Another UK Implant Experience

[Bluewhippet]

I was implanted at Leicester General Hospital on 20/3/2018 and, as a long time Franktalk member, I thought that it would be useful to post my experience thus far. As far as I am aware there have been no posts from UK patients implanted other than at UCLH London (Mr Ralph/Mr Muneer) We are all different but in my case the procedure was very easy compared with most others' experiences. I am a Type 2 diabetic now using insulin in addition to pills.

I had been using PGE1 (Caverject/Viridal (Edex) for some 5 years (see viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1834&p=11826#p11826 ) for my post on starting injections. However, about a year ago I noticed that the injections were gradually becoming less effective in both rigidity and duration. Increasing the dose had little effect - I assume venous leak had got worse. Trimix is not available in UK and was not an alternative to try. Therefore I asked my doctor to refer me back to the Erectile Dysfunction Clinic at Northampton General Hospital.

At Northampton, I saw the Consultant, Professor M Miller in July 2017. I explained my problems, he gave me a thorough physical examination and arranged for me to have blood tests. He saw me again in September, advised me that my blood test results were all in the normal range and suggested that the options were a VED (I had already tried and rejected), a trial with Invicorp injections or an implant. I told him that I wanted an implant. They do not do implants at Northampton so he recommended a referral to Mr D Summerton a Consultant Surgeon at Leicester General Hospital some 45 miles away.

I saw Mr Summerton in January 2018. After a brief physical examination he told me that I was a suitable candidate for an implant and he would use an AMS 700 CX in my case. He patiently answered all my questions showed me and allowed me to examine a 3 component implant. He also had a model of a human torso which had a 3 piece implant installed. This allowed you to pump up and deflate the implant, feel the effect and judge the rigidity of the penis. I asked him about the AMS LGX model. He prefers the CX which he said in his experience caused fewer problems and is more reliable. He told me he would put me on the waiting list - beds were in short supply for non-urgent surgery and that he does not do day surgery. In fact, I was offered a date 2 months later.

After pre-admission checks (ecg, infection swab tests etc) a week earlier, I was admitted at 0715 on 20/3/2018 and operated on at 0830. I awoke sometime just after 1100 and was transferred to a 4 man ward with both a catheter and a drain in my scrotum. I had no pain from the implant just a mild feeling of discomfort from the catheter and drain. Although I was offered pain medication the only time I used it was prior to the deflation of the implant (left at about 80% after the operation) and I am sure I could have managed without it.

Mr Summerton always keeps his patients in hospital for at least one night. In my case I stayed for 2 nights because I was still draining significantly from my scrotum and was having difficulty completely emptying my badder without a catheter due to internal swelling. I was discharged the evening of the 3rd day and my wife drove me home (1hr 45mins). I had no problems sitting in the car and I would have been entirely happy driving myself.
I returned to Leicester hospital on 27 Mar for a check up with the Specialist Nurse who was entirely happy with my progress and was surprised that I had almost no bruising or swelling. I will be seeing her, a week earlier than normal, 5 weeks after the operation for activation. She recommended that, apart from pulling down on the pump, I leave well alone. In fact the pump is already sitting centrally at the bottom of the scrotum about half way below my balls.

I ascribe my lack of pain to skillful surgery, and the lack of significant bruising/swelling to the extended period with a drain installed. I am fortunate to be retired but I could easily have returned to a desk job on the 4th day. I remain pain free but find that I have to be a little more careful sitting down because the scrotum has more in it than I am used to. Early days but un-inflated I certainly have no reduction in girth. As to length, I expect to be a bit shorter initially but will follow the advice of other Franktalk members and hope to regain any loss over the next few months.

Apologies for a long post, but other UK members may find my experience useful - there is implant expertise outside London

[Spikepork]

That’s a great post as I think in the UK there seems a funnel of guidance leading to London consultants. My surgery back in dec 17 went without issue and after 4 weeks went for my initial check up. I had no severe pain so didn’t feel any need to ask for an earlier check up. I was seen at the first check up by a lovely femaie consultant (sorry don’t have a name) and inflated for first time without issue. After 6 weeks clear for using. Since then I have been back to see Ralph twice with minor concerns but at these meetings he has been very open and easy to talk to. But I think to know there are other surgeons in the UK is very important. I think the more the Uk implantees share info the better. If I had any issue with my consultants team it would be that getting direct replies from any questions from the actual consultant has been impossible as all question are fielded by his office team. That can be frustrating when it’s such a personal issue and for each of us such important new ground. But here I am after nearly 4 months and it’s on demand!!!!

[Greg1956]

Congratulations on your successful implant surgery. I hope your recovery continues as smoothly as it has gone so far.

Greg

[star_of_pramen]

Great post and insight. I hope you're recovery continues on a smooth path!