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Do Meds help for non-nerver sparing patients

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Posted 3/13/2009 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
As you can see in my bio, I had non-nerve sparing surgery. I've been practicing with a VED and getting an erection but not hard enough for IC. My doctor didn't prescribe any ED medication so my question is, would ED meds help me get erections fir IC or is that a waste of time?
Posted 3/13/2009 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I think your Doc will give you a prescription when you go back for your first post operative PSA.  From my experience I tried Viagra and all it did was make me feel flushed and not quite right.  I have since used Cialis and it has provided some life although not adequate for IC. 

I am almost 10 months out and it is a slow process.  I still have hope of more recovery as time goes on.  I have had success with a VED, but had to use two rings.  It is better than nothing, but is certainly not ideal just from the inconvenience, and some discomfort.  I now use Trimix in conjunction with Cialis and this does the best job.  I have also used Trimix, Cialis, and a VED.

The difficulty with injections is getting the dose correct.  You need to start slow because if you get too much it can be painful.  Of course it is not fun to inject, but actually is not near as bad as the mental anguish associated with the injection.  I wish you well.

Posted 3/13/2009 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
As I understand it, oral medications (eg Viagra, Cialis) require some nerve function to do their thing. They work on the blood supply aspect of the erection. With no nerves left, those meds don't function, so I've never even tried them.

However if I ever see any evidence of natural erections, and one year out, I don't -- that would indicate some nerve regrowth, so then I would be tempted.

So my opinion -- probably a waste of time (and money!) now, but don't rule them out in a year or two.

Another option that can work well in the non-nerve-spared are penile injections. Scary at first, but I find the results are well worth-while.
Posted 3/13/2009 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys. I guess that is why my doctor didn't prescribe ED medications. Having no nerves makes their use pointless. I'll stick with the VED for now just to keep the blood flowing every day and I'll try the injections when the time comes.
Posted 3/14/2009 3:19 AM (GMT 0)

I had non-nerve sparing RP...and follow up radiation.  My doc prescribed Cialis...with no initial response...but after I came out of ht, I found the Cialis worked...not great, but I've gotten usable erections with it.  

Now that's a rare outcome, and I'm a bit younger, but it might be worth a try! 

Posted 3/14/2009 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
From what I have read over the past year, nerve preservation is required for proper blood flow to the penis. The nerves can regenerate at the rate if 1/8 inch a month. So it could take a while. Lets hope you do regain enough function to allow the meds to help. From everything I have seen and experienced, at least a partial natural erection is needed for the meds to allow mr. happy to fill with enough blood to be firm enough for penetration.
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