From LAR to AX: My Bionic Journey is Planned

[CobraCobretti]

Hi all,

I’m scheduled to become bionic in 3 weeks with Dr. Hakky. Decided on Rigicon AX trial, as I have Aetna insurance and they often don’t cover implants and don’t want to get through the surgery only for them to tell me I owe them $25k. I prefer a known thing, so went with the Rigicon at half the cost.

How I got here: 48 yrs old. Never had any issues with ED. Then was diagnosed with stage 1 colorectal cancer 2.5 years ago. No chemo or radiation, however, had Lower Anterior Resection (LAR) surgery, which is a major surgery removing my rectum and part of my colon and other surrounding tissue and 27 lymph nodes. As well, had to have a temporary bag for 3-4 months (ileostomy), then follow up surgery to reverse plumbing. Then a third surgery 3 months later to repair a hernia caused by the other surgeries.

The good news, I’m cancer free. The bad the procedure caused immediate and total ED (among other quality of life issues), not allowing enough blood to flow in, “arterial insufficiency”. Tried pills, shots, etc. and nothing works. VED is the most helpful but isn’t comfortable with ring and doesn’t always hold and just not that ideal IMO, especially with being newly single.

I’ve been lurking on here for over a year and knew this was my eventual path forward to getting some resemblance of my life back. I’ll provide an update post surgery and or post other questions leading up to it. Thanks all. Your posts and sharing of your journeys inspired me to get here.

[1984ptc]

Whos doing your ipp? Just curious on cost. i had the ax too. Paid 12k all in.

[CobraCobretti]

Dr. Hakky