My shockwave journey

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I wrote about my injections in a previous post (see link below)
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21377

Here is info on my shockwave therapy.
Based on the cause of my ED (diabetes), my research and the urologist concurred that I was a good candidate for shock therapy. The urologist was 100% up front on the possible benefits and also stated that the treatment could have limited effect. Based on my medical review, he stated that the treatment would not 100% cure my ED. Best scenario would be to be able to go back to using pills only or to reduce the units of TRIMIX.

Before:
TRIMIX formula before Shockwave treatment: Papaverine 30mg/Phentolamine 1mg/Prostaglandin 10mcg. Reached desired results at 35 units.
Tadalafil is 20 mg (not used to trimix): Gets it hard enough for my wife to blow me to completion, but no chance at penetration.

Device used by the urologist medical staff: Storz medical duolith 501
Cost was $2,400 for 6 sessions.
I went twice a week (the doctor stated studies showed same results for 2 times a week for 3 weeks, vs 1 time a week for 6 weeks)

They used a predefined "range" of shock levels (I do not have the specifics of these levels).


My first session was at their lowest level, during the session I could clearly feel a low level "electrical shock" from the device. The "shock" was provided in 6 places: at the bottom of the penis shaft, just below in head (center), 2 spots on the right side of the penis and 2 spots on the left side of the penis.

Second session: we discussed my recovery post that first session and decided to up the voltage level. The "shock level" clearly increased, but manageable as I was able to keep a conversation with the nurse going to distract myself.

Third session: we discussed my recovery post that second session and decided to up the voltage to their max level. The "shock level" and pain level really increased, it was borderline manageable. I decided to do my best to manage the pain of the shocks, as I hoped the "higher settings" would improve results.

4th, 5th and 6th - all sessions at the highest levels.

Results: I started to notice slight improvements after the third session. Improved maxed out about 2 months after completing treatment.


Before shockwave:
TRIMIX formula: Papaverine 30mg/Phentolamine 1mg/Prostaglandin 10mcg. Reached desired results at 35 units.
Tadalafil is 20 mg (not used to trimix): Gets it hard enough for my wife to blow me to completion, but no chance at penetration.

After shockwave:
Positive: TRIMIX formula: Papaverine 30mg/Phentolamine 1mg/Prostaglandin 10mcg. Reached desired results at 20 units.
Positive: Gets it hard enough for my wife to blow me to completion, but no chance at penetration without Tadalafil.
Positive: get a 40% morning wood and when the penis is at rest - it's bigger/thicker.
Positive: The penis reacts quicker to the trimix show.
Positive: with the reduced number of units of trimix, my "“deep ache” in my penis after using trimix is gone/easier climax

not so positive: Tadalafil 20 mg still does not get my penis hard enough for penetration.

Conclusion:
I was blessed to have the money to spend on the therapy. as it is not covered by insurance.
Based on the positive (though somewhat limited) results I obtained, I think my decision to do the service was the right move for me and I have no regrets.

[Mazzio]

I have read that in some cases 6 shockwave sessions is not enough. Some men get even 12 sessions. Did they offer you more sessions after 6?

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Mazzio…

That was discussed, based on gov testing between 6 and 12 sessions would be appropriate.

I had to balance cost vs benefits. I am happy with the results of 6 sessions and and I do not have another $2,400 to spend right now on 6 more.

Plan is more treatments in the future as a tune-up, if/when the gains from the 6 sessions diminish.

[Mazzio]

2400 for 6 session is too expensive. The right price is 150-200 per session.

[Old Guy]

That was a lot of money for marginal results. Almost every story I hear of shockwave treatments the guy either has limited results or nothing. Then having to do it again when results diminish.

[piccode]

Mazzo - I live in the Boston MA area where things are a bit pricey. This was the lowest cost shockwave in the greater Boston area.

Old guy: “a lot of money” is a relative term. From my point of view and being blessed to have a very well paying job, it was not a lot of money to spend.I was able to reduce my trimix by approx by 33 percent.

Overall, I am happy I spent the money and with the results.

[Mazzio]

I live in Europe. It seems that shockwave is popular in the Nordic countries and Germany and Switzerland. Stortz is the major brand of shockwave units.

I think that shockwave was brought to market too soon. There was not enough research and the procedure is still evolving.