Postby aussiePeyronies » Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:18 am
Update 7 weeks
I think this will be my last update for a while.
This journey has been tough, I will write some things in detail below.
Circumcision
I received a lot of criticism on FT for choosing to be circumcised. For anyone considering this procedure in the future, remember that, there are different types of circumcisions. Each cut may produce a different result, and different sensitivity. It's impractical to compare someone who was circumcised at birth, as an adult due to hygiene/aesthetics, due to infections (ballantis etc), due to stuck forekin etc. Each cut will be different and can result in a different outcome.
I asked my surgeon to keep as much foreskin as possible, which I believe he did. The only other journal I have found who went through this procedure, is Tortao. Tortao states that, over time, sensitivity is returned, and sex is just as pleasurable as before.
So, if you receive criticism for choosing this procedure and getting circumcised, just remember, the circumcision you go through, may not even be the same cut as other circumcised males.
I did a lot of research and asked a lot of people. Most say that sex is the same just different, some say there's less sensitivity, of course handjobs and masturbating is different. It was only a small number of cases who absolutely hated their decision, and most of these were the result of a botched circumcision.
You can get the TEP without circumcision.
TEP without circumcision
In this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision just above the scrotum and turn the penis inside out, he will be able to perform TEP along 3/4 of the penis. This will not require a circumcision, however, the doctor will not be able to perform TEP throughout the entire shaft. So, it is more likely that there will be better length/girth restoration when circumcised and the entire penis is degloved.
I chose the circumcised method and I am glad I did as the surgeon stated that there was narrowing in my penis all the way up to the glans. The surgeon was able to rectify this with incisions to the tunica, had I chosen the inverted TEP, he would not have been able to see that far up the penis. I am now 7 weeks from surgery and am already 6 inches bone pressed (6.5 pre-surgery) and my girth is better than pre-peyronies. I attribute this to having a titan, as well as the doctor performing length/girth restoration incisions in the tunica (TEP).
Cycling
Cycling was tough at first. I got ahead of myself and started doing long sessions very early, I do not recommend this!
Because I started cycling late, at about 5 weeks post op, I would endure long sessions (45m to 1hr) and I would pump to excruciating pain, twice a day. I think it's important to work your way up to this. Start with 1 x 10m, then each week, gradually increase.
Today, I cycled for 1 hour, I then decided to do my second session just 30m later. This was a mistake, it resulted in a lot of pain.
So, remember to keep some time before sessions and gradually work your way up to longer sessions. It does get easier and less painful.
Pain
The pain of this procedure was not too bad. It was not until I was deflated and started cycling that I actually feel like the pain was an inconvenience. TEP does require a longer recovery. I would say, the pain is bad, but with the nerve blockers and pain killers they give you, it is definitely bearable.
I have pain now, 7 weeks out. I am assuming that this is the body still recovering from TEP. I have pain when flaccid along the shaft, mostly where my peyronies dents were. I also get pain in the scrotum and in the perinium area. Also, some burning sensation.
All I can do is wait this out for now.
Auto-inflation
I had no idea what auto-inflation was until Pfract brought it to my attention. I was inflated for 5 weeks, I should have been deflated at least partially on week 3, however, my surgeon and nurse went on holiday. I have been worried that the reservoir will heal without the full amount of saline in it, resulting in a partially inflated flaccid as the reservoir will not be able to accommodate the full amount of saline when deflating. I have been able to deflate. I do seem to get some auto-inflation, I know this as my flaccid is not wrinkly and the cylinders cannot be easily felt. I think this is common with titans as it is and from what I have read, leaving the flaccid partially inflated, does not cause any harm.
In saying this, this is a real risk that people should be aware of. If I was aware of it, I would have ensured I saw another doctor and was partially deflated at the correct time.
Sensitivity
My sensitivity is slowly coming back. I am definitely less sensitive. This is expected considering I was circumcised, I think the surgeon may have used a graft as well, TEP also requires moving of the neurovascular bundle which results in some numbness. User Tortao gained back all his sensitivity with this procedure. I believe I will too as time goes on. I can definitely say that each week I do feel more sensations.
I have read studies on vitamin B12 and Acetyl L Carnitine which promote nerve regeneration. I have been taking a moderate dose of these.
Stitch
The stitch which was not dissolving, has finally 90% dissolved. Something to remember as well, if a stitch does not dissolve within 8 weeks, it can pose a risk of infection etc.
Deflate issue
Not sure what happened the other day. After 9 days of successfully deflating while cycling, my deflate valve was kind of stuck. I had an erection which would not deflate. I managed to fix this by squeezing the deflate valve extremely hard, instantly, the penis went soft and started deflating. I then squeezed the penis and deflate valve and deflated as I normally would.
My guess is that the valve was stuck perhaps. If this ever happens, just remember, squeezing the deflate valve really hard may help, squeezing the deflate valve and pump at the same time may also help.
Size
Pre-peyronies I was around 7-7.2 inches BP. Pre-surgery I was 6.5 inches BP. When I started cycling, I was 5.8 inches. I just measured today and after 11 days of cycling I am 6 inches BP (pic attached). My girth is impressive, it is girthier than my pre-peyronies penis. As stated above, I attribute this to TEP and having a titan.
Dents
My major dents from peyronies are prominent when flaccid. They are nowhere near as bad. They seem to be filling. When I cycle and my penis is inflated, the dents seem to fill. This seems to be improving with each session. It would be great if the dents filled completely when erect and flaccid.
Shape
When inflating, the penis is very oval. However, if I try to get naturally engorged, it does become round. It is difficult to get engorged or even think about sex atm considering the pain.
Just know that, you may start with an oval penis, this will improve with time and with engorgement.
Squeak
I was disappointed that, from day 2, my titan OTR started squeaking when pumping. This is suppose to be common with the Titan classic. After talking to Hawk, he advised that, pumping slowly or doing half-pumps will result in a lot less of a 'squeak'. I tried this and it is true. If I pump slowly or half pump, the device does not squeak. I also think that over time as everything breaks in and softens it may get better.
Getting used to the implant
When I had my natural penis, it was difficult to imagine getting an erection through a pump and an inflatable device. 7 weeks post op, I have barely done much, but my body is slowly getting used to it. I can now pump and deflate a lot easier. When I inflate the device, it does seem just as good as a natural erection. Mentally, I feel that, sex may be different, but just as enjoyable.
Thoughts on TEP
User Tortao states that, if he had the choice to have just an implant done by Dr Eid or go through the TEP, he would choose an implant with Dr Eid. I half agree with him. I think if your narrowing and length loss isn't too bad, just the implant from a high volume surgeon should suffice. I think age and marital status can play a factor in deciding this.
In my case, I chose TEP as I wanted to restore as much length/girth as possible. Bein 34, single, I think TEP was the best decision for me. You can already see from the pics, I am only 11 days into cycling, have already gained to close to my pre-op length, and my girth is better than pre-peyronies.
The recovery is tough, there are higher risks, but I do believe it is worth it.
High volume surgeons in Australia
In Australia, we are really limited in choice for high volume surgeons. If I had the money, I would have flown to the U.S and seen one of the best. I paid 15k out of pocket for my surgery, with probably Australia's best surgeon, he has over 30 years experience. I believe he is the only surgeon in Australia offering TEP.
Last thoughts
My advice to anyone considering this in the future is to be prepared. Weigh up how bad your peyronies is. If it's causing you serious mental health issues, if you cannot have sex at all, then it is probably time for an implant. I know this decision is a lot more difficult for younger guys to make. We have to consider the multiple revisions, extra risk of infections, the pool of women we are dealing with who are not all familiar or as accepting when it comes to an unnatural erection. Some of these factors can influence your decision in whether to get the implant or wait, especially if you can still have sex with your current penis.
I believe that, if you have severe deformity/ED and cannot have sex, you must accept in your mind that you no longer want to live with peyronies or a dysfunctional sex life. Then, you must accept whatever outcome the implant brings, and you are ready for surgery.
I was prepared to come out of the operation with a 5inch penis with loss of girth, I was also prepared for the event that an infection occurred or something went wrong. I accepted any/every outcome. I think this is the true indicator that one is ready to be implanted and will have no regrets.
My mental state
I feel grateful, and happy. I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. In the past, my peyronies would get me down, there were constant reminders, feelings of not being adequate, pain etc. The fact that I could not have sex at all, was like a dark cloud over me.
Today, I feel good, I am happy. I am talking to girls, I have no worries that I would not be able to have sex, or that sex will result in further injury.
I feel like this newfound happiness is exactly what I needed. Being happy and successful with overcoming peyronies, I am now able to focus my energy and prosper in other areas of life.
Final words
I would like to thank Hawk, StepOne, Pfract, Monty and OldMan (not sure if OldMan is still around). These guys really helped me on my journey, prayed for me, checked in every now and then, and gave me some solid advice.
Don't let your condition get you down, there is so much more to life, try the therapies, stay positive, and remember that there is hope out there and it does get better!
Wishing you all the best.
J
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Attachments
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- measurement 11 days cycling.jpg (24.69 KiB) Viewed 393 times
34 Years Old...Peyronies for 4 years. 20 Degree left and upwards curvature, major dents and narrowing, ED.
Implant + Tunica Expansion Procedure, 7th Feb 2023, Titan 22cm + 1cm RTE
