new implant- cycling pain

[bc2020]

Greetings to all. I owe a debt of gratitude to this blog; I credit you all with steering me toward action and Dr Hakky. I am now 9 days post-placement and saw Dr Hakky yesterday, when he instructed me to start cycling. There were a couple of things I was not prepared for, despite extensive research on this forum. Perhaps you can assure me it is common to have this experience...

One thing is that there is relatively little tactile "feedback" with inflation. The size doesn't change much though the stiffness changes some. The same could be said about deflation. I'm sure better response will come with practice.

The other real surprise is the actual amount of force and resultant pain with bulb compression- it seems hard as a rock. On top of that, I resumed my blood thinners and I have developed extensive bruising from my efforts. May have to hold them a little longer.I'm not impaired in any way, but that bulb is genuinely hard to compress.

Feel free to reassure me this will resolve in time- this blog taught me not to freak out when I saw my first measurements, which I'm glad it did. I'm going to let things heal overnight and try to cycle in the morning before work... will get a few more data points before I bother Dr Hakky with this "newby" problem.

Thanks again for all the accumulated experience- it is priceless.

[LGXDownunder]

Firstly let me welcome you to the bionic brotherhood . Congratulations on taking the big leap to regain control of your sexual function. I can definitely reassure you that everything you've described is absolutely normal in my experience and that of many other guys on here. You have arguably one of the best implant surgeons in the world. I'm sure you'll achieve a great result by following his protocol.

I have the AMS LGX, which is essentially the equivalent of your Rigicon AX (my other choice). They both have similar properties. Initially I was disappointed with my size but after months of diligent cycling I eventually regained my original length and girth. I also was able to get hard from pumping early on but not much change in size.

The pump bulbs can be notoriously stiff and difficult to operate at first for many implants, regardless of brand or model. Mine was no exception and it took quite a long time to soften up. The more you use it the faster that is likely to happen but no need to overdo it. For some guys hand strength (arthritis etc) and pump location can add to the initial challenges.

The bruising may well have nothing to do with your blood thinners. Many of us were black and blue for weeks after surgery. It's very normal and will resolve in time. Same for scrotal swelling. Recovery can sometimes be a bumpy ride for a while. Don't be disillusioned if progress isn't linear, it's often two steps forward and one step back.

Given you are only at 9 days post op the main thing to watch for is any sign of infection. And stay ahead of any pain with appropriate meds and ice as needed. I only used ice for the first couple of weeks. Overall it seems like you are on track and nothing to be concerned about. But please keep us updated with your progress and don't hesitate to ask if you are worried about something or have questions. I'm also happy to answer by PM, as are many of us.

[danny1553]

Yes, initially the pump is very hard but it will soften over time. Mine is 9 yo and in my opinion has become too soft. When I ride my motorcycle I often end up in the pump activated mode from accidental squeezing at road bumps.
Also I've never learned to pump it with one hand. It is always two hands. With the right thumb I keep the pump in place so that it does not slide, and pump it with my left hand. I am right handed but my left hand is significantly stronger.
I know people can do it one hand but I could not.

[SWorks17]

Congratulation and Welcome to the Bionic Brotherhood BC2020!

I think your implant is close to LGX Downunder’s and mine, we both have the AMS LGX.

I can see that LGX Downunder has covered everything, just be patient and you’ll get there. I had a lot of pain too, even at six weeks when I was cleared to cycle and have sex. I didn’t have PIV sex till week 8 and it hurt like heck for 2 days afterwards.

Hang in there brother it gets better everyday!

Your Bionic Brother in Texas
SWorks

[CowtownSlim]

I have the AMS700 and wasn’t instructed to start cycling until 4 weeks. I could hardly compress the bulb and moved almost no fluid initially. Communication from urologist was poor and he just told me I would be fine. This forum confirmed that the experience was typical, which was a relief. I pumped daily for about a week, and once I was told to move to twice a day, things loosened up a good bit. I was told to try pumping in a warm bath which I think helped, if you are allowed. Over ensuing weeks, I would pump initially until bulb was firm, but every 3-4 min I could do a few more mini pumps to keep loosening the tissue. At 15 weeks I can pump to full in about 90 sec, but can usually give a bit extra at 3 and 6 min. It is a long process, which is rarely emphasized by surgeons. Having said that, was cleared for sex at just over 6 weeks. A family emergency postponed that a week, but the device performed as designed and continues to do so. I’m guessing the bruising is just old blood moving to the surface, but check with your doctor. You are not the first patient on anticoagulants. BTW, not sure I could have managed the early cycling protocol. You guys are tough!

[bc2020]

I am relieved I didn't hear any red flag concerns, and deeply appreciate your taking the time to respond, especially to what would appear such a mundane issue. Instead of driving straight through to max pain and holding it there as long as I can, I believe I can see how this is a marathon, and will lower performance specifications for a few days, to get the mechanics down.

I have read each of your various posts elsewhere in the forum, and notice how you are willing to help. It means a lot.