. Bell curves are the real world-- I'm from an engineering family, believe me, bell curves MEAN something (provided the data is accurate and complete). Anyway, the top 10% is BIG porn-movie size , and maybe I exaggerated a little bit there. But the lower 5%... well, that's below I think 4-1/2". Add to that the shape is distorted from all that "plication" (all that tissue has to GO somewhere, and for me it just got lumpy).
Yes, Lue "degloved" me lengthwise, and I think very wisely. I've seen pictures of all-the-way-around, and it's obviously stupid and unnecessary-- no work is done on the top so why cut it???? MORE scar tissue???? No, I think Dr Lue did that right, though I also think some nerves did get cut. He's one of the ones who invented the plication method, so what the heck. And if all those major nerves are not in the skin anyway, then it doesn't much matter how the cut is made, except, it seems obvious to me, the less the better.
I don't know what the "extreme side" is for plication. I saw something about 30%, and I think I was more. I do know Lue says he has done over 700 of these things. But maybe my curvature was in fact too much to expect plication to work for. All I know is Dr Lue cautioned against the other method (cutting the calcified section) as it too often caused real impotence.
My curve was straight up, and I was at Kaiser (curse them) at the time so of course nothing was done at the time something COULD be easily done. At least some say that there are things to help it if you catch it in time.
My erection is sort of straight. But it points DOWN. A normal erection as far as I know point UP a fair degree, depending on your age. At least not DOWN. And yes, it's lumpy, and misshapen. And after all these months associating erections (phew! those EMEs just about killed me at first-- I was taking 15 mg or more of Percoset after those) with pain... I don't even want to TRY. I know a lot of this is psychological, and Dr. Lue doesn't qualify himself in that direction. But sheesh, from what I've seen, anyone doing these operations better be half shrink!
I have to admit that today there was a major mixup on his part, which caused be so much psychological pain... I am only slowly recovering now. And I almost recovered by use of a bullet in the head. It was quite a mix up (of charts).
What I hate is that I want to act like a man and take it, but repeatedly it has just kicked the crap out of me.
Yet I remain hopeful. We may have to take two of the four stitches out (it would be nice not to point DOWN). A little curve is perfectly normal. I still have three sessions of injections. And Dr Tom (Lue) gets mad at me and threatens to take them all out but eventually settles down and we talk all right together. I'm not giving up! I've got a sweet gal who's trying to understand as best she can (what woman can understand how a man identifies himself with, of all things, his dick???).
bent
Thanks for the response. Believe me no one wants to be a "joiner" of this group. But we certainly appreciate your feedback and sharing your experience.
I am familiar with the bell shaped curve on penis size. Just wasn't quite following your description. So sounds like you lost several inches and dropped from the high end of the bell curve to the low end. I know of one other guy who had plication surgery out east and had a similar experience as far as loss of length. I don't believe he had any other problems or issues like you are having with the sutures and scaring.
I would be interested in what pictures you have looked at regarding how to make the incision for the degloving. I had surgery, and the incision was made all the way around on my circumcision scar. It healed up fine and does not look and different now than before. I would think a lengthwise incision would make a visible scar regardless of size. But maybe I'm missing the point here.
I believe a 40 degree curve is on the high side of plication surgery. I hear many uro's quote the famous "the other surgery causes impotence" line. They quote this as if it is almost a sure thing. Well I had the other surgery. And I was told by my surgeon that if you are able to achieve good erections prior to the surgery, then your chances are VERY GOOD that you will afterwards.
Has Lue said anything about trying traction or VED exercises to try to regain some length back? There is much information here about both of these. Again sorry for your experience, and hope that Dr. Lue continues to work with you to resolve these issues.
Well,Les, you had a completely different proceedure, so no surprise the incision was made differently. Dr Lue had his reasons for where he cut, but I don't like the result. Considering the plication proceedure pulls the unaffected part of the penis back to match the shortening of the Peyrones affected area, you would think there would be MORE skin down there, but in fact, with the scar, it seems to pull half my balls up under it. No matter what he's telling me, there's some wrong with this.
I'm going to mention to Dr Lue the severity of the curve being rather severe for plication. In fact, if I can find a doctor I can trust, I may have all the stitches removed (I'll still have that horrid scar) and have the procedure you used. But with that scar... I don't know if I even have that option.
My erections before surgery had been getting weaker, and I have an idea it was caused by priapism from some medication I was taking (unrelated to the Peyrones, which I did not know about). I didn't pay attention to the warnings and had a few real bad erection that lasted hours and hours. Stupid of me. They went away and I thought that was that. But I now think I did some damage.
Yet if I take Cialis, I achieved perfectly usable erections. It just shocked me when I discovered I could not achieve penetration at all!! Two solid weeks of attempt and zero success. I couldn't figure it out because the last doctor I'd seen (before being diagnosed) had just said, "oh, use plenty of lubrication and you'll be fine." If I had a nickle for every time a doctor had mislead me or lied to me....
Dr Lue and I haven't discussed traction because he says I'm not ready for it yet, and frankly, the half-inch POSSIBILITY isn't enough for me to bother about. Nothing I've heard about those devices has sounded positive, and it's only a "maybe" success, of very little.
I admit I sometimes take the pain medication (it's been six months) simply because my mind goes into freakout and MUST be calmed down. I'm taking the whole thing badly, not manly, and that bother's me even more. It has been miserable though.
Quote from: bent1234 on December 15, 2009, 09:15:06 PM
For those undergoing plication surgery, do the sutures become less apparent over time? As they obviously do not dissolve, does it therefore follow that they are noticable indefinitely? How noticable are they? Is the area at all painful in the short/long term?
Since the penis has to be degloved during this type of surgery, for uncircumcised men is circumcision option, or does it have to take place?
Do we have much reliable information as to the success rates of this type of surgery, from the top urologists? (lue, levine.. rather than general stats that probably are not representative of the very best peyronie's surgeons)
I had plication surgery with 40 degree curvature for congenital curvature and can share with you my experience for these questions. Yes, the sutures do become less apparent over time. They were very obvious during the first few months of recovery by both sight and touch. However, after about 5 to 6 months they blend in very well and can only be barely felt when a flacid state, not during an erection. I also can no longer see them in either state. The same thing applies to the degloving scars, they eventually fade and have not caused any loss of sensation, it just takes time for them to recover. As far as pain is concerned, I only had minor pain for the first month and a half or so. Dr. Levine told me during my early consultations that he has only ever had one of these surgeries not go according to plan, but only because the patient engaged in sexual activity before the 6 week required healing time. However, even in this case, Dr. Levine was able to operate a second time to fix that patient. As far as the circumcision is concerned, I've only heard from Dr. Levine that he requires circumcision, but I've heard of others getting the operation from other doctors that they weren't necessarily required to have a circumcision.
Hi everyone
Just wanted to let you know that my husband's recovery has gone well and we have been able to test out the surgeon's work. Suddenly I feel shy, but I do want to let you know that his functioning seems normal now. So don't give up hope, those of you who think that it can never be fixed. Happy new year!
>>Suddenly I feel shy...<<
This brought a tear to my eye. It strikes me as a sign of movement from pathology back to a more "normal" realm of couple's intimacy. Good for you two!!
Tim
I'm scheduled next week with Dr. Lue for 16-Dot plication Surgery. Notwithstanding the outstanding present postings, has any one had success with Dr. Lue's procedure? Thanks in advance for your contribution.
45acp
Quote from: 45acp on March 04, 2010, 06:08:56 PM
I'm scheduled next week with Dr. Lue for 16-Dot plication Surgery. Notwithstanding the outstanding present postings, has any one had success with Dr. Lue's procedure? Thanks in advance for your contribution.
45acp
45acp,
Can you share a few more details about your situation. Degree of curvature, pain management, length of time you had the problem, and what led you to the decision of plication surgery? I'm sure it may help others in the same situation.
Les
Les:
Thanks for moderating the list. I was lead to Dr. Lue after a 8 month tour on Trental with little or no results. My curvature is primarily toward the head of the penis and resembles a J when fully erect with the use of Lavitra and the like. No pain is evident while erect or during intercourse. As with Bent I sought the services of Dr. Lue with whom I hold in high regard. My Uro referred my case to him for review. After review, I was accepted for consultation and as with Bent rec'd the same options. I must say, Dr. Lue is a master of making one at ease with his unique humor. With little or no options other then the 16-dot plication procedure, I took the obvious choice. Dr. Lue states that he will make it straight and with little or no loss of length that I have now. Dr. Lue states pain will be limited to several days to one month and will be back in the saddle in 45 days. I'll be off work for a couple of days and back to my desk (running my company) thereafter. I pray he is correct.
After reading Bent's results I sought the help PDS to obtain any positive results from Dr. Lue's procedure. Yours has been the only reply; disappointing I might add. I can only assume any members with a successful procedure from Dr. Lue would probably not participate on the list, but one can never tell.
Thank you for your reply.
45ACP
Looking forward to shooting straight again!
I'm not sure we have had many members who have had plication surgery. And I'm not sure that many stick with the forum over a long period. So sorry for the few responses. I do find other cases on the internet, and even a story that was covered in a British newspaper all with positive results.
If you resemble a "J" then it sounds like you have a pretty sever curve. And you are going to one of the highly recommended surgeons out there. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out. Though your surgical procedure will be different than mine, I can somewhat appreciate your apprehension and what you are about to face.
Les
Les:
Thanks for your contribution to my post and your generous good wishes. I will keep you posted on the progress and won't be one of those who tend to forget our future brothers in need.
45acp
This week I had my 16 dot plication procedure performed by Dr. Lue. I must say, it takes a lot for me to be concerned, but this was pretty much up there. I was thinking that I'd rather re-face a live fire-fight then have this procedure done.
On the day of the procedure I arrived at the Surgical Outpatient with my wonderful bride at my side. The staff at UCSF are far more advanced than other outpatient surgeries with other hospitals. Dr. Lue's resident met with me to go over the process and the nurses inserted my IV and completed the prep. Dr. Lue arrived just before I was scheduled to be wheeled into the Operating Room. We chatted and he told a few jokes. I was wheeled into the OR and moved onto the operating platform. I met the other staff and was given a sedative through the IV. Dr. Lue began the procedure by injecting me with a local numbing agent ( I've pulled a hair from my groin with more pain than the injection). A curtain was placed in front of me so I couldn't see what was happening. A nurse was assigned to me to consistently ask how I was doing and to monitor my vitals. As the procedure continued I began to slightly feel some pricking (excuse the pun) and was immediately given more local numbing agent. I couldn't see the clock and time was moving by quickly. Before I knew it, Dr. Lue said that my 90 degree curve was straight as a ball point pen and the procedure was a complete success. A bandage was placed around the shaft and I was taken to recovery where I stayed for 2 hours with an ice pack on the incision area. Total time in the OR, 1 hour. The pain began an hour after the procedure and felt like a stinging sensation. I asked for a Percocet and that seemed to take the edge off. It appeared the ice reduced a majority of the discomfort. I was released under my own power and returned home with instructions to keep ice on the incision and to change the bandage everyday. Urinating wasn't too bad the 1st day and returned to normal the next day.
It's been two days since the procedure and I'm having no pain whatsoever. I'm able to do pretty much anything except do heavy lifting. As for the bandage, it has to be changed daily for the next 5 days (thank you dear) and I'm showering with a plastic bag over the package. I'm back to work and doing fine.
I'll keep you posted as the days allow. Thank you Dr. Lue! Looking forward to seeing your work in about 5 weeks.
45acp
Keep us updated. I can totally relate to what you are going through.
Greetings fellow Peyronians:
Well its been 3 -1/2 weeks since my 16-dot procedure and I have been back to full work since the start of week 2 and without any problems. The bandage came off 5 days after the procedure and since then I've been waiting for the incision dissolving sutures to fall off as they can be a little uncomfortable. I've been fine, healing right on schedule, and the incision does not have any redness. I've asked to have the remaining sutures removed and will be visiting Dr. Lue's staff next week. The incision was made vertically and on the under side of the shaft.
I have not had a full erection as yet, but found waking up the other day to a mild case of "morning wood" was a very unusual experience. I could feel a restriction and discomfort but was uncertain whether it was the incision sutures or the sutures to keep my 90 degree curve straight; it was fun trying to stop nature :o Dr. Lue stated there would be some discomfort when obtaining an erection as the tissues become used to the new environment. As he stated: "the 16-dot sutures have provided a re-bar type of structure and as you start to become erect, the tissue will build around the sutures and reinforce the correction so that it becomes straight. I have another 3 weeks before I can begin my therapy. I'm planning to have bullet close by to bite down on to help with the transitional pain. For all of those who have gone before me, and fought their way through this battlefield, I salute you!
Next update in a couple weeks,
45acp
Congrats on the surgery 45acp and best of luck. Thanks for updating your status here.
-Skjald
Hi, I just had a plication (nesbit) op for congenital downwards curvature (30-40 degrees). Op was 24 hrs ago, I've posted a thread in the personal history section if anyone is interested, or please ask or PM me with any questions. Cheers.
I wonder how much angulation has to be present for plication to be recommended?
Is that over 40 Degrees (or how much?) and 12-months of oral therapy plus VED/traction, or what?
Quote from: BrooksBro on April 11, 2010, 06:28:18 AM
I wonder how much angulation has to be present for plication to be recommended?
Is that over 40 Degrees (or how much?) and 12-months of oral therapy plus VED/traction, or what?
The max is around 40 degrees. My curvature was 40 degrees and I had successful surgery. I did not lose length, so no traction was necessary, but for some it might be necessary.
Quote from: BrooksBro on April 11, 2010, 06:28:18 AM
I wonder how much angulation has to be present for plication to be recommended?
Is that over 40 Degrees (or how much?) and 12-months of oral therapy plus VED/traction, or what?
Once you determine to pursue surgery, plication is the recommended procedure with bends up to around 40 degrees. For curves exceeding 40 degrees other procedures are generally suggested other than plication.
Les
Because my angle was severe (about 160 degrees) AND I had the bottleneck, I had the excision/graft/plication triple whammy.
Anyone who is thinking about the surgery should read the individuals' stories posted in this forum, so they can be prepared for all the potential problems. Sometimes it is the only answer (it was for me), but it can be a very difficult journey.
I had my plication surgery two days ago.
It has been good so far with not much
pain. Had problems peeing after surgery, but now ok. Going back to doctor as I can't completely remove bandage.
Quote from: Lee52 on September 17, 2010, 01:25:52 PM
I had my plication surgery two days ago.
It has been good so far with not much
pain. Had problems peeing after surgery, but now ok. Going back to doctor as I can't completely remove bandage.
Lee52,
Would you mind sharing what your condition was prior to surgery? ie. How long did you have Peyronies Disease, how severe was your curvature, etc. It might help others who don't know whether to consider surgery or not. Also please keep us posted on your progress.
I had my penile I plication procedure about 3-4 weeks ago. Pre-op my penis was at a 90 degree curve but this was congenital and not Peyronies. So far it is great and I am straight as a pencil = ) I don't. Notice much loss Of length for me others say they did bit I don't for me. Also I don't even notice the suture while erect but I can feel them if I try to feel them.
The doctor I had for this surgery wad Dr. Drogo K. Montague from Cleveland clinic in Ohio. He did a great job!! I looked him up online and he has had 40 years of experience in this field and is head of the american urological association. Too me that really reassured me so I went ahead and had surgery with him, so fr positive results = )))))!!!!
wwilson, that is great news!
Tim
Hi ya'll Ive been reading some posts here trying to make a decision on whether or not to have Plication surgery or graft. My Peyronies has been stable for over a year now.
I have very strong erections and have a good sex drive...only problem is I cannot have sex. Im about 60 to 80 degrees bent straight to the left. I have become very depressed lately becasue it has affected relationships as you might imagine. I am single. it is very demoralizing and I am very very depressed. I have procrastinated going to The Dr. here in Houston because He doesnt do anything but Plication. I figure If Im going to see a Doctor I may as well go see whomever can apply all the tricks of the trade.
Here's some questions for yall:
1.) If on my first visit, should I tell the Doc that I wish to forgo any non evasive, long term, drawn our treatments and go right under the knife...will he abide by my wishes?
I simply do not have any desire to try any bogus treatments becasue All I have read is they are worthless and drain your pocketbook. And due to my lifestyle I wont keep
the doctor visits...Im just that way. Im a busy man.
If i have strong erections with a bend of up to 80 degrees left with just that info would you say that Im a candidate for Incision and grafting or Excision and grafting?
This is not only a hardship but a logistics nightmare to figure out when I can go see Dr. Lavine,,,,when he's available...and when Im off work. Jeesuz christ this sucks!!!!
not9inches,
I will preface this by saying you need to exhaust all other options before considering surgery. I don't know what you have tried, but I can tell you that a 60-80 degree bend is hard to correct with anything but surgery. Even if you were to try Verapamil injections, VED, traction, etc., I think it unlikely that you would see enough correction to be satisfied with the results. I can tell you this first hand as I had a 70 degree bend and was told this by Dr. Levine himself. I did try everything I could anyway, before accepting surgery as an option. Now, for as to what type.
1. I can tell you Levine will only do plication up to about a 40 degree bend. Beyond this is a challenge to straighten back to 0 degrees with just plication.
2. Since you are able to get erections, then you do not need an implant. There is a risk of some ED with any surgery. But Levine told me personally that if you are able to get good erections before surgery, then you have a good chance of erection success post surgery.
3. I think you all right in the category of "excision and grafting". An implant isn't necessary in your case, and your bend is to severe for plication. "Excision and grafting" would be the most obvious choice for you from my humble perspective. There is a likely risk of some loss of length with this surgery as well.
I would ONLY recommend someone like Levine to do this surgery. He is VERY experienced and has a great reputation for his skill and knowledge. I know of other guys in your situation. They were able to send him their records and test results, and then did a phone consult with Dr. Levine. I know one guy (I can put you in touch with him if you like) who scheduled the surgery and flew to Chicago for a couple of days to have the surgery done and then back home.
excellent advice (as always) from lwillisjr. And he is very diplomatic.
I am not going to be as diplomatic. :)
not9inches: there is no fast solution to Peyronies Disease. Surgery is not a fast solution. If you are not the type to stick to a therapy or find the time to keep an appointment with the doctor, and you are not willing to learn how to change those behaviours, then this disease will win. Right now you are depressed but you still have some hope, and that is excellent.
Like you, I am a busy man. I can barely find enough minutes in the day to eat or shower. At the outset of my Peyronies Disease, I took the Vitamin E therapy. But after months of the pills (and I did remember to take them most days) there was no change. And my Peyronies Disease got to the point where it was one of the worst cases. Like you, I hate finding the time to see doctors - and especially specialists, because they pretty much dictate when they will see you. But I went for the Verapamil injections, arranging each appointment to fall at the beginning or end of my work day. And that was a problem, too - especially the last injection which had me hemorrhaging the whole morning while I was at work trying to keep a meeting of medical researchers from across the country on track.
They finally agreed to do the surgery. Hooray! But guess what? While the surgery is usually pretty painless, and I could have gone back to work the next day, you end up having to do months of slow therapies or else the scar tissue comes back - AND the graft shrinks. So you not only end up bent, but smaller and bent. I had the triple-whammy of excision/graft/plication and I lost 3" off my erect length - and THAT would have shrunk even more without doing the post-surgery therapy. The only guys I know of who don't have to do the serious post-op stuff are the guys whose curvature is congenital and not Peyronies Disease-related. That's not you.
There is no shortcut here. You do the therapies without the surgery or you do the therapies after the surgery. If you don't learn to find the time and the discipline, then the disease will likely come back and win. For now I am seeing very positive results without taking any of the supplements - I am doing VED and traction and I had a short period of Cialis therapy at the 4 months mark. And, yes, I sometimes fall off the wagon for a few days. But I am more depressed if I am NOT actively treating the disease than I am when I AM actively treating the disease. So take that energy you have for your business and relationships and apply some of it to this problem - long term.
Some of the guys in here are taking those "bogus treatments" (I assume you mean supplements and alternative therapies) because they offer hope - however slim. And some of them are doing it even if they are pretty sure it won't work for them, because doing SOMETHING, ANYTHING, is better than feeling powerless. And almost every therapy we have seen discussed in here has worked for someone at some time. This disease is highly individual, and every body seems to react uniquely to the therapies. Do not disrespect the choices of others - you do not know what has led them to that point.
It does sound like you are a good candidate for the surgery, but make sure you read ALL the material in here and go into your meeting knowing the risks, the commitment, and the likely results. If you have to, treat this disease like a job in which you are both the client and the service provider.
If you want, keep track of the hours you spend on doctors, on therapies, on worrying. Then figure out how much this disease has cost you in material terms. If I look back at my stats since the end of July, this is what I find: a week of work lost to the surgery and complications (bad infection); 8 hours in post-surgery doctor visits; approximately a half-hour a day spent on VED and putting on/taking off traction devices (I will not count the actual time in traction, because I can do other things while I wear the device); 20 hours spent on this forum, getting information and posting to help others. So that works out to...approximately 160 hours. My current hourly rate for my largest client is over $130, but for the sake of simplicity we will calculate this at $100/hr. That means in the last 6 months I have spent $16,000 in time charges plus the VED/FastSize/supplies adding another $600. Phew! Good thing I am in Canada, where the surgery was free.
If I were rich, I would look at that figure of $16,600 and I would match it with a donation to fight Peyronie's.
Im sure I have asked this before...as stated in an earlier post...I had been stable for over a year...bent left about 80 degrees. Well, just the other day...I seemed to notice a "dent" now on the Right side, about an inch up from the base. This is the very same thing that Occurred in the beginnings of my Peyronies on the left side. My question is...has others had this denting without feeling any Nodules or bumbs as described in other posts. I have NEVER felt an bumps, nodules etc. I just one day notice I have a dent...and there begins the onset of Peyronies. Again..Im wondering were I stand now as I had made an appt for the 9th of March and was ready to have the doctor do surgery. But now that Ive discovered this other thing going on on the other side...i dont what to think.
I think I posted already that I am scheduled for surgery on the 22nd of March. The "official" bend that was measured at the Doctors office was 74 degress. I'm going to have the nesbit procedure, Doc said could get me back to about 30 degress from true north. I would be MORE than happy with that as I remember when I was developing the disease and when I was at the 30 degree mark...I was having sex and it wasn't a big deal. I remember saying to myself..."hey...if it don't get any worse than this (30 degrees) I'll be damned happy. But it did... :(
so there ya go...get me back to that and Im happy camper. ( pray for me fellows )
Quote from: not9inches on March 12, 2011, 03:05:13 PM
I think I posted already that I am scheduled for surgery on the 22nd of March.
( pray for me fellows )
Will say a prayer next week, and hope all goes well. Good luck and keep us updated.
Tomorrows the big day! In surgery at 11:30. some questions for those in the know here.
I'm having the Nesbit surgery. How long will this take? How long usually before I can leave afterwards?
Any special advice on caring for "mr happy" afterwards?
How long before I can have sex!?
Your doctor will answer all these questions post-op
Surgery went fine today. Got started right on time..11:30 left the hospital about 3. Im home now and so far there isnt any pain.
It's kinda hard to pee but seems to get easier as time goes by. Im assuming its because of the swelling.
Got to go back to the doctors tomorrow so he can show me how to change the bandage. I got ace bandage on it,
As far as losing any length...Im assuming you cannot tell how much you lost untill you have an erection because right now in my present state
(limp) i cannot tell any loss of length.
I am wondering if anyone else who has had surgey found it difficult to keep your dick wrapped up. ? I try to keep from doing too much activity. But i find i have to re-wrap it about 3 times a day.
Hey everyone. It's been 5 days since my surgery with Dr. Lipshultz here in Houston and recovering fine. Everyone in his office has been super. I can't say how pleased I am with
all they have done. I've experienced some mild ( accidental / nocturnal ) erections...about 60 % erect....and judging from what I see, when I am able to experience a full erection I think I am going to be just fine. I am doing all I can to keep from having a full on hard-on for now. I have to keep my girlfriend away... : (
I had an incision done length wise, about 3 inches on the underside of my dick...not the de-gloving kinda surgery. Healing up just fine.
Doc said I wouldn't be completely straight but so far what I'm seeing I'm a happy man!
Congrats! We like a good success story - be sure to post in the success forum too (maybe after you've recovered enough to try it out!)
Well its been a few weeks and Im about all healed up and I seem to be straighter than the what the doctor indicated I might expect. As i recalled he said I might expect about a 30 degree bend after surgery. My official bend measurement was 74 degrees before surgery. It looks like maybe 20 degrees now if that. In other words...Im a happy camper!
Question for any who have had surgery. Can i pull out the one remaining stitch. its itching the crap out of me. My incision is all healed up but got one stitch stickin out.
Hey, have you healed up enough to use your fella yet? How are things going?
Go back to your doc and ask him about the stitch - not us. We didn't put it in there - so don't trust us to know what to do with it!
Tim
Hi!
This is my first post here and just came to tell that I had successful nesbit surgery week ago. I had 30-40 degree congenital curve to left.
Surgery went well, I'm straight now and didn't loose any lenght. I've had noctural erections since first night after surgery.
What comes to pain there is little to none except when I wake up at night with wood :) Still little swollen but that is also getting better.
Doctor said to wait 3 weeks before having sex but I think I'll wait 4-6 weeks after reading stories from this forum.
Feel free to ask questions on private or on this thread and I'll try to update my progress here :)
GeeGee,
Thanks for posting. It's always good the hear positive stories of improvment.
Les
Really happy for you guys (not9inches and GeeGee). It sounds like surgery went great for both of you.
congrats to both of you it is good to hear of some good things happening for a change. You will both be in my prayers. Keep us up dated>
I am missing something? My pages are not updating? :(
not9inches last post in this topic was at April 14, 2011 and he last visited our site at April 21, 2011 ???
GeeGee last post in this topic was at September 16, 2011 and he last visited our site at November 01, 2011 ???
So both will not see your answers
James
After two series of six verapamil injections (12 total this year), I have not had any functional improvement. I went to an appointment Monday, expecting another ultrasound measurement and to talk with Dr Lipshultz (Baylor, Houston TX) about an implant. Neither happened.
The discussion quickly turned to plication. In June, my curve was measured at just over 85 degrees, upward, with some hour-glass and calcification. The ultrasound shows I have excellent collateral blood flow (3X the minimum). The doc is confident he can reduce my curve to something between 60 and 30 degrees. I am scheduled for plication surgery on October 25.
Obviously, this is much less invasive than an implant.
You should first discuss with him about expectations of loss of length for this type of surgery. I realize Dr. Lipshultz has a good reputation, but I know that Dr. Levine would not recommend plication for curves greater than 40-50 degrees. I think this is why he is telling you that he can reduce your 85 degree curve to something to 30-60 degrees. My concern is that if he is only successful in reducing your curve to 60 degrees is that you are not going to be happy. My personl experience is that intercourse with a curve 40 degrees or greater is a challenge if not impossible.
I understand he can improve your curve, but is it going to be enough to be satisfactory?
I had a 70+ degree curve, and Levine performed "Excision and Grafting" surgery and correct my curve to a near perfect 0 degrees with only a 2 cm loss in length.
lwillisjr
I have a question:
Why the excision is shortening the penis?
My logic says that it should lengthen the penis if the plaque is tacked out because the plaque restricting the length that an erection can stretch the penis. So if the plaque not there, why not longer? Why shorter?
The opposite side of the plaque should be longer than the plaque side. :(
James
James, Since I am not a candidate for such surgery I am not well informed on this but I think the answer is that they cannot leave a gap in your tunica where the plaque was excised. They either fill it with a graft and you gain some length or they close the void. However in the last case it seemd you would be no better off than with the plaque still there.
I also discounted plication, following the conventional wisdom of it being limited to curves less than 50-60 degrees. If the level of acceptance is zero curve and zero length loss, then I am not a candidate. My threshold is an improvement sufficient to permit penetration. If achieving that means a 1-2 cm (3/8-3/4 inch) length loss, so be it.
I will have to wait to find out if intercourse with a 30-60 degree bend is less impossible than it is right now with 85 degrees. With the 16 or 24 dot technique, it seems possible to me for there to be a significant reduction in the curve. Oh but were this possible without a corresponding loss in length. For all practical matters, that length is already "lost" to me.
After the plication, I may well find that I am unable to penetrate. I may also find that I am. In my current condition, that is just as impossible today as it has been for the past year.
This may buy me some time until Xiaflex becomes commercially available, which will actually "dissolve" the plaque. If I find the plication outcome is unacceptable, either from a curve or length standpoint, there is always the inflatable implant option remaining.
In all my reading of studies, there are not any "good" grafting materials, be they cadaver, animal, patient harvested, or synthetic. They all have side effects and complications. There is also a large percentage of those with grafts which have significant worsening of pre-existing ED, or who now have ED.
Quote from: james1947 on October 10, 2012, 04:51:53 AM
lwillisjr
I have a question:
Why the excision is shortening the penis?
James
James,
Good question. I may have not stated it correctly. From the time I first contracted Peyronies until after the surgery, during this time frame I lost 2 cm. So it wasn't necessarily the surgery, but may have been simply due to the peyronies itself. I'm not a surgeon but I have spoken to many guys offline who have had the excision and grafting surgery. Some did not lose any length, and some did lose length. I understand the logic of if you remove the plaque and replace it with a graft material then one would think that you would have your original length back. But this isn't always the case and I ALWAYS point out to anyone considering surgery that this is a possibility.
In the case of plication, the longer side is shortened to match the already shorter side. So I think shortening due to plication is a given.
Les
lwillisjr
Thank you for the answer.
My uro don't come back to me yet to answer this question (email). :(
Maybe I need to go again to the hospital to talk with him personally. :(
I will post what he says when I will meat him.
James
It is 24 hours until my plication surgery. Any last minute suggestions or affirmations?
I am praying for minimum discomfort, satisfactory results, quick healing, and no complications.
BrooksBro, I'll be praying for you. Blessings, Buckeye
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You will be fine.
We are anxious to hear from you after the surgery.
BrooksBro
Will praying for you, wish good results and fast recovery.
James
Do the sutures ever dissolve? That's what my doctor told me, but they are clearly still there.
My understanding is they never dissolve. If they did, or if they break, the curve would return because it is a simple surgery where they just tuck the long side with a non-elastic suture to equal the effects of the plaque on the short side. There is no incision and healing on the shaft to hold the penis straight if the sutures dissolved.
Must of been talking about the stitches then
Aphex,
How much of a curve did you have before surgery?
Quote from: Hawk on October 25, 2012, 09:49:48 AM
Aphex,
How much of a curve did you have before surgery?
I am not sure the exact angle.
It curved to the right a little. It was the dorsal curvature that was the worst. Instead of going out perpendicular from the body, it goes almost parallel up to my belly button. The surgery didn't do much but make my erections weak and soft.
Thanks for the prayers guys.
My Creator, The Great Physician, delivered on His promises. He used my surgeon to achieve what I believe will be a satisfactory outcome. A few months ago, my upward curve measured 85 degrees. The doc said it was 15 degrees after he finished. My hope was for 30-60 degrees residual. I know, with 70 degrees of reduction, the shortening will be more than if there was less curve reduction. As I told my wife, as long as it reaches from me and into her, I am good. ;D
I am thinking, perhaps a few months after I am fully recovered, I may use traction or VED therapy again to stretch the side without the permanent sutures, and restore some length.
It was late when I got the Vicodin pain med filled. I forgot how much that can disrupt sleep. It kept me up a few hours later than usual, and I woke up every few hours during the night. I skipped my nightly 25 mg Viagra, not wanting to induce uncomfortable erections while I slept. It didn't work. My morning wood was too uncomfortable to lay there or go back to sleep.
I tried to make it through the morning with just extra strength Tylenol. It was inadequate to take the edge off. I may try an ice pack later today. Urinating really burns. I hope that eases after I remove all the bandages later today.
I am most pleased that the restriction is no sex for two (2) weeks, meaning after my follow up appointment. OK, he wrote at least two weeks. No lifting more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks. Having been about a year since our last successful intercourse, I expect the first weekend after my appointment could be a lot like a honeymoon. I know there will be some relearning and adjusting. I am looking forward to that!
After several years of dealing with this condition, I feel like I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And, that light is the bright shinning sun. I believe the combination of pentoxifylline, nightly Viagra, and L-Arginine were effective in restoring my overall penile health. Having restored that health before plication was the correct order.
Quote from: BrooksBro on October 26, 2012, 11:56:33 AM
I am thinking, perhaps a few months after I am fully recovered, I may use traction or VED therapy again to stretch the side without the permanent sutures, and restore some length.
Great news!
One HUGE caution however, if you attempt to stretch you have the potential of ripping out the sutures with a resulting disaster. Be sure to consult you doctor about this before attempting it.
BrooksBro,
I'm sure I speak for all of us..."best of luck to you and your wife"!!!
But, please don't overdo it when you get the chance to "do it".
GS
BrooksBro,
What surgical procedure did you have done??
Modified Nesbit plication. One incision along the bottom side to put sutures in the tunica. With the bandage off this evening, it is very swollen and very black and blue. I just started folding a gel ice pack over it for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, to help bring down the swelling.
Quote from: lwillisjr on October 26, 2012, 07:23:55 PM
BrooksBro,
What surgical procedure did you have done??
Today is my 4th day since plication surgery.
I stopped taking Vicodin for pain after the second day. Since then, two extra strength Tylenol every 6-hours have been all I needed for pain. I am still swollen and ice packs do not seem to help with that.
In addition to being sore along the suture line, there are some other tender areas. The discomfort is tolerable (with Tylenol). The most trouble occurs when the skin level sutures rub against something, such as the inside of my underwear.
Spontaneous night time erections were a little more tolerable last night. I stopped taking L-Arginine and 25 mg Viagra each night, but the erections still happen. I have specifically avoided trying to get an erection, out of fear about the discomfort that would result.
I think I am beginning to see some of the discoloration going away.
Wish you fast recovery.
Erections without L-Arginine and Viagra after surgery are GOOD signs that no damage has done to the nerves.
James
Today is one week since modified Nesbit plication surgery. My understanding is the true Nesbit involves full de-gloving. I only had a single incision along the bottom side, a little below the circumcision scar, and running in the same direction as it.
I was awakened from sleep early this morning with a painful erection. Most of the pain was along both sides and seemed to be most intense nearest to my body. I can only presume this may be where the internal sutures are tied off. To me, it felt like the strongest erection I have had in the last week. My thought was, if this is how it is going to feel, having penetrative sex again is going to be very uncomfortable for me.
I noticed when even partially erect, it sticks straight out from my body much more than I ever remember. Since the curve-limiting sutures are on the bottom, this makes sense to me.
Much of the lighter bruising is disappearing almost on a daily basis. The swelling is also decreasing. The swelling is down enough that I believe I can feel the sutures under the skin. I am beginning to pick out bits of the surface sutures as they dissolve.
I think the fear of losing length got much more attention than it deserved. I was not overly well endowed before. What remains appears to be quite adequate to me.
The plaque is still there, and I expect it still causes some venous leakage. That means I am likely to need to use the VED and constricting band. At least I am straight enough that I am highly confident that I can penetrate again.
In retrospect, I should have done this at least a year ago. There was nothing to be gained by waiting.
If you are getting decent quality erections now you may not need a constriction VED & band. If anything maybe viagra or even 1/2 a Viagra (cheaper than lower dose pill).
I would try with nothing, then if you need something add L-Arginine, if yu need more then add a 1/2 a viagra. If that still does not work I would add a constriction ring.
Good luck
Getting it and keeping it long enough are two different things. ;D You are right, and I am looking forward to finding out which works best for our mutual satisfaction.
Quote from: Hawk on November 01, 2012, 03:46:39 PM
If you are getting ecent quality erections now you may not need a constriction VED & band. If anything maybe viagra or even 1/2 a Viagra (cheaper than lower dose pill).
I would try with nothing, then if you need something add L-Arginine, if yu need more then add a 1/2 a viagra. If that still does not work I would add a constriction ring.
Good luck
I wish I had read this study long ago. In over 90% of the cases in it, the outcome was favorable. The study shows the concerns about feeling the knots and shortening are over rated.
At a mean follow-up of 30 months (range 8–69), subjective result was good (straight penis, mild shortening, normal erection and penetration) in 92.5% cases, fair in 5%, due to permanent glans numbness in a case in which the neurovascular bundle was not mobilized, and psychogenic ED in a patient who expected the operation to improve his erectile function, poor in a patient (2.5%) who claimed signicant penile shortening (which was objectively shown to be 1.2 cm). None of the patients had problems with the knots.
http://www.hawaii.edu/hivandaids/Tunica_Albuginea_Plication_for_the_Correction_of_Penile_Curvature.pdf
Hi guys
Day 3 post op Nesbitts procedure. How do I feel? pretty good really apart from waking up at 3am with painful throb down below and after a quick check can say I`m mega pleased that it doesn`t look like I`ll have a problem with ED ;D
Interesting to read others dealings on the forum with medication for Peyronies. I`ve never tried any medication for this condition. I remember reading once that vitamin E or a lack of it contributes to Peyronies Disease but thats as far as I got. I have always been of the opinion that surgery for me anyway was the only option.
In the UK we have a program broadcast on Channel 4 called `Embarrassing bodies` where members of the public go to the tv doctors surgery to discuss their problems and the next course of action. I watched one program about a guy called Keith and the nesbitt procedure he went through and found it a great help. You can see it here http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/in-detail/in-detail-peyronie-s-disease (http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/in-detail/in-detail-peyronie-s-disease)
Best
Steve
Quote from: nebula2 on November 09, 2012, 06:15:40 PM
In the UK we have a program broadcast on Channel 4 called `Embarrassing bodies` where members of the public go to the tv doctors surgery to discuss their problems and the next course of action. I watched one program about a guy called Keith and the nesbitt procedure he went through and found it a great help. You can see it here http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/in-detail/in-detail-peyronie-s-disease (http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/video/in-detail/in-detail-peyronie-s-disease)
The producer of that show contacted me about possible volunteers from the forum about 3 years ago. I posted his info incase anyone cared to contact him. I think at least one did but I'm not sure if it progressed.
Quote from: BrooksBro on October 10, 2012, 04:14:11 PM
This may buy me some time until Xiaflex becomes commercially available, which will actually "dissolve" the plaque. If I find the plication outcome is unacceptable, either from a curve or length standpoint, there is always the inflatable implant option remaining.
Hi Brooks
Since xiaflex looks like it may be less than a year away, I am wondering why you decided on such drastic measures such as surgery in the meanwhile?
ALL the treatments I have tried (traction, VED, trental, ubiquinol, 12 verapamil injections, etc, etc, etc) were unable to resolve the plaque. My overall penile health is greatly improved through these treatments, but the plaque remained. The stronger my erections became, the worse the curve became. At 85 degrees upward, I have been unable to have penetrative sex for more than a year.
The plication surgery was only to correct the curve sufficient for penetration. It is the least radical surgery for this disease. I was unwilling to wait for what could be another 12-18 months for Xiaflex to become available before having penetrative sex again. My name is on the Xiaflex candidate list at my doc's practice. When it becomes available, I am going to seek treatment. I did not make it into the study because I was taking trental.
For now, even after the plication (straightening) surgery, the plaque remains, and with it, venous leakage. When the doc says I can resume sex, I expect to need a constricting band of some type to retain my erection long enough for satisfaction. Blood inflow is fine, three times the minimum needed to produce an erection according to the ultrasound technician. Collapsing the veins to retain the blood is where I am having difficulty; the plaque does not allow the veins near it to compress and close off.
At my 2-week follow up this past week, the single incision is healing well. My next, and last, surgical follow up is December 6. I can't wait for the go approval from the doc!
Quote from: lukewill on November 10, 2012, 08:00:51 AM
Quote from: BrooksBro on October 10, 2012, 04:14:11 PM
This may buy me some time until Xiaflex becomes commercially available, which will actually "dissolve" the plaque. If I find the plication outcome is unacceptable, either from a curve or length standpoint, there is always the inflatable implant option remaining.
Hi Brooks
Since xiaflex looks like it may be less than a year away, I am wondering why you decided on such drastic measures such as surgery in the meanwhile?
The bills are being processed by my insurance provider (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO).
Anesthesia $ 2,772
Surgeon $ 3,849
Hospital $18,015
TOTAL $24,636
My share $ 1,462
Three days shy of five weeks after plication surgery, I simply could not wait any longer to try out my much straighter second brain (85 degrees reduced to 15). The wife agreed. 100 mg Viagra with 2.5 G L-Arginine (powder), and it was as hard as ever. I did not need to pump and use a constricting band, and it stayed hard long enough. Foreplay, what's that? ROFLOL
There was some slight pain along one side, probably where the restraining sutures were placed. It was very tolerable and hardly worth mentioning.
From what I can remember from the last time we had penetrative sex (more than a year ago), it felt slightly shorter, although a little fatter. My wife did not mention anything about it feeling different to her, and she sure did not complain if it did. We both had a happy ending. ;D
I see my surgeon in another week for the last follow-up. What do I tell him if he asks "did you have sex yet?" :-\
I am about 8 weeks after my first testopel pellets, and I feel like my testosterone level is lower than it had been on weekly injections (150 mg test cyp). My concerns about it not being high enough for the viagra to work turned out to be nothing at all. 100 mg was enough. My labs just came back at 600. It was closer to 1,000 on the weekly injections. I expect at my next implant in mid-January I will get more pellets.
Just tell him yes, I had sex and it was very successfull ;D 8)
James
My plication surgery was 6 weeks ago on 12/6/2012. Both times in the last week that we had sex, everything worked just fine. We both had a happy ending. After not being able to have penetrative sex in more than a year, this is GREAT!
When I saw the surgeon a few days ago for my last follow-up, he was pleased to learn that we are both satisfied with the outcome. Yes, it is noticeably (to me) a little shorter. I don't see that there is anything to be gained by me putting a number on it, so I won't. It is still plenty long enough to reach from my body into her's, to our mutual satisfaction. Some of the length loss seems to have resulted in greater girth. I can feel the sutures under the skin, but only when flacid. They are not what I would call painful. The doc said the slight discomfort (very low pain level) when fully erect will diminish over time. It is not enough that I take any OTC pain medications. It is more like having a rock hard erection.
At 606, my testosterone level is lower than what I remembered when taking weekly injections. My second round of Testopel pellets is in mid-January, when I hope to raise that level a little bit more, perhaps closer to 800.
BrooksBro
Happy to read your report.
Wish you to continue with the new sex life until the end of the days.
James