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Posted 3/17/2012 8:10 AM (GMT 0)
I'm 3 yrs post robotic prostatectomy/nerve sparing surgery. Been totally ED since and finally got the nerve to try the shot at my 3 yr check up. It worked! Not as good an erection as the old days but good enough. However, had a very uncomfortable pain in the erection for the approx 2 hrs it lasted. Couldn't wait for the little member to return! turn Is this " normal"? Is it just that my member hasnt stretched those muscles for so long it hurt?
Posted 3/17/2012 8:43 AM (GMT 0)
Just checked my RX insurance....no coverage anyway....and from what I see the cost for Edex is pretty steep. Sucks how Prostate cancer patients are treated like this by insurance companies.
Posted 3/17/2012 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
Consider getting a prescription for trimix injections. Edex is all Alprostadil, which can cause an ache.  There a lot of threads on trimix that you can read. Trimix should reduce/eliminate the ache. And, trimix is relatively cheap. You should be able to handle it out-of-pocket.
Posted 3/18/2012 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Bill, trimix also contains alprostadil. I had your ache when I injected either caverject or trimix, but no ache when I do bimix- so I believe for me it is the alprostadil. You might want to try bimix. Of course, you usually have to inject a few times before you reach the right dosage to work.
Jeff
Posted 3/19/2012 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Bill: Yes, ask your doctor for Bimix, which doesn't contain the component (alprostadil) that is known for the ache.  Costs about $3.75 (including needles) at my compounding pharamacy here in NJ. My doctor first prescribed "Edex" for me, but I knew that it could cause the ache that you describe, plus it would cost me over $40 per injection! It is amazing that some doctors are so tuned out to what the things that they prescribe cost.  You will be surprised how well it works with no pain in your wallet either!  Good luck and don't let your first bad experience sway you away from injecting.

Bill from New Jersey

Age: 59, PSA 3.3, daVinci R.P. July 2011

Gleason 6

Immediately dry BUT TOTAL ED

Started Bimix injections Jan. 2012, once per week (0.23cc).

March 2012, I believe injections have "jump started" nerves.

Now (at 8 months post surgery today) 50% without injections and seems to be improving weekly! 

All PSA testing since = <0.01

Posted 3/19/2012 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
I also had the trimix pain. My doctor said about 1 in 20 experience it. The first time I tried it on a low dose and it wasn't too bad. I thought it was just an ache from lack of use but with the second injection it really ached. Fortunately the dr had recommended bringing a bag of frozen peas just in case. It was a much better when I switched to bimix.

You'll also notice in general an improvement on size between injections. I thought I was going to shrivel away to nothing before starting on the bimix.

Posted 3/19/2012 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Buffalobill, hope things get worked out with the perscription/dosage. 2 hours is a long time to ache.

I hate the idea of sticking a needle in junior, but I'm going to do it tomorrow at the urologist's office. My Urologist requires me to view a short video, then I do the injection myself with assistance (if needed) from his nurse, then wait until the trimix takes effect. The Dr told me I probably wouldn't get a full errection the first time. He starts out with the lowest dose for the first injection. If it works he said he will instruct me on how to adjust the doseage. He said the first dose is mostly for "learning how" and also see if the drug has any adverse effect. I've read several posts on the forum indicating that a 1 hour errection is common. My urologist indicated that a 15-20 minute hard errection is prefered and it will take several tries to get the dosage right. Hope I don't ache for 2 hours as you did, but if I do, I'll request him to change things right away.

Not looking forward to the needle thing, but will be glad if junior can stand at attention again and plan to give him a graduation party if things go well. My wife is invited but I'll start celebrating without her if she doesn't show up.

Good luck to you. keep us posted on what finally worked for you. best regards, hj
Posted 3/20/2012 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for some great advice! I will look into these other meds, what a relief to know the wife and i might still be able to afford somewhat a sex life again. Very encouraging posts...thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
Posted 3/20/2012 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Herman let us know how it went!!
Posted 3/21/2012 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Bill, everything went well. Got it up on the first try. Amazing stuff.
Posted 3/21/2012 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
No pain or discomfort? How long did your big guy last?
Posted 3/21/2012 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bill, no real pain just a little discomfort while the big boy was deflating. Nothing bad. It felt like when I was a teenager and kept an errection going half the night at a drive in movie. That frustrated hard-on-too-long feeling, but it went away real quick. I can live with a little discomfort for a few minutes. It's worth it to me.

The trimix injection kept me firm enough for intercourse for about 20-25 minutes. Doc told me that was about right without stimulation. He said the results in the bedroom may increase with stimulation and may last a little longer. He told me if I don't get good results at home, to increase the dose a little if necessary, but only in small increments. I'm going to try it again in a couple of days. he said to use alternate sides if possible, but that was my call. The stuff lasts 3 months refrigerated and will lose it's strength with age.

I'm glad I did it. Now I don't know what I was so worried about. it was no big deal. The spongy errection tissue inside doesn't have sensitive nerves and feelings like the outside and head of the penis, so the injection itself was painless. It was the thought of sticking myself right THERE, right into the pedistal of my family jewels.... just the thought of it went against my grain more than anything else.

Anyway, good luck. Hope the aching ceases to be a problem for you. We're all different and maybe bimix is your ticket. cheers, best regards, use it or lose it, time's a wastin' hj
Posted 3/22/2012 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Alprostadil (or "prostin") is the active ingredient in Edex and Caverject as I understand it. It is also the one of three in the trimix which can cause pain. Bimix does without it but doesn't work for everyone.

When I progressed from ineffective bimix to trimix there was a distinct ache in the shaft which I found well tolerable given the joyful results. With time the ache has become largely a thing of the past, I think it's possibly the erectile tissue getting stretched to where it hasn't been for some time. Hope you guys have great results and can integrate it into your lives without significant side issues.
Posted 3/22/2012 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have ED from a SCI and my Urologist prescribed Edex 10mg back in December. I kept saying I would try it, but ended up putting it off until my next visit, which was a few days ago. I just couldn't stick the needle in the joy stick! When he did, I was surprised how it didn't hurt. It actually didn't work for me though and he suggested a higher dose of 20mg. Insurance refuses to cover any ED treatment, but they are all too willing to pay for a penile implant!

This first purchase of Edex for just two 10mg injections cost me $99.99 out of pocket. Luckily I found a discount card online and it saved me approx. $65.00. This time my doctor gave me a Edex discount card, but I have to buy 12 vials of Edex for a $200.00 discount. I'm sure the cost is too high...I haven't bothered to bring it to a pharmacy. I used a different pharmacy just for this medicine. I think I will see if my doctor can prescribe me the bimix? Which one cost $3.75 and doesn't have the ache. I didn't get an erection, but I sure felt the ache for about an hour afterwards!

Charles
Posted 3/23/2012 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Ran into a little snag.  Got all excited, stimulated (horny) and ready to indulge in the wild thing.  Me and my lady were more than ready.  I figured I'd inject, then enjoy 10 minutes of music and sip a drink while waiting for junior to stand up.   By then we'd be ready to rock.   devil

But this time I alternated sides and tried to inject the left side of junior with my right hand.  Got the angle wrong and most of the trimix came out of end of junior and dripped on the floor along with a little drip of mucous.  It happened immediately upon standing after the injection and burned a little so I know I hit the wrong spot.  Not a good thing. I tried to salvage the mood and moment, and had the very slight start of an errection. A rare thing of beauty to my sweetie, but alas.... there was nothing useable. She tried to revive junior in various ways, but he was totally dead.  After 20 minutes we finally gave up.  It was a let down for both of us. confused

I have to inject a few more times to get the angle right. And next time I'm using the right side and I'll use my right hand to inject.   I guess that's why the doc told me it was my call whether to switch sides or not.  I would turn the job over to my wife, but she gets nervous and, believe me, if I saw a needle in her hand junior would shrivel away and disappear.  She would be charged with "assault on a dead weapon" har

Well, I'll wait another two days and try again.   Anybody live close to cape canaveral?   I need a little practice.   Free trimix for volunteers..... but only until I get it right tongue

just kidding.  may your flag pole stand tall, best regards, hj  turn

Posted 3/23/2012 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Herman: I know this is not supposed to be funny but I was laughing at loud at the PC.

Best of luck with the next try.

Cajun Jefrf
Posted 3/23/2012 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Herman, good job at making light of a scary experience.
Just to reiterate what I'm sure the doc instructed you: 2 o'clock to 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock to 10 o'clock are the proper angles. Yes? 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock are bad news. I usually roll junior around a couple of times to make absolutely sure I know I am hitting the right spot.
Best of luck with your future efforts.
Sounds like you have a patient lady there! You are a lucky guy.
Jeff
Posted 3/24/2012 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Angles? No one said anything about angles to me! Just roll it , pull the skin tight to one side and plunge away. Just how big on a needle are ya using that it has to go at an angle?
Posted 3/24/2012 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Charles: you are right I have found that EdEx and Caverject. Are te most expensive Ed injectable drugs. You should talk to your Dr about alternatives. You can get the same rocket fuel from a compounding pharmacy for much less.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 3/24/2012 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Cajun Jeff, thanks for the reply and advice. My doctor gave me a prescription for Edex 10mg back in December. I was never instructed in how to inject junior while at the office, unless you count a nurse using her index finger as a stand in for junior!

I finally got the nerve to get the prescription filled, but I used a different Pharmacy than my regular one. They already know too much about me. The prescription was for just two injections and of course insurance didn't cover it. It cost $165.00, but I went online and googles Rx discount coupons and found one that paid $65.00, so I only paid $100.00. I shouldn't say, "only" because I haven't found the money tree yet.

I picked up the prescription in January and kept telling myself 'tonights the night' I'm going to inject junior... Three months later I'm back in my doctors office with my prescription where he finally injected junior for the first time. Sadly it did nothing for me. I felt a slight burning or heat like sensation, but no 'Standing O' from junior who just shied away in me boxers. LOL

The doctor increased my prescription to 20mg Edex with 20 injections instead of just two. For 'refill' he put 'PRN'... As needed hahaha! Anyways he also gave me a discount card for Edex that he didn't bother giving me before. It says I can get a $200.00 discount for 20 or more each month, but only if this is my first time buying Edex within 12 months. Since I already purchased Edex within the last 12 months their generous discount is down to just $50.00 a month! I could go to a third pharmacy and try to get the $200.00 discount plus maybe also the other discount coupon I used before. However, after reading the other posts it seems that I should ask my doctor to switch my prescription to trimix or bimix?

Which one is the cheapest? I'm going to do some research and get back to you. In the mean time I would appreciate any tips or advice on the pricing for these meds.

Charles
Posted 3/24/2012 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
DaSlink, the needle goes straight in, perpendicular to the skin.
The angle that I was referring to was that you want to inject on the side of junior. Do not inject on the top, because there is a nerve there that you should avoid. Do not inject up from the bottom, because as Herman learned, you can hit the urethra.
Posted 3/25/2012 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
A 5ml vial of Trimix cost me $65. Doc said there's about 20 injections if the effect for me is about average. There's only 10 doses per vial if I have to use the max dose.

The pharmacy wouldn't bill my insurance because it was a compounded formula, but they did furnish a form for me to file my own claim to tricare. But I think it's reasonable even without reimbursement. I'm thinking about perchasing an auto injector. That way I can use either hand, either side. tongue


Gonna stick myself for the fourth time tomorrow. Can hardly wait. But I'm going to do it right this time. Take my time without the fan club watching and cheering me on.... she shouldn't see what I go through to make her happy anyway. Might make her feel guilty...... on second thought.... nah, no guilt.  devil   Actually she'd be sticking me right now if she could.  She's hoping she can jump right smack on top of that 4 hour errection they always warn you about.... and according to her girlfriends, she isn't planning to drive me to the emergency room either... not until she's explored all ways to make it go down by herself.  Folks, it's been a long dry spell.....hugs, kisses and toys only go so far... hj

Posted 3/25/2012 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
HJ, love it...nice sense of human and thanks for the info. Yes, $65.00 for reasonable for 20 good nights. Happy hunting!

Charles
Posted 3/25/2012 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
Charles yes trimix is much cheaper if your Dr will give yu a script. If not find another Dr that will.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 3/25/2012 8:57 AM (GMT 0)
Wow...look what I started here! Thanks all of you for contributing. I will have to reread all these and digest all the info. Great seeing the sense of humor and knowing I aint alone in this thing!! I told the Mrs that I'm doing research and with money tight whatever we finally settle on that works its gonna have to be special occasions! She says I'm not sure how to do it anymore....I said dont worry, I do and i'll do all the work, happily! devil She didnt see " Maxwell " ( that was her nickname for him, she was Maxine ) when I had the erection at the Dr's and asked how it was....I said well I couldn't hang a towel on him like I used to in the old days but he was good enough for some fun. smilewinkgrin

Orgasms? Whats some experiences there? I've had some playing around with her with Mr Softie, they felt good but nothing like the old days and of course no mess.

Thanks again guys....And good luck to all of us! And screw these Surgeons who give you so much hope that " nerve sparing " surgery will make us good as new after awhile! mad
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