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Posted 12/13/2011 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
Well, five weeks out from open surgery at Hopkins and I went back for my first day of work yesterday. I'm a school teacher, so it was good to get back to see the classes and my colleagues. Everyone was so supportive during this tough time. Starting to feel normal again.

I'm without pads, altho I carry a couple with me just in case. I think the pre-surgery kegels really did the trick. I have an occasional dribble, but nothing noteworthy. Feel really good about this and actually blessed after what I've read some here have had to deal with.

The ED is encouraging. With some work I can manage an almost ready for prime-time erection, but with a half of viagra, I am definitely in the game! Hopefully, I'll grow out of the need for the meds. Literally. :) I'm still a little scared of the wood, but I'm sure it's going to get some use here in the next week or two. :)

The two odd things I've noticed is that my penis is super sensitive, it seems I've returned to my teens in the premature ejaculation/ orgasm dept. The other thing is that now that it's cold outside, I'm having muscle spasms in the area around my incision. Just feels bizarre.

Anyway, I'm doing well and I don't know what I would have done during some of those early days home from the hospital without being able to come here for advice, camaraderie, and a laugh. Thanks to all. Hopefully the next report in Feb will include zeroes. :)

-Dude
Posted 12/13/2011 12:47 PM (GMT 0)
I went back to work, and my boss said "glad to have you back".
I said "glad to be back".
She said "are you really?"

My answer (honestly) was " Yup, otherwise I sit on the couch feeling sorry for my self. good to be back in the routine."

Good for you, Dude.

What grade do you teach, have you shared anything with students/parents?
Posted 12/13/2011 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Dude,

Congratulations. It is great to get one's life closer to normal again. Regarding being "super sensitive" .. same for me after my open surgery. Not sure why .. not complaining though. devil By the  way, thank you for being a teacher!

Posted 12/13/2011 10:19 PM (GMT 0)
Tenpin,

I teach 3rd grade. Sometimes I feel like it's college. :) The kids are pretty good, a little spoiled about some things. The school's in a very affluent area. Some of the parents are actually more difficult than the kids. :)

I felt sort of compelled to let my colleagues know what was going on. As they found out that I was going to be out for a period of time, the questions started. I'm pretty much an open book, so I didn't have a real problem letting everyone know why. I told my room parents why I'd be out but gave them strict orders to not spill the beans. And all I was comfortable telling the kids was that I was having a little surgery on my tummy. I figure the questions will come from parents pretty soon when I have to do make-up conferences since they were supposed to be right before Thanksgiving.

The school's been great to me, but HR is not that on the ball and I ended up with a little leave trouble that will hurt in the Spring when I take some time off for the birth of my third kid...somewhere beginning of April. But whatever; I'll worry about that when the time comes.

SC,

Yeah, man, I ain't complaining, but the other night when I was doing my "physical therapy," I had a hard time not having the big O about a minute in. Ridiculous. :) The wife wants her shot at it this weekend so hopefully I'll last a bit longer. I felt like a 12 yr old trying to hold back the wave... :)
Posted 12/14/2011 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Dude,

Congratulations on being on the other side of the other side: Getting back to living life.

It's great to hear that your side effects have been so minimal. Looking forward to that good report in February.

Jonathan
Posted 12/14/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Dude, good going. That was a nice report to read, glad you are back to doing what you love doing.

best of luck,

david in sc
Posted 12/20/2011 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
So I decided to bump this up rather than start a new thread...

I sent the Dr. an email today updating him and asking a couple questions...

I asked him about weight lifting being six weeks out from surgery now. I don't lift the poundage that I used to but I do like the weights and the high reps keep me toned. "You are free to lift weights. Be reasonable, but there are no real restrictions here." Can I start lifting the kids again (girls 4 and 2)? They need dad! "Lift your kids! Don't swing them up yet, but controlled, lifts and walking around is fine." Thank God, because it's the thing I've missed most after work. Lifts, hugs, and kisses. :)

I asked him about viagra and erections. I told him that the best erection I've had was on a 50mg dose on a completely empty stomach. He said, "I can change the prescription to cialis as you don't need an empty stomach." He was pleased with the report of the full-on erection with the 50mg of viagra. The wife and I got close to getting busy on Sunday at halftime, but I just couldn't quite manage it as we had a big breakfast while the kids were at the grandparents. I'll be happy to try again, however. :) Both eating more breakfast AND the afternoon delight!

I forgot to ask him about slight pain after orgasm, but I'll do that in my reply tomorrow. It's not bad and I think it's chalked up to stretching the urethra and parts out again. But I'll ask to make sure there's not a concern I'm not aware of.

So this weekend I start back with light weight/ high rep weight training in addition to walking on the treadmill 3 or more times a week. I'm back to 45 minutes but not at the same incline as pre-surgery. But I WILL get there.

Work has been a nice diversion, altho the kids are INSANE and have nothing but Santa and presents on their minds, so there's little chance of actually teaching them much. But I'm happy to be around their energy.

Merry Christmas to all--- or Happy Hanukkah, as the case may be. wink
Posted 12/28/2011 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dude

I was very interested reading your thread. I am going to have surgery Jan. 10. I am a teacher and I have been preparing for surgery with running and weights to have my body in a good a shape as possible before surgery. I have been really working on core exercises and doing the kegels as well.  It seems that you had a similar approach and are reaping the benifits.

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