GratefulWife
New User
Joined: 15 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
|
 Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject: Penile pain post op |
 |
|
My husband in 4.5 months post op robotic assisted LRP. As far as continence is concerned, he is using one pad per day, and although he is not happy with this, we recognize progress. Erectile function is not progressing so well. He has been taking Cialis 5mg daily since 30 days post-op without seeing any effects. Doc does not recommend increasing dosage due to the way the medication works, building up in his system; he believes this is adequate.
Since surgery, he has been experiencing pain in his penis whenever any blood enters, although he would estimate engorgement (if you could call it that) to be at just 3% of what it was prior to surgery. He likens this pain to the feeling you get when blood is returning, or the feeling returning to a frost-bitten body part. The penis hurts whenever touched, even light pressure of clothing, and does not hurt unless touched. It feels like too much blood has entered, although not much has. This pain is not present during flaccid status.
Yesterday he visited the doc for instruction and delivery of injectable Edex 20mcg, which did produce what would have been usable erection had we been able to act on it within the hour, which was not possible. He did experience the same pain as described above and he mentioned this pain to the doctor. The reply was that it was possible since there has not been an erection for some time, it may take time for this pain to go away. When my husband asked “what does MAY mean?” the docs seemed to know what the answer would be, but just did not want to say. Or else he was too busy and rushed to elaborate. In any case, we may be dealing with a situation, as I have read many other patients have experienced, that some doctors are just not forthcoming with this “bad news” information upfront, and have a “we have way to deal with that” attitude.
This pain lasts for a couple of hours after so-called erection has subsided. He also experiences deep perineal pain frequently. I should also note that at the conclusion of surgery the doc advised that the nerve bundles were difficult to separate from the prostate. Additionally, the catheter was an excruciating experience.
I am wondering if others have experienced similar pain without injectables, or if anyone can explain the cause. Obviously, this is a result of the surgery as this pain was not present before, but we have not heard or read anything about this specifically.
Thanks for any input.
GW
_________________
Husband-age 51
diagnosed 3-26-08 found thru DRE
PSA 1.2 Gleason 3+3 stage T2a
Robotic Surgery 4-15-08
Confirmed Gleason 3+3, contained, near but not in margins
PSA undetectable 7-30-08 |
|
Hawk
Experienced user
Joined: 22 Nov 2006
Posts: 56
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject: GratefulWife - |
|
|
GrratefulWife,
Obviously no patient can diagnose the cause of pain over the internet that a Uro seems unable to diagnose in person. I have however unfortunately become all too well informed on penis anatomy and post RP issues. Much of it beyond the scope of what I could post here.
What I can say:
4.5 months is early to assess erections. The first erections are likely to result during sleep. Encouraging blood flow with conservative use of a Vacuum Erection Device (VED) is likely beneficial at maintaining healthy erectile tissue until erections return.
Needles to the penis are not without risk. Any penile trauma can be a trigger for Peyronies Disease (PD) if other factors are in place to support development of PD. PD is the uncontrolled development of scar tissue that far over-runs the wound site (a bit like a skin keloid scar).
Incidence of PD ranges from 2 to 15% in men and Radical Prostatectomy is a risk factor.
Symptoms of PD vary but include:
Penile pain which is usually greater during and after erection.
Sudden (over days or weeks) onset of curvature or bend in the penis. This is caused by scar tissue on one side or top of the stretchy erectile tissue. (somewhat like scotch tape on a balloon that is then blown up)
Loss of length or girth due to scar tissue.
Hardened lump or nodules in the penis. Theses can be bb to pea sized or larger. They are scar tissue.
Like with most conditions, many of these symptoms could point to something other than PD. Bear in mind however that recent surveys American Urology certified doctors show that most urologists are very uninformed and misinformed about this condition.
A great site with a forum for men and women with more information on PD specific issues is www.peyroniessociety.org
_________________
History: PSA's 6.7 neg. biopsy - PSA 16.6 neg. biopsy - PSA's 8.2 - 8.1 - 8.7 Biopsy. 4+4 Gleason 8. Lap RP Apr 2004, age 52 All neg margins, nodes, and structures. (T2a). Post RP PSA: every 6 mo. <.1 until Feb, 08 (46 mos) PSA .1 - I then got sensitive tests (all in 2008) showing:
Feb .06 - May .09 - Jun .10 - Aug .10 |
|
Search 
Email Digests
Register to post
Profile 
Check private messages 
Log in
What is this ?
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here. All content and posts are copyright.
