Surgery 1/9/24 Some post-op updates

[Mwsw1960]

Had my implant procedure by Dr. Ryan Terlecki on Tuesday. I thought that some may find the first few days of my post op experience informative, so here is what I can say thus far.....

Dr. Terlecki is absolutely first-class. I know that the Houston and NYC surgeons get a lot of attention here, but it is important to recognize that there are other equally competent and professional providers with excellent skill and knowledge in other locales. He is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist/Atrium in Winston-Salem, NC. I understand that he is doing an enormous volume of these procedures weekly.

My procedure was scheduled with an 730 am arrival. After the requisite check-ins and protocols with the various providers, I was moved to the OR for the surgery. I was stirred to consciousness about 2 hours later and I recalled some initial general pain, which was quickly addressed via IV injection. After recovery, I was moved to a room for overnight observation (his chosen protocol, which included the catheter) I received at least three rounds of IV antibiotics before and and after the procedure. During the remainder of the afternoon and the evening, I was very comfortable and did not request, nor have a need for any pain meds. I was not in any meaningful pain, but it would be accurate to say that I did have some mild general discomfort, but nothing unbearable. I was fully inflated and bandaged with an ice pack. I had a decent appetite and slept as well as one can in a hospital room with the periodic vital checks, etc.

Early the following morning, the catheter was removed (not my favorite part) and I was deflated (mostly?) I was able to empty my bladder and was released to return home. I would say my experience was positive and that the level of pain or discomfort was well short of my fear, or expectation.

That afternoon, I suspect that the anesthesia fully metabolized out of my system and some residual swelling and mild pain surfaced. I followed the ice pack protocol, stayed off my feet and utilized the minimum dosage of tramadol and tylenol to successfully manage this pain. I was definitely tender and swollen but that was within my expectations for that stage. I slept well, taking the tramadol at bedtime to insure better sleep.

Today, day 3, I have been working remotely. My main issue was soreness and discomfort with sitting in office chairs. I had to take breaks for icing and just listen to my body when it was time to take a rest. I am definitely swollen a bit, as you would expect, but nothing extreme like grapefruit size!

As for the unit itself, I was pretty happy to feel the firm, basically rock hard erection after the surgery. After missing that for 5 years of ED misery, not complaining! I was surprised at the deflation upon discharge with instruction not to touch the pump until my 4 week follow up. I understand that the surgeon believes that vascular recovery is faster and more effective deflated. I will leave that debate to others. However, "deflated" is maybe misleading, as I feel really more like semi-erect, which has been awkward and a little uncomfortable with moving around.

I did not measure anything while erect, but I certain that is was not all that originally had. I also expected this based on the info from the Doc and the experiences of the folks on this site. I received a LGX 15 cm with 3cm RTE. It was explained that the 15 is pre-expansion and in totality, I functionally received about 19 cm and 3 cm RTE. Prior to ED I was a hair shy of 6" I was pleasantly surprised at my girth, which I did measure "deflated"--it shows just over 5" which is what I was pre-surgery. So that is promising, if it matters.

I am hoping to continue to heal over the coming days and adjust to the new sensations. I will update where I am in the future.

Bottom line, while surgery is not exactly fun or without inconvenience, I can say that I have zero regrets about my choice. Especially when it is contrasted to the alternative existence! Hopefully this will offer some encouragement to others that are considering this pathway. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I was fortunate to friend another FT member who offered both insight and positive energy and I would love to pay that forward!

[Witheringhog]

Had my implant procedure by Dr. Ryan Terlecki on Tuesday. I thought that some may find the first few days of my post op experience informative, so here is what I can say thus far.....

Dr. Terlecki is absolutely first-class. I know that the Houston and NYC surgeons get a lot of attention here, but it is important to recognize that there are other equally competent and professional providers with excellent skill and knowledge in other locales. He is affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist/Atrium in Winston-Salem, NC. I understand that he is doing an enormous volume of these procedures weekly.

My procedure was scheduled with an 730 am arrival. After the requisite check-ins and protocols with the various providers, I was moved to the OR for the surgery. I was stirred to consciousness about 2 hours later and I recalled some initial general pain, which was quickly addressed via IV injection. After recovery, I was moved to a room for overnight observation (his chosen protocol, which included the catheter) I received at least three rounds of IV antibiotics before and and after the procedure. During the remainder of the afternoon and the evening, I was very comfortable and did not request, nor have a need for any pain meds. I was not in any meaningful pain, but it would be accurate to say that I did have some mild general discomfort, but nothing unbearable. I was fully inflated and bandaged with an ice pack. I had a decent appetite and slept as well as one can in a hospital room with the periodic vital checks, etc.

Early the following morning, the catheter was removed (not my favorite part) and I was deflated (mostly?) I was able to empty my bladder and was released to return home. I would say my experience was positive and that the level of pain or discomfort was well short of my fear, or expectation.

That afternoon, I suspect that the anesthesia fully metabolized out of my system and some residual swelling and mild pain surfaced. I followed the ice pack protocol, stayed off my feet and utilized the minimum dosage of tramadol and tylenol to successfully manage this pain. I was definitely tender and swollen but that was within my expectations for that stage. I slept well, taking the tramadol at bedtime to insure better sleep.

Today, day 3, I have been working remotely. My main issue was soreness and discomfort with sitting in office chairs. I had to take breaks for icing and just listen to my body when it was time to take a rest. I am definitely swollen a bit, as you would expect, but nothing extreme like grapefruit size!

As for the unit itself, I was pretty happy to feel the firm, basically rock hard erection after the surgery. After missing that for 5 years of ED misery, not complaining! I was surprised at the deflation upon discharge with instruction not to touch the pump until my 4 week follow up. I understand that the surgeon believes that vascular recovery is faster and more effective deflated. I will leave that debate to others. However, "deflated" is maybe misleading, as I feel really more like semi-erect, which has been awkward and a little uncomfortable with moving around.

I did not measure anything while erect, but I certain that is was not all that originally had. I also expected this based on the info from the Doc and the experiences of the folks on this site. I received a LGX 15 cm with 3cm RTE. It was explained that the 15 is pre-expansion and in totality, I functionally received about 19 cm and 3 cm RTE. Prior to ED I was a hair shy of 6" I was pleasantly surprised at my girth, which I did measure "deflated"--it shows just over 5" which is what I was pre-surgery. So that is promising, if it matters.

I am hoping to continue to heal over the coming days and adjust to the new sensations. I will update where I am in the future.

Bottom line, while surgery is not exactly fun or without inconvenience, I can say that I have zero regrets about my choice. Especially when it is contrasted to the alternative existence! Hopefully this will offer some encouragement to others that are considering this pathway. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I was fortunate to friend another FT member who offered both insight and positive energy and I would love to pay that forward!

Congratulations and welcome to the bionic club. Hope you post updates along the way and share some first usage stories, man! Its fun getting used to your new friend.