My case was a bit more complicated than I had expected; any of you who have had hernia repairs done on BOTH sides, beware: the placement of the reservoir could be tricky. Mine was (see YouTube video link in my signature). If you are also in this situation I think it’s a good idea to select one of top implant surgeons, someone who has seen it all and has a full bag of tricks.
I started my journey by sending Dr. Kramer a message from his website on a Friday night. He personally called my on Saturday (left a message) and we finally connected on Sunday. Thanks to all of you who have posted on this forum I had most of my questions ready and got them answered on the spot.
My surgery date was only two weeks away, so I had to scramble to get my pre-op exams scheduled and done. I had already talked to my health insurance company and had gotten written approval for the procedure.I was actually surprised at how easy this was; no red tape at all.
I live in the Midwest, so I flew in to Baltimore on Monday Dec 2, and had surgery the next day.
Dr. Kramer’s patients get discounts at several hotels in the area. I chose to stay at the Hilton. Good, but not great. If I fly back to see him post-op I will choose another hotel.
(Kramer’s clinic is an ambulatory surgery center; no patients stay in the clinic overnight. So I returned to the hotel right after a short time in the recovery room.)
After checking in to the clinic, I met with a nurse, then Dr. Kramer and then Dr. Tommy Nyguen, the anesthesiologist. Our conversation with both doctors was pleasant and unhurried. All of our questions were answered, and all of our concerns were heard. I told Kramer my penis measurements (16 cm to tip with erection), and he listened carefully to this important detail. We discussed the ins and out of the different implant options, and I decided on the AMS 700 LGX. I had a lot of questions about anesthesia, and Tommy sat down and listened carefully and gave us a detailed explanation of our options. Very impressed by both docs.
Surgery went well, with the reservoir placement being somewhat of a challenge because of my bilateral hernia repairs. I awoke from anesthesia feeling good—just a bit groggy. I asked for one pain pill for the road; I don’t think I needed it, and it made me groggy.
I wish the clinic could have had the post-op meds delivered to me at the clinic. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a nearby pharmacy to pick up the prescription pain pills (which I did not need after all). I was sent home with a jock strap, some disposable ice packs, info from AMS, post-op instructions, and Kramer gave my partner his cell number. Bring a reusable ice pack or pick one up at the pharmacy on you way back to the hotel. At this point I think it’s becoming obvious that you will need a partner to help you on this journey.
Penis was inflated about 10% and wrapped in gauze. And a catheter and urine bag was attached. I used ice to reduce swelling. Also took 800 mg of Advil several times to prevent pain and to help reduce swelling. I removed the catheter the next morning. I have to say, to this point in my recovery the catheter caused the most discomfort. So happy to get that out!
When I got back to the hotel I had some questions about post-op care that I couldn’t remember. I texted Dr. Kramer and he quickly texted me back.
I know that some of you have a “What the fuck have I done” reaction when you take off the gauze wrapping and see your new bionic friend for the first time. Not me, thank goodness. All looked pretty good. Some swelling and bruising, but surprisingly little swelling and bruising.
I texted Dr. Kramer photos of my John Henry. He quickly texted me back with an “all looks good” text. Shortly after that a nurse from the clinic phoned to check up on me. Excellent after care, I must say. Later that afternoon Dr. Kramer himself called me to check up on me, and to arrange for him to visit me in my hotel before my departure on Friday afternoon.
Kramer has you lay flat on your back for the first couple days after surgery to reduce swelling. So be prepared; I read, watched TV, listened to music, and had my wonderful partner wait on me.
The first night after surgery I had no restrictions on what to eat. I was very hungry and ate too much. Restrain yourself—caused an upset stomach.
I will post photos of my “results” right after removing the gauze and the catheter the morning after.
- Immediately after surgery, with catheter and bag
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