Dr. Alex Tatum in Indianapolis

[C_lab34]

Looking at revision surgery for my broken AMS CX, and I have found a Dr. Alex Tatum in Indianapolis. He responded promptly to my emails and was very kind and seems knowledgeable. He said he has done many revisions and is comfortable with them. He was also able to get me into his office this thursday for an appointment. He is only an hour or so from me and I know he offers financing options for out of pocket surgery. The only somewhat strange thing is that he seems extremely young, probably not much older than me if that, lol. Has anyone heard anything about the guy? Here's his site, wondering if any red flags jump out at anyone.

https://www.alextatemmd.com/

[Waynetho]

As far as age, unless it's stated somewhere what his actual age is, it's very possible the photo won't match the age of the man. My urologist's photo is of a much younger man than I met on my first visit to his office. The same holds true for another surgeon, Allen Morey's photo and my ENT's photo who looks now to be in his late 70's but in his photo he looks to be mid 50's.

The photo on the website you posted may be quite a few years old.

[Gt1956]

Try using the search function. You will find a member that he implanted in 2017. Open up his profile & read about his outcome. This is the best way to research a doctor that isn't frequently mentioned.

[C_lab34]

I found out through this doctor's twitter that he is all of 33 years old! So one year younger than me. I have to say he still seems very thorough and serious and caring. Just might be lacking some experience...

[stephen54]

I found out through this doctor's twitter that he is all of 33 years old! So one year younger than me. I have to say he still seems very thorough and serious and caring. Just might be lacking some experience...

Age of course does not directly correlate with technical skill when the knife is in his hands. He may in fact be, technically, very competent. Just wondering about the depth of experience factor. I don't know anything about Tatum. I only know that, at 33, there are guys within 2.5 hours of you who have done, literally, thousands more. Just suggesting that maybe that depth of surgical wisdom which only comes with tenure, maybe that's worth a look before you commit? Just secure the absolute best surgeon you can, and be relentless and honest about why you're choosing him/her. Good luck.

[C_lab34]

Thank you for the reply and the good advice, Stephen. What you say is very sensible. But here is how I am thinking about things: I am currently uninsured. I am not wealthy. I know that Tatum's clinic offers financing for out of pocket surgery. Plus, I have somehow gotten an appointment with him for this coming thursday, which I believe is only because I reached out to him via email and told him my situation. Initially, when I just went through his office, I could not get in until december 20th! As you can well imagine, I am pretty distraught about having a broken implant. I lived in ED hell all through my teens and twenties and the last four and a half years since being implanted have been, well, after a tough recovery period, so wonderful. Things have been almost too good I would say, as I forgot about my dick to the extent that I did not plan for an early breakdown of the device.

You are right, there are other experienced surgeons not too far from here. Even others in Indy. I have considered Dr. Ronald Suh, who is also considered a penile implant specialist. I actually met with him years ago before I was living in DC for a bit and went with Kramer. I'm sure Suh is skilled, but I was not impressed with his bedside manner. At least at the time, he struck me as a bit dismissive, but maybe things have changed, either on his end, or on mine with my perspective.

But I have to weigh different things here. What is the fastest and cheapest route to get a revision, without completely sacrificing skill, expertise, reliability, etc? THe sooner I can get an initial appointment, the sooner I can get scheduled for surgery. I don't even know what's going to happen with covid as the winter deepens. Society might completely shit its pants. I suppose I would find a way to live through it, but I'd really rather not have elective surgeries shut down for months and have to wait until the spring. I'm not saying I'm 100 percent committed to this surgeon just yet, but I am very eager to talk with him in person and see what he thinks.

I'm also aware that my initial surgery was somewhat difficult and special. My tissues were tough and they presented Dr. Kramer with a decent challenge. Here is the video, in case anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCHdxnwYrhQ

My first implant was not perfect, but I do not blame Kramer, even though I went through a neurotic period where I was disappointed. Things got so much better. But I can still say things were never perfect, I believe because of my anatomy and condition. I have to wonder if a revision will be especially challenging.

[stephen54]

Thank you for the reply and the good advice, Stephen. What you say is very sensible. But here is how I am thinking about things: I am currently uninsured. I am not wealthy. I know that Tatum's clinic offers financing for out of pocket surgery. Plus, I have somehow gotten an appointment with him for this coming thursday, which I believe is only because I reached out to him via email and told him my situation. Initially, when I just went through his office, I could not get in until december 20th! As you can well imagine, I am pretty distraught about having a broken implant. I lived in ED hell all through my teens and twenties and the last four and a half years since being implanted have been, well, after a tough recovery period, so wonderful. Things have been almost too good I would say, as I forgot about my dick to the extent that I did not plan for an early breakdown of the device.

You are right, there are other experienced surgeons not too far from here. Even others in Indy. I have considered Dr. Ronald Suh, who is also considered a penile implant specialist. I actually met with him years ago before I was living in DC for a bit and went with Kramer. I'm sure Suh is skilled, but I was not impressed with his bedside manner. At least at the time, he struck me as a bit dismissive, but maybe things have changed, either on his end, or on mine with my perspective.

But I have to weigh different things here. What is the fastest and cheapest route to get a revision, without completely sacrificing skill, expertise, reliability, etc? THe sooner I can get an initial appointment, the sooner I can get scheduled for surgery. I don't even know what's going to happen with covid as the winter deepens. Society might completely shit its pants. I suppose I would find a way to live through it, but I'd really rather not have elective surgeries shut down for months and have to wait until the spring. I'm not saying I'm 100 percent committed to this surgeon just yet, but I am very eager to talk with him in person and see what he thinks.

I'm also aware that my initial surgery was somewhat difficult and special. My tissues were tough and they presented Dr. Kramer with a decent challenge. Here is the video, in case anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCHdxnwYrhQ

My first implant was not perfect, but I do not blame Kramer, even though I went through a neurotic period where I was disappointed. Things got so much better. But I can still say things were never perfect, I believe because of my anatomy and condition. I have to wonder if a revision will be especially challenging.

I like how you're thinking through this. Clearly you're trying to balance some competing priorities along with all the exhausting unknowns about what other factors might be lurking around the corner to derail surgeries. Obviously I feel for you here. I actually don't even want to think about waking up with a broken implant. I would be utterly fucking distraught, I know that much. I can imagine how motivated you must be to just get things right, and back on track, and healthy and functioning as you want them to be.

You're right, nothing to lose by talking with the man and getting your questions answered and gaining an in-person sense of who he is and what he's all about and what he's capable of. For sure.

For a guy who looks on his website like he's about 12 years old, he's got a pretty impressive resume, he really does. Here's the guy Tatum did his fellowship with down at Baylor. I don't know anything about him but this is the guy who was chiefly in charge of Tatum's development for what he currently does:

https://www.larrylipshultz.com/

Maybe others here can weigh in on Baylor's program and/or Dr. Larry Lipshultz? ie, Dr. Tatum's lineage.

I mention this because I've become acquainted with my implant surgeon's current fellow and yes, he's young too, but I know he's obviously learning from a complete pro who's done thousands of IPPs and this guy will be out doing his own thing soon enough, too.

So best of luck with Tatum. I hope you find what you hope to find. Keep us updated.

[Gt1956]

C_lab34. Financing can be done through CareCredit. To the best of my knowledge almost all doctors participates with them. Please be aware that medical financing comes at a high interest rate. Stiff & rigid late fees/rules.
Nice thing tho. If you have good income & you are dedicated. Many times you can get 1 or 2 years interest free. That means that you must pay off the entire balance in the grace period or you'll have to pay the full interest charge. In essence, you'll pay interest on money that you already paid them. Read the fine print, ask lots of questions.

[SW0110]

I used my local urologist for my revision. I had some issues with a hernia and needed both a general and implant surgeon available. Rather than travel decided to just go for it. Very pleased with the outcome.

My now urologist is younger but is part of the new generation.

He will outlive me I hope. So he will be doing any of my revisions if he does not move out of area.

[Waynetho]

My local urologist did my original implant and he confirmed on my 3 month (or was it 6 month) followup that he also does revisions so I've got that going for me.