H&P, I was diagnosed with PC at 41, implanted at 44 (one year ago). I can relate to the weight of this decision at such a young age. I can report that I am mostly happy with the decision, and...
Implants are certainly the last option to consider. They require surgery, and are irreversible. However, for those of us who have run out of options, its good to know that they exist. To answer your...
Curly805, I think you are right to try the injections first. I had an implant installed 2 1/2 months ago. I think I will be happy with my it, but man, its a lot to go through. The implant does not...
James, I have Humana insurance through work. It took them 3 months, but they finally did approve the surgery and paid 100%, less my deductible. I had joked at the time that they would wait to approve...
Gene, Had my implant surgery in April. I based my decision to proceed, in part, on information I gathered from blogs. Your information has been very informative and played a role in my decision. Just...
Steph, I was diagnosed three years ago at 41. I know what you're going through. It stinks. But please be aware, although you should be concerned and deal with this, your odds of beating this thing...
Anyone familiar with Janet exercises for bladder control? (pronounced Janae, French I guess). I spoke with my surgeon recently about very minor, occasional control issues I still have. Because I'm...
13, As your seeing in the other posts, everyone is different. However, I think most will tell you that 50% at one month is a very, very good sign. One word of advice, if the doc does decide to put...
Nero, I was told that my AMS implant (scheduled to install in three weeks) has a lifetime warranty. I did not consider whether or not that included the cost to install, I guess I just assumed it did...
Guys, Here's what I've discovered about the pump. 1. No matter how much lube you put on the rim to start with, I always have to start, stop, and apply more around the rim once or twice. (Normally, it...
All this discussion aroused my curiosity, which led me to the American Cancer Society website. I'm not computer savvy enough to post the site, but go to cancer.org and search "what are the key...
Thanks!...
Realziggy, I was told, at 41, surgery was my only option. Looking back, I think I would have made the same choice again. However, I also saw the news the other night. The interviewee was Peter...
I am scheduled for implant surgery in about 6 weeks. My surgeon recommended I pump twice a day until then for (hopefully) improved length results. My question is this: The instuctions with the pump...
JohnT, Thank you for posting this info. I have a couple of questions. 1. What criteria establishes risk category? 2. Are percentages shown survival rates, or cancer-free rates? Thanks, Smokie...
Oncas, A friend of mine (who can afford it) is flying up to Johns-Hopkins next week to have an open procedure, as recommended by the head of urology there. Other experts, such as Joseph Smith (head...
I visited the urologist last Friday, for the purposes of gathering info concerning implant/ligament surgery. Here is what I found out: Cutting of the suspensory ligament is now a somewhat common...
old67, I'm sorry to hear that you are having to go through this. Gleason scores of 8 and 9 are not the best news, but by no means a death sentence either. A few things to think about : Your PSA, at...
I also was curious about the stretching. Art, did you pump after the procedure? I was hoping the pump might replace the tension that stretching exercises provide. As far as the 'downside', from what...
Hello all Well, here I am, 44 years old and 2 1/2 years post op. And still making no wood. I'm leaning heavily to implant surgery. Insurance has agreed to pay, I have just have to pull the trigger....
A gentleman I sometimes do business with happened to have PC surgery shortly after me. I was in his very upscale, quiet waiting room recently. As he opened the door to invite me back, he said, very...
I will never pump again without remembering that. "We're going to pump (clap) YOU UP!...
Gene214, I took a blood test, as requested by the insurance co, a few days ago as part of the approval process for implant surgery. At this point I'm doing the leg work, but still have no immediate...
Sebring: Has your wife seen the doc? Mine experienced some troubles a while back that turned out to be hormonal. She now takes hormone shots (estrogen I think?). After the shot, she's ready to go....
The larger incision is indeed where they removed the prostate. Mine is also a couple of inches. I peed pure blood for the first day or two, than it began getting lighter for several days and...
Don't really have anything to add here. I wanted to keep the thread current for those with questions about implants, as Gene214's Q&A is the best information I've found (after months of internet...
SS, I would definately start Kegels now. Incontinence was not a big problem for me, but it was a problem. Still is when I drink alcohol. The major muscle that controls urine is cut. What's left is a...
Mike, Thanks for the info. I'm actually still going through some test with the neurologist (my final test, emg, is today). It may seem premature to being asking questions of you guys while all this...
Thank you all for the replies. PaLady: I also questioned the pain issue. I have, of course, done research on rsd and have read the stories of the pain associated with rsd. I sympathize with anyone...
Hello Krep, I'll think you'll find that you are not alone in the rectal pain deptartment. I wound up seeing a butt dr about 6 months after surgery. He told me I had internal hemoroids and an anal...
Hello, I am fairly new to this site, although I have several replies on the Prostate Cancer section. However, I also have a question about rsd. I broke my wrist about 5 months ago, and it has been...
Good luck. The best advice so far: Netflix. Also, if you're married, you can get a bell to ring whenever you need something. (I can only say that because my wife's not around. For some reason, she...
I've been cancer free for two years now, but everytime I have my PSA checked, I get nervous waiting for results. In fact, that's the only time I really think about it. Last time, my regular doctor...
Gene214, Email received, thanks. Also, thanks for letting us know what we're going to be seeing. I'm one of those that gets a little woosy at the sight of blood, much less bruised up personal parts....
Wow, I thought it was just me. Doc gives me funny looks when I mention having to pee 2-3 times per night. I don't pass up to many bathrooms during the day either, especially in the morning after...
I know you have insurance issues that are rushing your decision. However, I'm guessing that psychologically you have a voice telling you that something is inside and you want it gone NOW! At least...
I'd love to say I was fighting a lunker who was so strong... In reality, however, I was rock-hopping, slipped and fell. I had my rod in my left hand, so I held it up and caught my fall on my...
Don't know why the pump isn't getting more results. I'm using the $700 medical model. It appears to be sealing OK, although it takes a couple of trys. It will hold it until I release pressure. Also,...
Hey Golf, I'm new to the site also, but 2 years past surgery. There is nothing like being told you have cancer. For me, hearing it was the worst part of the whole ordeal. I was also told, because of...
James, Please don't feel sorry about saying anything. Believe me, although my Doc is putting the hard sell on the implant, I'm personally in no hurry. In fact, it scares me to death. I've informed...
Mine hurt so bad that I wound up at the butt Dr. six months after RP. He told me I had internal hemoroids and a fissure (a small tear in the colon). He gave me some cream and told me to take warm...
Thanks. I had not heard of the bi-mix, but I'll ask about it my next visit....
Don't worry to much about the catheter. I personally was more worried about that than anything, but it was really no big deal. I never thought about it after the fact until I had to empty it. Also,...
Hey guys, I will put some info on my profile, but till then, here is my situation. I'm 43, two years removed from RP. Gleason was 7 pre-op, 6 post-op. All PSA's have been good since. I functioned...
Gentlemen, This is my first writing. I wanted to say thanks for your open and honest discussions on a difficult subject. I am two years post RP, and finally considering the implant. My wife's all for...