First post, my story

[ditchman]

Hello. I was referenced here from the Peyronies Society forum. I joined over there and explained my situation. Some members referenced me here, as well. My apologies for those on both boards reading a similar "intro" post twice.

I'm age 44, 6'4", 200lbs., married (for now), two daughters, good overall health, but been struggling with ED for 10 years. I have had a downward curvature of my erect penis (maybe 30 degrees, like a shallow rainbow) for as long as I can remember, maybe going back to childhood, but I don't know for sure. I don't know if it is congenital curvature or chronic Peyronies Disease. I've never really had any noticeable pain. My penis always seemed on the small side with the curvature, but I never thought anything of it as long as all the plumbing worked fine, and it seemed to until about 10 years ago when I began to experience ED with my wife on a regular basis. It hit me very hard emotionally and psychologically. I also began noticing difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection even when I would masturbate. Eventually, nighttime and morning erections disappeared as well (unless on ED meds), and I began to notice that my penis seemed to be getting smaller both in length and girth, especially when not erect; seemed like an utter lack of blood flow down there.

My ED continued to worsen and I saw my family doctor about it; he prescribed usual medications, 50mg and 100mg viagra, 25 mg cialis, etc. They worked only sporadically, hit and miss. I cannot tolerate that, because I need confidence to perform (I have an obsessive and neurotic personality, perfectionistic, very competitive, huge fear of failure of any kind). Temperamental erections only create anxiety, emotional distress, and compound the likelihood of failure. I end up with all the side-effects of the ED medications (muscle aches, flushing, nasal congestion) but only get an erection for intercourse at best 40 or 50 percent of the time. Given the costs (ED medications are not covered by my insurance), this is not worth it.

On my own, I began using a VED for therapy, and even tried to use it for erections and intercourse. That did not work (too much of a "rube goldberg" device for me). I use the VED for therapy, but cannot use it for actual intercourse. I took it to the next step and saw my local urologist. That is when I was introduced to the possibility of having Peyronies (roughly 2 years ago). My urologist gave me an external inspection (while flaccid) and, combined with my description of my erections, gave a tentative diagnosis of Peyronies (chronic, I assume). There is small scar tissue buildup on the bottom outside of my penis, right behind the head, but no lumps or bumps internally that he or I have found. I have not had any further examinations or an MRI or ultrasound investigation of an erect penis. My urologist prescribed 5mg daily Cialis. At first, things seemed to improve mildly, but then deteriorated quickly. Same old ED, hit and miss.

Went back to my family doctor and he gave me a prescription for Edex injections. These work. They are the only thing that has proven to give me a consistent erection on demand (still with downward curvature). But, they are extremely costly (again, no insurance coverage for ED meds) and I will not use the injections more often than once every 6 weeks or so for fear of damaging my penile blood vessels and tissue with the needle over time (thus making the ED even worse).

I have basically resolved that I will have to do the unthinkable and accept a penile implant and pump, which my urologist mentioned could be an option. I have many questions and many fears about doing this, but I am at the end of my rope emotionally and psychologically. I will be scheduling an appointment for both my wife and myself to see my urologist together and explore penile implant procedures, but I really do not know what I am getting into, what kind of specialist I will be referred to, what kind of implant I should request, or what it will cost.

I have many questions about penile implants, and will be posting something over on that forum soon.

Thanks to all for any advice.

[antelope]

Welcome, ditchman,

Welcome to the site and thanks for your post. Based on the information you've provided, my first thought is that you should try Trimix injections before going all the way to an implant. If the EDEX is working, it seems logical that Trimix would work as well. My insurance does not cover any ED meds and I pay just over $100 for a vial of happy juice. Needle extra, but don't cost much. I use a small dosage, but I shoot up 2-3 times a week, and my last vial lasted almost a year.

I puzzled by you concern over frequent injections. My doc told me I could shoot up every other day. After the first shot, I went back in 90 days for a check up, then again 90 days later, then 6 months, and now 12 months. So far, there's no evidence of scarring or anything. I think that's the norm rather than the exception.

Before doing an invasive procedure like an implant, I'd sure try the trimix. Hopefully by the time I need an implant, the technology will be even more awesome than it is now! Maybe one day the pump activator will be hard-wired into your brain. That would be just like old times, eh?

Best wishes,

Greg

[seeking info]

Greg, you always post so positive and encouraging. I read all your post just for the encouragement they give. Ibelieve that says alot about your character and the man you are. Thank you for all your post even if they dont apply to my situation they make me feel better about my own problems
Scott

[antelope]

Thanks for your kind words.

[ditchman]

Greg,

Yes, thanks, so much for your encouragement. I will definitely ask my uro about the Trimix. Needles would never be a problem for me because my wife is a diabetic (she gives me excellent shots!) and we have plenty of sharp insulin needles around. I've just never been told about the "juice"; only the Edex and similar injections, and they run me about $60+ for one 20mcg shot treatment. I love having sex with my wife, but $60 every time we want to kanoodle is just not in my budget.

I'd be interested in learning more about the Trimix so that I can be informed when I talk with my uro at next appointment later this month.

Thanks, again!

[antelope]

There are tons of posts about Trimix and its variations. Check out the "injections" forum. Read a bit and then feel free to post questions or to send them via private message. Everyone here is ready to share what they know.

Greg