Bryan,
Sorry to hear about the prostate procedure but on the bright side you were wise to take the oportunity to lengthen your life span. The rest will come with time, patience and hope. It is difficult for all of us as it is a life change and we must (will) adapt. Keep the faith.
As you can tell by my profile, I have gone through the drill since last February 5th. I still have hope even though I'm dissapointed when the big one does not come. I pick up the peices, think about where I am at compared to where I could be, then I move on.
Your PSA is on track, the incontenence gone, keep trucking.
When my PA said it was time for injections at my last appointment I was squemish and extremely uncomfortable with the idea. It just turned me off. As a matter of fact, I told my wife early in the game that I would NOT go that far.
The (PA) did comfort me, saying her and the URO thought the injections would help my natural erection come sooner and that the needle pain would be very minimal. The mental thought of a percieved pain was unbearable and she said it would be overcome after two to three self-injections. I guess the same issue the same for diabetics, but they don't shoot in the penis.
She asked if I had any questions and then waited a few minutes outside the room for me to think things through. I wanted to experience an erection (a male thing) to feel whole again, knew the other drugs had some influence but not the swelling needed and my wife's needs also had an influence. So I and took the plunge.
The first injection was done in the URO's office in privacy and with descretion on that same visit. The PA was very gentle, we discussed my concerns as she proceeded. As I lowered my clothing looking at her extracting Trimix from the supply bottle I noticed the length of the needle and I was frightened and asked, does that needle go all the way in? She said yes and before I knew it, it was over as I watched the whole sequence. My mind was too affixed on the potential pain which did not happen except for a small pin prick.
Th pants came up, 20 minutes later the PA came in, checked the degree of my erection. I was about 50% - 60% engorged and did it feel great after so many months. I got dressed and the PA said she wanted me to begin self injections twice a week using low doses of 0.05cc and 0.20cc when I was ready for intercourse. After leaving the office, I experience a mild erection for about one hour.
It is important to alternate left and right sides each time you inject and DO NOT take a jump in the dosage...do it very gradually, 0.05cc increments. Sexual arousal and stimulation before and after injections does play a part in how hard and for how long a time you will experience the erection.
So far I have taken six injections and pleased with results except for #3. I followed PA suggestion at 0.20cc for an intercourse attempt, which was way too much for my system and had an erection for 4-1/2 hours that I (we) could not touch as it was somewhat painful. The PA made a judegement call the best she could. An injection at the doctor's office (tense) is not the same as at home (relaxed). It passed and now I know to stay away from that dosage which is good for saving some money.
The injections are made along the penis shaft sides about 2/3 of the body length below the head. Not too far up and not too far down. Inject perpindicular to the body length between 2 and 4 o'clock on the right and 8 to 10 o'clock on the left. Avoid directly hitting veins. Once you begin the injection, do not stop to ease it in. Once you begin, continue firmly. If you go slowly, you may feel mental pain. A small prick and you are on your way. The same type of needle (28 gauge in my case) is used for diabetics.
Ten injections are recommended per month.
I paid $37.00 for 5cc. Plenty for some time but I believe shelf life is about 60 days. Any other inputs on usage time? I believe <$1 to $2 per shot. Cost per injection will vary depending on how much syrum you use. Since this is my first prescription and I have not seen my insurance report (UHC) I cannot for sure say if the insurance paid or not.
Bryan, I agree with Tamu, don't rush. When YOU are ready, it will happen and you will do well and it will do you good physically and mentally.
KDnole did experience some coolness of the penis after one hour. I have noticed that also but nothing like the pump erection. There is some blood circulation going on with the meds but not like a natural erection.
I hope and pray for all that we get our naturals back.
Sorry for being windy and hope this helps.
Geon