how did you choose your implant?

The final frontier. Deciding when, if and how.
justaguy
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2017 8:54 pm

how did you choose your implant?

Postby justaguy » Fri Jan 04, 2019 6:38 pm

Hi everyone;
I have a surgery date march 13th assuming medicare approves an implant. I have read and read and read about the titan and the AMS 700 and honestly dont know how to choose which one would suit me better.
I am very interested in hearing successes and failures of both devices.
Also I was saddened to hear I may lose a half inch of length in this surgury. Does that happen? I have 2 months, i ordered a pump, is that enough time to make any differenc? Thank you to all of you, this is a great resource.
64.9 yrs old. divorced, getting married this fall I hope. Dealing with ED since about age 30. been using trimix since August 2017. Medicare started March 1 and implant is scheduled for May 1, 2019 for the AMS device

Lost Sheep
Posts: 6133
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:16 pm

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby Lost Sheep » Fri Jan 04, 2019 6:56 pm

justaguy wrote:Hi everyone;
I have a surgery date march 13th assuming medicare approves an implant. I have read and read and read about the titan and the AMS 700 and honestly dont know how to choose which one would suit me better.
I am very interested in hearing successes and failures of both devices.
Also I was saddened to hear I may lose a half inch of length in this surgury. Does that happen? I have 2 months, i ordered a pump, is that enough time to make any differenc? Thank you to all of you, this is a great resource.

Welcome to the forum and thank you for asking our advice.

How long has you been researching implants? Are you absolutely sure an implant is the optimal solution for you right now?

I am second-guessing you. Please do not be offended. Your question suggests to me that you have not sufficiently researched 1) ED solutions, 2) your Doctor and 3) the pros and cons of the different models of implants.

We do need more information if you want us to just make suggestions. For instance, do you have Peyronies' disease or other structural considerations in your penis? Size of your erection (larger penises benefit from the Coloplast Titan's greater moment of inertia and average-to-smaller penises benefit from the AMS LGX or CX greater flexibility when flaccid - the Titan can be problematic/uncomfortable in that regard).

Your surgeon telling you up front to expect to lose size is a bad indicator (to my mind). If he is simply guarding against unrealistic expectations (as a personal style) that would be one thing. If he detects some problem with your penis in particular, that is another thing. If he is so lacking in confidence in his surgical skills that he EXPECTS to lose 1/2" that is entirely another. If you don't know your surgeon well enough to tell or well enough to ask, then you might want to wait until you do or find another surgeon with whom you have a better communication relationship.

The operation to install an implant traumatizes - even sometimes destroys - erectile tissue. There is no going back for a "do-over". There is no second chance at the first implant and iyou should expect that rreversible changes WILL occur.

Having said that, there are credible reports of limited erectile function being retained...even one study published in a peer-reviewed medical journal that reports half of a cohort actually re-gaining some lost erectile function, including one man who was able to consummate coitus while his implant was deflated. (I speculate that these men had venous leakage that was mitigated by the implant blocking some of that leakage, but none of the researchers suggested a cause). But it would be the height of foolishness to EXPECT any realizable erectile function after a surgeon has opened up your corpus cavernosum and done the various (including the dilation) procedures necessary to insert an implant.

Tell us more about your situation and the next answer I give will be a lot more optimistic, I promise you.
Last edited by Lost Sheep on Fri Jan 04, 2019 11:36 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Lost Sheep
AMS LGX 18+3 Nov 6, 2017
Prostate Cancer 2023
READ OLD THREADS-ask better questions -better understand answers
Be part of your medical team
Document pre-op size-photos and written records
Pre-op VED therapy helps. Post-op is another matter

Lost Sheep
Posts: 6133
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:16 pm

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby Lost Sheep » Fri Jan 04, 2019 6:58 pm

justaguy wrote:I have 2 months, i ordered a pump, is that enough time to make any differenc? Thank you to all of you, this is a great resource.

Yes, 60 days of pre-op vacuum therapy has been shown by medical research to allow restoration of elasticity and even (previously lost) size if those losses were recent. Even so, most doctors say it would not hurt to try. Infusing blood into the penile tissues is also healthy. Yes, do it.
Lost Sheep
AMS LGX 18+3 Nov 6, 2017
Prostate Cancer 2023
READ OLD THREADS-ask better questions -better understand answers
Be part of your medical team
Document pre-op size-photos and written records
Pre-op VED therapy helps. Post-op is another matter

Lost Sheep
Posts: 6133
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:16 pm

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby Lost Sheep » Fri Jan 04, 2019 7:07 pm

Both Coloplast and AMS make narrower implants for men whose anatomy (by nature or scar tissue or other reasons) would benefit from those models. I will assume you are not among them (but I don't know).

The Coloplast Titan is stiffer when erect than AMS devices, but all three (Titan, AMS CX and AMS LGX) are plenty stiff for sex and many women report that fully pumped on any of these is too stiff). But the Titan is also stiffer than the AMS devices when flaccid, so it becomes a stowage problem (a too-visible bulge in your pants) and sometimes uncomfortable as well.

There are LOTS of pros and cons to each model. That (above) is only one set.

When I first joined FrankTalk I spent a couple of weekends just reading about 2 12 years worth of posts. It gave me a good knowledge base from which to form my questions. I recommend that to you. But, then again, I am a bit extreme about getting background research. I figured it (my penis and future sexual satisfaction for my partner and for me) was important. I spent a year and a half making SURE I optimized my choice of surgeon and implant. I am glad I did. But, then again, I spent over 4 months picking out a new car. So, my attitude about major decisions is an outlier, statistically speaking.

So, I repeat my advice to read through a couple years worth of posts and not just in the "Implants" section. Read in the "Introductions", "Pumps", and the others, not neglecting the "Emotional and Mental Support", either. When you get tired or overwhelmed, read something in the "Humor and Fun" section (because, sometimes you just gotta laugh).

Good luck. I look forward to your next post.
Lost Sheep
AMS LGX 18+3 Nov 6, 2017
Prostate Cancer 2023
READ OLD THREADS-ask better questions -better understand answers
Be part of your medical team
Document pre-op size-photos and written records
Pre-op VED therapy helps. Post-op is another matter

oldbeek
Posts: 2454
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:46 pm
Location: Los Angeles area

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby oldbeek » Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:20 pm

Lost Sheep wrote:
justaguy wrote:Hi everyone;
I have a surgery date march 13th assuming medicare approves an implant. I have read and read and read about the titan and the AMS 700 and honestly dont know how to choose which one would suit me better.
I am very interested in hearing successes and failures of both devices.
Also I was saddened to hear I may lose a half inch of length in this surgury. Does that happen? I have 2 months, i ordered a pump, is that enough time to make any differenc? Thank you to all of you, this is a great resource.

Welcome to the forum and thank you for asking our advice.

How long has you been researching implants? Are you absolutely sure an implant is the optimal solution for you right now?

I am second-guessing you. Please do not be offended. Your question suggests to me that you have not sufficiently researched 1) ED solutions, 2) your Doctor and 3) the pros and cons of the different models of implants.

We do need more information if you want us to just make suggestions. For instance, do you have Peyronies' disease or other structural considerations in your penis? Size of your erection (larger penises benefit from the Coloplast Titan's greater moment of inertia and average-to-smaller penises benefit from the AMS LGX or CX greater flexibility when flaccid - the Titan can be problematic/uncomfortable in that regard).

Your surgeon telling you up front to expect to lose size is a bad indicator (to my mind). If he is simply guarding against unrealistic expectations (as a personal style) that would be one thing. If he detects some problem with your penis in particular, that is another thing. If he is so lacking in confidence in his surgical skills that he EXPECTS to lose 1/2" that is entirely another. If you don't know your surgeon well enough to tell or well enough to ask, then you might want to wait until you do or find another surgeon with whom you have a better communication relationship.

An implant destroys erectile tissue. There is no going back for a "do-over". There is no second chance at the first implant and irreversible changes WILL occur.

Tell us more about your situation and the next answer I give will be a lot more optimistic, I promise you.
. Implant does not destroy erectile tissue. Some guys get natural erections with an implant.
82, good health, RP 7-2017, all nerves taken , PSA 0.05, 4-18,, .07 1/19,.05 4/19, .03 11-21, .04 11-23, implanted 4-1-18, Infra-pubic, AMS lgx 15 cm with 5cm rte. Implant at USC Keck. Dr Boyd and Dr Loh Doyle 6.5 x 5, 800 AUS 7-21-20

oldbeek
Posts: 2454
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2017 1:46 pm
Location: Los Angeles area

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby oldbeek » Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:23 pm

Also research which type procedure do you want .Scrotal approach or infra pubic.
82, good health, RP 7-2017, all nerves taken , PSA 0.05, 4-18,, .07 1/19,.05 4/19, .03 11-21, .04 11-23, implanted 4-1-18, Infra-pubic, AMS lgx 15 cm with 5cm rte. Implant at USC Keck. Dr Boyd and Dr Loh Doyle 6.5 x 5, 800 AUS 7-21-20

David_R
Posts: 2145
Joined: Mon Nov 02, 2015 1:03 pm

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby David_R » Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:38 pm

I have had my urologist for over 20 years, and I just trusted his decision on what to put in my dick (I had already seen him for vasectomy, kidney stone, and prostatectomy). He has a good reputation in the area and does many implants, I understand.

Lost Sheep
Posts: 6133
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:16 pm

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby Lost Sheep » Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:58 pm

oldbeek wrote: Implant does not destroy erectile tissue. Some guys get natural erections with an implant.

I stand corrected. I have edited my post to read:

The operation to install an implant traumatizes - even sometimes destroys - erectile tissue.
Lost Sheep
AMS LGX 18+3 Nov 6, 2017
Prostate Cancer 2023
READ OLD THREADS-ask better questions -better understand answers
Be part of your medical team
Document pre-op size-photos and written records
Pre-op VED therapy helps. Post-op is another matter

Dave52
Posts: 206
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2018 4:28 am

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby Dave52 » Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:01 pm

Lost Sheep wrote:
justaguy wrote:Hi everyone;
I have a surgery date march 13th assuming medicare approves an implant. I have read and read and read about the titan and the AMS 700 and honestly dont know how to choose which one would suit me better.
I am very interested in hearing successes and failures of both devices.
Also I was saddened to hear I may lose a half inch of length in this surgury. Does that happen? I have 2 months, i ordered a pump, is that enough time to make any differenc? Thank you to all of you, this is a great resource.

Welcome to the forum and thank you for asking our advice.

How long has you been researching implants? Are you absolutely sure an implant is the optimal solution for you right now?

I am second-guessing you. Please do not be offended. Your question suggests to me that you have not sufficiently researched 1) ED solutions, 2) your Doctor and 3) the pros and cons of the different models of implants.

We do need more information if you want us to just make suggestions. For instance, do you have Peyronies' disease or other structural considerations in your penis? Size of your erection (larger penises benefit from the Coloplast Titan's greater moment of inertia and average-to-smaller penises benefit from the AMS LGX or CX greater flexibility when flaccid - the Titan can be problematic/uncomfortable in that regard).

Your surgeon telling you up front to expect to lose size is a bad indicator (to my mind). If he is simply guarding against unrealistic expectations (as a personal style) that would be one thing. If he detects some problem with your penis in particular, that is another thing. If he is so lacking in confidence in his surgical skills that he EXPECTS to lose 1/2" that is entirely another. If you don't know your surgeon well enough to tell or well enough to ask, then you might want to wait until you do or find another surgeon with whom you have a better communication relationship.

The operation to install an implant traumatizes - even sometimes destroys - erectile tissue. There is no going back for a "do-over". There is no second chance at the first implant and irreversible changes WILL occur.

Tell us more about your situation and the next answer I give will be a lot more optimistic, I promise you.

As the owner of a Titan not what I would call large I will disagree with the statement that Comes from someone that has an AMS brand that the Titan is uncomfortable or problematic. Mine is very comfortable and not at all problematic. I hear of many more complaints regarding The AMS product if size matters then consider the options you will be harder and wider with a Titan and that is what the majority of women want. If a flaccid Dick is more important then don’t bother getting an implant.
Dave
Born 52
Prostatectomy 6/1/18
Viagra worked before RRP
Trimix painful Bimix both Ineffective
Titan 20CM 1CM RTE
10/26/18 Dr.Eid

Lost Sheep
Posts: 6133
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:16 pm

Re: how did you choose your implant?

Postby Lost Sheep » Fri Jan 04, 2019 11:42 pm

Dave52 wrote:As the owner of a Titan not what I would call large I will disagree with the statement that Comes from someone that has an AMS brand that the Titan is uncomfortable or problematic. Mine is very comfortable and not at all problematic. I hear of many more complaints regarding The AMS product if size matters then consider the options you will be harder and wider with a Titan and that is what the majority of women want. If a flaccid Dick is more important then don’t bother getting an implant.
Dave

I will have to beg your indulgence. I based my opinion on reports I consider credible from a large number of Colplast Titan implantees's reports that the stiffness of the deflated Titan has been uncomfortable. Not to the degree that any regret having an implant, but many men keep theirs partially inflated to avoid the kink (dog ears) of a folded-down implant and a few do not like that the implant remains straighter than their previous flaccid penis had before implantation.

I was taken to task before for commenting on implants when (at the time) I did not have one. But, I had done a lot of research and felt qualified to report what I had found, even if it was not first-hand knowledge.

I hope everyone remembers the caveat:

Believe only half of what you se with your own eyes
and one-quarter of what you hear
for anything you find on the inter
net from casual sources.

That includes this post.
Lost Sheep
AMS LGX 18+3 Nov 6, 2017
Prostate Cancer 2023
READ OLD THREADS-ask better questions -better understand answers
Be part of your medical team
Document pre-op size-photos and written records
Pre-op VED therapy helps. Post-op is another matter


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