[ ARC forum 2 ]

Full Circ in less than 2 weeks now......

Written by Andy at 29 Mar 2005 17:25:29:

OK guys, My Circ is just 11 days away now, and I am getting very nervous. In the last few months, I have read and learned so much. Many things are conflicting. Most are constant. One thing is for sure, the advice that has been the most valuable has been from Damian – Damian your words of support and advice are really helpful, and I am very grateful. Unlike so many people who use this forum, my Circ is necessary for genuine medical reasons – not vanity. The Op will change my life forever, and I have no idea how I will feel about that until it’s done. I will certainly not miss the pain and discomfort, and so whilst I am nervous as hell, am trying to look forward.

I think I have read every bit of advice going – here is my summary – please do let me know if I am incorrect, have missed anything, or if you have any better advice. I have also a few unanswered questions, so here goes;

1. Post Circ - would I be doing the right thing if I washed daily (but not for the first few days) as best I could, pat dry, apply some Vaseline, and then apply a fresh Melolin non stick dressing?
2. I am obsessed with cleanliness - should I change the dressing whenever it is soiled?, daily?, every other day? - What in your experience is best? I personally would prefer to replace it whenever soiled.
3. Many people recommend wrapping the penis in Tissue - seems it is easier to remove - what do you think of this idea? If I did, again, would the Vaseline help?
4. What can I use to reduce swelling? When I had my Frenuloplasty a year ago -it was the swelling that was the most harmful, especially the effect it had on the stitches.
5. I am taking two weeks off work, and will rest BIG TIME. What else can I do to improve and speed healing and recovery?
6. I am told bathing with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil helps - does it?
7. Lets move on a few weeks - the bruising and swelling has gone - at what point is it wise to start using Vitamin E oil or Polysporin cream? I want to keep the scar/wound as soft and supple as possible.
8. I have read that after a short time, my glans will start to “dry out” and become flaky – in my case, one of the several reasons for the Circ is to treat aggressive BXO – assuming the BXO will eventually go (?!) How best to “moisturise” the exposed glans and scar? The thought of a dry flaky end bothers me a bit.
9. I have read loads about what I should do – but what shouldn’t I do? What have other people done and wished they hadn’t?
10. Sleep on my side or in foetal position post Op
11. Loose boxers offer comfort for some - as do firm fitting pants for others -I will have to try both and see what is more comfortable.
12. Pain relief is largely unneccessary.
13. Nocturnal erections are largely avoided by restricting fluid intake before bed, and then passing water perhaps every 3 hours in the middle of the night - trial and error I guess.
14. Do NOT use Gauze dressings
15. Do allow at least 2 good weeks off work, and away from sport etc post op - REST UP, do not try and carry on as normal.
16. If you dont normally, DO wear some boxers or pants in bed unitl your wound dries up - saves soiling the bed sheets!
17. Keep those stitches supple with Vaseline - stiff, scratchy stitches are a nightmare - and dont mess with them - always get anurse to remove any that me need to be - DONT try and do it yourself.
18. ALWAYS wash your hands after you have touched yourself, and dispose of all dressings properly.

Thanks for all your feedback.

Andy


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