One month post-op

[ldbraveheart]

Guys, I need some help. I've attached 2 photos--one pre and one post-op. I had the reconstruction surgery by Dr Solomon in Phila. He removed FFT, revised a scar mid-shaft from a necrosis problem I had in 1998, and inserted a Belladerm collar at top base.

I'm not too happy of the progress at this point. Doc said he was the best doc and did these recosntructions all the time. I dropped $11,000. From what I can tell, he didn't get all of the FFT, the scar looks ok, the Belladerm is uneven, and not in the spot I needed most (top/midshaft). And, now I have Peryone's disease. My erections look ridiculous (with the Peryone's and uneven Bella).

Guys, please help, give me some advice. At my 1-month, Doc basically said "you look better than you did," and said we'll see how it looks in 2 months.

[londonlad]

it looks a million times better Soldier, so relax, it will be even better when fully healed too, stay positive

[ldbraveheart]

Hey Londonlad,

Your feedback is critical for me. From my recollection, you have much expertise on this matter. I appreciate support from this group, as this is a very emotionally challenging time. I'm just trying to be normal again. One specific question....the mid-to-top shaft has a severe indent (rubber-band-type effect) which is very strange looking when I have an erection. It is not as pronounced in the flaccid state. Doc said let's see how it looks in 2 months....Does anybody know why this may be like this? Is it lack of good blood flow from the scar revision? Is there anything I should be doing now to improve this (i.e. massage, tension device, stretching, or just sit and wait)?

Thanks again.

[pdotq]

I think the new you looks way better, if you hadn't posted that you had a surgery, I wouldn't even have noticed. That's being 100% honest.

I don't see the indention thing you're talking about, I see a bit of what looks like a coloring issue but it's not very noticeable from the pictures you posted

[ldbraveheart]

Thanks, guys, for your support and kind words. I've posted 3 pics of my guy in erect/semi state. You should be able to see the rubber-band effect in the upper shaft. Flaccid looks ok; but erection not so good. Will time alone improve it, or should I start doing some work on it--pumping, tension, massage, warm baths, etc.

Thanks

[londonlad]

i honestly cant see this rubber band effect that you mention, from this top angle everything looks pretty damn good and when you are more healed and shave/ remove hair on the scrotalised bottom half of the shaft, everything will look even better...it really looks fine now and im not just saying that

you are still not really that long through the healing process, so just relax for a while and you should be following yours docs instructions rather than ours right now man, you'll be OK

you can try and do what I do and everytime you think about your penis problems switch on an episode of the simpsons (wtso dot com) or alan watts on youtube, it does wonders to blank my mind and get it to stop thinking about everything lol

also I found that because its difficult to explain what you are going through to "normal" people, your family could end up suffering through neglect or your anger so make sure you are being OK with your wife and kids and the penis will be OK, trust me

[ldbraveheart]

Thanks, LL and others...good advice. As you know, it's very difficult not to worry....since I have 16 years of worry on this topic (my original surgery was in 1995). So, here is my updated concern....Doc told me last week I could use a tension device (focused on the left) to straighten my guy out. So, I did immediately...probably in total for 2 hours over 2 days. I didn't like the sensation I got from it....I felt that it was undue pressure on the shaft , and it crunched up a bit post-stretch. It seems to have gotten back to the shape before the 2-day stretch, but now I'm worried that I did some damage to the Belladerm at the top base. It should be noticeable from the pics that there is this odd feeling (worse than it looks) at the angle on the left side of my erection...I'm hoping that I didn't compromise the blood flow or healing, or damage the Bellderm on the sides and beneath the shaft thereby preventing a more flexible and uniform angle (where shaft meets the scrotalised part). Probably sounds ridiculous, but that's what I am reduced to. Thanks.

[ldbraveheart]

Hey Guys,

Another semi/erect photo attached. I'm thinking the appearance (left side) got a little better in last couple days. Any feedback is appreciated. I'm 5 weeks + 2 days post-op.

I met with Doc yesterday after hounding him about this. He basically said 'get on with your life....because your organ will be in constant state of change for about a year post-op' and he 'is confident that it will be okay.'

[mjralph33]

looks good LD. Listen to your doc. Take it easy and try to relax. Looks zillions better than before. Best to you - MJ

[Burnt]

Hey- been checking out these forums for over a year now, decided I may as well jump into the mix. I can say that reconstructions have not garnered much of my attention in the past, but I would have to say that from those I have seen, this one looks pretty good. I do notice the banding effect you speak of. I also notice that it seems to be in the same location that the FFT lump was removed from. It would seem to me that you will likely retain some defect in the area, which may or may not be smoothed out with future surgery- possibly a thin sheet of cadaverous tissues? (I am not a surgeon). Anyway, my best guess is that your surgeon is looking forward to some revascularization of the area and continued improvements in scarring, leading to a more natural appearance and (hopefully) a more uniform color along the length of the shaft. This would occur, to some extent, with revascularization. My sentiment would be to keep your head up- it looks immensely better!