Hey gents! So read back through my posts for my implant history - or lack thereof - but finally got a nice glimmer of hope today. Went to see Dr. McCammon in Va. Beach - third or fourth visit. . .this was what I consdidered to be the "fish or cut bait" visit so a little more anxious than usual. He's had me pumping like a fiend to try to get some girth (and length) in order to increase my chances of getting an implant installed - and with two cylinders, not just one.
On today's visit we chatted some and discussed my options - same as they have been - do nothing, try for an implant, or wait around until transplants become more prevalent. Told him I'd been pumping almost daily and for about 20-40 minutes each time. Told him I'd measured 4.5" girth just below the glans after a recent pumping session - the area of greatest concern. He seemed surprised and since I had brought my pump (at his suggestion) so I offered to show and tell. He left for 20 while I pumped (awkwaaaaard!) and when he came back he was pleased to see what he thought were good gains in girth and maybe even some in length. I said "Well, it did just come out of the pump sooooo" - he was still pleased. The bigger glimmer of hope is that he found out while I was there that he WILL be able to get his hands on a CXN model that AMS makes (more slender cylinders than the CXR) - usually just for the Asian market - doc said it, not me - which would offer me a better shot at getting two cylinders in. Wuhoo. . . . so we start the process of trying to see if insurance will cover (they've declined once/twice before), then he'll write a letter, then peer to peer talk if it comes to that. If it ends up having to be self-pay, may put a halt to things since who KNOWS how much that would be (he's said I'd definitely be a 1/2 day case and maybe an overnight in the hospital if he has to do any grafting). But all in all, a good visit - and two steps forward. More when I know more - until then I'll keep up the pumping!
Rick
Glimmer of Hope!
Glimmer of Hope!
rhabdomyosarcoma - 1975
chemo/radiation
e.d. since puberty
chemo/radiation
e.d. since puberty
Re: Glimmer of Hope!
Good news!
I have not seen the previous posts so I am not enlightened by the history. It sounds like a unique situation, so I am glad that it is starting to look good for you.
Keep us posted on the progress.
I have not seen the previous posts so I am not enlightened by the history. It sounds like a unique situation, so I am glad that it is starting to look good for you.
Keep us posted on the progress.
Born 1951. Radical Robotic Prostatectomy on October 6, 2013. Bionic with Titan Touch with Bioflex Zero Degree 18cm w/ (1) rte Implant, Infrapubic, on July 13, 2015.
Re: Glimmer of Hope!
I did read your thread and oh boy... Awesome news! Keep up the good work, and us informed. Hope you are lucky on this one!
Re: Glimmer of Hope!
McRickins,
I'm very happy for you. How long did it take for your insurance company to respond in the past? Hopefully they will fully approve this time so you can get-r-done!
I'm very happy for you. How long did it take for your insurance company to respond in the past? Hopefully they will fully approve this time so you can get-r-done!
Re: Glimmer of Hope!
Hi Rick,
Great news! Keep on pumping. Keep us informed.
Roger
Great news! Keep on pumping. Keep us informed.
Roger
61, Type II Diabetes and ED for 10 yrs.
Coloplast Titan OTR 22cm + (2) 1 cm RTEs on 3/13/14 by Dr. Bruce Garber at Hahnemann Univ. Hospital/Philadelphia, PA
Coloplast Titan OTR 22cm + (2) 1 cm RTEs on 3/13/14 by Dr. Bruce Garber at Hahnemann Univ. Hospital/Philadelphia, PA