How to keep it private?

[newbie443]

There are only two makers of Inflatable Implants for the U.S. market, AMS and Coloplast. Contact them for a list of their approved qualified providers in your area.

Thank you. I will contact them on Monday.

Not all of the providers are on their sites. My doctor was not BUT the incompetent surgeon who disfigured me and caused most of my problems is the only one on the AMS locator for my area. As for the "Top High Volume Surgeons", I have said this many times... a large majority of the highly satisfied implanted members on here had someone other than the two surgeons you are referring to. Yes, both surgeons seem to be very good, but that does not mean that everyone else is not worthy. Why would someone travel across the US to see one of those two when they likely have someone just as good right where they are. This is especially true for men who's insurance will not pay. Please, this site is NOT free commercial space for ANY surgeons. Thank you for your co-operation.

Larry

Thanks again Larry. Sorry if I crossed a line. My intention was the same as you explained. I just did not know how or where to look. I would be welcome if I could find a great surgeon close and one that I could use insurance with. But I want to stay away from the not so good ones and if I need to pay out of pocket while not my first choice I will. And as close to me as possible.

I was checking some stuff out and saw a vid where a doc says lack of night time erection is what decreases size over time. Meaning the longer I wait the more I loose. Guess I seem to be leaning more to the implant now.

[cowboybob]

I don’t know if you’ve also had prostate surgery and/or an artificial sphincter installed, but I was prepared to tell my family that the surgery I was getting (penile implant) wa just some clean up work from the previous surgeries. You know, scar tissue removal, physical adjustments, etc. And my surgeon actually did some of that.

[Fundle]

I'm not "advertising" my upcoming surgery, but I'm not overly concerned about keeping it a secret, either. Maybe I'm less concerned because of my age (almost 66). But I want my adult sons to know about it. I've already told my oldest son, and will share with the younger one before surgery, too. There's a fairly good chance they may experience some of the same issues someday as I'm experiencing now, and I don't want them to suffer not knowing there are alternatives out there, and that have already been explored by other family members, their dad, specifically.

Bob

[newbie443]

I don’t know if you’ve also had prostate surgery and/or an artificial sphincter installed, but I was prepared to tell my family that the surgery I was getting (penile implant) wa just some clean up work from the previous surgeries. You know, scar tissue removal, physical adjustments, etc. And my surgeon actually did some of that.

Problem is going to be keeping family away from the hospital. If I can pull that off I'll be ok. I have not had any surgery to that area other than the hydrocele and vasectomy. Afterwards I can use an excuse for being laid up for a while.

Thanks for the help. I think I am starting to work this out.

[newbie443]

I'm not "advertising" my upcoming surgery, but I'm not overly concerned about keeping it a secret, either. Maybe I'm less concerned because of my age (almost 66). But I want my adult sons to know about it. I've already told my oldest son, and will share with the younger one before surgery, too. There's a fairly good chance they may experience some of the same issues someday as I'm experiencing now, and I don't want them to suffer not knowing there are alternatives out there, and that have already been explored by other family members, their dad, specifically.

Bob

Good point Bob. I have 2 sons also. This is just private to me right now. Afterwards and if it is a success I will most likely brag about it. Right now it is something I have to work through with out the involvement of family members. I just don't need that now.

[Larry10625]

Thank you. I will contact them on Monday.

Not all of the providers are on their sites. My doctor was not BUT the incompetent surgeon who disfigured me and caused most of my problems is the only one on the AMS locator for my area. As for the "Top High Volume Surgeons", I have said this many times... a large majority of the highly satisfied implanted members on here had someone other than the two surgeons you are referring to. Yes, both surgeons seem to be very good, but that does not mean that everyone else is not worthy. Why would someone travel across the US to see one of those two when they likely have someone just as good right where they are. This is especially true for men who's insurance will not pay. Please, this site is NOT free commercial space for ANY surgeons. Thank you for your co-operation.

Larry

Thanks again Larry. Sorry if I crossed a line. My intention was the same as you explained. I just did not know how or where to look. I would be welcome if I could find a great surgeon close and one that I could use insurance with. But I want to stay away from the not so good ones and if I need to pay out of pocket while not my first choice I will. And as close to me as possible.

I was checking some stuff out and saw a vid where a doc says lack of night time erection is what decreases size over time. Meaning the longer I wait the more I loose. Guess I seem to be leaning more to the implant now.

I would suggest that you find a doctor that you like and mention his name on here. I would suggest that most doctors that do the surgery are good. Ask for info on your choice and go from there.

Larry

[MrJohnson]

Since your most likely to be going to a urologist for the implant, if you need to explain to your family member or friend whose escorting you to the procedure, tell them your having something checked out with your bladder or prostate. Assure them that it's nothing serious or life-threatening. If they press you for details tell them it's personal and not something you have enough medical background in order to discuss in detail. Bottom line it's nobody business but yours regarding why your having a procedure done. It's your perogative as far as who your divulge your personal medical information to and to what degree you are forthcoming. Anyone who would keep pressing you for personal information is an asshole.

However, if you're married or in a long term relationship then hopefully they are someone who you can confide in and knows how to keep their mouth shut about private medical information. It would be impossible to conceal the recovery process associated with having an implant from someone your're living with or in a intimate relationship with.

[newbie443]

Since your most likely to be going to a urologist for the implant, if you need to explain to your family member or friend whose escorting you to the procedure, tell them your having something checked out with your bladder or prostate. Assure them that it's nothing serious or life-threatening. If they press you for details tell them it's personal and not something you have enough medical background in order to discuss in detail. Bottom line it's nobody business but yours regarding why your having a procedure done. It's your perogative as far as who your divulge your personal medical information to and to what degree you are forthcoming. Anyone who would keep pressing you for personal information is an asshole.

However, if you're married or in a long term relationship then hopefully they are someone who you can confide in and knows how to keep their mouth shut about private medical information. It would be impossible to conceal the recovery process associated with having an implant from someone your're living with or in a intimate relationship with.

Boy oh boy can family be assholes. But I guess they have thought of me as one from time to time.

Nope not married. Not in a ltr at the moment. Working on 4 prospects though. I should have my new script for Tri-mix next week (see signature) I want to give it a go first. Never read about a uro going from the tri-mix light I was on straight to implant before. Not with out some kind of test. No training, no in office injection, no testing other than UA, 1st office visit handed a sheet of paper and sent home with the light tri-mix. Worked but not enough. Improved but not enough. 2dn visit doc said implant. Really wanted usable results by now but still do not have a script for full strength std tri-mix. IDK I'm working with what I have and will make a couple of phone calls on Monday to see if I can get a second opinion. Just want to have a plan.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[Lost Sheep]

Yes, both surgeons seem to be very good, but that does not mean that everyone else is not worthy. Why would someone travel across the US to see one of those two when they likely have someone just as good right where they are.

Quite so. When I told my (eventual) surgeon about my efforts to find a surgeon whose skills and experience I could trust and I had intended to fly to Maryland (from Alaska) for implant surgery, his reply was, "You will be overflying a lot of good surgeons" if I did that.

Of course, he is right. There are plenty of VERY good surgeons. But finding one is difficult. Drs Kramer and Eid are most often mentioned here, but Dr. Garber, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Karpman have been mentioned and several others as well.

I found Dr. Shaw because an alert travel clerk with whom I shared my story stumbled across Dr. Shaw's reputation when he was recently assigned to Elmendorf AFB Hospital. Figuratively and literally, he fell into my lap.

The Implant manufacturers' lists are only a starting point. Far from complete and having no guarantees.

WebMD and other sites are also places to get lists of names, but there is no substitute for testimonials from past patients.

Then there is this:

Dr. Eid' wrote to me: "By far the most important decision that you can make is to seek the most experienced surgeon that you can afford. There is no substitute for experience. Look for someone who puts the patient's interest first above all things, including surgical time, relationship with one particular manufacturer and financial incentives. Look for someone who is passionate and fascinated with their surgeries; and obsessive about obtaining a good outcome. Look for someone who is in love with their craft. With an experienced physician the risk of complications, postoperative pain, swelling is greatly diminished and the outcome and quality of the result tremendously increased (size of erection, pump position, concealment of scar and tubing, placement of reservoir). Also studies show that the need for re operation is greatly reduced in experienced hands. Most, unfortunately, underestimate the importance of experience and assume that one particular surgeon must be "good enough" based on a few successful cases. Good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement. Having said that the only way to acquire good judgement is by having a large surgical volume. "

I underlined the part that most stuck in my mind.

How to go about doing that may be difficult to do, so good hunting and good luck.

[Larry10625]

Yes, both surgeons seem to be very good, but that does not mean that everyone else is not worthy. Why would someone travel across the US to see one of those two when they likely have someone just as good right where they are.

Quite so. When I told my (eventual) surgeon about my efforts to find a surgeon whose skills and experience I could trust and I had intended to fly to Maryland (from Alaska) for implant surgery, his reply was, "You will be overflying a lot of good surgeons" if I did that.

Of course, he is right. There are plenty of VERY good surgeons. But finding one is difficult. Drs Kramer and Eid are most often mentioned here, but Dr. Garber, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Karpman have been mentioned and several others as well.

I found Dr. Shaw because an alert travel clerk with whom I shared my story stumbled across Dr. Shaw's reputation when he was recently assigned to Elmendorf AFB Hospital. Figuratively and literally, he fell into my lap.

The Implant manufacturers' lists are only a starting point. Far from complete and having no guarantees.

WebMD and other sites are also places to get lists of names, but there is no substitute for testimonials from past patients.

Then there is this:

Dr. Eid' wrote to me: "By far the most important decision that you can make is to seek the most experienced surgeon that you can afford. There is no substitute for experience. Look for someone who puts the patient's interest first above all things, including surgical time, relationship with one particular manufacturer and financial incentives. Look for someone who is passionate and fascinated with their surgeries; and obsessive about obtaining a good outcome. Look for someone who is in love with their craft. With an experienced physician the risk of complications, postoperative pain, swelling is greatly diminished and the outcome and quality of the result tremendously increased (size of erection, pump position, concealment of scar and tubing, placement of reservoir). Also studies show that the need for re operation is greatly reduced in experienced hands. Most, unfortunately, underestimate the importance of experience and assume that one particular surgeon must be "good enough" based on a few successful cases. Good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement. Having said that the only way to acquire good judgement is by having a large surgical volume. "

I underlined the part that most stuck in my mind.

How to go about doing that may be difficult to do, so good hunting and good luck.

I am intrigued with Dr. Eid's statement. MANY Frank Talk members have had one of these doctors and have nothing but positive comments to make about them. Where are the unsatisfied customers though? We can't be dumb enough to think for one minute that there are NONE can we? Unless we keep seeing the same name associated with "BOTCHED", should we not just believe that nobody is perfect (including Dr's Eid and Kramer)? And when we hear about a "Botched" procedure, was it? Or was the customer just not happy? And if the customer was not happy, did they do everything they were told to do? The answer to these questions are the only way to truly judge a physicians work. A guy went on WebMD and criticized my doctor, saying that he rushed him out the door and did not make time for him or answer his questions... BULLSHIT!!!. Dr. Brock gave me his personal email address. On Christmas day I thought of a question... I have a crappy memory so I sent him an email thinking he would answer it after New Years... NOPE, he answered it CHRISTMAS DAY. I love my doctor, I can't say enough great stuff about him, his staff and the other doctors on his team (plastics, dermatology, etc.).