proctor wrote:Hi all,
As I am waiting for my implant date from Dr Kramer (expecting it to be early September, unless the COVID situation gets much worse), anxiety is not permitting me to do a methodical research re what I should be doing to prepare myself for the "D-day".
Seeking help from FT fraternity about the following questions (some questions may be trivial, please bear with me):
PRE-OP
1. Can I shave the area beforehand or it will be done on that day by hospital staffs?
2. Apart from VED, is there anything I can do for
a) length/girth recovery,
b) quick healing or
c) most importantly, reducing the infection possibility?
3. Is it a surgeons call on whether or not I will be given a RTE or I can request an implant w or wout RTE ?
POST OP
1. Based on your experience, do you think a 9 hour flight in economy class back home would be too risky on the 3rd day of the surgery? If its too risky, when is usually the less risk free time for a long plane journey in economy class?
2. Does the suture dissolve itself or I need to see a local urologist after certain days?
Thanks.
Good Morning Proctor,
Looks like you've been getting some good advice, just thought I'd add my two cents in since I just had my surgery one month ago.
I'll try and just go through my experience. A few months before surgery I started with the VED, I believe that has really helped with keeping girth and length (so far). A week before I was instructed to stop all meds and began taking antibiotics. Was instructed to get Hibiclens skin cleaner to wash with the morning of. Also I was told DO NOT shave or trim too short.
My doctor came to speak with me before and I was able to clear up any questions I had. There is allot of prep work done in the OR from the time you are knocked out til before the actual procedure starts. I was strapped down to the table and stripped of everything right before the anesthesiologist did his work.
After surgery I was sent home with a drain and all bandaged up. Pain was minimal, I was given Percocet but only took one that night because I didn't want to wake up in pain at any point. Also another antibiotic to take for 7 days. The next afternoon I went in to the doctors office to get the drain removed and get the first pump up. That was the most painful part of this so far. Doc left me at half mast which was very visible and a bit uncomfortable because the tip was rubbing on any clothing. By day three I was feeling better, the best way to describe it is that I felt like I had been kicked in the balls full force.
Also to back track a little, my incision was infrapubic NOT through the scrotum. I've read that is less painful but has some drawbacks like higher risk of infection so I made sure to keep everything as clean as possible. No stitches I was glued back together. No showering or soaking for at least 3-5 days. After which the glue just started peeling off in the shower.
The speed up healing I have been taking Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin C and a multi vitamin daily (just something I had read). Also more fiber just to make things move easier, you don't want to be straining. At about day 4 I began taking 15minute walks 2-3 times a day. First few days were a bit uncomfortable but got better. Jock strap helps to keep everything snug, but difficult with a semi hard-on so I ended up cutting a hole in one to let my boy point strait out, long shirts help.
A week later I went back to see the urologist for another cycling, again still tender so it was a bit painful. He got me up to full mast then brought me back down to about a third full. That has been more manageable but still quite visible, again long shirts help.
With regard to your 9 hour flight, make sure you can get as much leg room as possible, your going to want to stretch out as much as possible and also walk some too. I found that for the first week it was more comfortable to be standing rather than sitting or laying down. You may need to sit with your legs spread, depends on swelling. Make sure you can get ice packs during your flight, you will need them. One thing I'd be concerned with is the take off and landing with the pressurization so soon, you may want to talk to the doctor about that.
Well, thats mostly everything so far. Still waiting to start cycling and getting it ready for full use. Pain, swelling and bruising has been minimal, guess I'm lucky I've seen and heard some scary stories. Don't let that get to you, it almost made me back down from surgery. Best bit of advice I can give is if possible get an in person "show and tell". It may be awkward but I was able to see and feel everything and that sealed the deal for me. Hope that helps.
Good Luck.
51, Single, NJ/NYC - Colon Cancer at 36, ED issues since, low T. Was on Viagra, Levitra and Cialis for years, TriMix injections 6 months. Bad VL. Implanted with AMS700 LGX MS 6/15/20
