Re: A question for the Gentlemen in our club.
Steve Cappelson (scappelson(AT)ntwrks.com)
Thu, 20 Mar 1997 21:50:29 -0600
SPEARMN(AT)aol.com wrote:
>
> 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
Gary,
I find myself in a similar situation. I feel very fortunate to have had
a steady recovery following my 1/5/97 tm attack. I can walk a fair
distance with my quad cane now after losing any ability to walk at all.
My sensations are also reduced with the left half of my body from the
sternum down being more numb. My bladder, bowell, and sexual function
work but slower. While I can reach an orgasm it takes forever. There is
no pleasure because I can not feel the sensation. I too would be
interested in any info. Thanks.
Steve