Ice Ice Ice and Rest

[staphylococcusecoli]

Ice Ice Ice and Rest. Thanking my bionic brotherhood. This is an incredible piece of advice.

[GoodWood]

Sounds like you just got your implant! Congrats!!

When you have a chance tell us about your experience. We’d love to hear about it.

You are going to love this thing. So happy for you.

[ElbowRoom]

Here’s the best thing I found for icing. Reusable, just fill them with ice and apply. They don’t leak, and you get three sizes for various locations/applications. I haven’t used the smallest bag. The medium one takes one tray of ice, the large one takes two trays.

After use drain any excess water and put back in the freezer. If you don’t drain the water it will be a big solid block. Add more ice as needed.

https://a.co/d/gCGY4DA

[vincentarpino]

Ice Ice Ice and Rest. Thanking my bionic brotherhood. This is an incredible piece of advice.

Same Same Same for me this weekend. Had my surgery last Tuesday. Very bruised. Very purple. Very swollen.

I was not partially inflated so the swelling means I'm only seeing about 3 in.but I know that will change.

Hoping NFL and batch cooking for the week will take my find of it all for the day

[Jage64]

They sent me home with a refillable ice bag that was long and narrow. When I got home I purchased another one just a little shorter from Amazon and used it to make a "dick hoagie" of ice.

laying on my back with my legs open, the longer one would sit on the bed at my taint and go to the tip of my dick. That one nicely iced my taint, balls, shaft and tip. The shorter one I'd set on my pubis and it too would extend up to the tip of my dick. Then, I'd wrap a couple of velcro straps around the whole thing and never had to mess with them again until I had to re-ice. Everything was nicely refrigerated with little hassle. No leaks, no mess, no pain.

Here's the longer one, from taint to tip.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097TS6CYK?re ... tle_7&th=1

You can just use the longer ones and not fill it all the way, no need to buy a shorter one like I did.

[ColoplastTitanUpOver]

By Dr. Grok:

Ice Application Protocol in Penile Implant Post-Operative Care

The emphasis on "ice ice ice" in post-operative protocols for penile prosthesis implantation reflects a critical strategy to manage swelling, bruising, and discomfort, particularly in the scrotal and penile regions. This approach is rooted in vasoconstriction, which reduces inflammation and promotes comfort during the initial recovery phase. Guidelines from urological practices consistently recommend frequent icing, with variations in duration and frequency based on institutional protocols. Application typically involves using ice packs, frozen vegetables, or commercial cold compresses wrapped in a cloth to prevent direct skin contact and avoid tissue damage such as frostbite.

Standard recommendations include:
- Sessions lasting 10 to 30 minutes, repeated every 1 to 2 hours while awake for the first 48 to 72 hours, then reduced to 3 to 5 times daily for up to one week as swelling persists.

- Positioning the ice primarily over the scrotum, with optional extension to the penis, while elevating the area (e.g., using a rolled towel under the scrotum when supine) to enhance fluid drainage and efficacy.

- Transitioning to warm compresses or heat packs after the initial 48 to 72 hours, applied up to three times daily, to facilitate vasodilation and improved circulation once acute inflammation subsides.

- Variations for specific cases: In instances of pronounced bruising, icing may continue intermittently for 10 to 14 days, though over-icing should be avoided to prevent impaired healing.

Patient experiences from discussion forums underscore the repetitive "ice ice ice" mantra to highlight its importance, often reporting significant reductions in swelling—up to 50% in the early phase—when applied rigorously. Adherence to these guidelines is associated with lower complication rates, though individual responses vary, and consultation with a urologist is essential for adjustments.

Rest and Activity Restriction Protocol in Penile Implant Post-Operative Care

Rest constitutes a foundational element of recovery following penile prosthesis implantation, aimed at minimizing mechanical stress on the surgical site, preventing displacement of the device, and supporting tissue repair. Protocols advocate for a graduated return to activity, with initial emphasis on limited exertion to reduce risks such as hematoma formation or prolonged swelling.

Key components include:
- An initial rest phase of 48 to 72 hours involving bed rest or minimal activity, with short walks (e.g., 15 minutes, three times daily) encouraged to prevent thrombosis while avoiding prolonged sitting or recumbency.

- Restrictions on weight-bearing and exertion: No lifting over 10 to 20 pounds, pushing, pulling, or strenuous activities (e.g., jogging, biking, swimming) for 2 to 6 weeks to avert reservoir herniation or implant malposition.

- Positioning and support: Maintain the penis upward toward the abdomen using supportive underwear or a jock strap for 1 to 4 weeks; perform gentle pump manipulation (pulling downward without activation) starting 3 to 5 days post-surgery to ensure proper positioning and prevent adhesions.

- Return to normalcy: Sedentary work may resume after 1 to 2 weeks, with full activity after 4 to 6 weeks; driving is prohibited while experiencing pain or using narcotics, typically for the first 24 to 48 hours.

- Abstinence from sexual activity: Strict prohibition of intercourse, masturbation, or penile manipulation for 4 to 8 weeks to facilitate complete healing and mitigate infection risk.

These restrictions accommodate individual factors such as diabetes or obesity, which may necessitate extended timelines. Patient compliance with rest protocols is vital for optimal outcomes, with satisfaction rates often exceeding 90% among those who follow guidelines diligently. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

[Tuscan_Order]

They sent me home with a refillable ice bag that was long and narrow. When I got home I purchased another one just a little shorter from Amazon and used it to make a "dick hoagie" of ice.

That looks similar to what Dr. Eid sent me on my way with. Works great, like you said. Just be sure to seal well or prepare for ice water to be running down your inner thigh or sides. Yes, I know.

[UpNorth]

I do not recall when I rotated heat but great ColoplastTitanUpOver brought it up.Lifesaver same as ice.

[ColoplastTitanUpOver]

This was again an interesting read. It helps to learn multiple perspectives. Of course, trust your surgeon's advice first, bionic brothers.

By Dr. Gemini:
This is arguably the most critical post-operative instruction for the first 48-72 hours.

This protocol is a direct, non-negotiable strategy to combat the three primary enemies of a successful implant recovery: Bleeding (Hematoma), Swelling (Edema), and Pain.

1. The "Why" of ICE (Cryotherapy)

Ice is your primary tool for controlling the immediate surgical trauma. Its effects are physiological and powerful.

* It Causes Vasoconstriction (Stops Bleeding):

* The Problem: Your surgery involved creating a large, raw "pocket" in the scrotum to hold the pump and making channels in the penis for the cylinders. This disrupts hundreds of tiny blood vessels (capillaries). Even if they are cauterized, they can still "ooze" or "weep" blood.

* The Solution: The cold from the ice causes these tiny vessels to constrict (tighten and close up). This is the single most effective way to stop the "oozing" and allow clots to form securely, preventing blood from filling the scrotal sac. This directly prevents a hematoma.

* It Reduces Swelling (Edema/Lymphedema):

* The Problem: The same traumatized vessels that bleed also become "leaky." They allow plasma fluid to seep out of the bloodstream and into the surrounding tissues. This fluid buildup is "edema," and when it overwhelms the lymphatic system, it becomes lymphedema.

* The Solution: Vasoconstriction also makes the vessel walls less "leaky," so less plasma escapes into the tissue in the first place. This is your first and best chance to prevent the cycle of lymphedema from starting. By controlling this initial, massive flood of fluid, you allow your lymphatic system to keep up.

* It Provides Analgesia (Blocks Pain):
* The Problem: The surgical area is rich with nerves (e.g., ilioinguinal nerve) that are now sending "DANGER!" signals to your brain.

* The Solution: Ice acts as a potent local anesthetic. It "numbs" these nerve endings, slowing their ability to transmit pain signals. This directly reduces your pain, which in turn reduces your need for narcotic pain medication (which has its own side effects, like constipation).

2. The "Why" of REST (Immobilization)

"Rest" does not mean "light activity." It means strict, minimal movement.

* It Prevents a Hematoma (The #1 Goal):

* The Problem: The most common site for a hematoma (a dangerous, painful collection of clotted blood) is the scrotal pocket where the pump sits. This pocket is a raw, unhealed space.

* The Solution: Every time you get up, walk, or even shift your weight, you cause a "shearing" motion. The raw scrotal tissue rubs against the pump. This friction can easily dislodge a small, fragile blood clot that had formed on a capillary, causing it to start bleeding again. A slow, steady bleed over 30 minutes can fill the scrotum.

* Resting allows these clots to fully mature and "glue" the vessels shut without being disturbed.

* It Controls Blood Pressure:

* The Problem: When you lie down, your blood pressure is at its baseline. When you stand up, your heart has to beat harder to pump blood to your brain, raising your blood pressure.

* The Solution: This sudden increase in pressure can "pop" a fragile clot, causing a bleed. By remaining at rest, you keep your blood pressure low and stable, giving the vessels time to heal.

* It Fights Swelling (Gravity):

* The Problem: When you are standing or walking, gravity pulls all the fluid in your body downward. Your newly traumatized scrotum and penis are the path of least resistance.

* The Solution: Resting in a recliner (which is ideal) or lying down keeps the surgical site more level with your heart. This allows fluid to drain *away* from the area instead of pooling in it.

"How-To" Protocol

How you "ice and rest" is just as important as *that* you do it.

* The Golden Window: The first 48 to 72 hours are the most critical. This is when the risk of a hematoma is highest.

* The Ice: Use soft gel packs or crushed ice in a bag. A solid, frozen brick will not conform to your anatomy and can cause frostbite.

* The Barrier: Never put ice directly on the skin. Always use a thin cloth (like a T-shirt or a thin dishrag) as a barrier.

* The Location: You need to ice two key areas:

1. The Scrotum: This is the most critical area to prevent a pump-pocket hematoma.
2. The Incision/Pubic Area: This addresses the primary surgical site.

* The Schedule: "Ice, ice, ice" means a strict, repeating schedule. The most common is 20 minutes ON, 40 minutes OFF while you are awake. You *must* have the "off" period to allow healthy blood flow to return to the skin and prevent frostbite.

* The "Rest" Position: The recliner is king. It is superior to a bed because it keeps you at a perfect angle, is easy to get in and out of (using your arms, not your abs), and positions your pelvis perfectly for icing.

* The "Secret Weapon": Scrotal Elevation. This is the "rest" part that gets missed. Do not let your scrotum dangle. When resting, take a small, rolled-up towel and place it between your legs, *under* your scrotum, to keep it elevated. This uses gravity to help drain fluid (edema/lymph) *out* of the scrotum.

In short, "ice and rest" is the surgeon's best prescription to prevent the #1 complication (hematoma) and to give you a head start on controlling the #1 long-term annoyance (swelling).