Never heard of that happening, but I guess it's entirely possible.

I just know for myself that when I switched to a SMP saddle, I never got numb "down there" anymore when I rode. Before I switched, it took about 45-minutes or an hour before the numbness really became annoying. Even slightly painful. Took the joy out of cycling. SMP saddles have a real funky shape, and one either likes them or they don't. They have a center cut-out that relieves pressure on the perineum. The only discomfort I feel now is due to lack of saddle time, (mild soreness due to lack of riding). It seems that most saddle manufactures now offer several models with some type of center cut-out, either a total cut-out or a groove down the center.

I hope our friend recovers and desires to ride again. Sounds like he pushed it too much. And good for you...overcoming that prostrate cancer thing. I understand that's what usually gets us men in the end. Especially if it is not caught soon enough. Bummer about your hip. Sounds like you're coming back nicely.