The Penis Project

125. Ross the Runner The Eureka patient

 

Today, we speak with Ross. Ross will talk about his prostate cancer journey and a marathon he will be joining in London, at 64 years old!

 

Ross was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2020. This was two years after a routine check-up in 2018 showed elevated PSA readings.

At first, Ross procrastinated taking action as everything he read about prostate cancer was all gloom and doom.

After a lesson on the possibility of cancer spreading by his wife and meeting with Dr Jo and Melissa, Ross learned that it’s not all gloom and doom. That there’s hope. There’s help. And there are ways to treat prostate cancer and still have a quality of life. With this knowledge he decided to fight it head on.

He started with his PRE-hab before surgery and enjoyed the results thereafter. Why? Because he stopped wearing pads 3-4 days post-op!

As Dr Jo describes it, Ross the Runner is a Eureka patient.

Now, Ross is ready to take on another challenge. 

He will be running the 42km London Marathon. For those who haven’t heard of this event, runners for this marathon need to apply and be accepted to join - in fact for every 20 applications received, only 1 gets accepted. Ross is that one. :)

This episode is about the fact that people get scared and sometimes fear treatment. This is normal.

We hope this episode will also teach you that there is hope, there is help, and it’s available - whatever step you take and to let you know that you’re not alone.

Ross will run the marathon and raise funds for PCAHelp - an organization helping prostate cancer patients in Western Australia, to Prostate Cancer UK where they do fabulous research that benefits men and their families all around the world. If you would like to support this great cause and help other men with prostate cancer, please see links below.

• GoFund Me for Prostate Cancer Patients in WA
• PCAHelp Org
• https://thepenisproject.org/125-ross-the-runner-the-eureka-patient-prostate-cancer-recovery/

Enjoy listening! 

----------

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/

 

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

124. Todd’s Phoenix is Rising Again

Todd, our guest for today is all the way from the USA, thanks to the wonder of Zoom. He is a patient of Melissa’s and was very kind enough to share with us a glimpse of his experience from diagnosis to recovery. Get ready for a full dose of honesty and vulnerability.  

Todd’s father had prostate cancer and as such his brothers and him have always been checked regularly. Once he got the diagnosis, he made sure to explore all the available options - radiation, cyberknife, and many more. The decision was difficult, but in the end he chose surgery. 

From Todd’s experience, having all the information is not the only thing that a patient needs when deciding on treatment, but also, they need proper guidance in decision making.  

Forward to today, he is now 1 year post op. The cancer is gone which is great, but he has been very distressed about sexual function and the lack of support for what he was going through after surgery.   

Which brought him to find Melissa! And now, here he is to share his story.  

Todd will talk about how he had to search for a solution to help him solve his problems, find answers to his questions, and what he did to get the phoenix to rise again! 

What made the Phoenix rise again? Injections! Ta-da, the heavens opened! 

However, Todd had to admit it wasn’t all smooth sailing… which prompted Melissa to have a full-on discussion about the proper way to do those injections and some trouble shooting tips.  Make sure to take note of her instructions on that. ;)  

And stay tuned for part 2 when we invite Todd back!

Enjoy listening! 

----------

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/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Restorativeshealthclinic

 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rshealth_perth/

 

Linkedin:

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

123. 300-400 Times Penile Injections

 

Today, you will be meeting Paul. A 71-year-old gentleman and a penile injection user for more than 4 years! A very satisfied one at that. 😉

At 51, Paul started to do routine blood tests to monitor his sugar and PSA levels. Fourteen years after, at 65 years old and a few fingers up the bum, Paul was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

A year after his surgery, his sexual function did not improve. As a man, he thought “I’ll give it time” thinking it will sort out by itself. But it never did! So, he went back to his urologist to seek help. Pretreatment, he had an active sex life and to give it up altogether without doing anything else, was not Paul’s idea of a good solution.

He met Melissa and that’s when things started getting hard again. Pun intended.

Paul had to make a huge change in his mindset to seek help, but it was worth it. Melissa introduced him to penile injections and he has been using them ever since. His numbers? 300-400 times.

How did he get so proficient? Stickability! He followed the instructions and switched injection sites.

Paul agrees that using injections affects spontaneity, but like vacations, it is fun to plan the sexy times with your partner. He says that it stings a little but you can treat it as THE fine line between pleasure and pain!

Listen to Paul’s story and hopefully, you also get to enjoy 300-400 times. 😉

All resources relating to penile injections are in the show notes below: 

https://thepenisproject.org/123-300-400-times-penile-injections/

----------

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/

 

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

 

122. POLAXED BY HIS PROSTATE - AFL ICON ‘’DIPPER’’ – ROBERT DiPierdomenico lifts the lid on his own Men’s Health Crisis

For today's episode, we talk with Australian Hall of Famer (2007), five-time Hawthorn Premiership Player & 1986 Brownlow Medalist, Berto ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico! 

He has recently opened up about his own unexpected men’s health crisis in 2022 – an episode of urinary retention -, which caused pain ‘far worse than any previous football injury’ ’over his 240 game career. This included the punctured lung and multiple broken ribs suffered in the 1989 AFL Grand final vs Geelong - a game many report as the “finest ever GF” for its ferocity & the infamous poleaxing of Dipper by the ‘’GOD ‘’of Football-, Gary Ablett Snr.

In this riveting interview with Dr Jo Milios (Men’s Health Physiotherapist) and West Coast Eagles Physiotherapist Chris ‘Tex’Perkin, Dipper reveals the stark story of his ‘’middle of the night’’ emergency, when he was carted off in an ambulance after his bladder became blocked, requiring emergency surgery, catheterisation and a going need to wear adult diapers.

Dipper reveals what happened and why, and takes us on a personal journal of living with ongoing urinary incontinence linked to problems of the bladder & prostate!

As you will hear, Dipper also points out that many lessons have been learnt, but there are still many more that need addressing when it comes to common physical issues in men’s health.

For example, a referral to a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor muscle training was advised by his Drs, but then not undertaken.

When Chris Perkin asks ‘’Why?’’, Dipper’s answers reveal much about the culture of the great Aussie male, where asking for help, or even a drink of water – were not part of the traditional male footy player’s macho image in the 1980’s.

Stoicism, ‘’pushing thru’’ and showing no cracks in the armour were essential credentials, and reflect a time and place, you may be surprised to tune into. True to form, however, Dipper’s humour and candour are incredible! Listening to his attempts to perform a pelvic floor ‘’Nuts 2 Guts’ exercise will leave you scratching your head…

 

Most poignant to Dr Jo, however, was Dipper’s answer to ‘’how he is now?’’ – 8 months after surgery to clear the urinary tube, remove excess prostatic tissue (BHP- Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) and fix the urinary retention issue that had caused him so much pain.

Well, Dipper says, ‘’I don’t need to empty my bladder 60-80 times per day and every 20 mins during the night anymore, I piss like a 12-year-old, I just don’t know when I’m going to piss and I don’t have prostate cancer…’.

 

ENJOY! LISTEN & LEARN! – Dipper is now a LEGEND of Men’s Health – the Merv Huges of Football.

RESOURCES:

• A previous interview by Dipper about testicular cancer & Men’s Health: https://fb.watch/ixccQt6J7w/?mibextid=v7YzmG
• Heraldsun
• 2. Online US news story: https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl-2022-robert-dipper-dipierdomenico-lifts-lid-health-issue-225435620.html

----------

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/

 

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

121. ALL-IN! Listen to Melissa, Kendall, and Dr Rob - Sexual health, diet, weight, nutrition, and exercise

 

In 2022 Melissa and Kendall, together with Dr Rob Newton, had the chance to present during one of PCFA’s Shine A Light episodes. 

Today, you will be able to listen to those very informative presentations and a few Qs and As.  

You will first hear from Melissa. Followed by Kendall. And then by Dr. Rob Newton – who we also interviewed here in the podcast (Episode 104: Exercise is Medicine with Dr Rob Newton).  

 

Melissa’s talk revolved around sexual health before, during, and most especially after prostate cancer. 

Whilst Kendall’s talk was all about diet, nutrition, and weight.  

Finally, Dr. Rob Newton focused on how exercise affects a cancer patient’s journey. His presentation explains the reason why he encourages everyone to do any type of exercise regardless of what shape they are in.  

This one is a full-blown (no pun intended!) episode with lots of important nuggets related to prostate cancer – from sexual health to diet, weight adherence, and exercise.  

When you start this episode, we suggest that you take notes. All the information shared here is relevant, scientific, and helpful.  

You can also watch the episode on our Youtube channel.  

https://youtu.be/cHigI6aklh4

----------

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/

 

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

120. Presley is getting his Mojo back, A Movember Episode in January

 

Though a bit late, we’re sharing this Movember episode with you - a reminder that every day should be a health day.  

 

For this episode, we talk with Presley.  

Presley was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a year ago. Prior to his surgery, his doctor suggested that he meet with Dr Jo.  

So three months before his surgery, he was able to start his pelvic floor exercises.  

Fast forward to today, Presley is feeling ok.  

But this has not always been the case for him.  

Prior to diagnosis, Presley suffered from depression, anxiety, and separation.  

Luckily, he found a new love… but this season of change for Presley still came with a few hurdles. Why? His medications were affecting his intimacy and what he could do down there.  

But with an understanding partner and a change in medication, Presley is beginning to get his mojo back!  

To listen to Presley’s story, click the button below. 

To see full show notes, please visit The Penis Project website. 

----------

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/

 

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

119. Young Peter Pan’s Prostate Cancer Journey

 

Today, we speak with Peter Pan.  

Peter was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at the age of 56, thanks to his GP noticing a slight increase in his PSA. Given his family history of Prostate Cancer, they did further investigations immediately. 

The news was devastating and a bit shattering. However, Peter got himself ready for treatment and surgery. This part is what he found the most frustrating - deciding the next steps.  

Peter considers himself lucky throughout the process. Post-op, his continence was perfect according to Dr Jo. He also had some return of erectile function in just a few months.  

Peter’s story today will discuss how he decided which treatment was best for him.   

You can consider this episode an A-Z of one mans journey, which may assist you in yours. It's also a reminder of why it is important to get yourself tested as early as possible.  

Various topics that were discussed in this episode include the following:

• Why having Dupuytren Contracture (please see here for image) predisposes you to develop Peyronies (penile curvature)
• How and why  penile pumps are so important
• Org*sms after prostate cancer surgery 

To see what a Dupuytren Contracture is, please visit the full shownotes here >>

----------

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/

 

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

 

118. Farm Life Fitness with Louise, Specialised Fitness Programs for Farmers

 

Today, we speak with Louise, the owner and founder of Farm Life Fitness. Louise is more than just a health and wellness professional because she’s also a farmer. She lives and breathes the agricultural lifestyle. Her lived experience means she understands the challenges to health and wellness that farming and living rurally can present. Melissa had the pleasure of meeting Louise at a speaking event in December 2022 and was so impressed with her story she invited her to speak on The Penis Project.

 

The aim of Farm Life Fitness is to create a space for anyone living in rural areas who wants to connect with others and improve their health. This model was inspired by the experience of Louise and her husband which she shares in this episode.

 

Combining her experience as a sports physiologist and the observations she had made in her workplace where she noticed that despite therapy, clients were not always achieving their desired results, so Farm Life Fitness was born. Programs are designed to help people who are living remotely to have access to programs that improve not just their physical health but most importantly, their mental wellbeing.

 

Louise’s initiatives and programs highlight the need of folks in rural locations. If you live in a rural or remote location this one is for you, but if you live in a metro area, this will make you think and help you understand the lifestyle of the people who grow our food.

 

Enjoy listening!

 

For more info about Louise’s programs, visit her website at https://farmlifefitness.com.au/.  

----------

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/

 

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

 

117. Why Exploring Yourself Makes Sense - With Body Curious owner, Jonn

 

For today’s episode, we talk with Jonn, the founder and owner of Body Curious.  

 

Following an accident, Jonn was left with 15% whole body permanent impairment. However, through a combination of rehabilitation and yoga, he was able to restore his body function. This inspired him to create Body Curious in 2014, a men's only yoga studio committed to improving health outcomes for men. He is a qualified Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage teacher & Practitioner, and a Sexological Bodywork Practitioner. 

 

Early on, Jonn realised that his studio was attracting more men than women. So, with this information, he decided to focus on men.  

 

This opportunity to cater to only men brought about the first of his now many Naked Yoga sessions. His 1st class of Naked Yoga was attended by 20 naked men.  

 

In case you’re wondering, yes, naked – meaning complete, pure natural bodies showing.  

 

Jonn also talked about his sexological work, how it works, why it’s different from the others, and what it can and can’t do.  

 

Interestingly, the discussion also touched upon personal pleasure, why it’s important to understand how to explore yourself and how to teach children about this quite taboo but important topic.  

 

How early should a child use a cellular phone? What happens if they get exposed to porn? When is the best time to discuss sex and pleasure with them? Why is it important to let children know that they should not be ashamed of pleasure? And so many more compelling topics that we know you’ll surely relate to.  

 

Listen to the exchanges between Jonn, Melissa, and Dr Jo through the button below. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments as well!  

----------

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/

 

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

 

116. Melissa at the PUC Masterclass; What patients want to know about sex and how to raise the subject?

 

For this episode, we will listen to Melissa’s talk at the Masterclass for Urologists last June.  

 

We all know that talking about sexual health can be a bit awkward. But it's important to remember that patients are sexual beings too! GP's play a vital role in ensuring their patients' sexual health and wellbeing, and part of that is being able to talk about sexual function openly and comfortably.  

 

On June 11th 2022, Melissa was invited to be a guest speaker for a Perth Urology Clinic’s Masterclass and her topic was “Why patients are embarrassed to ask their GP about sex”.  

 

We sent out a survey asking our audience various questions on the subject which received an overwhelming response, with over a quarter taking the time to fill it out (we really appreciate this)!  

 

To know the results and how Melissa nailed her presentation, have a listen!  

 

You can also view the results here:  

https://rshealth.com.au/rshc-survey-sexual-function-discussion-with-your-gps/ 

 

And Melissa’s video:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkQiZGyH8Nw 

----------

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/

 

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