54yo with ED talked into getting an implant

[John609]

Hi there,

54yo with ED here. Started on pills a few years back with ok at best results. Moved to trimix and that worked for about a year until it didn’t. A new mix of trimix I started last October worked great but also revealed I now had Peyronie’s disease. My primary urologist said I’m a good candidate for an implant. He referred me to a colleague to diagnose the extent of my PD and go over surgery options. The second urologist gave me three options - surgery to correct the PD, implant surgery that would correct the PD and address my ED as well, or do nothing. I’m opting for the implant but do not know what to expect or even the questions to be asking. I’m hoping I can get some guidance here.

John in NJ

[cbinspok]

Welcome to Frank talk
Probably the number one thing that we all would agree on is
“ I wish I had gotten this implant sooner “.
You are on the right path now brother.

[GoodWood]

Hey John,

Welcome to FrankTalk. I hope you find the support and information you need here. I have found it extremely helpful. Guys here have a wide variety of experiences and are eager to help.

My history is similar to yours although pills and shots worked longer for me fortunately. But I’m 56 now and a max dose shot results in an erection that is short lived and undependable. Venous leak is my issue as well. I’m scheduled to get an implant on Tuesday the 25th of this month.

I’m in NYC and luckily one of the best known, most respected implant surgeons is here. Dr Eid has probably done more implants than anyone in the world. He has trained a number of the other highly respected, high volume guys as well. Since you are in NJ you should consider him.

Regarding questions to ask the surgeon:
How many implants have you done in your career? How many do you do per week or per month?
Do you use an infrapubic (just above the base of the penis) or peniscrotal (and incision in the scrotum under the base of the penis) to place the implant?
Do you prefer general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia?
Do you prefer a particular brand/model of implant? If so, why? Which make/model do you think is best for me?
Who else operates with you? Your own team of PAs/NPs or the surgical residents on rotation?
Who will measure me? Who will place the device?
What is your infection rate?
Does he leave a surgical drain in post op? If so, when does that get removed?
A urine catheter? If so, when does that get removed?
How inflated does the surgeon leave me post op? When do I get “activated” (the pump deflated) and when do I start cycling (inflating and deflating the pump)?
Where does he operate? A day surgery center or a medical center?
Do I go home the same day or stay overnight?

I would ask that surgeon’s office people about my insurance plan. Have they experienced your insurance plan before and were they able to get the coverage approved? Is the surgeon in network? The anesthesia provider? The surgical facility? What expenses should you expect?

The general consensus is to go with a high volume surgeon when possible. Although surgeons that do fewer implants can still place them successfully, if the surgeon has done tons and tons of them they have also seen many many possible complications and figured out ways to avoid them. They are more experienced with measuring and selecting the best size cylinders. And their technique and the technique of the supporting staff (assistants and nurses) have been honed as well. The infection and complication rate is expected to be lower in that situation.

Lots of the guys here with implants will be happy to tell you about their experience. Some are able to do a live, in-person show and tell. I had this experience with 3 guys from FrankTalk and it was immensely helpful. To be able to actually see the implant in person and feel what the pump feels like convinced me this is the way to go.

I’ll send you a PM here with my phone number. Feel free to call if you would like to talk further about any of this stuff.

[GoodWood]

If you haven’t already dive into the posts in the implant section. Go back a ways and read through a bunch of pages of posts. You’ll see lots of topics that come up over and over. You’ll probably have the same questions. You’ll find lots of good info there.

[Old Guy]

Welcome to Frank Talk. Lots of great information here, and lots of great guys who offer their advice. I agree with GoodWood, look through some of the older posts. You should find most any question you have answered.
My advice is when you meet with your urologist do not be shy talking about what is going on. They have seen it all and heard it all before. Make a list of questions if you need to remember everything. Getting an implant is not an easy decision to make, but it can be life changing.