Final Countdown,Surgery Prep Questions

[Nick74]

Hey guys, I’m officially on the final countdown for my surgery.I may start a journal even though I’m a horrible writer (I really hate it )but I’ll definitely be posting progress pictures along the way.I’d really appreciate any pre-op and post-op preparation tips, especially How many days before surgery should I stop using the VED?What kind of underwear is best after surgery (jockstrap, briefs, compression)?I’ve seen some guys recommend something with a “pee hole” or opening for using the restroom during the early days what is that called exactly, and does it help?Any must-have items for recovery?
Any advice on pain management, swelling, sleeping position, or walking the first few days?
Any tips, experiences, or recommendations are more than welcome.Thanks in advance, brothers really appreciate this community.

[Gringoinparadise]

Good luck! I remember those same nerves about a month ago. Now 3 weeks post op today, started cycling, happy to be making smooth progress!
A few items that come to mind:
1. An electric heating pad- after the initial 24-48 hours of icing, my surgeon recommended switching to dry heat. Feels great, especially at night when things seem to get achy.
2. A 24-hour urine collection jug- hard to point and aim for the first few weeks when standing, and sitting on the toilet you’re probably going to be pointing above the bowl… this works great for keeping things contained.
3. Baggy sweat pants and long sweatshirts- comfy and hides your bulge.
4. Compression shorts- if you’re doing significant walking, keeps things supported and contained.

As for your VED question, I continued mine until 48 hours preoperatively. Seemed fine to do.
Good luck!

[Nick74]

Good luck! I remember those same nerves about a month ago. Now 3 weeks post op today, started cycling, happy to be making smooth progress!
A few items that come to mind:
1. An electric heating pad- after the initial 24-48 hours of icing, my surgeon recommended switching to dry heat. Feels great, especially at night when things seem to get achy.
2. A 24-hour urine collection jug- hard to point and aim for the first few weeks when standing, and sitting on the toilet you’re probably going to be pointing above the bowl… this works great for keeping things contained.
3. Baggy sweat pants and long sweatshirts- comfy and hides your bulge.
4. Compression shorts- if you’re doing significant walking, keeps things supported and contained.

As for your VED question, I continued mine until 48 hours preoperatively. Seemed fine to do.
Good luck!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of thisreally helpful and reassuring. I truly appreciate the detailed tips and your experience. Wishing you continued smooth progress and a full recovery. Merry Christmas and God bless!

[GoodWood]

Congrats on taking the big step. I’ll bet you’ll be pleased.

The most important advice I can give you is follow YOUR doctors instructions. If any of us tell you to do something that is different than what your doc says, listen to your doc, not us. There are many different ways to get from point A to B. Follow their way. It could make a big difference.

They will likely cover the important stuff but:
Ice ice ice ice ice ice ice. Ice is your friend for the first two or three days. Keep ice on as much as possible. It will reduce swelling. Reduce inflammation. Reduce pain. It will feel comforting, trust me. My penis was so bundled up and covered with gauze that there was no need to worry about overdoing the ice.

I found that taking ibuprofen every 6 hours and Acetaminophen every 6 hours (offset so you are taking one or the other every three) gave me a lot of relief.

If you need to take narcotic pain pills consider taking a stool softener tablet each time you do. Narcs slow down your GI tract and can lead to constipation.

I found wearing a baby sock on my penis was a great buffer. You’ll be pretty sensitive for a few days and it’s a big help.

Switch to a heating pad after 2 or 3 days (my doc said switch on day 3 so that’s what I did).

Stay off your feet the first could days. Lay back. Rest. Catch up on Netflix. You need to heal.

I found that a jock strap with a slit cut just under the waist band so my (babysock covered) penis could poke up through the slit gave me lots of support without the waist band crush my penis. I wore a soft pair of boxer briefs over that so I wasn’t bare assed.

My doc said wearing my penis pointing up the first 6 weeks would help it heal with more of an upward angle.

Follow your doc’s guidance when it comes to bathing, cycling, and when you can resume sex (solo and with others).

[LGXDownunder]

Hey guys, I’m officially on the final countdown for my surgery.I may start a journal even though I’m a horrible writer (I really hate it )but I’ll definitely be posting progress pictures along the way.

Nick, your writing is fine. Please keep us posted. Its an exciting time but definitely a journey.
Months from now you'll be giving everyone else advice .

I’d really appreciate any pre-op and post-op preparation tips

Make sure you follow your surgeon's and hospital's preparation instructions.
If you normally shave that area (I do) stop doing it now to minimise infection risk from cuts etc.
My surgeon told me to stop immediately and said they will shave me on the table anyway.

Keep a close eye on the incision to monitor for signs of infection.
Report anything of concern to your medical team.
The incision/stitches will probably be very sore. That is where most of my discomfort was (penoscrotal).
You will possibly also have numbness in that area (very common). Mine is finally just superficial after 9+ months.

especially How many days before surgery should I stop using the VED?

I went right up until 24 hours before surgery but made sure the last few days I was very careful and less aggressive.
You don't want edema or other injury to jeopardize your surgery going ahead.

What kind of underwear is best after surgery (jockstrap, briefs, compression)?I’ve seen some guys recommend something with a “pee hole” or opening for using the restroom during the early days what is that called exactly, and does it help?

There is a range of opinions on this, but I didn't use anything special. I was left partially erect 24/7 for the first 6 weeks.
I'm average size and just used the tightest stretchy underwear that I already owned, and kept my dick pointing up.
It was uncomfortable and inconvenient walking around with a boner all the time but that worked for me.
I think you are on the larger side so that may not be as effective. I would at least have some compression shorts on hand.
Try and use what you already own unless you have an ongoing use for anything you have to buy.

Any must-have items for recovery?

Painkillers. The hospital gave me a small supply of strong opioids but I didn't need them.
The strongest I needed was ibuprofen and often paracetamol was enough.

Ice in whatever form is convenient for the first week or so. Some guys use frozen peas (I've often wondered if they eat them afterwards).
Don't apply ice directly to the skin. Use some type of barrier, e.g. a thin towel or cloth.

A small pillow, or cushion to put under your balls and perineum when sitting on chairs etc.
Also use it when sleeping to relieve pressure where needed.

Any advice on pain management, swelling, sleeping position, or walking the first few days?

Don't skimp on painkillers if you need them. Stay ahead of the pain rather than chase it.
I only iced for 1 to 2 weeks and found more relief in a hot shower.

Unless one of the lucky few you will almost certainly have significant swelling.
My balls were the size of a large grapefruit early on and very bruised. But that faded before too long.

Sleeping was a challenge. I'm a side sleeper and I stuffed a small pillow between my legs.
That helped a little but it was still very uncomfortable at times.

I rested the first few days but found that walking around the house was fine.
6 days post op I had to attend an event by public transport, and up to 15 minutes walk to and from the venue.
I was still very sore but had no problems in doing that.

Any tips, experiences, or recommendations are more than welcome.Thanks in advance, brothers really appreciate this community.

Taking a pee was very challenging as I was 30% erect, which is basically a full on boner, just not fully hard.
I bought a very wide mouth 1 litre water bottle from the supermarket and used that until I was activated and deflated.
Otherwise aiming into a bowl was difficult and I was getting a lot of side spray from the urethral pressure.
Squatting low over the bowl and aiming down slightly worked but its a very awkward position.

[ColoplastTitanUpOver]

Congratulations on reaching the final countdown. It is completely normal to feel a blend of excitement and nerves at this stage. This community is here to support you throughout the entire process. Keeping a journal, even with just brief notes alongside your photos, is an excellent idea. It will help you track your own progress and will undoubtedly become a valuable resource for others following in your footsteps.

Regarding your preparation questions, the common advice is to discontinue using your VED at least one full week before your surgery. This allows any minor tissue irritation or swelling to subside, ensuring your anatomy is in its best possible condition for the procedure. As you gather your recovery supplies, essential items include several flexible ice packs, loose fitting sweatpants or athletic shorts with a drawstring, and a wedge pillow or a collection of regular pillows to help you sleep on your back with your torso elevated. Starting a gentle stool softener a few days before surgery is also highly recommended to counteract the constipation often caused by anesthesia and pain medication.

For post operative clothing, a supportive jockstrap is widely considered the best option for the initial phase, as it provides crucial lift and stabilization over the surgical dressing. The garment with the pee hole you mentioned is typically called a dickie or a penis pouch style of underwear. It is extremely helpful in the early days of recovery, as it allows you to use the restroom with minimal manipulation and without having to pull your underwear down, which can be uncomfortable. Other must have items include a water bottle with a straw for easy hydration and entertainment within easy reach.

Managing the first few days effectively centers on controlling swelling and discomfort. Use the ice packs consistently on the perineum and pubic area, and take your pain medication on schedule to stay ahead of the pain. You will need to sleep strictly on your back with your torso propped up. Incorporate very gentle, short walks around your home to aid circulation, but strictly avoid bending, lifting, or any straining. Remember, patience is paramount. The initial appearance and feel are not reflective of your final result, as significant internal swelling needs to resolve.

Finally, focus on staying hydrated, eating light and easy to digest foods, and arranging for help at home for at least the first forty eight hours. While this collective advice is rooted in shared experience, your surgeon’s specific instructions should always take precedence. You have got this. We are all here rooting for you and look forward to following your journey. Wishing you a smooth procedure and a steady recovery.