A question for the Gentlemen in our club.

SPEARMN(AT)aol.com
Wed, 19 Mar 1997 20:07:20 -0500 (EST)

I am curious if any one out there with a similiar recovery to mine might have
some answers for me regarding sexual function.
I had my attack suddenly and within hours was completely paralyzed below the
waist. My recovering was fairly quick. Within 5 weeks I had limited walking
ability with two canes and now a year later, appear for all intents and
purposes to walk perfectly normally. My residual symptoms include bladder
and bowel problems. My bladder occasionally cooperates and so I only need to
cath once a day prior to bedtime. My bowels, as long as I keep the natural
laxative people in business, seem to do whats necessary with some effort on
my part.

Here is the issue. I have been able to have erections to varying degrees
even when I had a "foley" at the hospital. I have continued with these and
yet my erections are not long lasting and can be considered softer than in my
previous experience. I have been out of the hospital since last April am
unable to complete sex with my wife and yet can achieve orgasm. I have about
approx. 30 % feeling loss on the dorsal side of my body from the soles of my
feet to the small of my back. This seems to include the "dorsal" half of my
penis. I wonder if anyone has had any success with the new plethora of drugs
on the market. I am hestitant to take anything that might affect my
condition. On the other hand if there is something simple I can do to regain
something I have lost, possibly forever, than I would like to know about it.

I do not want to appear callous to those of you who have no sexual function
at all. I am simply looking for info that may improve my own situation from
others who may have a similar situation. Thanks for the help.

Gary