This is a follow up to my recent "GP-first visit " but due to the info I received today I thought I'd start again with a more general and less personal title.
I'm 17 months into HT and 1 year since last RT fraction with no RP.
I saw my wonderful GP today to discuss whether I should be referred for ED.
She told me that only last week that she had been on a PC UK course for GP's and she was delighted that I had been to see her today.
I was bombarded with many questions from her re my treatment and emotions in recovering.
I told her that I had joined online here and had received superb support from you all. She has nothing other than praise for this site.
She asked me to report today's consultation here so it may help others in a similar position.
She was absolutely amazed and horrified that no one had ever referred me from the hospital for this, as in her view it essential that penile health is maintained.
As I was told today "it's a muscle and should be exercised regularly".
I was absolutely right to seek a referral and that all men should once they start any treatment that could produce ED.
She intends to speak to her other PCa patients to bring it their attention.
In her opinion I should have seen her sooner but as I explained I wasn't emotionally ready nor saw the need to as I had no libido from the HT .
It was really only from this site and a conversation with a PCa friend that I realised I should be doing something.
It seems that referrals are more commonly available for RP patients than for the HT/RT patients.
On a aside to this I cannot believe how relaxed and uninhibited I've become talking about such personal matters since diagnosis.
I wasn't embarrassed at all today!
Now I wonder how long the standard waiting time is - ah yes ,just checked 37 days...............