Anyone have issues with vacuum devises post prostatectomy?

Posted by batsam10 @batsam10, Jun 14 9:52am

Hello all,

Hope all are having good day. I have been using a medical grade electric vacuum device and having some challenges. My surgery was a couple months ago and I started using the device (when advised safe to do so by my Dr ‘s office) for almost two weeks on a daily basis per the instructions. I stopped last night because of an uncomfortable low grade pain in my penis.

I have followed the directions carefully and do not pump fast. I do very little at a time until approximately 3/4 capacity. I don’t push it for a full erection but notice my penis turning blue in the chamber. I called the manufacturer Tim Medical who stated as long as the color of the penis returns to normal color within a few minutes of releasing the pressure would be acceptable.

I started using for 5 minutes then moved up to 10 minutes per session. Does anyone else find the sessions uncomfortable and or have any issues similar to mine? I am nowhere near thinking of intercourse at this time but more concerned about recovery sessions.

Please share your experiences and or advice.

Best to all.

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I have had the same experiences though I have a manual pump.

One a purple penis will happen. If it bothers you think about stopping after three minutes and massage the penis. Should return to normal color and then resume the session.

My pain was due to over pumping. Now I go slow and aim for a 8-10 min session. Seems to work for me.

Hope this helps.

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I purchased my device from Augusta Medical Systems, along with a $99 lifetime warranty, which I have used a couple of times due to loss of pressure. My urologist told me to use either Trimix or the vacuum 2X a week to keep stay healthy, but I typically use the pump 3X a week for 20 minutes each session. I don't have material soreness. If I start to feel uncomfortable, I release some of the pressure. I stopped using the electric version and switched to manual as the electric kept breaking. If I have not used for awhile from traveling, I use for less time and build back up to 20 minutes to avoid soreness. Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but best of luck!

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I've tried a manual vac device but not for erection. Those went out with the nerves during RALP and the ADT for 2-years.
But RALP really shortened my penis AND with an AUS for incontinence I need all the length I can get.
But had no measurable success with the device. (Though with the above good observations and info I may try again.)
Have any of you gained 'relaxed state' length using such devices??
Thanks and good luck in regaining a more normal life in whatever form you need.

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Batsam10 time is on your side. I am 1 year and 3 days after surgery. I do fine pump a little painful upon filling the tube when pumped up. I tried a larger diameter tube with same results. Larger tube does not work with ring slide. I go till uncomfortable hold short time then repeat. I am finding natural erecting is get much better the last few months. Only use pump occasionally. Injections are my friend. I hope you do well in your recovery, time is going to help you I believe and wish you speedy healing.

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Although the device was recommend by my urologist, Medicare would not reimburse me after the purchase. Medicare said it was not effective.

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My thoughts and experience with a pump (Vacurect) for penile rehabilitation post RALP.

My understanding is what we're trying to do is get oxygen into the veins and surrounding tissue of the penis so that when the traumatized nerves which trigger erection either wake up or re-grow, there will be viable tissue to allow erection. Normal nighttime erections carry in arterial blood, which is high in oxygen. The pumps bring in venous blood, which is relatively low in oxygen.

My thinking was, the longer the suction is held in the pump, the lower the oxygen levels will become. So there is a diminishing return with a single session of ten minutes. What I did was keep the suction on for three-five minutes, then release it, remove the pump, squeeze the penis to get all the old blood out, and re-pump one or two more times, for a 10-15 minute session. I did this 5-6 x/week starting about a month after surgery. Using this method, I did not have either discoloration or pain (other than the sensation of pressure).

I also used 50 mg of sildenifil (Viagra) most days for further blood flow stimulation. And I practiced periodic masturbation with an Octopussy device (designed for the flaccid penis) several times a week. after 4-5 months, my wife and I began trying various routes to penis-in-vagina intercourse, using the pump and a cock ring. By eight months post-surgery, that was successful, meaning firm enough with viagra an hour before, no cock ring, and orgasm for both of us while inside. At that point, I stopped using the pump for rehab or pre-intercourse, and stopped viagra except for actual intercourse.

I did have "nerve-sparing" surgery, and was 74 @ the time. Thinking back, I do remember needing to go slow while starting the pumping process due to the pressure sensation (others might call it pain?). Within 3 weeks, it had become routine, and I could pump up quickly.

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Here is a sample protocol (using $30-40 non-medical, electric rechargeable VED bought online):
Preparation: thorough gel application to base of VED, also trim hair around base (to improve seal)
NOTE: At any step in this protocol where there is pain, immediately proceed to...
d. Stop pump and release valve to return to 0 suction;
e. Maintain no pressure for 10+ seconds.
--Also consider reseating VED to get a better fit and seal before restarting procedure.

1a. Start vacuum before settling VED on member as this assists for entry for flaccid member
b. Pump to about 80 (one click of 1-4 on pump,) for 20 seconds.
c. Whether or not a good seal, maintain for 20 seconds. (at first it will probably not maintain, still 20 seconds)
d. Stop pump and release valve to return to 0 suction. It may help to pull VED up while releasing pressure, then relax.
e. Maintain no pressure (still in VED) for 10+ seconds.
[Steady relaxed breathing can be a way to count time. Generally most people breath somewhere around 15x/minute, which would be a breath cycle every 4 seconds.
2. Repeat cycle until it becomes easy or time is up.
3. Once cycle is easy, and member remains somewhat engorged at 0 suction (seal will also improve)...
a. Pump to about 80 (one click) for 20 seconds
b. Maintain for 20 seconds.
c. Pump to about 160 (2 clicks) for 20 seconds, maintain for 10 seconds. (at first, it will probably not maintain.)
d. Release valve to zero pressure.
e. Maintain no pressure for 10+ seconds.
4. Repeat cycle until it becomes easy or time is up.
Note: With my device and context, I generally reach maximum engorgement as indicated by length in the tube at this stage. Additional pressure does not make a difference.
[5. If needed, add a third click, again incrementally increasing step wise.]
NOTE: There is no consensus about whether to stop at 10 minutes or up to 20 minutes, but there is consensus that all constriction should be removed within 30 minutes. If you limit sessions to 10 minutes, some recommend doing two sessions daily. I never have. I find it intrusive enough to do one, and I often don't do that, especially once my member at rest is looking more like I once remember.

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