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My One yearAnniversary

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Posted 8/16/2012 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Yay. Today, the 15th, is my one year anniversary and my lab results are good.

Next week I have my one year checkup with the urologist. Is it too early to discuss ED and slight incontinence? Are urologists the doctor to mention depression that so much seems to revolve around the changes that have occured this last year?

Levitra has no effect on me other than feeling lousy. Is there any suggestions as to the next option?

Thanks!

Posted 8/16/2012 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Congrats! That is awesome news.

I can see why you might be depressed, dealing with ED for a year without support. It is my understanding that your Uro should work closely with you from day one. I guess if you haven't communicated with him he/she has no way of knowing. Hopefully, he has an arsenal and plan to get you on track.
Posted 8/16/2012 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations on the one year part and good test results. One year is not too early to be dealing with the ED and/or incontinence issues. These should have been discussed or dealt with before now in my opinion.

Yes, mention depression to your Uro, mine offered me meds for that if I felt that it was a problem. So has my oncologist, he always lets me know that help is just a step away if needed, all I have to do is request it. For me, I don't feel enough of a depression issue to want to be on even more meds than I am already one due to all the chronic pain issues I fight. Or your uro may refer that part of your problems, if it is a problem, to your GP or family doctor.

Good luck to you,

David in SC
Posted 8/16/2012 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
Sparkit – Congrats on the anniversary :-) and your excellent lab results :-)

Definitely talk to your uro about ED and incontinence. If Levitra is not working you might want to try Cialis, but it is probably time to move on to Trimix injections.

I had slight incontinence at my one year anniversary and my uro changed the way I do my Kegels. Instead of doing 10 reps of holding for 15 sec relax for 10 sec – 5 to 6 times a day … he told me to do one Kegel holding as long as I can – 5 to 6 times a day. It has helped me.

Good Luck
_
Posted 8/16/2012 11:36 AM (GMT 0)
Sparkit,

Congratulations on good lab results!

Tigerfan gave good advice on the kegels. I'd try his suggestions if I were you.

For the ED I would suggest that you consider getting a copy of Dr. John Mulhall's book, "Saving Your Sex Life". It's a guide for guys with prostate cancer. In it you'll find guidance on what to do if the pills do not work. One possible approach that some of the guys on this forum use is injections. You can also google Dr. John Mulhall and prostate cancer and find videos that cover the subject.

Good luck and best wishes.
Posted 8/16/2012 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Great news. I would definiltey mention any medical issues to your doctor.  I was dry after a couple of months but have started some very slight leakage at night.  I went to the doctor and he asked when was the last time I did any kegals.  I said almost 4 years.  He said start back. 

I do suffer from ED.  Some is probably psycholiogical and some from the pc.  Some times the pills work and some times they don't.  Make sure you discuss with your doctor. 

Posted 8/16/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sparkit,

ED and incontinence should be on your discussion with your uro and GP at each and every visit, regardless of 1 week or 10 years passed. They need to have your current status and history on file should you need to start down a new path. Even if you are doing great, you should make a point of talking about it.

Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis are all generally the same sort of drug, but they are all different, so don't give up on them until you have tried all of them. Ask for samples. Then give shots a go.

Depression should also be mentioned to both, just so that they are aware, even if only one treats it.

Posted 8/17/2012 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, it's unanimous that I need to be more proactive with my health. I dread discussing ED and injections with my doc. I can't imagine injecting into my unit and having an erection of any form in front of someone I'm not getting intimate with. The needle concept does not concern me.

The incontinence issue usually catches me in a sudden sneeze or sitting a certain way. It happens so fast that I can't react in time.

Depression is something I've lived with for some time. I do take meds for it. The PC just threw a curve that my current meds just don't help dull the frustration that comes post surgery.

Things certainly could be worse . Thanks friends.

Mark
Posted 8/17/2012 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Mark,

I think most of us will agree that all pretense of modesty went down the toilet when PCa camped on our doorsteps. The doc charges you money for his time, and you have issues that are his to address. Speak up. Modesty will get you nothing after the exam room door closes.

I look at it this way. The test injection is a step toward being able to use it in the desired environment. We do what we have to do to get where we want to be.

Posted 8/18/2012 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Mark, congrats also from me-only 10 days ahead of you. Keep those low numbers coming. I agree with 142 strongly on this. Because you are on other meds, talk to your Uro about trying all three ED drugs, one at a time. For some one works, but for others it don't. So you have to try and find yours. There is hope!. There is currently a post on here about one of our members that one of the pills just started working after 2 years!

Then there are other things to try like Muse, bimx, trimix and even quadmix.

Not sure your relationship status, but there are also a couple of single guys on here that can share how dating is while dealing with this. Most positive stories!

I am sure you already know this, but it is true that half of the reason for success has to be in your head. So this may be something you need to talk to your depression Dr. about also. Good luck buddy!
Posted 8/18/2012 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Sparkit,

Hubby's first trimix appointment was with a beautiful (and I'm not exagerrating), 40ish, Physican's Assistant. He was certainly a tad uncomfortable, to say the least. She was very professional and showed him where to stick the needle. She did not do it for him. He injected, and then she said she'd be back in 10 minutes. You should have seen the look on his face when she walked out. The funny part was when she walked back in the room and said, "okay, let me see". His face was priceless! He was so taken aback, he asked, "really"? She said, YES! He pulled the gown back, she observed and said, "great".

Talk to your doctor openly, and put the dread behind you. Just remember, they've seen it all before!
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