Cycling Apprehension

[Dprimal]

Fellow Terminators,
I’m newly implanted and was very aggressive over the first week and a half (2x day, 30-90mins). However, since then, I’ve failed in multiple occasions to effectively deflate, so I’ve gotten stuck in the inflate position for so long that the initial ‘stretch’ turns intense pain level after a while. During those times, deflating provides immense relief when I can properly accomplish it. My pump has twisted, which is another thread I’ve posted in hopes for advice about.
Now, even when deflated, my shaft is killing me. I know I have to keep cycling, but the thought of it stirs up apprehension due to the knowledge that the pain is coming and I might not be able to make it stop.
Any suggestions on how I can navigate this? I can’t stop cycling, that’s not an option.

[LGXDownunder]

Fellow Terminators,
I’m newly implanted and was very aggressive over the first week and a half (2x day, 30-90mins). However, since then, I’ve failed in multiple occasions to effectively deflate, so I’ve gotten stuck in the inflate position for so long that the initial ‘stretch’ turns intense pain level after a while. During those times, deflating provides immense relief when I can properly accomplish it. My pump has twisted, which is another thread I’ve posted in hopes for advice about.
Now, even when deflated, my shaft is killing me. I know I have to keep cycling, but the thought of it stirs up apprehension due to the knowledge that the pain is coming and I might not be able to make it stop.
Any suggestions on how I can navigate this? I can’t stop cycling, that’s not an option.

I know that different surgeons have different approaches to cycling. It sounds like you started very early, and those are very long sessions.
I started cycling about 6 days ago at approx. 6 weeks post op and my surgeon suggested starting with 8 to 10 minutes twice a day.
That's what I've been doing, and pumping to the highest pressure I can comfortably tolerate. I get shaft discomfort and soreness even after deflation, but it's tolerable. It definitely shouldn't be killing you. I'm wondering if the 30 to 90 minutes regime is overdoing it? At least this early in your recovery. What do you mean by "failed in multiple occasions to effectively deflate"? Is it because of a technical problem due to the twisted pump? Can you manipulate the pump yourself into a better position? I know that some doctors advise their patients to pull the pump down, to prevent it migrating upwards into the scrotum.

[Dprimal]

The failure to fully deflate seems to be because the pump rotated. I wasn’t applying adequate pressure because I wasn’t effectively funding the deflate bars. I think I was only briefly finding them while squeezing, so I was only slightly deflating. I took a 24 hour break since I was deflated for so long the other day, which caused all of the pain. I cycled this morning, but not for long & not very inflated, and I was able to deflate fine. I’m still trying to master this thing, so it seems like not being able to deflate was due to inexperience. I didn’t have an issue finding the deflate bars and getting it down this morning. That’s a big step forward for me.

[Rider1400]

It never hurts to check in with your Dr but your really early in the game. I started pumping at 3rd week and it was very uncomfortable when the pressure built up and I would hold it for 20-30 minutes or until it got painful. My uneducated advice would be to continue your twice a day for 15-20 or 30 minutes if you can. I’ve read in the past where people got increasingly painful and Dr suggested taking a day off to let things calm down. Either way you should check in with your Dr.

[NorCol]

Initially had same issue with difficulty deflating but then read a comment here on FT. If I don't feel the cylinders deflating I merely give the bulb a quick squeeze then firmly depress. I believe that releases the valve which allows the fluid to leave the cylinders. Seems to work so I'm happy. Best of luck.

[LGXDownunder]

The failure to fully deflate seems to be because the pump rotated. I wasn’t applying adequate pressure because I wasn’t effectively funding the deflate bars. I think I was only briefly finding them while squeezing, so I was only slightly deflating. I took a 24 hour break since I was deflated for so long the other day, which caused all of the pain. I cycled this morning, but not for long & not very inflated, and I was able to deflate fine. I’m still trying to master this thing, so it seems like not being able to deflate was due to inexperience. I didn’t have an issue finding the deflate bars and getting it down this morning. That’s a big step forward for me.

That's great news, seems like you are back on track . Keep going, you'll get there. I'm still learning the nuances of my own pump.

[Alex258]

Fellow Terminators,
I’m newly implanted and was very aggressive over the first week and a half (2x day, 30-90mins). However, since then, I’ve failed in multiple occasions to effectively deflate, so I’ve gotten stuck in the inflate position for so long that the initial ‘stretch’ turns intense pain level after a while. During those times, deflating provides immense relief when I can properly accomplish it. My pump has twisted, which is another thread I’ve posted in hopes for advice about.
Now, even when deflated, my shaft is killing me. I know I have to keep cycling, but the thought of it stirs up apprehension due to the knowledge that the pain is coming and I might not be able to make it stop.
Any suggestions on how I can navigate this? I can’t stop cycling, that’s not an option.

Whoa Fella! Seems like you went right in at 100mph. Over 2 years in and per dr's instructions I cycled for one year twice a day 15-30 minutes. Did Perito video techniques and all is well today. It took me weeks to slowly learn to pump and deflate. Patience is a must. And don't worry if you miss cycclling here and there. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. GL out there.