[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Andy at 05 Apr 2004 14:03:58: Re: Can anyone help? Bathing after operation
As an answer to: Can anyone help? Bathing after operation written by DF at 29 Mar 2004 23:59:05:
Hi,
Be very careful how you wash, and DONT have a bath. I too had a Frenuloplasty just over 2 weeks ago. I was given clear instructions about bathing daily. The instruction sheet I was given by the Eurologist said that I should have a bath or shower every day and that I should also retract the foreskin to wash daily. BIG mistake. Last Friday, having done exactly what I was told, four sticthes popped, and I had a very serious arterial bleed. Basically, the daily ritual of a bath, and the retraction had in fact kept the wound soft, and helped disolve the stitches after just 1 week. I lost an estimated 2 pints, and was ambulanced off to Hospital for treatment involving drips, blood tests etc etc. VERY scary! 1 week later, the bleeding finally stopped. I can now retract, but am only doing so very carefully, and no more than every 3 days. I am not having a bath, but what I am doing is washing gently with my fingers, and with nothing but water. I do not have a shower, so instead have just had all-over washes. Biggest problem I have had was with erections. I couldnt stop them at night, and the Doctor couldnt or wouldnt give me anything to prevent them - he suggested that if I did get a stiffy, that I tap my Penis quite hard with a pencil - I never once felt the urge to try it! Several of my erections caused greater bleeding and soreness, but this was not really a big problem, it just meant that I had to change my dressing more often. I would suggest that you do NOTHING to encourage your stitches to dissolve or fall out, certainly do not tug on them at all - let them come out/disolve on their own. If they are scratchy, see your GP. Do NOT bath, and do not retract every day whilst your Penis is sore. in my case, I eventually had to retract, even though I was terrified that retraction would make me bleed badly again. I had a mild irritation due to a build up of Smegma - I washed it as decribed above, and it was fine for another 3 days. For me, a gentle bathe every 3 days has been best. Today, 2 weeks and 3 days after the Op, the wound has healed, it is no longer a problem with erection, and I now have the confidence to retract and clean. I guess I am concerned about how it looks - my wife jokes that I have a Clitoris attached to my Penis - basically, I have whats left of, either side of the wound, my Frenulum - one side looks like a small flap. I guess if the stitches hadnt burst that it would look better, but when I was in hospital with the bleed, they really didnt want to restitch. I have read much, probably too much, but I know this will heal in time, and much of what looks odd now will disapear. I am 40 and married. My Penis will always look good to my wife (she tells me) and so I do not need to flatter anyone else with it. It still works, and my Wife and I will get many more years of satisfaction and mielage out of it. Yes, it will look differant now, but I must never lose sight of the reason I had it sone in the first place. For me, I had a tear in my Frenulum, that wouldnt quite heal, and kept on tearing. This Op will in time give me greater comfort, and pleasure. Its OK to be anxious, but you will be OK - just dont do what I did - go easy with it, do what feell more comfortable for you, not just what the leaflets tell you to do. Clean when you are comfortable and confident to do so, but dont rush anything.
Good luck!
Andy
>Hi,
>I had a frenuloplasty over a week ago. I am worried about stitch tunnels, but am recieving conflicting views. Today a nurse told me that i should bathe the wound in the bath to help the healing and the stitches to dissolve. However i have just seen seveal sites on the internet saying that the wound should not be bathed, but 'splashed' and not allowed to soak, as this could damage the healing process. One place I read this was on the BUPA (UK private medical firm) website. I dont know what to do. If anyone knows i would appreciate any replies. Also is there anything else i should be doing to encourage the stitches to dissolve/fall out?
>Thank You