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Confused about side effects from a radical prostatectomy

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User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 08:11

My Gleason score is 3 + 3, but a recent scan showed an area of possible concern, so I will be having a trans-perineal biopsy under general anaesthetic in early November. When I speak to my consultant about the results of the biopsy I want to be able to make an informed decision, but I'm confused by different reports of the side effects and some clarification would be greatly appreciated.  

There seems to be a big difference between NHS Direct and Cancer Research UK on the side effects from a radical prostatectomy. I've copied and pasted the key information at the very end and it shows:-

Incontinence

NHS Direct. Pre-operation1%, six months after the operation 46%

CRUK. Pre-operation 39%, six months after the operation 71%

Erectile Dysfunction

NHS Direct. Pre-operation 33%, six months after the operation 88%

CRUK. Pre-operation 29%, six months after the operation 66%

The information for six years after the operation is more difficult to compare, but NHS Direct shows a clear likelihood of continuing side effects, whilst CRUK suggests that after six years the risk of problems is the same for active surveillance and radical prostatectomy.

NHS Direct

A recent trial showed possible long-term side effects of radical prostatectomy may include an inability to get an erection and urinary incontinence.

Before having any treatment, 67% of men said they could get erections firm enough for intercourse.

When the men who had a radical prostatectomy were asked again after 6 months, this had decreased to 12%. When asked again after 6 years, it had slightly improved to 17%.

For urinary incontinence, 1% of men said they used absorbent pads before having any treatment.

When the men who had a radical prostatectomy were asked again after 6 months, this had increased to 46%. After 6 years, this had improved to 17%.

Out of the men who were actively monitored instead, 4% were using absorbent pads at 6 months and 8% after 6 years.

Cancer Research UK

The table below shows the risk of some of the side effects after 6 months of treatment for low risk localised prostate cancer

 

Active surveillance

Surgery to remove the prostate

External beam radiotherapy

Difficulty controlling your bladder

39 out of 100 (39%)

71 out of 100 (71%)

38 out of 100 (38%)

Difficulty getting an erection

29 out of 100 (29%)

66 out of 100 (66%)

48 out of 100 (48%)

Problems controlling your bowels

2 out of 100 (2%)

1 out of 100 (1%)

5 out of 100 (5%)

The risk of the same side effects after 6 years of treatment is similar between the different treatment groups. 

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 11:34

Paul 

You may also want look at the outcomes of your surgeon. 

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 16:05
Unfortunately there are no risk free treatments.

For Radical prostatectomy it is my view that following broad statements sum up the practical impacts of the risk associated with nerve sparing surgery:

Incontinence: You will be unlucky if you don't recover full continence within 6 months.

Erections: You will be lucky if erections are the same after 2 years. More likely you will need some chemical, physical or emotional assistance to achieve a satisfactory penetrative sex life.

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 23:35

The surgeon who did my op said he'd remove one set of nerves which would mean I'd need to take tablets to get an erection and it would never be as strong.   He also said I should regain continence in 6 months.  He was pretty accurate.   Although I only took a few tablets and decided I didn't like taking them as I suspected they were creating random pains in my body.

The basic risk factors don't account for random and personal effects.   Such as the skill of the surgeon, how fit and healthy you are, whether you have unhealthy habits, don't follow advice or do something to damage the surgery.  I wonder if it includes figures for people who could hardly get an erection but told the surgeon they were rampant etc etc.  Some data for radiotherapy is likely to contain worse cases as unfit and elderly people usually get offered only radiotherapy.

You can look up your surgeon's stats on the BAUS website, British Association of Urological Surgeons.    I was happy enough with the surgeon who did my op and I looked him up on the private hospitals he worked at.  Those write ups sound like an advert but it gives you an insight as to what they're like.

Regards
Peter

 

User
Posted 22 Oct 2021 at 13:54
So this is my experience of radical prostatectomy, conducted by one of the leading prostate surgeons in Europe, if not the world.

1. Post-operative pain and discomfort: next to none except when the laparoscopic wound sutures became infected.

2. Incontinence: More or less dry from the day when the supra-pubic catheter was removed, ten days post-op. Totally continent now.

3. Complete erectile dysfunction with my abbreviated penis (about 2” shorter), where he removed the prostate and re-connected the urethra tube. Oral stimulants ineffective. I did try an unction that you rub on the eye of the tiger, which resulted in a kind of erection which was painful, so the rest of the tubes went in the bin. I can achieve a β€˜kind of’ orgasm with stimulation, which starts with a tingling in my feet!

4. Three and a half years cancer-free, so result or what?

Best of luck.

Cheers, John.

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 16:38

Biggest difference is 1% vs 39% but these are for two different things, and also 46% vs 71% . The 1% is NHS incontinence the 39% is CRUK Difficulty controlling bladder. Difficulty controlling bladder can include retention dribbling etc. in addition to incontinence hence the higher figure.

The ED figures are close enough to be statistically equivalent.

Dave

User
Posted 04 Nov 2021 at 00:42

Hi Paul

i was a t3b Gleeson 9 operated on at the Marsden by a wiz of a surgeon- I had a supra pubic catheter. Operation happened Sept 2018. PSA undetectable at year 3. It took me 18mths to get a semi functioning erection and 2 years for an erection that would have penetrative sex.

3 years on now, life is perfect, having regular penetrative sex with excellent orgasms. No incontinence at any stage.

key lessons - before surgery get your core and kegels in the strongest condition you can. ED don’t panic, but for me 5mg of ciallis helped me considerably, I tried a dick pump but it really hurt. A loving partners hand does absolute wonders, be open with him/her tell them what’s going on… 3 years on I now have regular penetrative sex and my life with her is now perfect!!!

However we’re all different and outcomes vary so I am aware of many men who struggle - we have to be grateful for all mercies. Statistics don’t tell the whole storey.

User
Posted 06 Apr 2022 at 20:25

Hi, I had robotic prostatectomy in Feb 2020. Advised pre-op there was a reasonable chance of nerve sparing and incontinence should clear up by end of year. Fortunately op went well, removed all Cancer and PSI scores negligible. As Dad died from Prostrate Cancer I consider this a huge win.
Unfortunately two years later I’m still wearing pads 24/7 and they couldn’t spare nerves, so erections not possible.  
Still working on incontinence and using Soma Pump to create a blood filled phallus that’s someway short of an erection. Even though my loving girl helps me achieve non-penetrative release’s, it’s not an orgasm, though it fulfils a need.

Still positively working on the issues, though frequently getting a testicle trapped inside a ring can be trying!!!!

Anyone else out there with tips on Soma use?

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 17:49

Timber 

Yes the two black rings are called cushioning rings , I may have seen them referred to as comfort rings. The restriction ring is also described as a maintenance ring in my pump literature.

Select and ultimate (surefit) are types of restriction ring ,there are or were also ultra and sureEase. The ultimate is listed as ultimate (Surefit) on my very old order form πŸ˜€. My silicone rings are ultimate (surefit). I suspect the ones you couldn't grip were the select rings. 

I do sometimes use two rings together. My wife has been irritated by some of the lubes. We have mastered the technique of flacid intercourse, it also allows us to be a bit more spontaneous .

Never give up and have fun, have you considered injections yet.

Thanks Chris

Edited by member 07 Apr 2022 at 17:50  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 19:24

Ian. I get the legs clamped bit, it took me five years to pluck the courage to use injections. I still have to get my head around injecting but the results are good.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 20:44

Ian , there are a few guys on here who use the injections and have more experience than me. I was offered the injections and pump at my first meeting with my ED guy. I declined the injections in favour of Muse. With muse you put a thin applicator down the eye of the penis, not as bad as it sounds. It was hit and miss so eventually I decided on trying the injections. 

At the first appointment the urology technician explained how the mechanics of the syringe worked and explained how to prep it and where precisely to inject it. The actual needle is very thin. Then it was trousers and pants down and under her instructions I injected the penis. After getting dressed I then waited in the waiting room for about 20 minutes, I then returned to see the technician for an inspection, there was some swelling but not a great deal. I refer to her as a technician because she is more than a nurse but not a doctor, she also performs biopsies.

Back at home a few days later i tried again and got a really good swelling, which was put to good use. As i said before I do have to get my head around doing the injection, perhaps the more I do the injections the less it will bother me. 

I use the caverrject dual chamber which have been readily available in the last couple of months.

Hope that helps, thanks Chris.

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 15:43

Unfortunately not kidding. Only recently been offered the injections and seeking info from existing users. Main reason I joined, though I now realise I should have done so earlier.

Cheers,

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 11:34

Paul 

You may also want look at the outcomes of your surgeon. 

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 16:05
Unfortunately there are no risk free treatments.

For Radical prostatectomy it is my view that following broad statements sum up the practical impacts of the risk associated with nerve sparing surgery:

Incontinence: You will be unlucky if you don't recover full continence within 6 months.

Erections: You will be lucky if erections are the same after 2 years. More likely you will need some chemical, physical or emotional assistance to achieve a satisfactory penetrative sex life.

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 16:38

Biggest difference is 1% vs 39% but these are for two different things, and also 46% vs 71% . The 1% is NHS incontinence the 39% is CRUK Difficulty controlling bladder. Difficulty controlling bladder can include retention dribbling etc. in addition to incontinence hence the higher figure.

The ED figures are close enough to be statistically equivalent.

Dave

User
Posted 20 Oct 2021 at 23:35

The surgeon who did my op said he'd remove one set of nerves which would mean I'd need to take tablets to get an erection and it would never be as strong.   He also said I should regain continence in 6 months.  He was pretty accurate.   Although I only took a few tablets and decided I didn't like taking them as I suspected they were creating random pains in my body.

The basic risk factors don't account for random and personal effects.   Such as the skill of the surgeon, how fit and healthy you are, whether you have unhealthy habits, don't follow advice or do something to damage the surgery.  I wonder if it includes figures for people who could hardly get an erection but told the surgeon they were rampant etc etc.  Some data for radiotherapy is likely to contain worse cases as unfit and elderly people usually get offered only radiotherapy.

You can look up your surgeon's stats on the BAUS website, British Association of Urological Surgeons.    I was happy enough with the surgeon who did my op and I looked him up on the private hospitals he worked at.  Those write ups sound like an advert but it gives you an insight as to what they're like.

Regards
Peter

 

User
Posted 22 Oct 2021 at 06:56
Many thanks for those comments which are appreciated. I do still find it disconcerting that you can look at two of the main sources of information and come to quite different conclusions about the possibility of side effects. CRUK have commented that their figures are based on a 2019 study, whilst the NHS Direct information is dated June 2018, and does say that it will be reviewed in June 2021, so possibly there might be an update.
User
Posted 22 Oct 2021 at 13:54
So this is my experience of radical prostatectomy, conducted by one of the leading prostate surgeons in Europe, if not the world.

1. Post-operative pain and discomfort: next to none except when the laparoscopic wound sutures became infected.

2. Incontinence: More or less dry from the day when the supra-pubic catheter was removed, ten days post-op. Totally continent now.

3. Complete erectile dysfunction with my abbreviated penis (about 2” shorter), where he removed the prostate and re-connected the urethra tube. Oral stimulants ineffective. I did try an unction that you rub on the eye of the tiger, which resulted in a kind of erection which was painful, so the rest of the tubes went in the bin. I can achieve a β€˜kind of’ orgasm with stimulation, which starts with a tingling in my feet!

4. Three and a half years cancer-free, so result or what?

Best of luck.

Cheers, John.

User
Posted 23 Oct 2021 at 20:16
User
Posted 24 Oct 2021 at 06:35

The Predict Prostate tool is doubtless familiar to many on this forum (Predict Prostate). I found it helpful as it will produce estimated outcomes based on data from men with similar characteristics.

It does also provide estimates of side effects (potential harms) from conservative management, radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy, but these are based on the total data in the study (rather than just men with similar characteristics). Links are provided to the papers describing the studies on which the estimates of side effects are based.

User
Posted 02 Nov 2021 at 15:09

Hi Paul

Please check out of Retzius Sparing RARP + NeuroSAFE thread. I had the same Professor and Bollinge for a RARP back in Nov 2019. So far so good and exceeded expectations of outcome.

My PCa was initially 3+3 at biopsy but as predicted was upgraded to 3+4 at post surgery histology which is quite common the case I believe.

I did extensive reading before going for the surgical option as was advised by my MDT to maybe consider Active Surveillance or surgery. RT given my age wasn't recommended due to potential risk of secondary primaries later on in life.

Following the initial shock of my diagnosis I decided to take a second opinion and scouted around for well respected surgeon with good high volume stats. I personally consider that I was fortunate to find the Professor in this case.

Quite a few surgeon have started to use a relatively new approach known as Retzius Sparing....I believe what happens is the bladder is inverted during surgery reducing disturbances associated with the retzius nerve which is under the bladder. This approach has been getting favourable stats for continence earlier on post recovery than say traditional surgery. Its worth noting as the one year post surgery mark things tend to balance out. 

During my surgery nerve sparing was used where possible which is related to ED outcomes post surgery. In my case one side of the two nerve bundles was spared. NeuroSAFE is used in conjuction with this to ensure as best possible that no cancer cells are left behind ie there are good negative margins to allow nerve sparing. In my case the initially 'real-time' histology showed potential focal point invasion so as a precaution one nerve bundle was removed. However, at post-op histology this was all shown to be clear.

My prostate cancer was multi focal and on the cusp of breaking through the prostatic capsule and indeed was more extensive that shown on the 3T mpMRI. In fact it is thought if I had left things much longer we would have been dealing with a t3 cancer as it had started to invade the bladder neck and required additional reconstruction.

Anyways....back to your original queries. From what I have read the advantage of Robotic Surgery tend to be the ability for the patient to be released from hospital in a matter of days as I was. Recovery is much faster than open surgery. For me I experienced no pain at all post-surgery apart from the cramping of the gas used to inflate the surgical site.

Plus my scars are very much healed and almost invisible.

In terms of continence....this was a major concern for me but using a skilled surgeon seems to have paid off well. I was pretty much continent after catheter removal at 14 days albeit a few drips and leaks mainly in the evening when tired. These reduced significantly at week 5 when the stitches start to soften and the anastemosis site and allow the new sphincter to bed in as it were. To date I've had a very good outcome in this context...I do experience the odd leak or drink but maybe once a week and very minor when I've got a full bladder and say lean over the sink. Or I've been out with the guys and have consumed a barrel of beer. I dont use pads and even at the gym with weights everything is dry and tip top but I do ensure I empty my bladder before I train.

In terms of ED again I've had a great outcome. I didnt notice a loss of length and things started to stir very soon post surgery. These days I can get a very good erection pretty much like pre-op if I full of beans and had good sleep. If not I would take a minimal dose of tadalafil or viagra help me achieve the last 20% on a night in with the good lady.

So all in all first and foremost thus far I am cancer free. Urology exceed expectations and does my ED status. No regrets and quite a journey but long may the undetectable status of PSA blood tests continue.

Please ping me if you need anything more as I'm very pleased to help where I can.

Cheers

Simon

 

User
Posted 02 Nov 2021 at 16:54

Thanks Simon that's very helpful. I'm going to be away for a few days, but may well be in touch on my return.

Regards

Paul

 

User
Posted 04 Nov 2021 at 00:42

Hi Paul

i was a t3b Gleeson 9 operated on at the Marsden by a wiz of a surgeon- I had a supra pubic catheter. Operation happened Sept 2018. PSA undetectable at year 3. It took me 18mths to get a semi functioning erection and 2 years for an erection that would have penetrative sex.

3 years on now, life is perfect, having regular penetrative sex with excellent orgasms. No incontinence at any stage.

key lessons - before surgery get your core and kegels in the strongest condition you can. ED don’t panic, but for me 5mg of ciallis helped me considerably, I tried a dick pump but it really hurt. A loving partners hand does absolute wonders, be open with him/her tell them what’s going on… 3 years on I now have regular penetrative sex and my life with her is now perfect!!!

However we’re all different and outcomes vary so I am aware of many men who struggle - we have to be grateful for all mercies. Statistics don’t tell the whole storey.

User
Posted 06 Apr 2022 at 20:25

Hi, I had robotic prostatectomy in Feb 2020. Advised pre-op there was a reasonable chance of nerve sparing and incontinence should clear up by end of year. Fortunately op went well, removed all Cancer and PSI scores negligible. As Dad died from Prostrate Cancer I consider this a huge win.
Unfortunately two years later I’m still wearing pads 24/7 and they couldn’t spare nerves, so erections not possible.  
Still working on incontinence and using Soma Pump to create a blood filled phallus that’s someway short of an erection. Even though my loving girl helps me achieve non-penetrative release’s, it’s not an orgasm, though it fulfils a need.

Still positively working on the issues, though frequently getting a testicle trapped inside a ring can be trying!!!!

Anyone else out there with tips on Soma use?

User
Posted 06 Apr 2022 at 23:30
Timber, it sounds like your technique isn't quite right, or you are not using tight enough rings. When you use the vacuum without rings, can you get engorged? Does it just wither away a bit when you transfer the ring? If not getting properly engorged in the tube, try:

- trim your pubic hair to create a better seal

- use lube in and around the end of the tube

- pump in small bursts and then pause to allow the blood to catch up - then pump a bit more and pause - and pump again

- doing it seated makes it easier to hold the tube steady and avoid breaking the vacuum seal

- check that you are using the correct black ring on the end of the tube - if you are getting your scrotum caught, the black ring is too big

If you are engorging well in the tube but then losing it when you remove the tube, go for a smaller ring - John had to use a combination of two rings to get the best result.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 05:58

Thanks LynEyre.

I’m sure my technique isn’t quite right πŸ˜€. Covid denied me a meeting with the Soma rep, though the ED nurse explained use pretty well. I have an appointment end May with rep.

I already follow your points. My main issues seem to be I deflate too quickly and my engorgement in width is too much for the smaller black vacuum ring.

Too avoid deflation I have to pump hard prior to sliding ED ring from vacuum tube. Then I can release vacuum and exit tube. I am careful but frequently ED ring also traps testicle. Ooops!

Using both black vacuum rings does help to avoid trapped testicle but engorgement is such I cannot get free of vacuum rings. I’m hoping it’s a technical issue the rep can help me with.

I won’t be giving up, recently we have noticed a slight natural engorgement during intimate moments. Hope springs eternal.

Thanks again, Ian

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 12:40

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Still positively working on the issues, though frequently getting a testicle trapped inside a ring can be trying!!!!

Anyone else out there with tips on Soma use?

I only got a testicle trapped in the ring on one occasion, that was  the first time I had used a ring. As already mentioned ,I think the reason I got the testicle in the tube was that I didn't use the smaller comfort ring .

The ring in question was a "select" ring which is made out of a far less flexible material than the " surefit" rings. Pulling the tabs on the select did very little to release the ring and as the ring was full of penis and testicle the erection wasn't going down and there was no way of getting a couple of fingers in there as well. The wife had to cut the ring off, having someone come towards your penis with a pair of scissors gets the adrenaline pumping.πŸ˜€

I find standing or kneeling works well for me and allows for additional interaction with my wife. I make sure the tube is right upto the base of the penis now to avoid pulling the testicles into the pump.  The I did find the pump was difficult to remove with the smaller comfort ring and did get a very black and blue penis on a few occasions. Over a period of time, from the start of using the pump I found the length got longer and the girth reduced. 

Following advice from CJ, I tried the durex rings , I found the time of erection was less but the  sensitivity and pleasure was far greater.

You don't say how much you are leaking into your pads or how many a day. At two years post op you may need some help either from a physio or surgeon. I do know a guy who has used pads for 17 years rather than have any intervention. 

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 13:11

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
but engorgement is such I cannot get free of vacuum rings.

To escape the black ring on the tube, you slide your finger (with a bit of lube on it) between the tube and your skin to break the vacuum, let the penis reduce a little and then remove the tube. To escape a restriction ring, you pull on the tabs at both sides (so pulling outwards at 90 degrees to the penis), let the penis reduce in size and then slide the ring off once there is no engorgement. Hence needing a bit of lube on the inside of the constriction ring. Men sometimes try to pull the ring off the engorged penis and then panic.  

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 13:13

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
My main issues seem to be I deflate too quickly

Constriction ring needs to be a smaller size

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 16:26

Thanks both, it’s great discussing with folk who have seen the same issues. Are the comfort rings the ones on the tube front that form the seal with your body? OK, I have two with my kit, one larger that fits inside the tube diameter and a smaller one that fits inside the larger ring. Not sure what a ‘select’ and a ‘surfeit’ ring are. A restriction ring is the silicone ring used to retain engorgement after pump work.

Colwickchris - I’ve been ‘trapped’ 4 times and begged assistance in cutting restriction ring off, bloomin painful! Each time it was a restriction ring that came with the device, with pull flaps at the side rather than loops. I couldn’t grip the flaps sufficiently to expand ring and allow escape. I bought silicone rings off eBay that have loops which you can get a finger in and expand the restriction ring sufficiently.  I agree the larger comfort ring does allow easier entrapment which I try to avoid by pointing device vertically before sliding the restriction ring into position. Doesn’t always work but at least I can remove rings relatively easily now.  I have a Durex ring, not keen, not enough tension. I generally wear a series 3 pad per day, sometimes have a second on late in the day. Nope, your mate can keep the Guinness record of 17 years πŸ˜› - no challenge from me!

LynEyre - I always use a good lube, I’ll try your finger technique to remove the small comfort ring. I have two sizes of restriction ring 20mm and 15mm, hopefully using the smaller comfort ring again will resolve the testicle issue and either of restriction rings will maintain an engorgement.  Men - Panic - don’t know where you’re coming from πŸ˜‚

Thanks again to you both πŸ‘

 

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 17:49

Timber 

Yes the two black rings are called cushioning rings , I may have seen them referred to as comfort rings. The restriction ring is also described as a maintenance ring in my pump literature.

Select and ultimate (surefit) are types of restriction ring ,there are or were also ultra and sureEase. The ultimate is listed as ultimate (Surefit) on my very old order form πŸ˜€. My silicone rings are ultimate (surefit). I suspect the ones you couldn't grip were the select rings. 

I do sometimes use two rings together. My wife has been irritated by some of the lubes. We have mastered the technique of flacid intercourse, it also allows us to be a bit more spontaneous .

Never give up and have fun, have you considered injections yet.

Thanks Chris

Edited by member 07 Apr 2022 at 17:50  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 18:45

Hi Chris, I have considered after Nurse offered the option but have seen horror stories and, (while knowing that the reality is often less fearful than the gossip), have decided to get more factual info before making the decision. (Legs are tightly clamped together while scribbling this)😰

Liking the concept of flaccid Union though we both have secondary issues that may make that problematical. We both love our intimate moments, without coitus making it interruptus. Though we both also look forward to the end result, no matter how achieved. 

Cheers, Ian

Edited by member 07 Apr 2022 at 18:46  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 19:24

Ian. I get the legs clamped bit, it took me five years to pluck the courage to use injections. I still have to get my head around injecting but the results are good.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 19:51

Wow Chris, you’re the first user I know. If it’s not too intrusive, how did you start and how do you find it?

cheers

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 20:44

Ian , there are a few guys on here who use the injections and have more experience than me. I was offered the injections and pump at my first meeting with my ED guy. I declined the injections in favour of Muse. With muse you put a thin applicator down the eye of the penis, not as bad as it sounds. It was hit and miss so eventually I decided on trying the injections. 

At the first appointment the urology technician explained how the mechanics of the syringe worked and explained how to prep it and where precisely to inject it. The actual needle is very thin. Then it was trousers and pants down and under her instructions I injected the penis. After getting dressed I then waited in the waiting room for about 20 minutes, I then returned to see the technician for an inspection, there was some swelling but not a great deal. I refer to her as a technician because she is more than a nurse but not a doctor, she also performs biopsies.

Back at home a few days later i tried again and got a really good swelling, which was put to good use. As i said before I do have to get my head around doing the injection, perhaps the more I do the injections the less it will bother me. 

I use the caverrject dual chamber which have been readily available in the last couple of months.

Hope that helps, thanks Chris.

User
Posted 07 Apr 2022 at 23:57

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Wow Chris, you’re the first user I know. If it’s not too intrusive, how did you start and how do you find it?

cheers

Are you joking? Loads of us on here rely on  the injections - even my 85 year old dad uses them! 

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 08 Apr 2022 at 15:43

Unfortunately not kidding. Only recently been offered the injections and seeking info from existing users. Main reason I joined, though I now realise I should have done so earlier.

Cheers,

 
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