Howdy from Michigan

[waj1993]

Day after, about a 2-3 on the pain scale, not much discoloration, some swelling. Am fairly mobile, did go to work but only light duty stuff (no lifting). Any pain or discomfort is acutally above the pubic region (so if that's getting graphic). The surgery site itself is pain free mostly.

[WheelyFixed]

Did you just get a simple orchie, or did he also take off the scrotum and / or other bits?

I know when I had my orchie and scrotectomy I didn't really feel like I noticed the orchie because most of my pain and discomfort was from the scrotectomy incision and stitches, or at least that's how it felt to me... Others have also said the scrotectomy was the more painful of the two surgeries and took somewhat longer to get over.

WheelyFixed

[waj1993]

Orchie. The scrotal skin stays put.

[WheelyFixed]

Then you will probably heal up pretty fast according to the other reports I've seen...

Downside, is that unless you are thinking about going for vaginoplasty (which uses that tissue) a lot of others have reported finding the empty scrotum causes a significant amount of discomfort to the point of going for a second surgery to get rid of it... Issues included getting pinched in clothing and being sweaty and sticking to legs and so on...

It was why I had them both at the same time since i didn't want to have to go through two recoveries, however its very much a question of personal choice.

WheelyFixed

[waj1993]

This has gone from a introduction to more of a journal, but thanks for bearing with me.

Bit more swelling and coloration today, but plenty mobile. Sweat pants are my friend currently. Pain is manageable, simple otc stuff does the trick.

[WheelyFixed]

Sounds about right, swelling gets worse for 3-4 days after, then starts to slowly go down...

Obviously you want to keep a sharp eye out for any signs of infection. Otherwise it should be getting better from here on out.

WheelyFixed

[Evolve]

Today was the day. I know i haven't followed up in awhile on this, but had my consultation earlier this week, and today went in. No pain yet, but back at home keeping the cat away from my lap will be a challenge for a few.

Followup visit tomorrow.

I just made it under the wire, as Dr is retiring today from his office practice, I was his last patient (in Michigan). I understand he'll be working in a warmer climate state in some other capacity.

Sweat pants are my best friend right now, and i can tell there is a bit of swelling.

Congratulations!!! I'm SO happy for you.

[waj1993]

Congratulations!!! I'm SO happy for you.

And right now I'm so happy for pain meds and ice packs.

[waj1993]

Little fella isn't very big to begin with, and even this moderate swelling has got it MIA. Makes quick visits to the urinal a bit problematic for the moment.

Pretty sure i read about that in a different post, but didn't occur to me as a possibility until it occured to me. Maybe I'll tie a string to it sort of like those emergency trunk release cables (kidding but maybe not kidding).

[WheelyFixed]

Could well have been my experience you read about... Because of my SCI, I can't pee voluntarily, and have to do 'intermittent catheterizing'... I also have leakage problems that usually require me to use a 'male-guard' pad to catch the dribbles.

Because of the leakage I had them put in a 'Foley' or indwelling catheter that stays in all the time for the surgery and immediately after - I was told to take it out after 48 hours, which I did... This turned out to be a mistake because between the shrinkage I'd already had and the swelling I found that I couldn't get to my urethra to stick in the intermittent cath, and the poking and fishing trying to was causing a lot of aggravation to the incision... I ended up having to go to the ER because I couldn't pee (lots of fun explaining... )

They put in another Foley and told me to leave it in for 10 days this time, and not take it out until I had the already scheduled 'post-surgery' follow-up appointment.... At that point I had to demonstrate to the (female) PA that I could pull it out enough to reach the needed bits before she would pull the Foley....

At least when you have voluntary control, it may be messy, but you can sit and let it go where it will... At this point you should be healed up enough that it won't do any harm to get urine on the incision area as long as you gently wipe it off when done...

WheelyFixed