179:  Robert- Everything he has done is hard won! A prostate cancer story. Spice up your rehab!

179: Robert- Everything he has done is hard won! A prostate cancer story. Spice up your rehab!

Author: Sexologist Melissa Hadley Barrett September 18, 2024 Duration: 46:07
This is a very special episode featuring none other than Victoria Cullen from “A touchy Subject” and Robert, a longtime patient of both Victoria and me (Melissa Hadley Barrett). Robert had an open prostatectomy in May 2009 and has been on a journey of self-discovery ever since. He initially saw men’s health Dr in Brisbane for 4-5 years until he went searching for other options. He injected twice a week for years a mysterious mix … he did achieve an erection, but this was not ‘wife friendly” as no spontaneity. He was only 57 years old at this stage and disappointed with the loss of what was previously a good intimate relationship. Unfortunately, he received advice that vacuum pumps were a waste of time and used injections for rehab, this became costly and tedious and eventually he ran out of steam 2016 and gave up. He felt shame about loss of function.    Along the way he met various health professionals whom he asked if they could help and usually, they didn’t respond well until he was eventually sent to a sex therapist who convinced him that outercourse was the way of the future. Finally in 2021 he was introduced to Victoria’s work by a physio he saw to assist with incontinence issues, and he hasn’t looked back. Through Victoria, he met me and Tess Deveze and continued to spice up his rehab and life.   This is a story of perseverance, patience, resilience, and of finding pleasure and joy. I hope you learn as much from Robert as Victoria, and I have and can use some of his lessons and apply them to you. You may be interested to join Victoria’s Hub (a safe place for men to chat, share and help each other. Happy pumping!    - https://atouchysubject.podia.com/a-touchy-subject-community : to join the Hub Membership  - https://www.atouchysubject.com/help-for-ed-post-prostate-surgery : free 101 rehab program  - https://www.atouchysubject.com/ed-vacuum-pump-vacurect-demonstration-video : Vacurect training course    ----------  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 Barrett  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/   TEDX  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA 

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…