ED and paaaaaatience

Guys (and ladies on the forum). I want my journey with post RP ED to serve as encouragement rather than discouragement. Here's the upshot: as hard (no pun intended) as it is to be patient, please do. I'm 3.5 years out and still improving quality of erections. Long journey for sure, but for those at 6 mos., a year, or longer who are discouraged, it can still happen.

My journey was incredibly difficult. Tried trimix gel after horrible clinical experience with trimix injection. My RP was total nerve sparing, so hopes were high. Had sensation, but nothing, zero 6 mins. out. Went for trimix injection, had just lost my Mom (to cancer) 2 weeks earlier, and PA took running start from across the room to stab me and I came off the table screaming. My wife was in the room and jumped as well. They prep you mentally by saying some guys don't even flinch and they nearly killed me. I've heard the proper clinical first IS usually fine. It made me totally averse to injecting myself and it took another 6 mos. of psychological torture to try myself. To make matters worse, I'm bipolar so fixation isn't uncommon, along with marital issues, the perfect storm psychologically. Very discouraging as that cycle of very few injections with intermittent success lasted another year. After that, it was hit and miss, mostly miss. Couldn't get past 90%. Marriage improved over that time, so emotional part and support improved, but 90% is frustrating range as good as it sounds.

As stated, I'm 3.5 years out and the last 6 mos. (est.) has been meaningful progression! 3.5 year journey but ultimate success! Not perfect/not an 18 yr old again, but 98% 90% of the time. I want to stress there can be progress after a long, long time. It's important because of many sleepless nights (not every night, but over 1000 potential) of laying awake feeling discouraged and "less than", damaged goods, even with good emotional support from my wife.

Point being "hang in there" and maintain hope, no matter the situation and no matter how long. It can happen as I'm proof. Guys, none of us are are damaged goods. One can feel that way no matter how tough we are and even though no one asks for these disease.

I know ED is nothing compared to dealing with recurrence, G9, salvage therapy, but it can take its toll as men. If you become discouraged, really down, watch Jimmy Valvano's speech at the Espys. Jimmy made the most eloquent speech about "Don't give up. Never give up". It will inspire you to not give up regardless of th nature of your journey and recovery. Just my .02. Wish everyone the best.

Franco, exactly what Boke said. I hope a lot of the guys like yourself really realize how helpful these type of posts are to those of us that follow. It is reassuring to know that many times this healing process just takes time, but it can get there. Because of guys like yourself posting I don't even stress much about my ED just yet, I remain confident that in due time I will be successful.

Thanks...Jim

Im just going to tell you. give it a year. We are at 11 months and spontaneous erections are almost here. A 90% wood without meds. But it didn't seem possible six months ago. Be brave and keep trying.

Franco, Thank you for sharing your story which I just came across. I found it very encouraging at a time (6 months post RRP ) when I was feeling a bit low about lack of progress with ED.

I'm 69 but I was pretty active prior to op and its an important part of my life.I started taking regular Viagra doses at 3 months with my Uro's OK. He was a tad indifferent. Stopped as it didn't seem to be doing anything and don't like the flushing side effects. Have found natural tumescence occuring from time to time and am able to have orgasms. I've decided to be patient, maintain interest in sex and accept that its not going to be a straight line progression. Keeping fit and eating well should help. Will review it in 6-12 months and might consider an implant if needed as not big on drugs.

Thanks again and keep on trucking.