Serious post-surgical edema 1 wk after surgery

[sparky123]

Surgery 1 week ago (AMS 700 LGX). About 3 - 4 days out, noticed that swelling / edema was increasing, not getting better. Scrotum swollen to the size of an orange -- pain and pressure. Penile swelling interfered with urine flow -- down to a dribble and painful -- could not empty bladder. Weekend trip to the ER to get a catheter placed. Plan is to remove catheter tomorrow (after 4 days inserted).

Initially, Dr. seemed said it normal for recovery. I learned it was not -- the hard way (pun intended). I wish I had known and recognized this earlier and had asked for treatment for post-surgical edema -- with diuretics (e.g., Lasix) and/or steroids (e.g., Prednisone). I will see Dr. tomorrow and see what he says.

Also, I have not been pointing penis upward (too painful). And, the methods to do so seem pretty difficult. Any suggestions? And, what is the purpose of doing so?

Thanks!

[Stayingstrong]

Who is the doctor?

[Bent Ben]

I had edema for 4 weeks. Its voracity would vary. Week three was the worst of it with a noticeable fluid filled and itchy sack at the bottom of the shaft from just behind the glans to mid way back. This paired with a very swollen scrotum from a large hematoma made recovery difficult. I was in great discomfort for four weeks.
I found ice and compression helped greatly. Also, I used Banana Boat aloe gel for sunburn and that seemed to give some relief. If you have a hematoma, keep you legs elevated and wait it out…
Things rapidly got better and now other than a stiff flaccid and a couple dog ears which are loosening at 16 weeks, Im pretty happy.
Im not so sure the doctor has much control over these particular complications.
I hope things get better for you, its worth it in the end.

[Stayingstrong]

I had edema for 4 weeks. Its voracity would vary. Week three was the worst of it with a noticeable fluid filled and itchy sack at the bottom of the shaft from just behind the glans to mid way back. This paired with a very swollen scrotum from a large hematoma made recovery difficult. I was in great discomfort for four weeks.
I found ice and compression helped greatly. Also, I used Banana Boat aloe gel for sunburn and that seemed to give some relief. If you have a hematoma, keep you legs elevated and wait it out…
Things rapidly got better and now other than a stiff flaccid and a couple dog ears which are loosening at 16 weeks, Im pretty happy.
Im so sure the doctor has much control over these particular complications.
I hope things get better for you, its worth it in the end.

I must say, infection being my most dreaded fear, that I would have been worried sick that I was going to have to deal with the ordeal of infection resolution.
Thank God for you that it turned around quickly

[sparky123]

Follow up:

To reduce edema I took low dose Prednisone (20mg/day) that I had left over from a previous prescription (unrelated to this) and OTC diuretics. Discontinued both today.
Increased my fluid intake.

Seems to have helped.

Catheter was removed today, and I can now urinate with a decent stream. Less scrotal pain, although still enlarged scrotum.

I'm not sure if the scrotal swelling is due due to the edema and/or to a hematoma. Is there a way to differentiate the two?

Also, again, any tips re now to how to position penis upward?

[Bent Ben]

Follow up:

I'm not sure if the scrotal swelling is due due to the edema and/or to a hematoma. Is there a way to differentiate the two?

Also, again, any tips re now to how to position penis upward?

Im glad the Prednisone helped, dont be shocked if it comes back. There may also be some intense itching of the underside of the shaft forthcoming.
The edema should be separate from the scrotal swelling. The swelling could just be normal swelling. The hematoma feels like a gelatinous mass in the scrotum. Mine was pretty much where the pump was and made locating and using the pump quite difficult. It will drain with time. How was your surgical drain? Did you drain much fluid?
If you have a hematoma and edema I would ask your doctor about lifting your penis straight up. Theres no way I couldve done that early on. Also I never have done that. My erection is about 100° with no manipulation.