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ED recovery, questions

User
Posted 05 Oct 2022 at 18:12

Hi everybody,


I have been on silent mode for quite some time. I suppose after surgery and the initial months of post surgery recovery, In addition to going back to work full time, I have not had much time to reflect (being focussed on recovery).
Overall, I feel very lucky. Diagnosis came as a surprise in October 2020, as I did not have any symptoms but it was confirmed to be stage 2b with Gleason 3+4, with no signs of metastasis in lymphatics or annexed glands (imaging and pathology). PSA levels remain very low 18 months after RAP (unilateral nerve sparing in December 2020). As I said, I genuinely feel lucky.
Physically I feel very well. Performance at the gym has been back to pre-surgery stages, and energy levels have also been back to normal for several months now. 


Having said that, my life has changed.  21 months post-surgery, incontinence is mostly controlled. I still use one of those thin shields from Tena during the day time, to be on the safe side, as sometimes I leak a few drops. However, this does not bother me too much. I do not need to use it at night.


ED, however, is recovering but very slowly. I still have not had a durable natural erection. I have woken up a couple of nights with a partial erect ion but that’s about it. I have used and continue to use a pump and also the injection of vasodilators in my penis. Both work well and definitely it is better than not having erections, but they are not comparable to natural erections. 
Research indicates a significant proportion of men recover ED by 2 years post-treatment. I am not sure I will, unless something dramatic happens in the next three months. 
My question to the community is:
Has anyone recover the ED after 2 years? I mean being able to have natural election allowing intercourse?


Many thanks!!

User
Posted 05 Oct 2022 at 18:45

It can continue getting better for years, although if you go much past 3 years with absolutely nothing, then the chance is slim. (It takes about 3 years for nerves to regrow from scratch, although that's not something that commonly happens.) If you have something already, then it can continue improving after 3 years.


Given you are getting partial natural erections, the PDE5 inhibitor drugs may work for you in generating more powerful erections, i.e. Sildenafil and Tadalafil.


The vasodilator injections are usually comparable with natural injections, so it's a bit strange if yours aren't. The faffing around with the syringe might not be all that romantic of course, and given you do have some working nerves, you might not need the injections anymore if the PDE5 inhibitors work for you.

User
Posted 05 Oct 2022 at 18:58

Hi Andy,


many thanks. 
Tadalafil did not do much, although I have not taken it for the last several months now. May be I should try again. I never tried viagra. 
you are right, injections feel very close to natural erections.


Good to know things continue improving after 2 years!!


thanks!!

User
Posted 05 Oct 2022 at 19:32

Henry. I am a year or so ahead of you with 50% nerve sparing, no noticeable night time erections though. After continuous work (pump pills but no injections)I can say that year 2 - 3 has shown the most improvement. Keep at it....


Regarding your last question my opinion is you will be incredibly lucky to perform as per pre-op. Sorry to be blunt. 

User
Posted 05 Oct 2022 at 19:36

Hi ProSixty,


I appreciate your honesty and bluntness! I prefer the truth than sugarcoated half lies!!


It is good to know your story! 


keep on getting better!


HenryBB

User
Posted 05 Oct 2022 at 19:59

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Tadalafil did not do much, although I have not taken it for the last several months now. May be I should try again. I never tried viagra.


Unless there's any reason you can't take the full dose, you probably want to try 20mg Tadalafil.
The max dose of Sildenafil is 100mg.


What they do is to effectively amplify the signal coming through the nerves, so they do need you to be aroused too. You won't get an erection just because you took them (unlike the injections).

 
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