A big Hello to everyone -- and a little surprise for you if you're curious

[Handdrummer777]

I'm joining this group in addition to the other Prostate Cancer Group on healthunlocked. Even though I'm in a heterosexual relationship now, I had some mostly positive gay experiences in my 20's (I'm 68 now).

Briefly, I was diagnosed last April with Gleason 4+3 (intermediate/unfavorable) and a PSA of 18. I elected to have radiation instead of surgery because of concern over incontinence...and grave concern over ED that, statistically, had a likelihood of not recovering. The trade off is that radiation-induced ED typically shows up 2 yrs down the line. And bowel problems are more likely than urinary ones.

For me, though, the real beast is ADT. I'm halfway through my 18-month stretch of castrate-level T (and anticipating another 9-12 months of T recovery post-ADT).

How am I dealing with a treatment which -- for all intents and purposes -- will (again, statistically) likely destroy my sexual functioning if I just acquiesce to an approach of "wait and it will come back"?

No, it won't -- so I've had to be really, really proactive about penile rehab, just as every man does in confronting the treatment-induced ED.

What does being proactive mean for me? Here's what I hope is the really, really good part for anyone who's concerned about preserving their erectile functioning: Many years prior to my diagnosis, I accidentally "invented" something -- an incredibly simple device -- that became a fun addition to my sexual repertoire. But now, I've experienced firsthand how ADT tried to hijack my libido -- and has to a certain extent reduced my erectile ability. I understand the danger of allowing drastic reductions in frequency of my erections. Because that can exacerbate the penile atrophy and smooth muscle damage caused by remaining flaccid for long periods while nocturnal erections are also being suppressed by ADT.

My solutions 1) immediately go on daily low-dose Viagra or Cialis (generics are cheap now) and 2) begin using the JoyLoop.

For instructions, since I'm sort of dumb on cutting and pasting on the phone, please refer to my post titled "Here is the file -- Loop Instructions" in the other group site. You'll find a link there for text. I also posted a photo in there somewhere. Please check this out! May you be blessed!

[23rdFloor]

Hi Handdrummer777 thanks for your message. Pertinent to my experience in terms of me for ED follow November 2018 robotic surgery. However, there does not seem to be a link to access or copy. I don't find something about a "Joyloop" by a simple search. Could you try adding a link or some more information? Appreciate if you could. Thanks.

-Dan

[Handdrummer777 in reply to 23rdFloor]

Go to Prostate Cancer Network site and search posts for "Here is the file -- Loop Instructions". The link should work for you.

[EdinBmore]

After7 yrs on AS, my numbers changed (despite the very low/low risk initial diagnosis; go figure). ADT, beam, and seeds last fall/winter. Continuing on ADT. Awful experience. In theory, one more injection in May; the third of 3 injections, each of 3 months duration. I DO feel your pain. I, too, began low dose tadalafil (generic Cialis) and have just purchased a RESTORE pump to help in maintaining erection ability. Stay tuned.

Can you provide more info re "joyLoop"?

Good luck to you.

EdinBaltimore

[Handdrummer777 in reply to EdinBmore]

Go to Prostate Cancer Network and search posts for "Here is the file -- Loop Instructions". The link should work for you.

[spencoid2 in reply to Handdrummer777]

can not find a prostate cancer network, what is the link?

[ctarleton in reply to spencoid2]

Here's his link to a document describing his homemade device.

docs.google.com/document/d/...

[Handdrummer777 in reply to ctarleton]

Thx for reposting my link! Cool beans. I hope everyone who's a member of this group tries it. Fun to use!