Support & Info Thread for Aussies

[GManAnon]

Hi all GMan here,

I have been monitoring FT for a couple of years but never signed up as member, finally did a couple of weeks ago and also thought that an Aussie only thread was needed. We here don’t have as many contributors and it’s hard to compare notes/stories from other parts of the world. The stories are similar but trying to get relevant info is limited, well done Freedom and thanks.

I suppose I should give my story, upfront I’m not implanted yet but been umming and arrring for a couple of years. My PC was quite aggressive and my URO made me aware that it would be unlikely that I would achieve a natural erection again, he was right. Nothing, totally limp. It doesn’t affect me mentally or my relationship with the missus, it’s just another thing in life to deal with, no problem. But I do keep trying build up the courage to take the plunge. Keep searching FT for stories similar to mine but so many of the conversations go off topic and I tune out. Don’t get me wrong, I do read about most of the adventures here and almost find myself thinking/wishing could that be me again one day?

There is quite a difference between guys that have had ED ongoing through their life and the guys that go through PC, similar problem but different. The ED guys regain their tool and as close to normal life as possible, still being able to ejaculate, not worrying about their continence to name a couple. They seem to also retain some level of engorgement, whereas I get NO engorgement and never will without artificial aids. I have tried injections, pills, VED, they all have pros and cons and they all become a bit of a chore in life.

I have had the appointment with my URO and had a chat with one of the "mates" from PCFA and there really is no reason to not proceed other than the unknown factor.

Anyway don't want to keep yapping about stuff we've all heard before, looking forward to contributing/learning to/from this group.

GMan

[LGXDownunder]

...stories are similar but trying to get relevant info is limited...

...not implanted yet but been umming and arrring for a couple of years...

My PC was quite aggressive and my URO made me aware that it would be unlikely that I would achieve a natural erection again, he was right. Nothing, totally limp. It doesn’t affect me mentally or my relationship with the missus, it’s just another thing in life to deal with, no problem. But I do keep trying build up the courage to take the plunge. Keep searching FT for stories similar to mine but so many of the conversations go off topic and I tune out...

...guys that go through PC, similar problem but different. The ED guys regain their tool and as close to normal life as possible, still being able to ejaculate, not worrying about their continence to name a couple. They seem to also retain some level of engorgement, whereas I get NO engorgement and never will without artificial aids. I have tried injections, pills, VED, they all have pros and cons and they all become a bit of a chore in life.

Welcome GMan,
I can totally relate to your PC story. I went through the same but my PC was less aggressive than yours.
Mine was initially low grade and didn't require treatment, just active surveillance as the cancer was contained within the prostate gland.
But after 12 months of quarterly PSA checks with nothing unusual I had a routine MRI, which indicated that the tumor had grown.
A further prostate biopsy confirmed that and tipped me into the Gleason 7/medium risk range.
My uro advised surgery asap to remove the prostate. Knowing the possible side effects but hoping for the best I went ahead.

I had good natural erectile function up to that point. Post prostatectomy, like you I lost every last bit of erectile function and it never returned.
Unusable 100% limp dick 24/7, dead as a dodo. Pills did nothing, injections worked briefly then nothing, other treatments were equally useless.
Ultimately my only means of getting hard was a vacuum pump. The results were unsatisfactory for penetrative sex, but it did help with rehab to prevent atrophy and to regain lost size pre implant. To add insult to injury I also had a very long and difficult battle with urinary incontinence resulting from the prostate surgery. For the first year or so it was absolutely soul destroying due to severe and unpredictable leakage.

Thankfully both problems have been resolved and dramatically improved my quality of life. It took 2 1/2 years and many different treatments to resolve the leakage to the point of being pad free. But even now, as a precaution, I occasionally wear a very light pad for any really extreme or strenuous and sustained physical activity. Or If I know I'll probably have a few drinks too many in a social setting.

After 3 years of struggling with profound ED I bit the bullet and got my implant about 6 months ago. Sex is great again and the implant has given me a huge psychological boost. I consider that I'm still in recovery mode and have set myself an expectation of 12 months or so for that process to play out. But functionally everything works and I have an "on demand" bionic erection available 24/7. It's no chore to just pump it up and be ready to go within 30 seconds or so. Of course I also can't ejaculate anymore due to removal of the seminal vesicles along with the prostate gland. I miss being able to cum but dry orgasms are fine and now gradually getting back to a similar intensity as what I used to have.

There are other Aussies on here with similar PC stories. I've been in contact with a few and not all are current or active posters.
In the broader FT community there are many more PC survivors with implants who can also help.
But Aussie specific info about potential surgeons, costs, insurance issues etc is limited. So this thread is definitely a great idea.

Best wishes with your journey if you go ahead with an implant. Please reach out with any questions.

[Kodixx]

GManAnon, glad you joined the forum and thanks for the backstory. Sorry to hear of your situation. You said it doesn't affect the relationship with the missus -- curious whether you've talked with her about the procedure, pros/cons, and how it could benefit your relationship. Lots of forum members, including myself, have benefited from supportive spouses as we went thru the journey. And I think part of that support comes from a shared vision of how the return of sexual function will make the relationship even better & stronger.

Best wishes on your journey forward !

- Chuck

I suppose I should give my story, upfront I’m not implanted yet but been umming and arrring for a couple of years. It doesn’t affect me mentally or my relationship with the missus, it’s just another thing in life to deal with, no problem. I do read about most of the adventures here and almost find myself thinking/wishing could that be me again one day?