Starting to cycle?

[MissionInflatable]

So, I'm in week 5 post-op. All going well.
I had a phone appointment with the urology nurse a couple of days ago, who gave me the all-clear to start cycling.
I managed to deflate, but haven't inflated yet. I still feel jelly like stuff clinging to one side of the pump, making it a bit uncomfortable to inflate. It does seem to be clearing very, very slowly.
I'm wondering how others got on at the beginning of cycling? Did anyone push through the discomfort and inflate anyway? At what week did you comfortably inflate?
I'm probably being too cautious (scared!) but I'm a bit wary of inflating despite dying to do so. It's rock hard, which I know is to be expected. I feel it's going to slip away from my fingers and bounce all around my scrotum, which is a terrifying thought!

[LGXDownunder]

Everything is far more robust than you think. These things are designed to take the punishment we can dish out and probably more. I was apprehensive too, but it was unnecessary. And your body is also tougher than you think. Yes the pump will be stiff/hard at first, but it will soften with use eventually. No you won't send it flying into the nether regions of your scrotum .

I had done my research so yes, I pushed through the discomfort and inflated anyway. I think that is probably a common experience. Pumping was somewhat painful at first, but tolerable a long as I didn't try to over inflate. Over many months the discomfort became less and less. Now it doesn't exist unless I remain 100% inflated for over an hour. Even then I can push through it without too much angst.

My activation for cycling was different as my surgeon did it initially in his office at 6 weeks. Then he got me to inflate and deflate a couple of times myself. After that I had my licence and I've been doing it at least 2 to 3 times a day ever since, in addition to regular sex. Confidence increases with use. If you don't start it will take longer to improve. Just go slowly at first until you start to build up your confidence. Now it's almost a reflex action, I don't need to think about it, just do it. And everything now feels like part of my body, not like a bunch of foreign objects.

It can also help to cycle while applying hot water, which softens everything up. In my case in the shower but a bath can work too.
Just have a go and if it's too much, stop. Try again later or the next day, but do keep persisting with it.
I think for cycling (not sex) I was mostly reasonably comfortable between 8 and 10 weeks.

[MissionInflatable]

Thanks for the insight, LGX. Much appreciated.
Your comments are very encouraging and I'll definitely persist and practice.
I managed to achieve a bit of inflation last night, which was a big hurdle to get over. I could only do a few half pumps, but it was something, and a start. I lost interest trying to deflate so I slept with a mini erection (about the same size when I left hospital), and I'll have a crack at deflating today.
Great to see how you have progressed with your bionic friend - gives us post-op novices hope!

[1sfman]

So, I'm in week 5 post-op. All going well.
I had a phone appointment with the urology nurse a couple of days ago, who gave me the all-clear to start cycling.
I managed to deflate, but haven't inflated yet. I still feel jelly like stuff clinging to one side of the pump, making it a bit uncomfortable to inflate. It does seem to be clearing very, very slowly.
I'm wondering how others got on at the beginning of cycling? Did anyone push through the discomfort and inflate anyway? At what week did you comfortably inflate?
I'm probably being too cautious (scared!) but I'm a bit wary of inflating despite dying to do so. It's rock hard, which I know is to be expected. I feel it's going to slip away from my fingers and bounce all around my scrotum, which is a terrifying thought!

Hi Mission, very interesting post for me at 3 1/2 weeks post-op. I haven't started any cycling yet, and won't until my 6 week post-op appointment. Your description of "jelly like stuff" hit home for me as I feel that as well. It feels like the pump and testicle are attached by this. I messaged the Dr. about this, and he said it was scar tissue trying to form and just keep massaging it. So I am, and I am seeing it "thin" out.

It's interesting to read the differences in start-up of the implants here on FT. Some have Dr. starting them at 2 or 3 weeks, your Dr. at 5 weeks. I go in at 6 weeks, where he said he will cycle it and I will cycle it. Interestingly enough, he said a Boston Scientific tech would be present as well to help and answer any questions I have.

I'm both apprehensive and excited in getting it operational. I too find the pump rock hard and I worry that it might slip and bounce against my testicle. I guess that would give a whole new definition to "playing pocket pool", ouch, LOL. I've had to be very cautious massaging around the pump to avoid that.

All the best to you as progress.

[Chris1967]

Hi guys, I'm in my second week post-op. I have a Rigicon 22+2 cm stent with a pulse pump. The pump still feels very hard at the moment. I'm about 30 to 40 percent inflated. I've only been able to locate the deflation button briefly once or twice so far. It's located directly under my scar. I'm still being very careful when feeling for it. I don't have much pain at the moment. I'll be activated at the clinic on March 13th, 2026.