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Hello

Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 9:24 pm
by JDavid
Hello guys,
I found this site this morning and find that it offers a wealth of information and assistance. My story is not that different from many. I'm sixty-three, gay and with my husband for fifteen years and have experienced a gradual reduction of sexual function over the last twenty years. Fortunately he is very patient and is not pressing me on the issue. This is for me.
My testosterone level was initially on the very low end of normal and testosterone shots helped for a while. Then I started developing polycythemia (excessive red blood cells with attendant heart attack and stroke risk) even on very low doses. Viagra and Cialis both make me feel ill and with minimal clinical effect. At this point I am not able to get more than an occasional chubby that is never hard or long-lasting enough for sex or masturbation.
I have Dupuytren contractures (abnormal scarring in the palms of the hands) which my unologist says is an abnormal systemic response to trauma and makes injections very risky for scarring. He wants me to try a vacuum device, in which neither my partner or I have any interest, before referring me for implant surgery. He admits that guys with implants are the happiest so I think the vacuum device consultation is just a hoop to jump through so he can say the alternatives have been ruled out. I am ready to do the surgery but want to be very careful to find the best surgeon and go into this as educated as possible. We live on the west coast so a surgeon out here would be preferable but I've travelled before for medical care, with results that were well worth it.
Thanks for reading this long post.
Dave

Re: Hello

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 1:47 pm
by Bionic_by_AMS
JDavid wrote:He wants me to try a vacuum device, in which neither my partner or I have any interest

Dave ... Welcome to FT. ... while the vacuum device most likely will not restore a useable erection ... it does help in maintaining penis health. Most URO's recommend using VED prior to Implant surgery to help stretch your penis ... to get the best results in sizing the Implant.
https://www.cornellurology.com/clinical-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/vacuum-devices/
You can get a cheap vacuum pump for $15-$20 at Amazon.com ... that's all I ever used.
I am ready to do the surgery but want to be very careful to find the best surgeon

Most URO's are more than qualified to do the surgery ... ask him how many he does.

Does Dupuytren contractures affect the strength in your hand or fingers? You will need a fairly strong "squeeze" in order to operate the Implant pump. I guess your partner could do it for you if needed ...

Re: Hello

Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 5:24 pm
by JDavid
Bionic, thanks for your reply. Great tip about getting a vaccum device from amazon. The contractures don't currently affect hand function. If/when that day comes the contractures can be surgically released. Rather they are a systemic response to repeated trauma that, seemingly, make injections into the penis ill advised.

Re: Hello

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:17 pm
by rschweiger
Hey Dave,welome aboard.
I got implanted after all orals failed,,so I can't give you any advice on any other treatment I cldnt take the mental aspect of ED any longer so I jumped in feet first into the implant world there was no other option for me. I couldn't be happier w/my decision ,I got my manhood back.
I wish you the best in your journey and your decision.
If there are any questions I can help with? You can p.m. me here or e-mail at
Angeltat2@msn.com .
Ps I suffered from 37yr old to 41yr and am 7mos. Post implant.
Best wishes,Rich

Re: Hello

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:31 pm
by JDavid
Rich, thanks for your welcome. I looked into my insurance today and there are no exclusions in the policy. So this may be moving forward.
Dave