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Looking for benchmarks

Posted , 7 users are following.

gene46851
gene46851

Hello,

I had radical prostatectomy on November 28, 2017. Robotic, nerve-saving surgery. Pre-surgery Gleason was 8 (3+5), but post-surgery it was a 7 (3+4).  So here I am, almost 6 months out of surgery. No cancer detected in PSA tests. Yeah! My incontinence amounts to  a few drips and leaks throughout the day, especially if I exert my self.Wondering if I will ever achieve an erection of any sort. No life in my penis.  IN general, what's a guy to expect at six months? Should I experience 100 percent continence? Will I ever experience arousal again? Any perspective appreciate. thank you, Gene. 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • MK51151
    MK51151 gene46851

    Posted

    Gene,

    same here. I had RP in November 2016. I was 4+3 per biopsy but downgraded to 3+4 after surgery. I had also pelvic lymph nodes dissection. Per my surgeon, he was able to spare nerves bilaterally.

    i did not have any signs of life in my penis for 18 months despite use of Cialis, Viagra, VED. I was able only to have erection with TRIMIX and BIMIX (preferred) but I had significant lass of length of 2+ inches so my erect penis was not able to stay in vagina. With every move it would fall out. 

    Just few days ago started having some feelings after 100 mg of Viagra and some fullness.  Nothing usable. Just glimpse of hope.

    i did not recover any lass of length so even if I reach point of being able to have erection, no idea what sex wil feel and what kind of joy it will bring.

    I hope you will have better luck.

    At time of surgery, I was 51 y/o.

    i missed sex a lot.

    MK

    • oldbuzzard
      oldbuzzard MK51151

      Posted

      MK - take a look at my other post. Stick with the drugs - most men who ultimately gain their potency back don't do so for 18-36 months. Just getting a little firm with drugs is a good sign and the best most can hope for at this point. If you're one of the lucky 50%, it could take well over a year for things to come back to a functional point.

  • oldbuzzard
    oldbuzzard gene46851

    Posted

    Gene - you can Google this and get some more numbers, but it typically takes 18 months to 3 years to function sexually for those who ultimately can. With nerve sparing surgery, your odds are 50% if they save both nerves, 40% if they save one. But you're just at the beginning of the time frame that things could come back. Most men need Viagra or Cialis for a functional erection, but some don't. You should try both drugs and see if one or the other can help you - and don't give up for another 18 months.

    As for the leaks/drips, Kegel/pelvic floor exercises might help. A modest improvement there is all you need and those exercises could well be all you need. See if you can get your doc to prescribe some PT and they can walk you through it and do some biofeedback too. If not, you can google them and watch video instruction.

    I'm surprised (sort of) that your doctor didn't walk you through the time, odds and drugs regarding erections. 

  • Dawnay
    Dawnay gene46851

    Posted

    I was told to take 1/2 Cialis every single day, to keep the blood flowing and the vessels open.  It worked or it would have worked anyhow, I'll never know as I started the day after my procedure.

    Good luck

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