Woohoo!

Keep up the good work!

If you're getting a good erection without, you likely don't need it.

In you place, I'd just try the pills first before going to the pump.

Andrew

Niel, good for you, happy to hear it.
FWIW, i felt i didnt need the Cialis after a short time, i went from daily 5 mg, to every other day. Then i pretty much stopped. But at my most recent (18 month post RP) visit, the surgeon advised me that whether i need it or not, the first 2 years, i should take it to keep the blood flow strong. I didnt ask further about it, if my surgeon says jump, i dont ask questions, i just ask how high.

On another note, i always wondered, if Cialis functions by promoting blood flow to the area, how does it know to promote blood flow to THAT area, and not to the rest of your body. Or does it? Does the pharmacist give it instructions to "go straight to the dick, do not pass go"?
Just something a friend of mine and i were discussing on our vacation this week

Uh...the pump is for when you don't get 'morning wood' - common problem after the RP surgery.

You need to have an erection for about 15 minutes out of every 24 hours. If you don't do that you loose flexibility and scar tissue begins to accumulate. Once that occurs you are no longer able to get an erection and can experience other scar tissue related pathology.

Proper use of a pump will retain your capacity even if y ou have no T for years and no desire. It is a medical intervention. 15 minutes a day (most days), as many erections as possible. Don't just pump it up, slap on a band and then write a letter. Regular vigorous massage of the affected body part to retain decent blood circulation is also a good intervention. Remember that you are trying to oxygenate the tissues and general area as much as possible.

A biological alternative works much better if you have some libido. Many of us here (ADT) do not have that little item.

Normally, your body gives you that 15 minutes a day erection while you sleep. The RP stopped that cold for me.

My Omron Esteem was paid for by my medical insurance as it is a "durable medical device". It was about $500 almost 4 years ago and has held up quite well. Hand pump model, not the automatic. I have also had the 5mg/day Cialis script since starting ADT chemo. Since all of my erectile nerves were removed, I am real clear that I needed to be diligent in maintaining the affected tissues.

Last blood test 3 weeks ago showed my T=184.6ng/dl and PSA=0.03ng/dl (up from less than 0.02). Back to every 3 months on the blood test. :( Also got a script for the shots.

Note: When I started this rehab program almost 4 years ago, I could not get an erection of any grade. 2 years ago I was able to achieve a 3 out of 10 with manual stimulation (no desire). As of this just past June, I can now reliably generate a 6 out of 10 erection with manual stimulation (very little desire). Very slow recovery from the chemo, pituitary gland is still low output. 2 instances of limpish morning wood this year - a major improvement over nothing at all IMHO. Body hair is growing back so I feel better looking in the mirror. Nerves take a very long time to heal/recover.

EDIT:Cialis does increase the blood flow to other muscles in your body. The Cialis side effect muscle cramping in your calves and between your shoulder blades is due to a mild overcharging with blood. I have been living with those side effects since the first week I began Cialis daily about 4 years ago.