Johnnyborg’s Malleable Journey

[JohnnyBorg]

Quick update: Hakky wanted me to go to a local pharmacy and pick up a drug that he prescribed which will make urination even easier. So I just went on my first public adventure since the nerve blockers have wore off

No one can see my very erect penis thanks to my big winter coat - but I’m DEFINITELY hobbling around since the pressure of it against the front of my pants (even my very loose pants) causes noticeable discomfort still at this stage.

But all in all, very proud and pleased of being able to get to the pharmacy and back without issue!

[siltmonkey]

Great to read your experiences so thank you for sharing.

I had an inflatable but like you the recovery takes a while. The first week I didn't think I would ever be able to put clothes on again. The second week I didn't think I would ever be able to poop without bending myself into strange shapes. The third week I realised things were getting better. Each week things improved. I am sure they will for you too. It sounds like you're generally quite positive, which I think helps the body to heal more than people realise.

[JohnnyBorg]

Great to read your experiences so thank you for sharing.

I had an inflatable but like you the recovery takes a while. The first week I didn't think I would ever be able to put clothes on again. The second week I didn't think I would ever be able to poop without bending myself into strange shapes. The third week I realised things were getting better. Each week things improved. I am sure they will for you too. It sounds like you're generally quite positive, which I think helps the body to heal more than people realise.

Thank you siltmonkey, I really appreciate it man! It’s a relief to hear I’m not alone in the recovery woes. I’m generally a positive person but I’m also a notoriously anxious person - so as you can imagine, I’m hyper sensitive right now of every little thing going on.

My hope is that slowly but surely, the implant just feels like a part of me. Right now, ironically, I really don’t notice the implant AT ALL because I’m so focused on the soreness / edema / swelling, etc. But I’m sure as soon as those things resolve, the next chapter will be “how do I get used to this medical device INSIDE MY PENIS”

But today, every so often, I pause and am reminded of the idea that in the near future, I could potentially be having sex again without fear of ED. Makes all this worth it.

[duke_cicero]

Great to read your experiences so thank you for sharing.

I had an inflatable but like you the recovery takes a while. The first week I didn't think I would ever be able to put clothes on again. The second week I didn't think I would ever be able to poop without bending myself into strange shapes. The third week I realised things were getting better. Each week things improved. I am sure they will for you too. It sounds like you're generally quite positive, which I think helps the body to heal more than people realise.

Thank you siltmonkey, I really appreciate it man! It’s a relief to hear I’m not alone in the recovery woes. I’m generally a positive person but I’m also a notoriously anxious person - so as you can imagine, I’m hyper sensitive right now of every little thing going on.

My hope is that slowly but surely, the implant just feels like a part of me. Right now, ironically, I really don’t notice the implant AT ALL because I’m so focused on the soreness / edema / swelling, etc. But I’m sure as soon as those things resolve, the next chapter will be “how do I get used to this medical device INSIDE MY PENIS”

But today, every so often, I pause and am reminded of the idea that in the near future, I could potentially be having sex again without fear of ED. Makes all this worth it.

You're still very early in the game. Soon the recovery will pick up and things will move along nicely.

Just thinking: I also had my procedure done during the winter and was covered by a coat when I had to go out the first few days. I have no idea what I would have done if I had to go out during the summer!

[JohnnyBorg]

Great to read your experiences so thank you for sharing.

I had an inflatable but like you the recovery takes a while. The first week I didn't think I would ever be able to put clothes on again. The second week I didn't think I would ever be able to poop without bending myself into strange shapes. The third week I realised things were getting better. Each week things improved. I am sure they will for you too. It sounds like you're generally quite positive, which I think helps the body to heal more than people realise.

Thank you siltmonkey, I really appreciate it man! It’s a relief to hear I’m not alone in the recovery woes. I’m generally a positive person but I’m also a notoriously anxious person - so as you can imagine, I’m hyper sensitive right now of every little thing going on.

My hope is that slowly but surely, the implant just feels like a part of me. Right now, ironically, I really don’t notice the implant AT ALL because I’m so focused on the soreness / edema / swelling, etc. But I’m sure as soon as those things resolve, the next chapter will be “how do I get used to this medical device INSIDE MY PENIS”

But today, every so often, I pause and am reminded of the idea that in the near future, I could potentially be having sex again without fear of ED. Makes all this worth it.

You're still very early in the game. Soon the recovery will pick up and things will move along nicely.

Just thinking: I also had my procedure done during the winter and was covered by a coat when I had to go out the first few days. I have no idea what I would have done if I had to go out during the summer!

I’ve been thinking about this too Duke I think the answer would have to be a large, billowy 100% linen button up, completely untucked. Anthony Bourdain style. RIP

[duke_cicero]

Thank you siltmonkey, I really appreciate it man! It’s a relief to hear I’m not alone in the recovery woes. I’m generally a positive person but I’m also a notoriously anxious person - so as you can imagine, I’m hyper sensitive right now of every little thing going on.

My hope is that slowly but surely, the implant just feels like a part of me. Right now, ironically, I really don’t notice the implant AT ALL because I’m so focused on the soreness / edema / swelling, etc. But I’m sure as soon as those things resolve, the next chapter will be “how do I get used to this medical device INSIDE MY PENIS”

But today, every so often, I pause and am reminded of the idea that in the near future, I could potentially be having sex again without fear of ED. Makes all this worth it.

You're still very early in the game. Soon the recovery will pick up and things will move along nicely.

Just thinking: I also had my procedure done during the winter and was covered by a coat when I had to go out the first few days. I have no idea what I would have done if I had to go out during the summer!

I’ve been thinking about this too Duke I think the answer would have to be a large, billowy 100% linen button up, completely untucked. Anthony Bourdain style. RIP

I seriously considered a kilt.

[JohnnyBorg]

Day 5 post surgery - morning:

Admittedly feeling very frustrated today and a bit anxious.

Last night I was feeling really great after an oxy resting in bed, getting ready for sleep. I honestly didn’t even think at the time that I needed the oxy because the pain had diminished significantly even before taking it. Felt like I had turned a corner. Nope - woke up at 3:30 AM with pain and needed to ice and take another oxy. Then, at 7:30 AM I woke up again from THAT oxy wearing off. I didn’t pop another and just continued to ice instead.

Still have edema and bruising - no sign of infection but it’s very discouraging for me, because for whatever reason I really thought I’d be further along in my recovery. Especially since at tomorrow’s appointment, Hakky wanted to start bending the device. I have a gut feeling that isn’t going to happen. Am definitely considering staying an extra week.

I know it’s only start of Day 5 for me but mentally, bit of a downer morning. Am wondering why it’s taking me so long to turn that initial healing corner, where the pain really just becomes soreness? When I stand up to walk, I still get the obvious “burning” pain from gravity moving blood around through the edema and bruising. Has it gotten any better? At some points I feel like the answer is a resounding “yes”, but then other parts of the day I find it’s basically the same pain as it was on Thursday when the nerve block started really wearing off.

[kbb1957]

Stay positive.
I checked my notes and I started to TAPER off (not stop) the hydrocodone on day 2.
I did taper off the strong pain meds and used alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen for several days.
I think while I was tapering off the hydrocodone I incorporated the OTC pain meds.
My doctors said to stay ahead of the pain. I kept the pain at bay and was able to sleep pretty well.

After my surgery while Dr Morey was visiting me as he was walking out the door said, "Be sure to take a pain pill 1 hour before your 3-week appointment. It can be a toe-curling experience." He has a dry sense of humor and is very to the point.
I took that pill!!!
At my 3-week appointment, I was still too swollen to deflate and inflate so we scheduled a 6-week appointment.
I made sure to keep a pain pill in reserve for that visit as well.

As far as timing goes, my taint still had bruising at day 21 and my ball sack still showed bruising on day 28.
Here is a picture of my ball sack on day 5. You are probably doing very well by comparison.

[JohnnyBorg]

Stay positive.
I checked my notes and I started to TAPER off (not stop) the hydrocodone on day 2.
I did taper off the strong pain meds and used alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen for several days.
I think while I was tapering off the hydrocodone I incorporated the OTC pain meds.
My doctors said to stay ahead of the pain. I kept the pain at bay and was able to sleep pretty well.

After my surgery while Dr Morey was visiting me as he was walking out the door said, "Be sure to take a pain pill 1 hour before your 3-week appointment. It can be a toe-curling experience." He has a dry sense of humor and is very to the point.
I took that pill!!!
At my 3-week appointment, I was still too swollen to deflate and inflate so we scheduled a 6-week appointment.
I made sure to keep a pain pill in reserve for that visit as well.

As far as timing goes, my taint still had bruising at day 21 and my ball sack still showed bruising on day 28.
Here is a picture of my ball sack on day 5. You are probably doing very well by comparison.

kbb - appreciate your reply a lot, thank you. Feeling a bit more hopeful. Since waking up. It’s hard for me to not compare myself to some others - even those who have had IPP surgery and seemed to be recovering faster - at this stage. But I think a lot of this is anxiety on my end. It’s also challenging because I elected to have this surgery as a single man who lives by himself, which presents its own set of challenges. AND I’m not even in my own apartment, since I traveled in from out of town!

Posting here on FT has been very therapeutic honestly. I think keeping this journal has helped my mental state and anchoring a lot.

I like your perspective on the pain meds. Hakky started me with 12 oxy and I only have 4 left. I am considering requesting some more if possible - I’ve been careful to only take them when I truly feel I need them, and that’s been pretty much night time exclusively so far.