Non-Nerve Sparing RARP

Posted by Climber @stevemaggart, Aug 21 8:21am

Im 67 and my RARP at Mayo in Phoenix was done 8 weeks ago. The procedure was non-nerve sparing (NNS) due to the localized spread & extent of my tumors. I believe that most RARP's are usually unilaterally or bilaterally nerve sparing surgeries which have a significantly better prognosis for erectile function recovery (EFR) compared to NNS procedures. My urologist has basically told me there is little chance of EFR for me, but has agreed to prescribe Cialis as part of my penile rehabilitation therapy. My question to this community is, if you had a NNS RARP, what have you experienced regarding EFR and the efficacy of the therapies to treat it? Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Jerry | @jerryegge | Aug 21 12:08pm

I had NNS too. It’s now been 30 months since my surgery. I haven’t tried any of the options that could help me recover my erectile function. I have basically given up. My decision had been overshadowed by the passing of my beloved wife, two months after my surgery. Good luck with your recovery: there are helpful resources out there.

Climber | @stevemaggart | Aug 21 12:45pm

Jerry, I am so sorry to hear your story. This whole prostate cancer, surgery, recovery, and complications is difficult enough to deal with, but to hear that you lost your wife so quickly makes me quite sad. There are many people that care for and love you, some you may not have even met yet. Don't do the trditional "male thing" and tell them you are just fine - make sure you let them show thier love and compashion for you and share your pain during your journey. Good luck to you and stay strong!

grandpun | @grandpun | Aug 22 12:14pm

Jerry, we're both in two clubs no one wants to join: PC and Widowers. My wife and support of 53 years passed just three weeks before my RALP. All in January of '22. Not a "Happy New Year" at all for either of us. And our timing is amazingly close to the same.
Over the last 8-months or so I tell myself and others that 'I think I've turned a corner' in my outlook and emotions. I'm much more positive and now, after 2-years of Lupron is finished, I seem to be getting my energy back. Plus I have a wonderful Lady Friend now. Things are looking much brighter for me and I hope you find or have found at least as good a path as I.
May you have peace, love, fulfillment, health, and fun.
- bob

PS FWIW, here's a website I found quite helpful - almost as good as this PC forum. For your consideration
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/widowers-journey/id1473762540

heavyphil | @heavyphil | Aug 23 10:39am

Your surgeon is probably right but ask him about Trimix injection; works directly on the vascularity of the penis.
All the other ED drugs affect the whole body and the dose you really need to get to your penis would probably be risky.
Some friends on Trimix love it but not sure if both their nerve bundles were removed. Best of Luck!