11 Days - Extreme Swelling Post Circumcision

Sadly, the hope I have been carrying thus far has been hammered by some bad news. My penis is still very swollen. The mass & size in general is swollen (just the shaft area), and there is a big puffy swollen ring around my head.

Cause of Swelling after Circumcision

I've been doing a lot of research and deciphered this is a complication referred to as lymphedema - swelling that occurs because the lymph vessels are obstructed and does not allow the lymph fluid to drain back into the veins. I guess it usually happens after surgery that leaves trauma to skin & vessels that have been cut off. I did have a large vein on the top side of my penis that went up to the tip of my foreskin, I suspect this was primary cause. However, I've read cetain people simply just rerspond this way to circumcision so I unfortunately might be one of those people. Is the circumcision worth it so far? Heck no. I wish I could have my tight foreskin back and masturbate and have slightly painful but still possible sex. I am frightened I have irreversibly damaged my most precious part of my body, but only time will tell.

Symptoms:

-Very swollen & fat size penis
-Puffy ring around head

Circumcision Gone Wrong, or is it Normal?

It's hard to say if this was caused by poor surgical technique, or if this is simply just how certain peoples bodies response. If you read my prior posts, you'd know I went to see a highly specialized doctor of circumcisions in Florida, Dr. Reed. I am sure he is extremely skilled & experienced, that is why I saw him. I'm hoping he didn't have an off day on my procedure though. Here are the photos I've showed Dr. Reed, and his e-mail response to my concerns.

My Doctors Response to my questions about the swelling:

Me: Question I have - after I take warm baths, there is a black scab forming around the part of the incision where the wound seems to have come slightly loose. It is illustrated on the "right side pictures" - the warm water seems to soften up that area and makes it feel like its more prone to separate throughout the night.


Doctor: Warm tub baths with a 1/2 cup of table salt is helpful to increase capillary blood flow and draw fluid. out the swollen areas. That the fluid would open the crust for me is not consequential now as most likely that area will heal secondarily.

Me: I noticed the next morning it was slightly coming loose with some remnant hints of fresh blood underneath. Do you still recommend I take warm baths 2x a day, will this be okay?

Doctor: Yes, in a clean tub of course. And shower afterwards to rinse off bath water.

Me: Would applying ice on a daily basis help the swelling?

Doctor: Absolutely the wrong thing to do. Coldness causes vasoconstriction and retards wound healing. Only advised with some patients for the first 24 hours in certain situations, to reduce bruising.

Me: Is this swelling possibly considered lymphedema?

Doctor: Yes.

Me: Do you foresee a skin graft or any other procedures being necessary because this is lymphedema? How long do you think the healing will take?

Doctor: In 40 years, I have not known any circ I have done to require a skin graft. Plan on 4 to 6 weeks for the swelling to come down considerably. It will probably max out in another week or so. If the lymphedema does not subside in 5 or 6 months I have removed wet tissue. This is very remote.

I will have to sit tight and wait to see what happens these next few weeks.

Is Lymphedema Common Following Circumcision?

I have also read forums of other people facing lymphedema. Many of these people were swollen up to 5-6 months, with some that have reported the swelling finally came down by then. I am really hoping my recovery will not take this long. I did not anticipate this type of result at ALL and I am extremely upset about facing this consequence. I really hope once the stitches come out in a few days, the swelling will begin to subside more quickly as the foreign materials will be removed from the skin. I am also hoping I am not required to have a second procedure done to treat this lymphedema. Whatever the result is, I will be regularly updating my blog. Also, if there is anyone reading this which is currently dealing with post circumcision swelling or has dealt with it in the past, PLEASE comment and provide some info =(

Is the swelling painful after 11 days?

Besides the very unfortunate degree of swelling, the pain is going down a lot (except when erections occur, they are painful and take a while to go away). I can move around a bit more comfortably and I am walking less funny. Also, my penis head is starting to slightly keratanize and it is becoming less sensative to touch. Wearing nylon boxers (snug fit) are comfortable enough to be mobile. However, I am still not exercising or any thing of that sort just yet.