Post surgery advice needed

October 6, 2006

Hi all, I actually joined and introduced myself a few months ago, I

have been lurking occasionally since then and frequenting the

women's group. My husband, , (60 yrs old) just had DaVinci

robotic surgery a week ago (9/29). The pathology showed clear

margins, cancer confined to capsule, Gleason 6. Today the catheter

and staples in the incisions were removed, and he was cleared to

resume any activities he feels well enough to attempt, as long as it

doesn't involve lifting anything over 20 pounds or straining

abdominal muscles. YAY- on the road to recovery!

Now to address the intimacy issues.....We requested a preliminary

consultation with the urologist/surgeon about a month ago and we

broached the subject of using Viagra or other medication to

encourage blood flow and speed recovery from ED. The doc said that

he didn't generally do that, but would be open to providing samples

for that purpose if we wanted to try it. Today he gave us 24 50 mg

tablets (Viagra) in sample packs and recommended we cut them in half

(25 mg) and have take them daily for the next 6 weeks. Is

this an appropriate dosage for this use? Should he take this at

bedtime, or does it matter?

From what we have read, we thought another med with a longer half

life may be preferable- Cialis or Levitra? Will starting with this

level of viagra be helpful or should we reapproach him for a

different prescription... or ? Do you have any references you could

refer us to that could bolster our request, if so, or conversely

support this recommended approach?

Also, I figure that down the road we may need/want to try a VED, as

well- how long do you suppose we should wait on that? Any

recommendations for a timeline we should use in this process---

knowing that every body and recovery issue is different, and that we

will be " going with the flow " .... within the guidelines. I'm

thinking some of you probably received some professional guidance

along the way that we could benefit from... kinda feels like we are

on our own here in our neck of the woods.

Appreciate the experience and directness I have found here. Thanks

in advance for any advice.

Carol

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