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

Written by Damian at 29 Mar 2005 21:44:49:

As an answer to: Full Circ in less than 2 weeks now...... written by Andy at 29 Mar 2005 17:25:29:

Hey Andy,

I am FLATTERED that you found my 'advice' so helpful. I am only too glad to pass on what I have learned in the year since I was circumcised.

OK, first things first - don't panic sir! It's not nearly as bad as most guys think it's going to be. It will be uncomfortable for a few days but I'm sure you've had worse days with your BXO. The best thing to do is to listen to the advice of your doctor. Every doctor has a different method of bandaging so depending on how it is done, you will deal with it accordingly in the first few days. Having said that, a lot depends on the way things go in those first few days and you can't be running to the doctor's every few hours - and in those first few days, believe me, things change that fast.

>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?

Don't remove the doctor's dressing till he tells you to do so. A compression bandage keeps the swelling down but it also keeps the wound moist thus slowing down the initial healing. This is a fine balance to achieve and you will get very different approaches from different doctors. Most tend to say remove the dressing after 2 - 3 days and in those first days you must NOT get it wet. If you feel the need to re-dress the wound (as I certainly did!) then a Melolin dressing is sufficient. By its nature (being a bit bulky) you may not be able to apply it tightly so its use is more for supporting the wound and protecting the area. You will need to wrap a stretch bandage round the whole thing to keep it in place. That can be a stretch gauze as it will not come into direct contact with the wound. DO NOT USE vaseline with Melolin as this defeats the purpose of the dressing. You want the cut to be dry and vaseline keeps it very moist.

>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.

Whenever soiled is fine but you will not want to disturb it once you get it properly bandaged up, so I think you'll find a natural rhythm for this. You should certainly wash the wound daily and that would require a clean dressing every time.

>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?

Tissue ought not to be necessary with Melolin. You could use the tissue round the Melolin for extra cushioning.

>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.

The simple answer is very little! Swelling is caused by the severe disruption that occurs to the lymphatic system of the penis during circumcision. If you have a sleeve-resection where two circular, parallel incisions are made, the disruption is less but this method requires GREAT surgical skill and is attempted by few doctors. It can easily be botched! Most doctors go for some type of clamp, pull and cut method and as crude as it sounds, it does produce a fairly descent cosmetic result in most cases. In cutting this way, the ends of lymphatic vessels are left open to 'replumb' themselves over the following weeks and during that time there will be some degree of swelling and oozing of lymph from the wound. This can be messy and can cause some considerable discomfort so here again Melolin comes into its own. It keeps the lymph away from the wound and off your clothes and the cushion helps to protect the fella while he is so vulnerable! I'm afraid swelling is something we just have to endure. It does eventually go down!

>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?

Very wise decision. I had two weeks off as well and I would say that is about just right!

>6. I am told bathing with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil helps - does it?

I would avoid any kind of antiseptic - even Tea Tree Oil. They can be very corrosive on healing skin and can slow down the healing. I was specifically told by my doctor NOT to use any such thing.

>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.

I'd say not before 6 weeks. Give the wee fella a chance to settle first.

>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.

Although I never had the problem of flaking I am told it IS common amongst guys whose glans were not used to being exposed. It happens for a few weeks perhaps but this too will stop. Don't be too worried about moisturising. The glans will dry out whatever you do. In most (if not all) cases this is a good thing, especially if one suffers with BXO!

>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?

Will have to get back to you on this.

>10. Sleep on my side or in foetal position post Op

Whichever way you feel comfortable and gives you a good night sleep. On you side is supposed to cut down night-time erections.

>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.

I was told by my doctor to wear tight pants to keep the fella from bouncing about. I think this is wise.

>12. Pain relief is largely unneccessary.

Absolutely! But definitely nothing containing aspirin.

>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.

Spot on. Set you alarm to wake you up just to be safe.

>14. Do NOT use Gauze dressings

According to the gospel by Damian! :-)

>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.

Good.

>16. If you dont normally, DO wear some boxers or pants in bed unitl your wound dries up - saves soiling the bed sheets!

Good to keep the fella immobilised as well. Too much bouncing about might bring on a bleed!

>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.

OK. This is a contraversial one! Lymphatic fluid acts on the stitches to soften them and dissolve them. Trouble is, there is not too much of that on the outside so they take longer to go if the wound is very dry. They can then become very prickly and irritating! Personally, I took my stitches out myself when the first one came out on day 8! I don't believe I suffered any negative effect as a result of so doing. You need to take your own counsel on this matter. Leaving them to go by themselves is just NOT an option if they start to itch and become brittle. That drives you MAD!!! Best thing is to see how you get on. The instant they are out, you will enjoy the most amazing relief (and this is the only kind of relief you'll be getting for a while!).

Do write again if there is anything else I can help with. BTW, where in the world are you?

All the best,

Damian


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