One of many Implant Journeys: Countdown to going Bionic

[TriHardDave]

Day 3 post-op: A brief update

Hi there - the discussion in this post has broadened out somewhat - not to worry, that is the beauty of Franktalk - open and educational - it is good to share!

For those in the FT community who are keen to follow my recovery journey (I know there are a lot of examples available to review) then here are my thoughts on day 3 post-op...

I am not in too much pain, I reckon a 3-4 out of 10. I have been mostly taken Paracetamol and Ibuprofen when I need it (2-3 times a day) and trying to stay off the slightly heavier stuff the hospital gave me when I was discharged, however I am not trying to be a hero so I did take one of the stronger painkillers last night, just to help me sleep. I have only iced once so far, to be honest I really don't feel I need it.

I really enjoyed my first shower (had to wait 48 hours post-op) and removing the final bandages to check out the old boy properly. Even though I was sent home deflated (UCLH inflated the implant for first 24 hours) I still feel I am slighly errect. I can just make out the pump but not trying to press it for now - too tender. I will carry out Doctor's orders and leave for 2-3 weeks, although I am keen to get familiar with my new gear. So far, so good.

Meanwhile, I am kind of enjoying being a bit more of a 'shower' - previously very much a 'grower'

[Old Guy]

A nurse from my insurance called me before approving the surgery. She was mostly negative about the surgery, telling me if it fails/gets infected it could go all the way to amputation. Trying to talk me out of it I believe.

Aren't we lucky we get to read experiences and get info from this forum, otherwise some of these nurses and specialists would have us giving up the idea of having a sex life.

In fact, none of us want to go for an implant, and most of us s*** bricks thinking about having our dicks operated on.

Once we go requesting an implant -- encouragement and support would be more beneficial or at least a balanced view of the pros and cons,
rather than worst-case scenario cons.

I just wish I had found Frank Talk before my implant. I did a little research about them, mostly just medical reviews. When I tried to watch a video of the surgery itself I couldn't get very far into it before my penis started saying NO!
When the insurance nurse called with all the negative, I told her if I had to get my penis amputated it would work as good as it does now. Then I turned the tables on her, asked about her relationship. She was married, 2 kids. Asked her if her husband had ED would she be fine ending their intimate relationship. She approved my surgery.
Ever since my implant, and finding FT, I have been trying to pass on any helpful information to guys seeking answers. I have helped several, and been in contact with a few.

[ThailandBound]

Ever since my implant, and finding FT, I have been trying to pass on any helpful information to guys seeking answers. I have helped several, and been in contact with a few.

And your support and contributions to this forum, and the compassion you demonstrate to others in whatever phase of their journey they are in is noteworthy and appreciated. I’m on day 7 post-op, and i feel great! Your encouragement to me and others has really helped. Thank you OG

[TriHardDave]

7 days post op and so far so good

So 7 days post op and feeling pretty good. I have been taking the antibiotics as prescribed but have been steadily reducing the pain killers each day. I had two painful episodes but both because the dog jumped on my lap - bullseye on my sensitive area! (Note to self - keep your distance from lovable pets).

I have certainly had some 'auto-inflation' and feel like I have a permanent semi, which makes going to the toilet a little more challenging. The stitches on my scrotum are visibly dissolving. I am enjoying a daily shower but will not attempt a bath for another week. The last couple of days I have been more aware of the weight of the pump in my scrotum, not uncomfortable but something that will take a bit of getting used to.

I have my date for my follow up appointment at UCLH (26th Jan) when I will be taught how to use my AMS 700 but until then going to continue to follow the Doctor's orders and take it relatively easy.

I am going to return to part time work on Monday.

Will keep posting over the next few weeks

[jasainuk]

7 days post op and so far so good

Good news Dave. I am trying to get referred to Dr Ralph this week rather than continue with waiting in Sheffield.

Good to see your update and it's all healing in the right direction.

[ThailandBound]

That's great news Dave. Day 10 post op here with nothing adverse to report! No pain whatsoever except some soreness when sitting on a hard surface causing me to squirm around a bit. I am still using my donut cushion to the max extent possible and it's been great. Almost no swelling or particularly noteworthy bruising. Very mile. I continue to be very optimistic!

[TriHardDave]

16 days post-op update

A quick update - 16 days post-op

Pros - so far so good:
- Little to no pain (stopped all drugs)
- Stitches fully disolved and wound looking very neat
- Happy to be a bit more of a 'shower' than 'grower'
- Now enjoying both showers and baths
- Follow up with hospital to show me how to use implant booked for this Thursday (3 days to go)

Cons - only minor concerns:
- In cold weather (minus zero temp morning walks) my scrotum really tightens up - little room for testicles and pump. Squeeze results in minor pain
- I tried to feel for pump in bath and thought I could activate (inflate/deflate) but still no joy. Will wait until shown how (expect it may be a painful experience - note to self - take painkillers before hospital visit
- I am going to the toilet a little more than pre-op, not sure if something is pushing on my bladder - only a minor observation
- some auto-inflation, which I was told is normal
- missing being able to do some exercise (I love running, cycling and swimming) - won't be long!

Will check in post Thursday after my next hospital visit. In summary - so far, so good and looking forward to next stage (cycling!)

[Exspecto]

I was implanted by Dr Ralph this month. He was recommended along with a couple of other doctors by my NHS Urologist. He said the implant on the NHS would take a while and would need a special approval. I didn't want to wait.

My workplace insurance with AXA excludes Sexual conditions, so I paid for the procedure. The operation was fine and the recovery virtually pain free. There was a lack of general advice but you learn overtime providing you are proactive.

My only issue is the increased desire to urinate. It's pain free, no spray but I can't increase the pressure of the stream. I'm going to the loo 2/3 times a night which I never did before and can only think that the reservoir is pressing against the bladder. I have no pain there.

[TurnBackTime]

Looking over the last few posts on this thread my recommendation is : PATIENCE ! It takes time to heal . Your body needs to adjust and swelling needs to subside . Don't panic and don't go thinking that the way your body is currently behaving is the way that it will continue to behave . You need a MINIMUM of 5-6 weeks post op before you can really draw any conclusions regarding urination or scrotum size or pump placement , etc..