hours now from being implanted with an LGX on Friday 4/15. My story starts less
than a year ago when I was diagnosed with pCa. I had a robotic prostatectomy in
July 2010 at Boston Med Center, and although the nerves were spared, I've had
profound ED since then in spite of daily cialis. Muse and trimix gel would get
it looking pretty happy - but it wasn't hard enough to use. The sexual function
doc I was seeing injected me - twice - with no usable results - so I never was
sent home with injections. After doing an ultrasound it was clear that I had a
major venous leak and an implant was my best chance of getting life back to
something that resembled normal. I started doing some self education - much of
it here on FT. The doc I was seeing at BMC only uses Coloplast, and I wasn't
sure that I wanted one of them. Like most pCa guys, I had lost a lot of
length... not that an Irish guy has all that much to start with... All my
life I had an honest 6" and now I had to cheat with the ruler to come up with 5"
even though I was pumping daily. I was losing length monthly and had visions of
negative numbers before I retire. Time seemed to be my enemy. The LGX apparently
offers at least the possibility of regaining some lost length, so I found the
local doc who I thinks does the most LGX around here - Dr Nelson Bennett at
Lahey Clinic. (it's a large hospital in greater Boston with a super reputation -
not really a clinic). I know the Coloplast might likely be the choice for
someone with an XL penis or who values girth, but I am neither - I would settle
for functional, and be elated with what I had not so long ago. So I signed up
for a May surgery date, but then shortly after was offered 4/15 because of a
cancellation and took it. Unlike many men here who have agonized for years with
ED, my journey has been surprisingly fast - from enviably potent to bionic in
less than a year. While reading the forums I kept hearing guys 'wish they hadn't
waited so long' Hope I haven't made a mistake - don't think I have. I opted for
a spinal instead of a general anesthesia. The general I got with my
prostatectomy seemed to put my GI system to sleep for days causing bloating and
nausea. With the spinal I was passing gas within hours and had none of the GI
symptoms. I also made it clear that I had no interest in staying awake for it
all, so they happily obliged and put me to sleep. My hospital stay was about as
expected - sore and uncomfortable but bearable with a little analgesic help.
Narcotics always disagree with me - they give me brief 3 - 5 minute waves of
nausea. Also when sleeping they cause 'mini nightmares' or at least distressing
images. For me, I avoid narcotic pain relief when I can, but I realize many
encourage the opposite. The worst part of the catheter removal was the dread my
own brain created over it. Do take an extra dose of whatever pain reliever you
like, but don't fret - it's quick. My first 24 hours home have been very
tolerable. The recommended Jockey pouch underwear seems perfect. For me one of
the most unsettling parts of this is looking down there and seeing something
that looks very different than what I have seen for 58 years. It is really
quite swollen - not just my scrotum but the whole nether region is distorted
like a funny mirror. My penis doesn't really look like mine anymore - it's
short and basically erect (which is in itself a bit of a contradiction). I have
a puffiness where I didn't before - plus all the different shades of red and
purple... It isn't very symmetrical and points to the left - all things which
are probably temporary. My penis is also quite sore especially near the glans
but really everywhere - however by my choice I am going lightly with the pain
meds. It is also virtually impossible to aim very well while peeing. I made such
a mess that I have resorted to turning on the shower and letting loose there
insead of the toilet. I have been able to feel the pump - centered and fairly
low, but it's way to sore to do much probing... there will be a time for
that. I have been taking photos and will post a few from time to time to show
'befores' and 'afters' My husband has said for years that I have an
exhibitionist streak in me... so what the heck... the level of frankness and
honesty here both in writing and pictures really has value and I am happy to be
a part of it. Before I close, I want to thank some of my new friends again for
their time and effort in responding to my questions. Keith, Paul, JJ, Dave and
many others - all new friends - thank you
- day before surgery
- IMG_0097-640x480.jpg (14.95 KiB) Viewed 5671 times
- day before surgery
- IMG_0098-640x480.jpg (17.05 KiB) Viewed 5664 times
