My first post. Three Qs about injections

[84horn]

My first post here. I am 58. My father had prostate cancer in his 70’s, treated it without removal and died of heart issues in his 80’s. Because of my father’s history, I began having my PSA checked annually in my 40’s. My PSA has been slowly increasing for 10+ years, and when it reached a PSA of “5” in June 2019, I was bioped. They diagnosed a 6+6 in 5 of 12 cores, both lobes. I had my prostate removed on August 21st via single-port da Vinci method. They found 3+4, but the cancer was encapsulated, and my margins, lymph nodes, and vesicles were all clear and clean. The doctor preserved both nerve bundles. My 3-month PSA check is in a couple of weeks. I am 11 weeks post-op today.

I was 95% continent the day after catheter removal and fully continent and back in regular underwear within three weeks. As surprise for me. Now, my only remaining goal is regaining erectile function, if possible, and that’s where I need advice. I have a battery-operated pump and a trimix-40 prescription, and I take a 5mg Cialis pill everyday. The trimix is awesome. A dose of 18- 20 units gives me a lasting, almost pre-surgery size, erection. I inject three times a week, per doctor’s advice. Sex with the wifey is great with a trimix injection, and my climax is as pleasurable, and almost as easy to attain, as before surgery. I switched from the 29 gauge to the 30 gauge needle, which is painless. However, the pump doesn’t work that well. My penis inflates only 3 or 4 inches, and my head inevitable gets caught on the edge of the tube during inflation and folds back.

So, here are my three questions:
• Since I am dosing with trimix 3 times a week with great success, do I need to pump on the off days? Pumping doesn’t seem to be doing that much good, plus I’ve read articles that pumps, unlike trimix, draw in the wrong kind of “un-oxygenated” blood, and don’t do much, unless you’re using the erections for sex, which I’m not.
• My erection at 20 units lasts @ 2 hours, with very little discomfort, but the rigidity could be a bit firmer. I'm hesitant to increase the dosage much more for fear of approaching the four hour priapism threshold, plus I’ve heard that upping dosage doesn’t necessarily increase rigidity. Is that true? I am thinking about asking my doctor if my next trimix prescription can be compounded with more prostaglandin / Alprostadil, which I understand is the trimix component that affects venous outflow (i.e., it keeps the blood in my penis). I am basically looking for an hour-long erection with rigidity. Can anyone offer any advice?
• Finally, at my final post-op PT visit (which my doctor said I didn’t need to attend, given my progress, but I could if I wanted to), the PT gave me a set of daily penile-stretching exercises for the shower. I assume this is for penile shrinkage. However, judging from my partially-rigid trimix erections, I’m almost full pre-op size. Do I need to do these? I’ve read stuff online that they don’t do much.

I appreciate any and all advice for my questions. Thank you!

[bldoink]

My first post here.

Well WELCOME to the forum!

• Since I am dosing with trimix 3 times a week with great success, do I need to pump on the off days? Pumping doesn’t seem to be doing that much good, plus I’ve read articles that pumps, unlike trimix, draw in the wrong kind of “un-oxygenated” blood, and don’t do much, unless you’re using the erections for sex, which I’m not.

........However, the pump doesn’t work that well. My penis inflates only 3 or 4 inches, and my head inevitable gets caught on the edge of the tube during inflation and folds back.........

I guess need is relative. I still think it would be a good idea. For proper pump use you need a pump tube that fits. Also, YOU MUST USE SUFFICIENT LUBE! I use coconut oil, and I use it liberally. Yes the tube will grab your dick and bend it over AND hurt without sufficient lube. Also, be patient with the pumping. Give it time. Do repeated pumps and releases increasing the engorgement with each pump up. Don't leave it under vacuum for extended periods or you will get edema. It will get easier.

• My erection at 20 units lasts @ 2 hours, with very little discomfort, but the rigidity could be a bit firmer. I'm hesitant to increase the dosage much more for fear of approaching the four hour priapism threshold, plus I’ve heard that upping dosage doesn’t necessarily increase rigidity. Is that true? I am thinking about asking my doctor if my next trimix prescription can be compounded with more prostaglandin / Alprostadil, which I understand is the trimix component that affects venous outflow (i.e., it keeps the blood in my penis). I am basically looking for an hour-long erection with rigidity. Can anyone offer any advice?

I think you have a pretty good understanding of how things work. This PDF from a commercial pharmacy has pretty good information. I'm not endorsing the pharmacy and have no experience with them: http://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/uploads/ED%20Switching%20Guide.pdf. Unfortunately many pharmacies just do a few set mixes and don't customize. Hopefully that's not the case with yours. I use a mono-mix of of just prostglandin and saline.

• Finally, at my final post-op PT visit (which my doctor said I didn’t need to attend, given my progress, but I could if I wanted to), the PT gave me a set of daily penile-stretching exercises for the shower. I assume this is for penile shrinkage. However, judging from my partially-rigid trimix erections, I’m almost full pre-op size. Do I need to do these? I’ve read stuff online that they don’t do much.

I think they will serve much of the same purpose as the pump. Need is a relative thing. If you're happy with your size and you don't experience any shrinkage why bother. The regular injections may be enough to maintain current length. On the other hand, if done correctly (don't get carried away), I see no down side to the exercises or pump use.

Good luck.

[Lost Sheep]

Yes, I ratify the prior posts about the pump. Flushing blood through your penile tissues helps maintain oxygenation (not as well as the usual nocturnal and periodic daytime erections, but better than nothing) and maintain elasticity and size.

Do not overdo the degree of vacuum and do about 30 minutes twice a day (my opinion) until you get an implant or regular spontaneous erections, whichever comes first.

There are studies documenting the benefits of VED therapy for 60 + days prior to implant surgery or continuing indefinitely if you don't get an implant is a good idea.

[Anon-E-Mouse]

• My erection at 20 units lasts @ 2 hours, with very little discomfort, but the rigidity could be a bit firmer. I'm hesitant to increase the dosage much more for fear of approaching the four hour priapism threshold, plus I’ve heard that upping dosage doesn’t necessarily increase rigidity. Is that true? I am thinking about asking my doctor if my next trimix prescription can be compounded with more prostaglandin / Alprostadil, which I understand is the trimix component that affects venous outflow (i.e., it keeps the blood in my penis). I am basically looking for an hour-long erection with rigidity. Can anyone offer any advice?

I'm not a doctor or expert in this so take anything I say with a grain of salt....

I use a 150/5/50 mix (very strong) and just 5-6 units last 2-4hrs and are painless to inject, especially at such lower levels. 20 units aren't that much compared to others I've read here, but what if you can get something stronger and only need to inject 5-7 units to get that 2+hour rock-solid towel rack?