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Posted 6/21/2017 12:09 PM (GMT 0)
Ok guys, it has been 6 days since I had my prostate removed via robotic surgery. The extent of the cancer did not allow the surgeon to spare one of my nerve bundles. He did say that the other bundle was "robust". I agreed with his decision, as I wanted the cancer out and sparing the nerve may have caused him to leave some. Now my question to all of you is, "can I regain erectile function with one good nerve bundle, and what is the best treatment?"
Posted 6/21/2017 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
The answer to your question is, yes you can. I am 15 months out of RALP, with both nerves spared, but it takes time for some of us to regain function. My doctors says it could take 2 years. I must admit however, even with only partial erections, the relationship is pleasurable. You will likely begin taking Cialis or similar med, and be told to stimulate often. Your doctor should have a conversation with you and your wife soon, to get a plan of action for recovery. Just remember, it requires time. Best wishes.
Mack
Posted 6/21/2017 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much.
Posted 6/21/2017 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Enrico, so much depends on what appear to be random factors to answer your question. Yes, you can. Rehabilitation involves use of ED meds, stimulation, and luck. The skill and experience of your surgeon plays a part, as does your ED status pre-surgery. And luck.

I'm one of the fortunate ones. I had a partial erection 4-5 days after catheter removal. I will also comment that my surgeon told me that even with a partial, if there is enough for even partial penetration...that's the best rehab there is.
Posted 6/21/2017 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
You will probably not return to your level of sexual function you had pre-surgery but maybe to 80 - 90%. I am at about that level with the nerves saved on one side.
about one month after the surgery it is time to resume sexual activity. You should do the Kegel exercises regularly also to help return of potency. Use ED-pills on a need basis but not daily (as if they were vitamins) since daily use could interfere with your urinary recovery.
Posted 6/22/2017 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
My doc said NO erecrtions til he sees me 2 months post op. Guess he doesn't want it interfering with the other parts of recovery
Posted 6/22/2017 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
That is a one million dollar question. Many variables are involved in this outcome, and there are no guarantees when dealing with a very complicated biological system. First off, give it time. Process will take time. Second in all likelihood if and when erections do occur, in all reality they won't be as good as prior to surgery. But hopefully good enough to get the job done. If you are in good shape, not diabetic, and don't have any signs of ED prior to surgery you should be able to have an erection. It might take 6 months or 2 years, and you might need the help of PDE5 drugs like viagra or cialis. Whatever you do, don't get discourage.

I had both nerves spared and was experiencing night time erection even before the catheter was removed. Two years later my PSA hit 0.2 so I had salvage radiation which was 1 1/2 years ago and so far I am able to still have erections without any drugs. It not instantaneous as before surgery and does take a little more work and time but still adequate.
Posted 6/23/2017 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
A big yes. I had open surgery late in 2008. Both nerve bundles needed to be removed. Left side was removed, but according to the surgical notes, right side was left in place, but noted as being "damaged". Due to a very deep and narrow area surgeon was unable to access that bundle. Full ED was expected.

I never had any ED. I was able to have full errections after about 2 weeks after surgery while still on catheter. In my case, my original cath was in place for 63 days.

I don't advise this, but I was able to have both errections and orgasms the entire time.

As I continued to heal, they became better and better.

To this day, I have never needed or used any ED meds or devices.

My surgeon refused to take credit, said I was one of the lucky few.

On the negative side, the surgery failed to stop the cancer, later went on to have SRT, which was bungled badly and left me with perm. chronic pain, and also failed to stop the cancer. So I am still living with metastatic cancer.

So I can have sex any time I want, but have an unstoppable cancer. No sure I really won.

Good luck to you, though
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