mike

[hoopy_49]

has anyone had surgury for prostrate cancer involving nerve sparing? did you have any complications?

[Woodie263]

We were lead to believe that Cialis was not the drug to take if the prostate has been removed.  Our friend takes it, but he has diabetes, and it is fine for that.
Cheers
Woodie263

[Phil57]

On Feb 20 I did get an email from India saying the shipment is on the way. I'll let you know how they work when received. The same as you, I figured. what have I got to lose? About $90, but I am quite certain that they have the same make up as the real thing.

Phil

[WTL]

That is quite a site, Phil. They have this "double pills" offer, which you've all seen if you went there - literally 2 for the price of 1. For Viagra that means 240 pills for $133. Cialis is an equally great deal, but they say it's "not for consumption in the United States." ??? So I wrote to ask if that means they won't ship to the US or if we just have to swear we won't take it in the US.

I must say, though, that their explanation about "similar in composition to" is convoluted, to say the least. I have no idea if I'd actually be getting what I think I'm getting, so I guess the only way to find out is order a small amount and see if it works - or wait for Phil to tell us.

[WTL]

I also order Cialis and Viagra from India. It's the same stuff, works the same. You don't even need a prescription (well, I just checked the site again and now they require one - don't know why, but I'm asking them - having to go through my doctor for this is more hassle I don't need, and he knows I take it, with his approval, and no bad reactions at all). I pay a lot more than you, Phil - about $2 each for Cialis, somewhat less for Viagra - so I'm going to look up that site. The more you buy the less it costs - a small amount, say 5, costs $5 each, while 90 cost $2.11 each.

Anyway, they always arrive, though the packaging is strictly third-world - a small manila envelope all taped up and kind of ragged-looking by the time it gets here, stuffed with the pills in those pop-out cards.

[Phil57]

I have ordered generic  Viagara from India at 56 cents per tablet. I have not received the order yet but apparently guys on another prostate site have tried it and say it is as good with fewer side effects. The site is called All Day Chemists. I am in Canada and it would cost $115 for 8 tablets here. I am getting 120 tablets for under $100 including shipping.

[Artdude]

I wish the viagra were not so cost prohibitive.  I currently am fighting with my insurance company over quantity.  In America on my plan--Blue Cross Blue Shield of GA, I am allowed 6 pills a month.  Not nearly enough to take every day as my doctor ordered for penile rehabilitation.  (I was fortunate to receive some sample packs from a Pfizer representative, but they are almost gone now.)  However, I had tried a supplement that is known to increase nitric oxide levels.  I used it in conjunction with my viagra and when i ran out of my viagra supply.  It is L-Arginine.  Another supplement is L-Carnitine.  Don't take them together.  L-Carnitine should be taken on a emply stomach.  There are many different forms--and they each have a slightly different function.  What i took of the L-Carnitine is GPLC by Jarrow pharmaceuticals.  I know Australia has several good supplier of supplements.  L-Arginine works differently than viagra.  It approaches the blood flow problem from another angle.  It works to build NO which is necessary for an erection.  L-Carnitine (which is supposed to work WITH Viagra) helps with the blood flow. Read up on both of these.  (iHerb--a vitamin and herbal supplement supplier has some good information.)  About dosage.  Your husband will want to consumer anywhere from 3 grams to 5 grams per day.  I would suggest 1 gram at each dosage split up during the day.  Start with 1 gram 3 x a day, then increase it to 1.5 3x a day.  If your doctor is pro-supplement, he would have some suggestions as well.

Please see what your doctor can do about the viagra (or Levitra).  It is necessary for penile rehabilitation and to prevent scarring from building up.  You remember my operation was October 19.  Even though I had had some stirrings in December, nothing has really happened until the end of January and recently.  (I have been taking the GPLC carnitine each night with my viagra.)  No nocturnal or spontaneous erections yet, but I can "tease" a "fullness" which is kinda like an erection--nothing like pre-surgery, but a start.  It does take time, but your husband needs to increase the blood flow to his nerve bundles.  (That is why I am fighting so hard with BCBS.  If i can get 15 100 mg tablets per month and cut them in half, I will have a month daily supply.  Here, that will run me 60.00 per month.  If I am not successful, I will get 6 pills per 60.00 a month.  You can see the obvious advantage of my fighting for the quantity override.)

While the goal is an erection, maintaining blood flow and preventing scarring is the number one concern right now.  Can your doctor presribe a VED to help with that?  I use that in conjunction with my meds.  Can he get you some Levitra or Cialis.  I don't know how your system works, but I have received some samples from him--though not as many as i would like ;-).  Try these supplements--ask your doctor about them.  Many bodybuilders use both for different reasons of course.  They want the NO and the blood supply for muscle growth and to increase oxygen intake.  People with heart problems often take L-Carnitine as well.  Properly consumed, your husband shouldn't have a problem.  One more thing.  There are several diffent kind of L-Arginine.  Don't buy the ones that are mixed with other amino acids.  They inhibit the effectiveness of L-Arginine.  You want the free form kind.  Hope this helps.  Blessings.

[Woodie263]

Not sure how successful the nerve sparing is going to be.  One side of my husband's prostate was able to have the nerves spared, but the other side had cancer on it so it was impossible to spare those nerves. Already he has taken 1 viagra, and that didn't do anything. It is very expensive here in Australia.  It has been 9.5 weeks since his RP.  I realise from reading the posts on the forum that it can take quite a while before things happen.

[Artdude]

Hello.  I had a robotic prostatectomy October 19,  2007, nerve-sparing without any complications.  I don't think you are going to find a general consensus or pattern with this situation.  Some men will have complications, most will not.  It is statistical averages at work.  The complications could result from the surgery whether nerve sparing or not (or open or laprascopic for that matter) or could result from each person's healing pattern.

[Phil57]

I believe there could be hundreds on this forum that have had surgery involving nerve sparing.I am one of them. My complications were that I had severe abdominal and kidney pains for 6 weeks. Is there some specific problem you are having.