Trying to make the decision - implant or not

[dg_moore]

Thats for the feedback everyone. I have decided to go forward with the implant for several reasons. Foremost is the fact that I can stop injections and restore some degree of normal sexual relations with my wife. I hope we can move past all the anxiety and uncomfortableness associated with having to "plan" our sex life around the injections. Not to mention we have a 12 year old son at home, and its becoming less possible to plan for sex. We're getting to the point where we need to seize any opportunity that arises, and having to inject certainly gets in the way. Second, I am hoping that I can restore some degree of normal sensitivity during sex by not having to inject. I totally believe that the injections and associated pressure on my penis are causing desensitization.
I have decided on a urologist in our area. He has been doing implants for 20+ years. He is listed on the websites for both implant manufacturers so I assume he is good. His office has been very responsive and helpful and friendly. So he's the man.
Now, I would really like to know what to expect. What is involved in the surgery? How difficult is the recovery? How soon will I be back to work, driving, walking, and back in the gym. I try to work out regularly and will want to be back ASAP. How long is the realistic recovery? I am planning the surgery for last week of March. I have vacation planned for 2nd week of June. Will that be enough time for a full recovery?
I would really appreciate any and all feedback I can get. Also, any suggestions for pre-op and what I should find out from my doc beforehand would also be great.
Thanks to all!

Not to be unhelpful, but all of the questions you raise have been answered again and again in this forum. Just use the search feature and you will find them - time off work, questions for the surgeon, what to expect, multiple diaries of members' surgery and recovery, and more.

[KMeister]

I have decided on a urologist in our area. He has been doing implants for 20+ years. He is listed on the websites for both implant manufacturers so I assume he is good. His office has been very responsive and helpful and friendly. So he's the man.

Going with a local doc with a lot of experience is the way to go. Just make sure that "the man" has done a lot of these, so ask him straight out, "How many of these do you do every year?"

KMeister

[PFracture]

Not to be unhelpful, but all of the questions you raise have been answered again and again in this forum. Just use the search feature and you will find them - time off work, questions for the surgeon, what to expect, multiple diaries of members' surgery and recovery, and more.

Hey, I did c post on the suggestion board, precisely because of this. This board would benefit so much of a separate wiki, with all the basic and most frequently asked questions put aside, In a super easy to read and search manner, instead of having to read thru loads of confusing threads and posts.

Still waiting for the feedback of the admin...

[ShopMan]

My friend you will never regret having the implant. I messed around so many years with the meds and injections. Getting my implant was one of the best gifts I ever gave both my self and my wife. Go for it.
Charlie

[merrix]

My friend you will never regret having the implant. I messed around so many years with the meds and injections. Getting my implant was one of the best gifts I ever gave both my self and my wife. Go for it.
Charlie

In my opinion - and we're all entitled to one - this is the type of rubbish post which is exactly what this forum's downsides are all about.
Research shows that around 1 out of 10 actually do regret their implant. So to say that 'you will never regret it' and 'go for it' is plain stupid.
Better explaining your experience in detail and let others use it for their decision making.

[RelievedofED1]

I don't think any opinions shared here are stupid or rubbish or should be called that. They are just opinions and worth a read. I agree Merrix that everyone considering an implant shouldn't grab one positive opinion or result and run with it. That said I don't think there are a shortage of unhappy voices here nor have there ever been. The 10 percent unhappy shouldn't drown out the 90 percent or make them feel guilty sharing their success. Everyone considering an implant should be realistic and read the fine print when they sign up. You are correct about that and I think what you have been pointing out in your posts, There are no guarantees just a 90 percent chance of success.

[David_R]

Research shows that around 1 out of 10 actually do regret their implant.

Part of the reason some guys regret having gotten an implant, i am told, is because of unrealistic expectations. That's why I think it is good to talk with a patient of your doctor who is willing to talk about his implant and who will answer your questions (and maybe even show you how his implant works if you want to see).

[merrix]

Research shows that around 1 out of 10 actually do regret their implant.

Part of the reason some guys regret having gotten an implant, i am told, is because of unrealistic expectations. That's why I think it is good to talk with a patient of your doctor who is willing to talk about his implant and who will answer your questions (and maybe even show you how his implant works if you want to see).

That's exactly also why it's good that everyone writes both pros and cons, good and bad, here on FT. Instead of 'You won't regret it. Just do it'.
Speaking of creating wrong expectations.

[jpd123`]

Wow, this seems to be quite a debate. From reading the posts, I honestly don't see where the members of this forum are either pro or con about implants. And I have read many posts that seem to highlight the problems and complications. Maybe I'm just reading the negative ones, but the majority of the posts that I've read on this forum actually make me more nervous about getting the implant that not. What is clear is that this is a one way, life long decision. If it goes well, then it seems to be great. If there are complications, then it is terrible.
I have what I consider (maybe not) a fairly unique situation. I still can sometimes get a semi-erection. It requires a lot of stimulation to get and maintain due to a veinous leak. With normal intercourse, there is not enough stimulation to keep the erection, and the pills don't work. So I have to use the injections. The injections work, but they seem to cause a severe loss of sensation. So much so that I still cannot orgasm though regular intercourse. It requires manual stimulation. So injection or not, normal intercourse doesn't result in orgasm. And yes, this is very difficult for both me and my wife.
My urologist has diagnosed that the high volume of blood pumping into my penis caused by the injection is creating so much pressure that it leads to desensitization. Therefore, the idea is that an implant would not cause such an enormous build up of pressure and desensitization. Makes sense. But the problem is, there are no guarantees. It seems like a realistic theory, especially since my penis has very normal sensitivity in a flaccid or semi-rigid state. But if this doesn't work, then I've gone down the implant route with no real benefit.
This is where I'm looking for help and insight. I wish there were other experiences on this board that dealt specifically with sensitivity issues. Maybe there are and I haven't found them yet. Will keep looking. But if anyone has insight related to this specific issue, I would love to hear it. But I do agree that the comments and feedback on this board, both positive and negative, are extremely helpful.
Thanks