Cialis?

DaveInAZ

Hi folks. First time posting, but have read several of the comments and replies over the past few weeks. July 10 I had a Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy plus the removal of two lymph nodes. Surgery went as planned although my prostate was like double the normal size, so I had to wear a catheter an extra week. Upon removal, recovery seems to be going ok knock on wood. I am now wearing pads to control what basically is a small amount of leakage. I actually have pretty good control over my bladder. My urologist told me going in that getting an erection after all of this was probably not a real possibility (I am 62 years old, so a bit young for all of this I guess). I accepted this going in (was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago via biopsy, and an MRI showed a pretty good size cyst that was 99% cancer). After my follow up with my urologist he suggested I take what is basically 20mg of a generic Cialis medication, but was not real specific about when / how often. He said this would help facilitate blood flow in my penis. The instructions on the prescription says take as necessary. The pharmacist said that dose is sometimes considered a daily dose. Obviously i probably need to talk to my urologist but has anyone else here been prescribed Cialis or something similar following prostate removal? I have been hesitant to start this because I wanted to make sure I was fully healed before subjecting whats left of me to something new, if that makes sense.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Wheel

yes, Viagra low dose the night of the surgery when I got home daily

Wheel

Don’t worry its not for the purpose everyone is reaching for it right now. That ain’t going to happen. This is just to keep a stream of blood flow in the organ.

Old Salt

That's correct; Cialis (or Viagra) are often prescribed for the reasons cited above by Wheel. I don't know what the correct dosing regimen is. Your pharmacist is not the best person to ask in your case.

Wheel

dave,

I just had my Robotic Laparoscopic Radical prostatectomy last Thursday. They actually had me start my pills that night. The purpose is not erections and what one is usually thinking when they hear of any of these, Viagra, Cialis, etc. It is just to stimulate blood flow into the organ to keep it blood enriched or it would not get anything. My dose of Sildenafil (Viagra) is considered low dose. If in the future down the road the time might come you don’t want to have missed the bus by not proactively sending some blood that direction. I am to take it daily.

DaveInAZ

Thanks for all the replies. I was provided the script 2 weeks after my surgery, when my catheter was removed, so it is interesting that some had it start the day of. I will start taking the meds tonight.

lesjanes

My surgery was 7/11 and doctor did not prescribe any any Cialis or Viagra yet. My post op meeting with him is 9/4.

I find it interesting the different approaches that everyone's Drs have had. My Dr seems fairly confident that function will return, especially since I didn't have any issues prior and I had nerve sparing surgery. But I expect that when I see my Dr next he will prescribe something to help with ED.

At present, there is really no function down below about 6 weeks out of surgery. But I do have reason to be hopeful. Even though my penis is a rather modest size after the surgery (modest is really a generous way of saying small …lol), when I wake, some mornings my penis is a bit larger. I guess trying to emulate the old morning wood days.

68 and relatively healthy. Looking forward to my next progressions in recovery.

Josephg

Viagra is a 'use when needed' med. Cialis is a 'take daily' med. Their prescribed usage criteria is different.

lesjanes

Ahhh, finally prescribed 20mg tadalafil to help promote penile rehab. Kinda of anxious on side affects. Hopefully just mild.

DaveInAZ

I am only taking 5 mg. 20 mg is like the max for that medication. My side effects are mild, some tingling and a little engorgement but does not last long. Will be curious to see what you experience.

On a side note i saw my urologist earlier this week, precisely two months after my surgery. My PSA is 0 and I am only using panty shields, and can go a whole day with one. Just very minor leakage from time to time. Doc said I am way ahead of schedule on that, that most men 2 months in have to use several pads a day, so knock on wood that continues.

lesjanes

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717854#Comment_1717854

Congratulations on the leakage. Its been 2 days without pads for me. Though it takes longer for my pee to stop dribbling after I pee.

Clevelandguy

Hi,

I was prescribed generic Viagra after my surgery, it did not seem to help much. It kind of gave me hot flashes so after a couple of weeks I stoped using it, probably not the smartest idea. Everyone is different but it took me over a year to regain a useable member. It was great getting my first morning woody. Sounds like your getting some positive effects from the medication which is good. I would think a continuation of the medication would not be a bad idea. Great to hear your urine leakage is slowing down.

Dave 3+4

lighterwood67

My surgeon had me taking Viagra daily 30 days prior to surgery. In simple terms, he told me to view it as fertilization of the area. To tell you the truth, I have been fortunate; I really have not had an issue with the erectile dysfunction side effect.

lesjanes

Has anyone had any side affect from Tadalafil (cialis)? Since I started taking 20gm of Tadalafil , my legs have been achy and feeling rather heavy and restless. I am going to take a couple days off to see if that helps and then reintroduce Tadalafil .

Josephg

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717893#Comment_1717893

Yes. I would describe it as a Sciatica-like dull ache that starts about 3 days into taking Cialis, and it stops about 2 days after stopping Cialis. I experimented with it 3 different times, and the same result happened each time, and I had to stop taking it.

DaveInAZ

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1717893#Comment_1717893

20 mg from what I read is the maximum dose, the dose used to get it up for lack of a better term. I am only taking 5 mg with no side affects that I can tell, and really no action to speak of other than some minor throbbing…Which I guess would be expected.

lesjanes

I took a day off and have restarted the tadalafil. My leg aches went away after only one day off.

I don't have expectations of any immediate improvement in erectile function. My Dr said as much. Its a process. But I do admit missing my manhood .

Wheel

My Surgeon put me on 20 MG of Sildenafil (Viagra) the lowest dose beginning the night getting home after surgery. He said these dose levels are not intended for the job. He will eventually slowly increase the dose.

lesjanes

Well, I stopped tadalafil. I had a couple of minor lighted headed epsidodes. Then one morning while on vacation, got up in the middle of the night, got light headed and crashed into the night stand. Huge bruise below ribs. Fortunately it just looks worse than it feels. But a disconcerting moment since I never had equilibrium issues before.

Dr confirmed to stop tadalafil until we develop a new course of action.

mbluth

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328400/cialis

I am preparing for laparoscopic surgery the doctor gave me a prescription for 5mg cialis (Monday - Friday) 20 mg on Saturday and Sunday. They said start after the catheter is removed.

mbluth

For blood flow