Help - Questions about Penile Implant Revision Surgery

[TonyWright]

This is my first post, but I’ve been reading FT since prior to deciding to get an implant more than a year ago. Thanks to all of the FT members for your always informative and often amusing posts.

QUESTION
To those who have had all components of your three-piece device swapped out for a new three-piece device, how did your revision surgery compare to your initial implant surgery? Was it as painful? Do you think it was worth having? How long did it take for you to recover enough to return to work? After the initial lengthening that you experienced when a larger device was installed, did you experience any additional lengthening over time?

REASON FOR MY SWITCH FROM AMS LGX TO COLOPLAST TITAN
After getting my AMS LGX late last year, my penis was curved and had a significant upward bend whenever I inflated the device. My implant surgeon said my penis would straighten and lengthen over time if I cycled the implant regularly. Actually, it did lengthen. It also straightened some, but not enough, so I’m having my LGX swapped for a Titan in a few weeks.

MY JOURNEY THROUGH ED
Three years ago, after having a radical prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer, my penis shrank significantly. Six months after that, I began trimix injections three or four times per month, which caused me to develop Peyronie’s disease (curve to right and slight hourglass shape). The extent of the bend and curve were not obvious when I had my implant surgery 18 months later, because my penis had shortened even more and became less thick when I started taking injections. Now, the hourglass shape is gone and my penis is more than 80% of its pre-prostatectomy length and girth. As a result, the curve and bend are far more pronounced now and make some sexual positions uncomfortable.

I’m looking forward to having the bend and curve repaired with a Coloplast device (and hope to achieve continued lengthening), but I need help determining how much time to take off of work after surgery. I have a desk job.

I think the surgeon who installed my initial implant may have underestimated the severity of my Peyronie’s disease when he opted to install an AMS LGX rather than a Coloplast device, because my penis was fairly short at the time of my implant surgery. Or he may have been motivated to use an AMS LGX to help me regain some of my lost length. Whatever his reasons, I have no qualms about what he did because I know my case wasn’t easy and I realize from reading this site and from watching Dr. Kramer’s videos that implant surgery is both a science and an art.

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT PENILE IMPLANTS
Despite needing a full replacement a year after my initial implant, I have no regrets. I think the revision will just help make good sex even better. At times, I do regret taking penile injections, though. The only good thing about them was that they allowed my wife and me to restore our sex life after PC surgery, which was really important; however, I had the lowest possible dosage of trimix and the injections either didn’t work or caused erections that lasted four or more hours and required Sudafed to reverse. I believe strongly that that is what caused my Peyronie’s disease. Oral ED drugs didn’t work for me and caused bloodshot eyes, hoarseness, and headaches that lasted days, so my implant has been a Godsend to my wife and me, even though the first one was imperfect.

One of the "big three" is doing my revision, but I don’t expect that implant to be perfect either, just better (likely with a few trade-offs). And that’ll be fine with me, because a firm yet imperfect erection beats no erection at all every day of the week in my book.

Cheers,

Tony

[williamb]

Tony,
I will give you my experience in getting a revision. I was implanted in Houston in October 2015 with a AMS CX 18 + 3. The Implant was never "right" and I discussed this with my Dr. several times and his answer was always "it is perfect, everything is correct". I was left with Floppy head, implant too short (loss of length), poorly placed tips (protruding to the side) and pain during sex and some loss of sensation. in August 2016 he finally said that maybe I need a revision. That he would cut the penis between the head and the shaft
I called Dr. Kramer and had a discussion about my issues and sent pictures. Dr Kramer said the way that the Houston Dr was going to do the revision is a very long and painful recovery He called me back the next day and said he agreed with my concerns and he could help me.
I went to Baltimore about 3 weeks later and was implanted with a AMS LGX 21 + 3 1/2. The pain/discomfort level was much lower, bruising and swelling was minimal, I took very few pain pills (less than 5). I went out to shop 2 days later and flew home on the 3rd day a total of 15+ hours from hotel to home.
The experience in Baltimore was easy and pleasant, the people were friendly and helpful. The surgery was very easy , recovery was easy which I attribute to skill and gentleness of the surgeon. I would this to anyone needing a revision.
A year later I have regained length, back to pre-prostate surgery length. Girth is not where I would like it to be and I think not as girthy as the CX but close. Head is supported now, the tips are now correctly placed and very little discomfort at any time. The sensation is still diminished from the first surgery but I am also older than I have ever been so some of my issues may be due to me getting older.
All in all I am very satisfied with my revision results and my treatment during the entire Baltimore experience. You cant go wrong following my experience.
Dave

[Larry10625]

This is my first post, but I’ve been reading FT since prior to deciding to get an implant more than a year ago. Thanks to all of the FT members for your always informative and often amusing posts.

QUESTION
To those who have had all components of your three-piece device swapped out for a new three-piece device, how did your revision surgery compare to your initial implant surgery? Was it as painful? Do you think it was worth having? How long did it take for you to recover enough to return to work? After the initial lengthening that you experienced when a larger device was installed, did you experience any additional lengthening over time?

REASON FOR MY SWITCH FROM AMS LGX TO COLOPLAST TITAN
After getting my AMS LGX late last year, my penis was curved and had a significant upward bend whenever I inflated the device. My implant surgeon said my penis would straighten and lengthen over time if I cycled the implant regularly. Actually, it did lengthen. It also straightened some, but not enough, so I’m having my LGX swapped for a Titan in a few weeks.

MY JOURNEY THROUGH ED
Three years ago, after having a radical prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer, my penis shrank significantly. Six months after that, I began trimix injections three or four times per month, which caused me to develop Peyronie’s disease (curve to right and slight hourglass shape). The extent of the bend and curve were not obvious when I had my implant surgery 18 months later, because my penis had shortened even more and became less thick when I started taking injections. Now, the hourglass shape is gone and my penis is more than 80% of its pre-prostatectomy length and girth. As a result, the curve and bend are far more pronounced now and make some sexual positions uncomfortable.

I’m looking forward to having the bend and curve repaired with a Coloplast device (and hope to achieve continued lengthening), but I need help determining how much time to take off of work after surgery. I have a desk job.

I think the surgeon who installed my initial implant may have underestimated the severity of my Peyronie’s disease when he opted to install an AMS LGX rather than a Coloplast device, because my penis was fairly short at the time of my implant surgery. Or he may have been motivated to use an AMS LGX to help me regain some of my lost length. Whatever his reasons, I have no qualms about what he did because I know my case wasn’t easy and I realize from reading this site and from watching Dr. Kramer’s videos that implant surgery is both a science and an art.

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT PENILE IMPLANTS
Despite needing a full replacement a year after my initial implant, I have no regrets. I think the revision will just help make good sex even better. At times, I do regret taking penile injections, though. The only good thing about them was that they allowed my wife and me to restore our sex life after PC surgery, which was really important; however, I had the lowest possible dosage of trimix and the injections either didn’t work or caused erections that lasted four or more hours and required Sudafed to reverse. I believe strongly that that is what caused my Peyronie’s disease. Oral ED drugs didn’t work for me and caused bloodshot eyes, hoarseness, and headaches that lasted days, so my implant has been a Godsend to my wife and me, even though the first one was imperfect.

One of the "big three" is doing my revision, but I don’t expect that implant to be perfect either, just better (likely with a few trade-offs). And that’ll be fine with me, because a firm yet imperfect erection beats no erection at all every day of the week in my book.

Cheers,

Tony

Please create a signature. It makes things much easier to answer your questions without asking a lot of questions. Here's how you do it
Click on your name in the top right corner and select "user control panel"

Then under the big letters "User Control Panel" there is a row of words... select "Profile"

Then down the left had side of the "User Control Panel" select "Edit Signature" (You might have Create Signature or something. I don't know exactly what you'll get because I already have a signature to edit)

Most guys put something like what I have, but you can put whatever you want. Here is mine -
"AMS 700 (18 + 2 rte's). Implanted March 30, 2017 by Dr. Brock of London, Ont, CANADA. Great surgeon. Went in to septic shock and had to have implant removed April 29, 2017. I'm from Belleville, Ontario, CANADA. Appt. for consult for second attempt is on November 6, 2017... I can't wait."

Don't get too carried away with the doctor like his name, address, phone number, etc (anything that looks like advertising for him).. you can certainly say Dr. Jones (great Dr.)

If you need further help, please ask, that's what I'm here for.

Larry
Moderator
Tony;

[Larry10625]

Tony,
I will give you my experience in getting a revision. I was implanted in Houston in October 2015 with a AMS CX 18 + 3. The Implant was never "right" and I discussed this with my Dr. several times and his answer was always "it is perfect, everything is correct". I was left with Floppy head, implant too short (loss of length), poorly placed tips (protruding to the side) and pain during sex and some loss of sensation. in August 2016 he finally said that maybe I need a revision. That he would cut the penis between the head and the shaft
I called Dr. Kramer and had a discussion about my issues and sent pictures. Dr Kramer said the way that the Houston Dr was going to do the revision is a very long and painful recovery He called me back the next day and said he agreed with my concerns and he could help me.
I went to Baltimore about 3 weeks later and was implanted with a AMS LGX 21 + 3 1/2. The pain/discomfort level was much lower, bruising and swelling was minimal, I took very few pain pills (less than 5). I went out to shop 2 days later and flew home on the 3rd day a total of 15+ hours from hotel to home.
The experience in Baltimore was easy and pleasant, the people were friendly and helpful. The surgery was very easy , recovery was easy which I attribute to skill and gentleness of the surgeon. I would this to anyone needing a revision.
A year later I have regained length, back to pre-prostate surgery length. Girth is not where I would like it to be and I think not as girthy as the CX but close. Head is supported now, the tips are now correctly placed and very little discomfort at any time. The sensation is still diminished from the first surgery but I am also older than I have ever been so some of my issues may be due to me getting older.
All in all I am very satisfied with my revision results and my treatment during the entire Baltimore experience. You cant go wrong following my experience.
Dave

Dave;
Why would you not choose to warn all you Frank Talk friends of the name of the doctor who screwed you up to begin with and, would you please create a signature. It makes things much easier to answer your questions without asking a lot of questions. Here's how you do it
Click on your name in the top right corner and select "user control panel"

Then under the big letters "User Control Panel" there is a row of words... select "Profile"

Then down the left had side of the "User Control Panel" select "Edit Signature" (You might have Create Signature or something. I don't know exactly what you'll get because I already have a signature to edit)

Most guys put something like what I have, but you can put whatever you want. Here is mine -
"AMS 700 (18 + 2 rte's). Implanted March 30, 2017 by Dr. Brock of London, Ont, CANADA. Great surgeon. Went in to septic shock and had to have implant removed April 29, 2017. I'm from Belleville, Ontario, CANADA. Appt. for consult for second attempt is on November 6, 2017... I can't wait."

Don't get too carried away with the doctor like his name, address, phone number, etc (anything that looks like advertising for him).. you can certainly say Dr. Jones (great Dr.)

If you need further help, please ask, that's what I'm here for.

Larry
Moderator

[Bandit]

Tony
Not trying to hijack your topic, but wanted to add a question to the revision guys when they get a new implant prior to failure, what is the financial responsibilty of the patient ??? Is there any reimbursement from the doctor or the manufacturer of the original implant or is it complete out of pocket cost for the patient. Im sure it would not be covered by medical coverage.
Thanks, Bandit

[williamb]

Larry, I do have a signature and it is on my original post that you copied and pasted for this post.

I choose not to post the doctors name on the forum for several reasons, 1- Maybe this is not his normal quality of work. 2- even though I know of 2 others that have had issues with his work , I have also talked to people that sing praises for this doctor. 3- I am willing to talk or PM with anyone that wants to discuss this with me . During my career I did jobs that had great results , about perfect but I also did jobs that had extremely poor results for a variety of reasons, some beyond my control. I do not know why I ended up with poor results, maybe it had something to do with my body maybe not, maybe he needs more training or whatever but it happened. If his surgeries before and after me were great then what? I just choose not to plaster his name on here but I am willing to talk to people considering surgery in Houston.
Dave

[Larry10625]

Larry, I do have a signature and it is on my original post that you copied and pasted for this post.

I choose not to post the doctors name on the forum for several reasons, 1- Maybe this is not his normal quality of work. 2- even though I know of 2 others that have had issues with his work , I have also talked to people that sing praises for this doctor. 3- I am willing to talk or PM with anyone that wants to discuss this with me . During my career I did jobs that had great results , about perfect but I also did jobs that had extremely poor results for a variety of reasons, some beyond my control. I do not know why I ended up with poor results, maybe it had something to do with my body maybe not, maybe he needs more training or whatever but it happened. If his surgeries before and after me were great then what? I just choose not to plaster his name on here but I am willing to talk to people considering surgery in Houston.
Dave

Sorry Dave, I see your signature now. As for the doctors name, I would seriously hope that people realize that ALL doctors make mistakes but by not posting names, some may be making a lot more mistakes that nobody knows about. Your call though.

Larry

[TonyWright]

Tony,
I will give you my experience in getting a revision.
...
All in all I am very satisfied with my revision results and my treatment during the entire Baltimore experience. You cant go wrong following my experience.
Dave

Congrats William on your good outcome. Your post was very reassuring. I feel a lot more comfortable with my decision now and hope my outcome is as good as yours during my revision.

I just have to convince my wife that this is a good decision. She hates the idea of me having another surgery.

Tony

[TonyWright]

Tony,
I will give you my experience in getting a revision.
....
All in all I am very satisfied with my revision results and my treatment during the entire Baltimore experience. You cant go wrong following my experience.
Dave

William,

Question: After your revision, did you have to keep the implant partially inflated for weeks like when you got your initial implant?

I have a pretty high threshold for pain, so what I dread most is the thought of walking around the office and riding the subway with a stiffie again for four weeks. That was physically awkward and socially uncomfortable.


Tony

[williamb]

Question: After your revision, did you have to keep the implant partially inflated for weeks like when you got your initial implant?

Yes for a couple of weeks total , but I am retired so not a problem. When I went through BWI Airport 3 days after surgery I was patted down by a female and 2 male agents and I had told them all that I just had Penile surgery , Then I offered to pull it out and let them see it, they declined and said go get on your plane. Ha Ha, so much for our US Government employees