THE EVASIVE WOODY...

As I said on my previous post, I had Davinci 6/15.  Still no wood.  There is progress though.  I was using the pump which kind of works.  The pump seems somewhat painful at times and the whole ring ejector thing is clumsy, noisy and not pleasant (hurts too).  I have chosen not to use it - not a good return for the effort if you know what I mean.  I tried Viagra and got ALL the bad sysmptoms - definately not worth it.  Doc them prescribed Cialis which is better, but I still get conjested and headaches.  Doc says just wait and it will eventually return.  It is maybe 60% there, for which I am grateful.  Still not good enough for penetration, but progress is good.  I haved backed off the pump and I read a post here recently that said the inactivity can slow progress or worse.  Any opinions here or alternative methods?

Wish I could tell you I knew about a majic pill, but I don't.  Your 60% there actually sounds pretty good.

Dennis,

If you can get 60%, try the Cialis with a lubed ring. Don't ry the small ring unless you require one of course. Perhaps even one of the adjustable ones will help. Pre and post stimulation may just do the trick enough to make you both happy. Use the pump a few times a week just for rehab. My 2-cents.

Swim

Dennis,

Jeff and I are also wondering the same things. He is maybe 50% there and takes Cialis. he's going to ask about the pump when he sees his doctor in a couple of weeks. in the meantime, daily stimulation in the shower and "couple" time 2-3 times a week. everyone keeps saying to be patient, but darn that's hard sometimes. thanks for asking the questions you did. kat

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Husband Jeff 56 years old
diagnosed July 27, 2006
PSA 6.5
2 positive areas in biopsy, Gleason 3+3=6
Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy August 30, 2006
pathology report - all clear - cancer gone
1st post-surgery PSA test 0.1
no more pads Oct 12, 2006

Hi all, this is a real issue with me. I'm single and the thought of being impotent for the rest of my life is terrifying. I am considering the DaVinci procedure and have a surgery date scheduled for 2/6/07. In the interim, while waiting I am looking for more information regarding ED. Of course, my primary objective is to remove the cancer.... period. But the ED and contenence issue is a powerful secondary issue that leaves me preoccupied. I've interviewed 3 surgeons who do the DaVinci procedure. The surgeon I've selected made it a point of emphasizing post-operative therapies to help blood circulation to reduce the incidence of ED including taking Viagra (or something equivalent) every 3rd day post-op and using a penile pump. I'd never seen a pump except those that are advertised on sex ads. I never took the subject seriously until now. He mentioned if that doesn't work that he can give 'shots". Shots????? Where???? Ugh!!!! Somehow, I'll live with whatever comes my way.

Jay

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• 56 year old male, divorced
• Diagnosed: 10/12/06
• Gleasons: 3+3, 3+4
• Last PSA 7/6/06: 2.1
• Scheduled a DaVinci Robotic procedure for Feb 6th
• In control, but partially terrified about the future

Hi Jay!
You guessed it! Bob was talking to the doctor about possible ED and he too mentioned shots that work almost in 100% of cases . . . and when asked where he confirmed in fact that it would be where you most fear it to be! LOL -- my suggestion was that "I" would be in control of the injection!! :))

He said actually it's a very small needle and a very small pinch for the end result . . .of course I know you guys and your equipment!!

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Husband (Bob) had laproscopic prostate surgery on Sept 27, 2006 - 2/12 malignant biopsy samples - gleason 3 + 3 = 6.  Follow up PSA results and pathology results due Nov 14, 2006.

Hey Jay,

I certainly know where you are coming from. Just had my Da Vinci last week. Because of the incontinence and impotent issue I considered other types of treatment while I already had the surgery scheduled. Not only getting the cancer out but knowing that it is gone was just too high of a priority for me to try any other treatment. I chose what I believe is as good a surgeon as I could get and had to trust he gave me his best. I will start on a penile rehabilitation program at three weeks past surgery which includes Viagra. If that does not work then it is on to trying Cialis and Levitra. The pump is also an option. The shots apparently do work virtually 100% and my surgeon tells me that many men opt for this because the hardness of the erection is more like normal then what you get with the pills or the pump. I was told that the shots do not hurt much as an insulin needle is used. Apparently the shot is also fairly expensive and i have heard something like $20 to $30 a dose. If it takes the shot then I will do it in order to maintain my quality of life.

By the way, my Da Vinci experience was very good.

Tamu

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Diagnosed 7/6/06

I had posted this on another thread but thought it may help!

I had the DaVinci in January, 2005. Everything went very well and all PSA's have been at 0.00 since, which is the main thing to consider. My Doc started me on Cialis and I took 2 a week for about six months. It caused some really bad lower back pain and over the first six months I showed some improvement but not like the old days. After about 15 months things were still not progressing enough with the Cialis and I decided to buy an Osbon Vacuum Pump. This did make a significant difference. My girlfriend and I had our first significant intercourse and it was great! Long overdue! So, I have used the pump pretty much every weekend since then and it always gives me an erection that is usable.

I have recently started taking Viagra 100mg, I might cut that back some, but it seems that with the Viagra and the pump it's almost like old times. Very encouraging.

So far, without using the pump, or without a med, nothing much is going on. I'm hopeful that in time some other feelings may return. If not, it's me and my pump!

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Axe - 59
Diagnosed - October, 2004 - PSA 3.3 up from 2.4
Gleason 3+3 = 6
T2A
DaVinci Surgery - January, 2005
UVA Medical Center
All PSA's at 0.00 since