Having been absent from the forum for a while I thought it was about time I posted my 30 month post op PSA results - "virtually undetectable, less than 0.002". I was diagnosed with PCa back in 2012 and underwent an op to remove prostate towards the end of that year.
Needless to say the reading has come as a great relief. As usual for me for about 2 weeks waiting for the results I got myself all worked up again for nothing!
I hope my results give hope to any new members coming up who have just been diagnosed with PCa.
Whilst writing I thought I would also give the latest on the side effects.
Firstly, I AM ALIVE! That was always my first goal. I try not to be complacent about the future but I live in hope the PCa does not return. Having hope helps me cope with it.
Continence - I reckon I am about 95%. I still have the odd leak but my sense of humour helps me deal with it. I still hope for 100% but if not I will live with it. My flow is otherwise still good and I don't want to do anything to jeopardise this.
ED. Sadly my ED issues continue. It seems I am one of the unlucky ones in that my recovery is slow. I was told I had nerve sparing surgery. However, I was over 7 hours under the knife so I can only assume there was some damage which is taking time to heal.
My libido has returned to pre-op times, if not more.
I have been a great believer in the "use it or lose it" principle and I have tried my best with pump etc to minimise atrophy.
I have been getting regular nocturnal thickening for some time - I would modestly say about 40%, obviously not sufficient for the full works. Sometimes I have tried giving it a helping hand but as soon as I have had a Jimmy Widdle he goes down and no amount of play gets him up again. Likewise no amount of play in daylight hours works. I wonder if I have some sort of mental block which might be hindering my progress.
I am much better at using the pump and rings these days but still have difficulty in obtaining an end result, if you get my drift.
Tablets unfortunately simply do not suit me. Muse works only with a partial erection but I still practice with it when I can.
Despite my slow progress, with the support of my wonderful wife I am still able to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh on a regular basis. This has been a wonderful bonus that at one time I didn't think possible so I am most grateful.
I would be lying if I said the ED didn't get me down. I worry that as I have passed the 2 year stage I might be too late so I do go through periods of feeling low. However, I am still very much determined to overcome this and am not ready to give up yet.
On another positive note, I am waiting for one more appointment to see my ED nurse with a view of obtaining a prescription for Vitaros cream. I am looking forward to giving that a try.
Thank you once again to all forum members. Your support has been worth more than words can say.
Sending best wishes to all.