Hoping to join the class of 2015

[username_taken29]

Hi everyone,

Would like to start off by saying this forum is incredibly helpful and insightful - very comforting to read people's experiences and get a sense for what to expect in this process.

I'm 29 years old and have been suffering from ED for at least 10 years. About 2 years ago, I became so fed up and finally got the courage to visit an ED clinic here in Canada. I was given Cialis pills which worked like a charm the first time. Their effect gradually wore off and even after I increased the dosage, they were consistently hit or miss (more often missing). After limited effectiveness with the pills, I decided to try out injections. I really thought this would be the bulletproof solution as I was as hard as a rock when I took them. To this day, I can still get semi-decent results on injections, but I really have to space the use of them out. In some cases, they also last frighteningly long where I'm still hard for almost 3 hours after use. In other cases, the injections won't work at all. I also find that they completely kill spontaneity and I can literally only have sex if I'm coming back to my place. The cialis pills will also occasionally work for me if I take 3 or 4 of them...but again, its really hit or miss. I've also tried experimenting with things like maca, horny goat weed, ginkgo biloba and other herbs, but nothing works.

At this point, I am just so exhausted with trying to find a solution. I'm healthy, active, exercise religiously and eat well. I've had so many lost opportunities to get into great relationships but I've just never gone through with them because I know in the back of my mind that I can't perform. I do not want to waste anymore time. With that in mind, I am 100% sure I want to get an implant. I would like to go to Dr. Eid and have the following questions I'm hoping you could shed light on:

1) Given that I sometimes do get a response from the injections and pills (although an inconsistent one), does this rule me out from getting an implant? I hope not, because I am really in search of a permanent, guaranteed solution that will work every time and it seems like an implant is the only viable option for this. Also, as mentioned above, I hate the restrictions associated with injections (e.g. if I ever had to go on vacation there is no way I could carry vials and needles around!)

2) Sounds like these implants can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Using the worst case scenario, I would need at least 5 replacements between now and age 55. Would all these replacements gradually cause damage to the penis / would the subsequent implants still work just as well? Also, I'm going to pay for this out-of-pocket which I understand is in the neighborhood of $20,000. Would it cost this much for each replacement?

3) I've been using this pump called the bathmate to increase the girth of my penis. It's been working really good and feels like its also helped with erections to an extent. Is it advisable to continue using the pump before the operation. I have a consultation coming up with Dr. Eid so will definitely ask him all of these questions but would love to get your thoughts.

Thanks!!!

[rglassva]

taken - I'm five weeks out from my implant surgery and echo much of your experiences over the past few years - I am 52 but have been experiencing e.d. for much longer - here's my take on your questions:
1. Definitely not - should not rule you out.
2. I am also paying out of pocket and mine will cost $20K. Don't know about damage with future implants but many guys on here have had revisions or second experiences with no trouble - my guess is the right doctor will make all the difference. My doc actually talked about a future "revision" - hoping the LGX will cause a need for one over time - and said it would not be as costly. (Maybe you'll be in a job at that time that has insurance that will cover it!)
3. I just e-mailed my doc about pumping prior to surgery (many guys on here have said their docs encouraged it - other docs haven't mentioned it at all) - here's what my doc - Dr. Kramer in Baltimore, MD - said - "Sure, it can't hurt. There's no definitive evidence one way or the other. Whatever you choose to do would be completely fine."

Best of luck on your journey - I'm sure others will weigh in - we're good about that.
Rick

[NickNickNick]

1) Given that I sometimes do get a response from the injections and pills (although an inconsistent one), does this rule me out from getting an implant? I hope not, because I am really in search of a permanent, guaranteed solution that will work every time and it seems like an implant is the only viable option for this. Also, as mentioned above, I hate the restrictions associated with injections (e.g. if I ever had to go on vacation there is no way I could carry vials and needles around!)

2) Sounds like these implants can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Using the worst case scenario, I would need at least 5 replacements between now and age 55. Would all these replacements gradually cause damage to the penis / would the subsequent implants still work just as well? Also, I'm going to pay for this out-of-pocket which I understand is in the neighborhood of $20,000. Would it cost this much for each replacement?

3) I've been using this pump called the bathmate to increase the girth of my penis. It's been working really good and feels like its also helped with erections to an extent. Is it advisable to continue using the pump before the operation. I have a consultation coming up with Dr. Eid so will definitely ask him all of these questions but would love to get your thoughts.

Thanks!!!

1) Not at all. Since injections and pills are so inconsistent for you, your only other option is an implant. Your situation is only going to get worse as you get older, might as well get it done and enjoy your 30's.

2) Average age of implants is about 15 years, some can last up to 25 years (and those were older models obviously, so the new ones are getting better). According to other guys on this site, replacement surgeries are much easier and you gain a little more size since you've already stretched out the penile tissue. AMS and Coloplast offer life time warranties for their implants, so they'll cover that, all you'll have to pay for is the doctor and hospital fees. So you're looking at half the cost. If you're going to get an AMS implant and pay out of pocket check out my other post where I go over how you can get a co pay discount and financial assistance. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5214

3) I pumped before my surgery and was able to increase some size, so it doesn't hurt.

Nick

[KMeister]

I just e-mailed my doc about pumping prior to surgery (many guys on here have said their docs encouraged it - other docs haven't mentioned it at all) - here's what my doc - Dr. Kramer in Baltimore, MD - said - "Sure, it can't hurt. There's no definitive evidence one way or the other. Whatever you choose to do would be completely fine."

Actually, there has been definitive evidence for several years that vacuum pump therapy prior to implant surgery is beneficial. This study settled the matter.

http://digital.healthcaregroup.advansta ... tid=20#/28

[Anonymous5]

i was so frustrated with pumping 2 years ago I did not even try before surgery.

Do people pump after surgery? Like a few months after surgery do people inflate a little, vacuum pump, inflate to fill up the vacuum and so on until they are fully engorged and 100% pumped up?

6 weeks after surgery it seems painful and a bit dangerous but wondered if men do that.

[KMeister]

1) Given that I sometimes do get a response from the injections and pills (although an inconsistent one), does this rule me out from getting an implant? I hope not, because I am really in search of a permanent, guaranteed solution that will work every time and it seems like an implant is the only viable option for this. Also, as mentioned above, I hate the restrictions associated with injections (e.g. if I ever had to go on vacation there is no way I could carry vials and needles around!)

It sounds like you would still be a good candidate for the implant, especially given that you're paying out of pocket. Few doctors are going to turn down payment up front without a very strong medical reason--such as, you're dead.

2) Sounds like these implants can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Using the worst case scenario, I would need at least 5 replacements between now and age 55. Would all these replacements gradually cause damage to the penis / would the subsequent implants still work just as well? Also, I'm going to pay for this out-of-pocket which I understand is in the neighborhood of $20,000. Would it cost this much for each replacement?

The implants themselves are guaranteed for life, so if you need another due to the implant itself you only have to pay for the surgery, the facility, etc. If, however, you switch brands you would have to pay for the implant itself as well.

3) I've been using this pump called the bathmate to increase the girth of my penis. It's been working really good and feels like its also helped with erections to an extent. Is it advisable to continue using the pump before the operation. I have a consultation coming up with Dr. Eid so will definitely ask him all of these questions but would love to get your thoughts.

There has been definitive evidence for several years that vacuum pump therapy prior to implant surgery is beneficial. This study, published in 2009, settled the matter.

http://digital.healthcaregroup.advansta ... tid=20#/28

Some doctors haven't completely endorsed this because, in my opinion, (a) they simply aren't aware this is settled medical science and/or (b) they're so arrogant they believe if they didn't discover it themselves it can't be right.

Depending on where you live you might be able to find a decent out-of-pocket price by a good doctor. Dr. Karpman in Cailfornia costs about $19 thou. Of course, it's better to pay for the best rather than saving a thousand dollars by letting some quack put a scalpel to you.

Good luck!

KMeister

[username_taken29]

Thanks for all of your replies. I have a phone consultation with Dr. Eid coming up and I've narrowed down my questions to the below. Some of you have already shared your thoughts on these questions, but I still would like to hear it straight from Dr. Eid himself. The points I'm looking to cover are:

1) Give the Dr. some general background on my situation and confirm he thinks I'd be a good implant candidate
2) How much time would be required for the surgery given I am coming from out of town (would rather stay and have the sutures removed by his staff vs. having to come back to Canada and have a local doctor perform this. Based on what I've read it sounds like you need a post-op visit 7 days after surgery and then about another week to remove the sutures so looking at about 14 - 15 days total)
3) Length of recovery time before I can have sex again (my understanding is it could be as early as 2 weeks after the sutures are removed )
4) What would be the impact on size (I know there's alot of material on this, but just want to hear it straight from him)
5) Thoughts on continuing to pump pre-surgery. Also currently taking 5mg Cialis daily. Should I continue taking this pre-surgery
6) What impact would taking something like a Cialis have on implant device post-surgery, if any (trying to understand if I can still use it to enhance results)
7) What would be the cost. What would be the cost of subsequent replacements
8) How long will implant last (again, just want to hear it straight from him)
9) How long will it take to return to my normal exercise regime

I suspect all of his answers will be consistent with everything else I've read on this forum. Are there any other good ideas / questions for things I should ask him in this consultation session. I would like to make it as value-added as possible, but running low on things to ask outside the above list.

Thanks so much guys - I'm really hoping I get the green light to do this surgery as early as next month...I really want to have a normal sex life before I turn 30. These days I've just been staying in and haven't even been going on dates or chatting up girls b/c I feel like it would just be a waste

[alibaba]

Would someone repost the study article about pumping prior to surgery. I REALLY would like to read it or related articles but all I have been getting from the links are errors codes. Thanks d

[pockie]

Hey There,

We're in a very similar spot. I'm 29 with the exact issues your'e having, and I was implanted last month by Dr. Eid, and I couldn't be happier.
Check our my journal for more info:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5577

I have pretty much covered all the questions you have in my Journal, but I went ahead and provided my comments for each of the questions you had. I asked him most of the questions you had already.

Thanks for all of your replies. I have a phone consultation with Dr. Eid coming up and I've narrowed down my questions to the below. Some of you have already shared your thoughts on these questions, but I still would like to hear it straight from Dr. Eid himself. The points I'm looking to cover are:

1) Give the Dr. some general background on my situation and confirm he thinks I'd be a good implant candidate
Considering you're 29 and using injections, you will be cleared no doubt about it
2) How much time would be required for the surgery given I am coming from out of town (would rather stay and have the sutures removed by his staff vs. having to come back to Canada and have a local doctor perform this. Based on what I've read it sounds like you need a post-op visit 7 days after surgery and then about another week to remove the sutures so looking at about 14 - 15 days total)
You can leave after 3 days. I'd advise staying 2 weeks so that your sutures are removed, and so that Dr. Eid shows you how to use the implant
3) Length of recovery time before I can have sex again (my understanding is it could be as early as 2 weeks after the sutures are removed )
Dr. Eid said I could start using it after 2 to 4 weeks depending on how well I'm healing
4) What would be the impact on size (I know there's alot of material on this, but just want to hear it straight from him)
I think he will assure you that there will be close to no size loss. I didn't lose any length at all.
5) Thoughts on continuing to pump pre-surgery. Also currently taking 5mg Cialis daily. Should I continue taking this pre-surgery
Not sure about this, but I think he won't mind
6) What impact would taking something like a Cialis have on implant device post-surgery, if any (trying to understand if I can still use it to enhance results)
Cialis will definitely play a role, a similar one as it did per-implant. It will help your penis engorge and get harder easier. When you're inflated, your penis still gets harder and thicker when you're aroused. The "natural" erection works together with the implant and makes the overall erection even better. I personally don't see why you need to use Cialis with an implant, unless you want to impress the lady. Have in mind that if you fully pump the implant it will be harder that a natural erection
7) What would be the cost. What would be the cost of subsequent replacements
I think it's around 20k for the doctor, surgery and anesthesia fees, as well as the implant. Add the hotel and other fees to this.
8) How long will implant last (again, just want to hear it straight from him)
He said about 10 years to me.
9) How long will it take to return to my normal exercise regime
About 4 weeks
I suspect all of his answers will be consistent with everything else I've read on this forum. Are there any other good ideas / questions for things I should ask him in this consultation session. I would like to make it as value-added as possible, but running low on things to ask outside the above list.

Thanks so much guys - I'm really hoping I get the green light to do this surgery as early as next month...I really want to have a normal sex life before I turn 30. These days I've just been staying in and haven't even been going on dates or chatting up girls b/c I feel like it would just be a waste

[username_taken29]

Thanks very much pockie. ...I read your entire journal and you're actually a key motivator for me deciding to finally go ahead and solve this problem....at age 29 and after trying everything, I really don't want to miss out anymore

Have the phone consultation today....will let you know how it goes!!