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Recommendations on use/timing of penile injections for ED

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Posted 1/2/2011 6:41 AM (GMT 0)
Folks:

I am now 3 months out from my RP and am very happy with my progress to date.  My urinary recovery has been much better than I had hoped and I am just about back to normal in that department.  However, the ED is still a problem.  I am not the least bit anxious about this and understand my recovery will likely continue in that area for another 18 months or so.

I am taking Cialis now but was wondering when guys in a similiar situation began doing penile injections and what their results were.  I guess I am wondering whether to take advantage of that option during recovering or just stick with Cialis.

I wish everyone the best or recoveries/experiences and look forward to any advice you can offer.

Retire

Posted 1/2/2011 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
I started injections (Bimix) at my uro's suggestion exactly one month after surgery. The first injection was successful, and after a learning curve, I got very consistent results.

If you're not already using a pump for exercise, I suggest that too -- even a cheap one from an an adult store would be good enough.
Posted 1/2/2011 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
I started Trimix about a month after surgery. It took a couple of tries to get the dosage correct; however, once that was accomplished, it worked well. With time and recovery, my dosage has dropped significantly.

I am guessing that at your age, your ED will improve rapidly ... best wishes and good luck.

By the way you might want to go to the following site for information on penile rehab.

www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/94910.cfm
Posted 1/2/2011 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
I started the pump a month after surgery and trimix after 6 months. I started with a dosage of .10 and that didn't do much, I increase that gradually until I got the result I needed. I now get consistent result with .25.
Posted 1/2/2011 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
You can certainly request injection therapy now. Injections are well known for jump starting natural function. If your doctor balks...seriously consider getting another uro. You should be enjoying regular sex at this point. Injections will help immensely. but please remember you have an entire arsenal - "pills, prick and pump" as james our moderator said. Make sure you are well trained for all of them.
Be aware of some risks in injections - most men are fine, but keep an eye on things.
Paul
Posted 1/3/2011 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Retire,

My only regret about injections is that I didn't start sooner. I am 18 months post surgery and have been doing injections for about 10 months. It was akward at first and it takes practice and patients to master the proper technique and dosage. However, it is worth the effort. My uro prescribed trimix and it has proven to be very effective. I started out with the usual .10 dosage and worked my way up to .40. Time has helped and I am now using only .15 with good results. Don't be afraid of the needle, there are no nerve endings in the area you inject and the results are quick (less than 5 minutes).

Good luck and take care.

Posted 1/3/2011 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
I am so glad you posted this question retire 1965... sounds like we have alot in common! same age and same time of surgery and all. and about the same recovery rate. I also just talked my uro into cialis with some increased results however I feel I was coming right along even before that. I asked my uro at my 3 month appointment about injections and he said no. I posted on here and the common reply was change dr's. I will call ahead of my next appointment and leave message if dr will not start injections on the 6 month visit i will cancel the appointment and find a dr that will! As I see it, as long as I am making progress I will hold off on the injections, but if and when I see the progress slow down...Time to move to the next step in therapy!

I hope this helps! and feel free to email me if you would like to trade notes with a fellow survivor same age.
Posted 5/28/2013 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
what insurance companies pay for the injections for ed plase let me know
Posted 5/29/2013 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Joeby,

That's a hard question. It depends on a lot of things. But the short answer is that none of them like to pay for ED treatments and it's really hard to find one that you can get to pay.

The good news is that if you use Trimix the injections are one of the least expensive and most effective ED treatments. I use kind of a lot of trimix so my $150 dollar vial only gives me 25 doses (or about $6 a pop.) Other guys who use less can get 50 or more doses (down to $3 per shot.)
Posted 3/9/2015 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. Just registered but I've been reading the forum since I was diagnosed summer. As always, it was a wild, rocky ride, but my DaVinci surgery was successful, and first psa showed 0.0008. I started injections back in January of this year and had terrible pain from alprostadil (10 units). Tried 5 units (0.05 cc) and still painful. Erections were "ok" but nothing to write home about. Bought a decent VED for penile rehab and I use it just about every day to "pomp me up" as a way to keep what's left of old Mr Peter. Both nerve bundles were removed so ED is not going to be resolved by pills. After the first set of injections I went to bimix (papaverine and phentolamine: 30/1 ratio in 1 ml). Injected 20 units last week with NO PAIN and 80% erection. Went up to 30 units and TA DA!!). I continue to use the VED as "physical therapy" without the constriction rings. Use a 1/2" needle with no lasting pain. Thinking about going the inflatable insert (3 stage type) later this year just because of the hassle of needles, etc. Thanks for letting my ramble, but this is my first post.
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