Circulation issues have been plaguing me for the past several months, and getting a doctor’s appointment is taking an eternity. As I’ve been waiting, the issue has only worsened, to the point where I am quickly losing sensitivity in my hands and fingers. EDIT: “Quickly” as in over the span of a few days or weeks having cold hands, not hours. If that makes a difference.

As a cis male, this has also begun to affect a certain part of the body that requires good blood flow to properly function. Without an incredible amount of sexual excitement, it remains worryingly cold and lifeless. I’m enjoying what I have left while it lasts, but it would be horribly fitting for me to lose feeling there too before I can even set foot into the vascular specialist’s office.

It’s brutal. It really is. I’m in my early 20s, and this, on top of a multitude of chronic health problems, is hitting me all at once. I’ve never had a partner, but I was always so excited to find one someday. But now, things have just gotten a whole lot harder. (That is, except for one thing.)

I don’t want to lose hope. I’ve already tried that in the past from my other health issues, and it only makes things worse. But it’s kind of difficult to imagine what a relationship looks like without functioning parts. Especially when this doesn’t magically make me asexual. I still want to enjoy some kind of sexual activity, but I’m not sure that I’ll be able to do it in the way that most women who would otherwise be compatible with me are hoping for.

I’d appreciate any kind of hope or encouragement, or just practical advice for what to do if the worst comes to pass. I feel that this is a scenario that I need to be prepared for, because god knows that the medical system isn’t fast enough to do anything except record the damage that has already been done.

Thank you, and I wish you all luck in dealing with whatever fucked up shit has come your way, too.

EDIT 2: You know what? Maybe this isn’t about my junk as much as it is my entire fucking body. “Oh that’s weird, the lack of circulation has spread from my fingers to my entire hand in a few days.” Uh, yeah, you THINK? My feet are turning blue, my hands are going numb, my mouth is getting cold, and I’m worried about THIS? Maybe the commenters telling me to get care immediately have a point. Maybe I’m the meme guy who worries about the economy while a meteor crashes into Earth.

  • BonesOfTheMoon@lemmy.world
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    17 hours ago

    My (kind of) ex has ED from diabetes, and OP you may want to be checked for that as vasculopathy is a side effect. He just got a vacuum pump and ring system. It’s a little awkward the first few times but after that you just get used to it. We don’t engage anymore, but a couple of years ago went to a resort on vacation, and you have to declare all medical devices at customs in your carryon and that was included. That was funny to hear. But honestly it worked just fine and it was really no big deal after the first time or two. Being honest with your partner is important, and this is fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. Other treatments are cavernoma injections (needle in the peener when you want to have sex), or trying Viagra or whatever which is wildly expensive and doesn’t work for everyone. A vacuum pump and rings is reusable and reliable.

    My coworker’s boyfriend has premature ejaculation and is embarrassed by it so they just don’t have sex, and really it’s dumb.