Is this normal?

Kids, it has been a month since robo surgery.  DB is not having erections so good except when he poops.  He is getting a pretty good one then, but my concern is that the head of the penis looks purple when this happens.  Do we need to call the doc?  Is it strangulated?  The erection is not real strong but it is trying to be.  Has anyone had this happen?

Remember this is veinous blood and is going to be dark and not bright red. There is an old expression where the penis is called the "purple headed warrior". I think it is absolutely nothing to worry about. It may be darker blood than before surgery, but no, there is no strangulation going on. If it isn't painful, don't worry about it. Also, the stool is obviously stimulating a nerve as it passes by. Take it and be happy that there is some action going on at all!

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Paul, I sure hope you are right. It was a shock to see it like that. Usually before the surgery I only saw it in the "dark". But now he lets me keep an eye on his parts and all the robot wounds. He said it didn't hurt, so we went out to dinner. I just now got a look at it and it seems a better color.
We are so happy that there is a sign of life left in the old boy, but so far, just in the bathroom. He is a constipated person and this may have something to do with it.
Les and DB

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Les and DB from KC(Les is a member of UC and Ostomy forum also)

Hi Hopeso,
This is a good reason to talk to the surgeon. The surgery did indeed mess with many arteries and veins and his input is logical. It is a bit soon to take any conclusion out of it, but it is good that some flow is appearing. Stay patient and stay aware of the changes. It should be progressing to the better.

Tony

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Age 45 (44 when Dx)

We are just about the same on time since surgery and yes I have had the same thing happen to me as I battle constipation which was never a problem before surgery. It is an odd feeling for sure and at an odd time.

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12/06/07 DaVinci and LRP

DB is afraid for me to call the doc about the purple penis head during the pooping erection, because he thinks the doc will stick something up his back side,  to recreate the condition that makes it turn purple.  He may be right about that, but I told him that we to call and see what the doc says.  I am just wanting to be  careful.