Getting used to the implant

[jojolee]

It has been a month and the healing is going well. The main problem I have is locating the release valve. I am afraid to pump much because I am afraid I won't be able to release it afterward. I still have stitches which may be getting a bit in the way. I see the MD this week and I hope he can help. They gave me the device on a key chain when I left the hospital to play with, but it doesn't help. Any ideas? Thanks.

[FixTDix]

What device do you have?

[jojolee]

AMS 700

[544kenmatt]

You may still have too much swelling to effectively find the "landmarks" on the pump block. I wasn't able to consistently find it until between weeks 5 and 6. I know it seems like it should be easy, but it can be difficult to manage at first. Rummaging around your scrotum can be uncomfortable. I would wait until your appointment.

[stephen54]

You may still have too much swelling to effectively find the "landmarks" on the pump block. I wasn't able to consistently find it until between weeks 5 and 6. I know it seems like it should be easy, but it can be difficult to manage at first. Rummaging around your scrotum can be uncomfortable. I would wait until your appointment.

Entirely agree. I have a Titan XL but I assume the basic challenge is similar with the buttons, just in the sense of trying to fish around a still swollen and probably still tender sac.

I documented here on FT my basically terrifying experience of cycling the first time at home and not being able to deflate. Surgeon's fellow met me at their office to help me. One hour drive there. Extremely uncomfortable feeling. Would have been comical if I hadn't been so uncomfortable and so embarassed. Fortunately it was winter and was able to carry a coat in front of me to hide the spectacle.

They hand you the little keychain and it looks so...fucking...simple. Ha! I was still fighting and struggling with the deflate process until, as 544kenmatt says, right around week 6. That's exactly when things sort of seemed to click and I found hand placement and confidence I was doing it correctly. Hang in there, man. Fun fun fun times ahead!

[jojolee]

Thanks. I was at the MD yesterday and he helped my inflate and deflate, but I still have difficulty finding the deflate button. I guess it takes practice, but you are right, it is nothing like the keychain.

[midwest guy]

I also am having trouble locating deflate button, but since I'm only two weeks out of surgery, I'm not overly concerned at this point. Had appointment three days ago to remove sutures, and Dr deflated from about 60% to 20%. Was told everything looked great and I could start cycling as soon as I felt comfortable with doing so, and have penetrative sex anytime after week three.
That evening after 2 hours sleep I woke up with an enormous, painful erection. For the life of me I could not find release button. Got appointment to see Dr later the next morning. He easily located and depressed pump much to my relief! Said there was still some swelling in scrotom which makes it difficult to find unless you have some experience.
So, while I'm disappointed, at this point I can accept that, and willing to give it time. Just hope I don't get hit with auto inflation again until I can easily find that damn button!

[stephen54]

I also am having trouble locating deflate button, but since I'm only two weeks out of surgery, I'm not overly concerned at this point. Had appointment three days ago to remove sutures, and Dr deflated from about 60% to 20%. Was told everything looked great and I could start cycling as soon as I felt comfortable with doing so, and have penetrative sex anytime after week three.
That evening after 2 hours sleep I woke up with an enormous, painful erection. For the life of me I could not find release button. Got appointment to see Dr later the next morning. He easily located and depressed pump much to my relief! Said there was still some swelling in scrotom which makes it difficult to find unless you have some experience.
So, while I'm disappointed, at this point I can accept that, and willing to give it time. Just hope I don't get hit with auto inflation again until I can easily find that damn button!

I feel you there. I had what amounted to an emergency drive like hell run to my doc to get help deflating on the very first time I inflated on my own at home. Was met in exam room by surgeon, his fellow, and his extremely helpful PA. Was assured this sort of thing occurs WAY more often than one might think...

At 2 weeks post-op I couldn't discern anything in my sac. Keep gently getting familiar and you'll be there soon.

[Lost Sheep]

It has been a month and the healing is going well. The main problem I have is locating the release valve. I am afraid to pump much because I am afraid I won't be able to release it afterward. I still have stitches which may be getting a bit in the way. I see the MD this week and I hope he can help. They gave me the device on a key chain when I left the hospital to play with, but it doesn't help. Any ideas? Thanks.

I was left about 70% inflated after implantation. I waited until I could find the release/deflate valve reliably (and the inflation/pump bulb) before attempting to deflate (just a little) before every attempting to inflate.

I deflated just a little and then re-inflated to the same degree. I practiced a couple of times.

Then, I left it there until my follow-up appointment with my surgeon.