TOPIC: soma's bella to pmma

Mine too Soma. You've got plenty of people here who care and are here if you need them. If you need someone to talk to, send me a PM and I'll give you my phone number. I would relax and try not to freak out as it certainly won't improve the situation though I'm sure that's difficult not to do. We will get through this together and you'll be fine.

Regards,

M7

Hi soma,
My thoughts are with you too soma, and I wish you the best bro.
I would love to know the followings, please, if you don't mind :-
Is the swelling v soft i.e. contains fluid or firm ?What was Dr. C.'s opinion ?
IMO :-
1- If the swelling contains fluid I will advise you straightaway (don't wait please) to start having an antibiotic (i.v. will be much better) it won't do any harm for your penis i.e. you have to attack any infection straightaway just to avoid biofilm formations (clear after the agreement of Dr.C.) .
2- Stop massaging the swelling.
3- The swelling is localized in a particular area, thank god it is not diffused and not involving the whole penis, but to decrease this from happening is by starting to have i.v. antibiotic straightaway (I am sure all doctors will agree with that esp. if a patient with a graft and fluctuating swelling on pressure and had some temp. esp. at night).

I will pray for you Soma and I hope you will be fine and happy at the end and you will always have my support bro.
SM

Definitely stop the massaging and get anti biotic as suggested by SM, asap. Also, I recommend a very mild wrapping on the penis and take some Alleve or equivalent. (remember, I am not a Dr, just trying to help a fella!)

I had a similar case when I had by implant, and wrapping it and taking Alleve for a few days took care of it, this was when I was still in the healing process when the implant was put in.....Good luck

Soma- you indicated with your pics that there is swelling of the Belladerm scar- was it as 'pronounced' as it is now (prior to PMMA)? Did you have injections there? My allo wound up leaning to the right side (my view) as time went on.. did you notice this tendency towards assymetry? It appears the skin on your right is taught the entire length? I'm concerned regarding the potential complication of the Belladerm, as SM pointed out can be an issue. I'm asking these questions because your current status is making me pause regarding my own 2nd procedure. I'm just hoping you are willing and able to share the resolution to this complication that may be unique to those of us whom have had grafts. Perhaps the doctor should always use an IV antibiotic drip in this instance (as SM had suggested)...? I would take SM's advice on the swelling. I'm hoping for your speedy recovery and a perfect result! Hang in there man. Regards

Sounds like you guys think infection is still possible at this point post op. Bummer- I was hoping to hear that it would be highly unlikely as Dr C told me last time we spoke (I just sent him these recent pics and haven't heard back yet). Smartman, the swelling at the circ scar only started after the massage the other day, and in places it is very soft and fluid like. I'm going to try and order antibiotics asap via that link you posted given that their seems little downside. I'm also going to try ice right now. Rondo, this recent bella scar swelling has never been present before, ever, and it started IMMEDIATELY after the massage, hurt for a day, and now doesn't really hurt. I'm going to call Dr C asap.

Soma- Seriously- you only have one Dick... don't fuck with it! (hoping a little pun might at least lighten any anxiety a bit...) It might be mildly 'humbling' or whatever, but I would strongly advise you consult a 'real' doctor immediately, or get anti-biotics immediately. waiting for a shipment is an unnecessary risk. I'm guessing MM and SM would agree.If you're concerned about the potential embarassment- go to a Urologist or Dermatologist, they could give you an immediate treatment. Are you in proximity to Dr. Rosenthal? Even if not, I would call him or your primary care and get a script and fill it NOW. No harm no foul as long as you do it asap. This is my sincere concerned 'voice'. I'm not a doctor, that's why I'd see one now. I'm hoping anyone who has experienced your level swelling several weeks after the procedure will speak up to shed some light.

Called Dr R just now and got him immediately, what a stand up guy. He's calling in a script for both augmentin and cipro as he's had success treating Belladerm infections with this combo. He did say he's not an expert on PMMA and that I should ask Dr C which to prescribe, which I will and I have a call into him already today (he was in a proceedure). However, I had Dr R call the script in and will ask him for another if Dr C recommends a different medicine-

That's good to hear Soma. Both Rosenthal and Casavantes are great doctors and I'm confident you'll be fine. I'm still going to be in prayer for a speedy recovery.

whew! Well played. I'm glad you erred on the side of caution. This thing is gonna turn around and provide excellent results. Regards

I agree with Rondo's post above. You are going to be gigantic!

Hi Soma,
I was really worried about you bro, please try to get an i.v. injection and not only an oral antibiotic.
Augmentin is v good drug against infection or for a deep serious tissue infection they recommend Clindamycin.
I do understand why Dr. R. uses the drug Ciprobay is an excellent drug esp. against a very stubborn micro-organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also against other bacterias.
You will be fine just start the i.v. antibiotics asap.

I think the general consensus is that 'smartman' has earner his username. Good advice that I hope you strongly consider Soma- fully realizing what it entails in reality (a visit to a clinic..and associated cost). Err on the side of caution. Smartman- is it possible to have an iv anti-biotic prescribed for 'self-injection'? I defer to smartman as I believe he is (are you?) a doctor in the medical field. Take his medical advice, take my push and financial advice: do whatever it takes to make it right....now. You'll thank yourself later. If it's possible to get an iv anti-biotic prescribed- call Dr. R back and tell him you want what SM indicated. Tell him you want it now. If you're not confident with self injection, again, take SM's advice and go get it done. wherever, however. SM- If you are indeed a Dr., please confirm (if you haven't already) to Soma so he understands your conviction. No offense to anyone intended or implied. Soma- I am a creature of casual observation. I suggest you follow these suggestions of unsolicited advice... because it is unsolicited (in this case). You are not witnessing or receiving ill-advice. Do what's best. You will be fine. Regards

I do not believe ice in that area is a good idea. You want good blood flow to help fight an infection and icing the area slows down the flow.

Yes, it is very possible that aggressive massaging may have caused the swelling. I'd take two ibuprofen pills and then another two in six to eight hours then one every six hrs for a few days. The pills will have no negative effect if they do not work, but if they do work then you know what is happening, it is just swelling!

Hi Soma,
In regard of Ibuprofen, Dr. C. is right this drug is (1) an anti-inflammatory drug i.e. it is good against infection, (2) it can reduce the swelling too beside (3) pain relief (4) for the fever. It should not be taken with an empty stomach. Don't take it if you have asthma.
There are two things in your case which makes me a bit relieved :-
1) The history of the swelling is directly after massaging (trauma).
2) It is localized only in one area. Usually the bacteria are aggressive and will attack the whole graft and not only part of it in a v. short period, and you will have a huge penile swelling (full of fluid).
So you could have at the beginning a seroma due to the micro-traumas of the underlying tissues, but anyway any fluid collection over a graft esp. with a temp. at night and history of pain ---> i.e. a possibility of a start of infection.
Try to continue the antibiotic for a longer period i.e. 14-21 days.
Is the skin over the swelling area warmer than the rest of the shaft ?