138. Meet Brian and Vanessa - Recovery, Injections, Lymphedema, and 2-3 Rounds

138. Meet Brian and Vanessa - Recovery, Injections, Lymphedema, and 2-3 Rounds

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett May 30, 2023 Duration: 28:36
Brian had his prostate surgery in September 2021 and his recovery went pretty smoothly. He only needed to wear pads for a couple of weeks. Surprisingly, he decided to try his first injection less than four weeks after the surgery. The sight of the tools was frightful, but hey, the results were pretty, pretty, good! The only downside was feeling a bit uncomfortable while driving on the freeway.  Come March, Brian met Vanessa and faced the challenge of navigating a new relationship after prostate surgery. However, they had the necessary conversation about Brian's circumstance, and their relationship flourished.   Brian didn’t have a super smooth journey though since in the middle of his newfound romance was the occurrence of lymphedema. However, with a great mindset and a trusting partner, he was able to overcome it - by using bandages.   Brian emphasises the importance of having that difficult first conversation about prostate cancer with a partner. He believes that without having that conversation, nothing will progress, and encourages others to openly discuss their experiences.  This is an inspiring story about finding love despite being a bit floppy!  ---------- Websites: https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Men’s health only https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders http://www.menshealthphysiotherapy.com.au/ http://prost.com.au/   Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett YouTube: Melissa Hadley BarrettLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/   Music David Mercy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HbvnltKu4XbWTmk0kpVB9?si=D1xP5dDVQK-zzNU3rViRWg   Producer Thomas Evans: The SOTA Process https://www.instagram.com/thesotaprocess/ https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jf2IYXRlgfsiqNARsY8fi

For anyone who’s ever felt alone or confused about a sexual health issue, The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health provides a rare and essential space for honest dialogue. Hosted by Australian Nurse Practitioner and Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett, this podcast emerged in 2020 from a collaboration with physiotherapist Jo Milios, born from a shared frustration with the silence and stigma surrounding men's bodies. The show has since grown into a substantial resource, with nearly 200 episodes and over 219,000 streams, reflecting its vital role. What you’ll hear here isn’t just theoretical; Melissa blends her clinical expertise with direct, anonymized conversations from her practice, often including the perspectives of patients and their partners. This approach transforms each episode into a nuanced exploration of real-life concerns-from erectile function and pelvic pain to intimacy and communication-topics that are routinely avoided yet universally impactful. The discussions are grounded in science but delivered with a relatable, compassionate tone that makes complex information accessible. Tuning into this podcast means joining a community where awkward questions are welcomed, evidence replaces myth, and personal stories illuminate the path to better health. It’s a practical guide for men and those who care about them, dismantling embarrassment one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Penis Project Podcast: Breaking Taboos in Men’s Sexual Health
Podcast Episodes
148: Prostate Cancer - The Silver Lining/Fit, Fabulous Before 50 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:22
On this episode of The Penis Project I chat with Brook, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 47. Having experienced zero symptoms, Brook’s decision to get tested was prompted by his brother's own di…
147. Reece’s Accident at Work, at 17 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:42
Injury and Penile Health What would you do if, at 17, you had an accident that affected your sexual function? Today, Reece will answer that question and share with us his story. At 17 years old, Reece had a work accident…
146. Your Partner’s Solution to Painful Sex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:47
Hear it from Sarah and her THERMIVa experience If your partner is experiencing painful sex even while using a lubricant, THERMIva might be the answer. Our guest today, Sarah, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36. P…
145. Ryan’s story with HIV; The good, the beautiful, the lemonade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:07
How far has science progressed with treating HIV? Quite far and Ryan will share all the details. Today’s episode will give you a peak into Ryan’s life - from his HIV diagnosis, to breaking the news to his family, to reco…
144. Going Beyond the Dad Bod; Meet Liam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
Today, we speak with Liam Sorrell, the founder/director of Grit and Gratitude, and also the chair of Australian Dad’s Network. Both of these organisations have one goal in common, mental health and community. Grit and Gr…
143. Bone Cancer at Age 34 - Recovery, Effects, and 4cms less [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:49
Jason was diagnosed with bone cancer in November last year, at the age of 34. First thought to be caused by baby hernia, the massive pain in Jason’s groin was actually due to a large lump over his pelvic bone that was pr…
141. Mike the Determinator and Samantha the Bewitcher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:40
Meet Mike and Samantha, they contacted The Penis Project as they were keen to share their story, which is one of love, connection and romance. Samantha and Mike had been married for 45 years. And through it all, have enj…
140. Valentines Day in June - Meet Harry and Meghan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:11
We’re celebrating Valentines Day this June with our guests Harry and Meghan, a couple with a 37-year marriage and counting. Harry, who had previously battled testicular cancer 20 years ago, now faced a new obstacle at th…