Bathmate anyone?

[sanFranDaddyRick]

I own a bath-mate. Has anyone use this for getting their penis back in shape after a radical prostatectomy? My surgery was done laparoscopically with the robot and I feel like I probably want to start trying this sooner rather than later. I think the penis is a muscle and if you don’t exercise it it’s going to forget what it supposed to do.

[jctaylor]

I don't know what a bath-mate is, but we're definitely facing a 'use it or lose it' situation following prostate surgery, and it is somewhat time critical. The longer you stay flaccid the greater the probability of long term loss of function. My urologist/surgeon has not been proactive with rehab but when I asked he said "It's never too early to pump" and suggested a supplier for medical grade penis pumps. Many in this group report starting rehab as soon as their cath is removed.

[Leeaussie5 in reply to jctaylor]

I am probably 6- 8 weeks pre-op.

I have two rehab guys.

My physio has me on an exercise regime specifically designed to get my urinary control muscles at their peak form in advance of the trauma of surgery. My trainer is focussed on building total muscle mass and cardio fitness.

My penis rehab doctor has prescribed Cialis for a month before surgery to maximise the blood flow into the penis. This is designed to minimise the damage from reduced blood flow after.

He also gave me a viagra sample to see how well it worked. I tried it out. It works ok - certainly has an effect. I am on a really low dose. A fraction of what he described as an ‘old mans dose’.

I asked both my rehab guys for a recommendation about choice of doctor.

I got very interesting responses. Both in broad terms the same. Both were about the quality of the hospital and the total team as the keys to their recommendations.

So far, the one thing I have learned is that the only person you can rely on is you. Don’t wait for some doctor to point you in the direction of solving your issues. You need to grab this by the proverbial.

And Rick - lucky you! Don’t miss a day without being close with your partner.

[jctaylor in reply to Leeaussie5]

All I can say is WOW! You are so lucky to have such comprehensive care. The only pre-op care I had was a hand-out about pelvic floor exercises from my urologist and a suggestion that I could try them if I wanted to.

My biggest mistake was not getting into groups like this before my surgery. I had no idea what quality care looked like. You're absolutely right, we have only ourselves and support groups like this to rely on.

I am grateful to my PCP for taking my rising PSA seriously and getting the cancer diagnosis process started early but he referred me to a local urology practice with no suggestion that better care could be available elsewhere.

Best of luck to you!

[sanFranDaddyRick in reply to Leeaussie5]

You had my attention at two rehab guys!

[Hidden]

The penis is not a muscle.

Contrary to popular belief, the so-called love muscle does not contain any muscles. That's why you cannot move it very much when it's erect. The penis is a kind of sponge that fills with blood when a man is sexually excited.

[PCGeorge]

My urologist was "a day late and a dime short" on sex rehab as the cliché runs. But I did try the Bathmate. Personally, I wish I had gone with a regular pump. When I shower is not generally the time I'm interested in pumping and the Bathmate is designed for use in the shower. So I find I don't use it as I should. I do believe in "use it or lose it". I wish I had a more responsible and understanding urologist who would have addressed these issues earlier. You truly must be your own advocate.

[sanFranDaddyRick in reply to PCGeorge]

I’m at 4 weeks and ready to try something. I took leverage last night and all I got was a headache.

[baw1955]

Even with small risk of Peyronie's, why not consider Trimix (ICI/Injectable) as an alternative to the PDE inhibitors (Cialis, Viagra), specifically when the pills are ineffective? God bless you all who are fortunate to get results from the pumps. My proposal here fits in line with our general theme, use what works for you. Trimix is the only ED treatment which works for me.

[sanFranDaddyRick in reply to baw1955]

I actually have a form of this that I have have a prescription for for several years now I just don’t know when I can start trying to use it again

[dadzone43]

Not a muscle actually but same principle. The Men's Health clinic at my hospital in Providence recommends a penis pump as a way of keeping the blood channels open and not scarring- and shrinking down. The RESTORE study also includes a penis pump and cock rings for the same reason.

[mikeski1956]

what is a bath mate, and how does it work.

[sanFranDaddyRick in reply to mikeski1956]

Look up the videos on YouTube

[Handdrummer777]

You are correct. You must keep exercising it. My invention the Loop works great. Also the FDA-approved Giddy is coming in Sept.

[sanFranDaddyRick in reply to Handdrummer777]

Interested in seeing the loop. What does it do? How does it work?

[Handdrummer777]

You will find the link to the Loop document by going to my post that begins "A big hello to everyone...". Scroll down into the replies and you'll see the link. I'm now one year into 18-21 months of ADT and this absurdly simple device has saved my erections from the brutal sexual shutdown of your penis (if you stop masturbating and getting erections by any means) of ADT.

Try the Loop. It works because it applies pressure all around your package, but doesn't constrict, rather it encourages blood flow. Fantastic performance. The Giddy will be better yet! Same operating orinciple. -- Pressure yes, Constriction no.

Good luck, sir!