Hi Thunder,
First — thanks for the comments. That’s one reason why I originally posted stuff here — to get feedback. You bring up some good points that I probably should have been more careful to warn people about!
> Originally posted by ThunderSS:
> I just looked at your photos in the Pics Forum. I’ve got a couple of questions/comments for you. First, consider these comments as me expressing concern, with no discouragement meant at all.
In your photos of you in the stretcher, it looks as if you are applying a great amount of pressure to the top and the bottom of your unit where the sticks make contact.
It probably looks worse than it is. However, the nature of using the “sticks” is such that, they always squish your “unit” to some degree. For example, I originally tried the plain “drumsticks” style sticks with no hollowed-out part, and I couldn’t and wouldn’t use them that way for a stretcher.
There’s definitely a fine balance between the tightness of the sticks and how well they hold. In Tom Hubbard’s writeups, he’s always said “only make them as tight as they need to be” so that they don’t slip. He is also careful to say to squeeze gently. And, I believe he warns about not putting it too close to the head.
With the hollowed-out part, and with the foam under the plastic tubing over the sticks, the pressure is not concentrated in a “ridge” like it is with plain sticks. But, the area is still not all that wide, and requires a lot of caution and monitoring.
> Did you by any chance read the thread here about the powerjelq and the possibility of nerve damage by applying too much pressure to the top of the shaft where it meets the head? There is a large bundle of nerves in that area and some of us think too much pressure there can cause numbness or worse.
Yes, I did read that, and I’m careful to not let it get numb. But, if adjusted too tight, and if worn right up under the head (which I tend to like to do — even though it’s probably not the wisest thing to do), it definitely can get numb — especially if you are trying to apply a lot of stretching force.
> Now, I’m not trying to upset you in any way here, I just wanted to bring this to your attention and let you make your decision about it. Have you tried rotating the stretcher about 90 degrees and letting it apply more pressure on the sides of your shaft? If you do try this, let me know how it works for you.
Yes, I’ve tried that, and it’s a lot less comfortable for me. I actually have to adjust it so the sticks squeeze tighter in order to get the same amount of pull. Of course, mayb that’s just me.
You have made me realize (and I should have known this before!) that the pictures I had posted were a good example of how NOT to use the stretcher (at least, in the general case). I try a lot of different techniques and ways of wearing it, but I have only myself to blame if I hurt myself. I would feel really bad if somebody else copied this and hurt themselves!
So, I’m doing two things:
1) I’ve removed the pictures from the pics forum.
2) I’m going back and adding warnings earlier in this thread so that people are aware of the “dangers”.
Finally — everybody should please realize that I’m experimenting here! I’m new to this, and am trying new things. Please use common sense and please ask questions of the more experienced guys on this forum when/if in doubt about anything. It’s great to have a resource like this, and people to talk to about it.
Having said all that — I’ve experienced no ill effects so far, and have made some gains. Mostly in stretched (and non-stretched) flaccid length so far, but also (somewhat less) in erect length and girth. As I heard somebody else say — to me the risk is worth it. Also, someday, I hope to convert from using the “sticks” to using a Bib starter, which hopefully will be not only less “dangerous”, but also more comfortable for longer periods.
Thanks,
Zeke.