Day 2: My First 24 Hours After Circumcision Surgery
Hey again,
So here I am, officially 24 hours post-surgery, and wow – what a difference a day makes. I thought I’d share how this first full day went because honestly, it’s been a mix of relief, weirdness, and a few “oh crap” moments.
Sleep? What Sleep?
2:00 AM Wake-up Call
My body decided 2 AM was the perfect time to remind me that I’d had surgery yesterday. Whether it was the anaesthesia finally wearing off completely, the unfamiliar sensations down below, or just my brain processing everything that had happened – I was wide awake.
Sleeping in underwear with gauze felt bizarre, and I’ll be honest, some of it had stuck to the glans overnight. Not painful, just… odd. Apparently this is totally normal (thank Google and my paranoid 3 AM research session).
The Bathroom Test
First Proper Pee
You know how they were obsessed with making sure I could pee before leaving hospital? Well, this morning I finally understood why. Everything worked perfectly – no pain, normal flow, all the plumbing functioning as it should. Massive relief (literally and figuratively).
Other Business
TMI alert, but my bowel movements were completely normal too. Didn’t even need those Senna tablets they gave me, which suggests my body bounced back from the anaesthesia pretty well. Small wins, right?
Hydration Station
By 11:12 AM, I’d already knocked back 2.5 litres of water. I know that sounds excessive, but I was genuinely thirsty, and everything I’d read said staying hydrated was crucial for healing. Plus, it gave me something to focus on other than constantly checking how things were looking down there.
My appetite was back too, which felt like another good sign. Amazing how your body just knows what it needs.
The Great Corner Shop Adventure (Don’t Try This at Home)
Here’s where I made a questionable decision. Feeling pretty good and slightly stir-crazy, I thought I’d walk to the corner shop. Big mistake.
The walk that usually takes 3 minutes took about 15. Every step was deliberate and careful because the sensitivity was intense. The exposed glans rubbing against clothing, even loose tracksuit bottoms, was a constant reminder that everything had changed down there.
Note to future self and anyone reading this: just stay home on day 2. The shop will still be there in a few days.
Pain Check: Surprisingly Good News
On a scale of 1-10, I’m sitting at about a 1 for actual pain. I know everyone’s different, but I was expecting much worse. It’s more discomfort than pain – kind of like being hyper-aware that something significant has happened to your body.
The difference between discomfort and pain is huge here:
- Discomfort: Sensitivity, tightness, constantly aware something’s different
- Pain: Sharp, throbbing sensations that make you reach for the codeine
Thankfully, I’m firmly in the discomfort camp right now.
Wound Care Reality Check
Petroleum Jelly is Your Friend
The nurses weren’t kidding about using petroleum jelly around the area. It stops the gauze from sticking to healing tissue, which means changing dressings doesn’t become a traumatic event. Learned this the hard way when that first overnight gauze decided to make friends with my skin.
Swelling is Normal (Apparently)
There’s definitely swelling, and it looks pretty dramatic compared to how things were before. But from everything I’ve read, this is completely expected – just my body’s way of sending extra healing power to the area. Still weird to see though.
The Mental Game
Hands Off Policy
I’m being ridiculously careful about not touching anything unnecessarily. It’s partly protective instinct, partly fear of messing something up. Everything feels so different and sensitive that my brain is basically screaming “FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE” every time I get near the area.
Sensitivity Overload
The glans sensitivity is no joke. Every movement, every brush of fabric – it’s all magnified. They say this gets better over months as things naturally desensitize, but right now it’s pretty overwhelming. Loose clothing is absolutely essential.
Energy Levels: Running on Empty
By afternoon, I was knackered. It’s weird because I haven’t actually done anything, but I guess healing takes energy. Had a proper nap and felt much better afterward. My body is clearly directing all available resources to fixing itself, which I’ll take as a good sign.
Looking Forward: Shower Dreams
All I want right now is a proper shower, but I know I need to wait until I get the all-clear from the medical team. The thought of being properly clean again is keeping me motivated. It’s funny how you don’t appreciate simple things until you can’t do them.
24-Hour Reality Check
The Good:
- Minimal actual pain (1/10)
- All bodily functions working normally
- Staying well-hydrated and eating properly
- Positive outlook despite the weirdness
The Challenging:
- Sensitivity is intense and constant
- Movement requires serious caution
- Patience is being tested (hence the ill-advised shop trip)
- Everything takes longer than normal
The Lessons:
- Petroleum jelly prevents dressing disasters
- Don’t underestimate how much rest you’ll need
- Water is your friend – drink loads of it
- Stay home and be kind to yourself
What’s Next
Day 2 has been about accepting this new reality and being patient with the healing process. It’s encouraging that things are progressing well, but I’m clearly still in the early stages. The sensitivity and swelling will take time to settle, and I need to resist the urge to rush back to normal activities.
Tomorrow’s another day closer to full recovery.
Until next time, Dan
P.S. – Seriously, don’t attempt unnecessary trips outside during your first few days. The corner shop will survive without you for a week
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