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Hello all!

I'm 49 years old and married for 28 years. 3 children 27, 25 & 4 (adopted). I first heard about this site on the Viagra documentary.

My issues began in 2013 after being diagnosed with a heart condition that required me to have an ablation performed to get my heart back in rhythm. About a month after I noticed feeling very lethargic. A few blood tests later determined that my T level was 48 and responsible for my issue. I have been on adjusted doses of Depo-Testosterone from my PCP and Endocrinologist. My current dose is a 0.5mL (100mg)/week injection. My T levels remain around 150 at best. Also had a pituitary scan to ensure no tumors exist and all was normal. My hematocrit level is off scale high which is worrisome, and I attribute the abnormality to continued use of the Testosterone. Stroke is my main concern.

My ED issues began not long thereafter. My problem started as being able to begin the performance, but an unexpected intermission would take place. I would always get the "we can try again later" sympathy statement from my wife, but I knew she was disappointed. Our sex life used to be very healthy. We never went more than 2 days in a row without being intimate. Currently, I take a daily 5mg dose of "black market" Cialis, and on days that things seem to be headed towards the bedroom, I take 50mg of "black market" Viagra. I also bought the "Eddy by Giddy" ED ring (which leaves my pecker looking like it just went 10 rounds with Nate Diaz) for additional help. On occasion I can finish, but mostly it's about halfway through and done for me, even with all of the pills and devices.

I also suffer from moderate to severe anxiety issues. I take a prescribed dose of Ativan for this. I feel that the Ativan contributes to my issue. I have also seen a sharp decline in overall penile sensitivity. I've tried some topical treatments for that but have determined them to be a waste of money (Man 1 Oil/Cream does not work).

So that's pretty much where I am at the moment. I'm sure I'll get some comments about my "black market" pills. The bottom line for me there is that the real thing is very expensive and not covered at all by my insurance. It's a money thing...nothing more.

Welcome, there are generics out there that are significantly cheaper that Viagra or Cialis. You're in good company here. A lot of knowledgeable men who've been through it all. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As your ED gets worse, you'll be tempted to try Shockwave therapy, PRP injections and other treatments that promise to turn back the clock. Don't fall for them. I also caution you on the use of testosterone. For some men it tends to cause more problems than it fixes. Have you seen a urologist and had a penile Dopler done yet?

Welcome to the forum.

PSSDorAmINormal wrote:I assume you must have something like AFIB, but the ablation fixed it?

I'm not too familiar with giddy or eddy, but some of the guys on here say they work. Apparently it is too tight for you if your pecker looks like it went through 10 rounds with Nate Diaz.
Can you share with me more info about your pills? I know from personal experience that some of the generic tadalafil that I have bought simply did nothing for me at all. It was like a placebo compared to the effects I usually experience. I really hope it wasn't plaster and printer ink or some other toxin. I'm only using the low daily dose of 5mg and the price for it is not too bad. Not sure about the prices on higher dose. My last fill I used goodrx at walmart. Unfortunately I'm in the same situation where insurance won't cover it. I also know there is a generic sildenafil that comes in 20mg that might have a reasonable price. Although I haven't purchased that one for several years so I'm not up to date on that.

Do you think you will explore the injections or topicals that are available?

My ablation was for correction of Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs). It did fix it.

I went with the recommended Eddy size which was a "B". Too small. They offer 1 free replacement (they should because of the cost of the thing is around $180). I upgraded to the next larger size "C". They only have 1 more size (obviously "D"). I'm not much above average lengthwise but apparently my girth is a different story. Regardless, I used their measuring system to determine the correct sizing and its been wrong...twice.

I order my pills online and they are generics for Tadafil "Vidalista"(5mg daily) and Sildenafil Citrate, not sure of the generic name, (100mg cut in half). I order from a place called the cadstorerx online. Not sure where they come from but it takes about a month to receive them after the order.

I haven't considered topicals or injections at this point. Little scared of injections honestly. My PCP is a woman so she seems as uncomfortable talking to me about other treatments as I am talking to her about them. I do think know much about them so I dont know what to ask about. I also imagine they're not covered by insurance and expensive as well. Any info would be appreciated. My next PCP visit is tomorrow.

Welcome to FT.
Sounds like you need to find a men's sexual health specialist instead of your female PCP. Doubtful she knows enough about ED to give the best advice. A good urologist can run tests to determine if it's a physical reason.
As far as the black-market Viagra, the cost might be way lower, but you may find big differences in the effectiveness of each batch. That's also risky because some of those are produced in unregistered labs.
I never had much luck with any ring, more of a different feeling than helpful.
Many medicines can affect the libido and cause ED. Another good reason to see a men's urologist, they can tell you what to avoid or offer an alternative.
Injections are a step insurance may require before they pay for a surgery. I used them for a couple of years but having to plan intimate times kills my mood.
Anyway, now you found FT, this is the place to ask questions.

68CatFan wrote:Welcome, there are generics out there that are significantly cheaper that Viagra or Cialis. You're in good company here. A lot of knowledgeable men who've been through it all. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As your ED gets worse, you'll be tempted to try Shockwave therapy, PRP injections and other treatments that promise to turn back the clock. Don't fall for them. I also caution you on the use of testosterone. For some men it tends to cause more problems than it fixes. Have you seen a urologist and had a penile Dopler done yet?

I have not seen a urologist since I had my vasectomy many years ago. I'll also need to familiarize myself with a penile dopler. If you have any insights on what it is or its effectiveness regarding treatment, I'd be interested in hearing it.

Welcome to the forum. The Doppler ultrasound study looks at blood flow in the penis. From the imaging the urologist can determine, based on the numbers if there is a venous leak which is causing ED. Also the scan sees scar tissue and other abnormalities. It’s a painless exam that gives the urologist more knowledge on how to treat the ED. I hope this minimal info helps you understand more what Doppler is all about.

Still, welcome! Have you read up on possibly using a VED pump, along with a properly fitted constriction band? There is a lot of info on this site attesting to the effectiveness of that combination, please check it out. As far as the generic Cialis and Viagra, as one member mentioned, using GoodRx may help lessen the costs considerably, and you would be dealing with local pharmacies, not some unknown mail order. GoodRx if free, and allows you to check prices of the drugs from pharmacies in your area before you get a script sent there from your doctor, just download the app and go from there. Please take full advantage of this site, I think you'll be very surprise at all the information it offers, and it's advice from guys who have been there, done that!

Welcome, I would not be afraid to try injections. I used them for 12 years and had no problem other then an occasional bruise which happen because I was in a hurry or just didn't watch what I was doing, it went away in a day or so. I really liked the Tri Mix, I would get hard in 10 to 15 minutes and stay hard for 2+ hours, then a chubby for another hour. Of course everyone is different and may have a different reaction, mine was great and no side effects. I also did not get any scaring but was careful about moving my injection spots around. I would inject about once a week for sex or masturbation or just to play with it . Like most things it did stop working for me so I went with an implant, Colaplast Titan, and like it and it was covered by my Kaiser insurance. I'm always ready with just 10-12 pumps, and it increased my flaccid size from less then an inch to 4+ inches, I REALLY like that!
If you would like anymore info about my implant or pictures, please PM me. You do that by clicking on my name, Happy Toy, and it will take you to the page for doing that.
Again, WELCOME.