I'm 5 days post-op now and I feel GREAT! In the days prior to the surgery, i had such dread. Fear of pain in my sensitive parts mostly. I've seen the surgery videos.
But let me tell you, it is very realistic in the hands of a good surgeon (Dr. Clavell for me) to have a good outcome. Granted, I'm only 5 days in, but as I write this, I am taking no pain medication whatsoever. Here's a few simple tips I'd like to share:
1. ICE. I started icing from the moment I returned home. Although I had one of those old-fashioned circular ice bags with the screw on cap, another member had a better suggestion. That is, gallon-sized ZIPLOCK freezer bags. It's important that they are FREEZER bags and not just storage bags and that they have the "zipper" type seal. Not the press-to-close seal. Per his suggestion I filled bag #1, locked it, then placed it in bag #2. 2 sealed bags. I laid flat on my back as much as possible, put a towel over my groin area and laid the entire bag on top of everything. Over time, the ice melts and the bags begin to form a custom-enclosure for everything. I did this for hours, but you should do your own research as to how much time you should spend. Me, I was iced down for probably 70% of the first 3 days. And here i am on day 5 with almost no swelling or bruising! (almost). Nothing like some of those "grapefruit sized balls" stories I've read. Whew.
2. BABY SOCK. Dr. Clavell has me inflated to 60%. For 6 weeks. I don't like walking around all day with a semi out, preferring at times to wear a bathrobe. But, any fabric rubs against the glans, which is still sensitive. Another member suggested covering your penis with a baby sock. I did precisely that and am very comfortable wearing a robe or loose fitting athletic shorts. Plus, wearing my "Sonic the Hedgehog" sonic on my semi-erect member provides some comic relief. Pro tip: Use scissors to cut the elastic part where normally the baby's foot enters the sock. Now, it's more of a cap really.
3. "DONUT CUSHION". I preemptively thought i might make some use of one of these. It was a good choice. Bought on Amazon. Memory foam donut, with a hole in the center and most importantly a carved out indentation on the side to give space to your testicles. I suspect the hole might be for hemorrhoid or prostate patients, but the carve-out on the side is perfect for our purposes. Although i spent most of the first 4 days flat with ice, i still would sit up in a chair for awhile. I could feel my weight creating pressure in the surgical area, and when on a flat surface, it became uncomfortable. The scrotum is still getting used to its new resident i think. This donut cushion allows you to put your weight down with the curve in the cushion creating space for your package. I can tell a big difference.
Just wanted to share these 3 bits of what has worked for me for any brothers who might be ready to take the plunge soon.
