Medication Mix-Up & Feeling Defeated
Hey everyone, Dan here, and I’m writing this just after getting home from the doctors on day 16 (Just entering day 16) of my adult circumcision recovery.
It’s two minutes past 12 on September 26th, so I’ve officially entered day 16, and honestly, I’m feeling pretty defeated right now. This has been one of those days that really tests your resilience during recovery, and I need to share the reality of what’s happening – the good, the bad, and the frustrating medication mix-ups that can derail progress.
The Antibiotic Disaster: Half Doses for Days
Prescription Confusion Chaos
Here’s something that’s left me feeling frustrated and a bit stupid, if I’m being honest. On Tuesday when I was treated for the infection and prescribed Flucloxacillin, I was told to take 500mg four times a day. Simple enough, right?
Wrong. The pharmacy gave me 250mg tablets, and nobody – not me, not them – checked properly. I’ve been taking ONE tablet four times a day instead of TWO tablets four times a day. Basically, I’ve been taking half the prescribed dose for days, which explains a lot about why the infection hasn’t been improving.
It’s one of those mistakes that makes you feel like an idiot when you realize it, but honestly, when you’re feeling unwell and dealing with recovery brain fog, these things can slip through the cracks. The pharmacy should have flagged it, I should have checked – but here we are.
Today’s Medical Reality Check
No Improvement, Actually Worse
Today’s checkup with the nurse brought some disappointing news. There’s been no real change in the infection, and if anything, it’s looking a bit worse. The nurse described it as “really red and swollen” and said it “didn’t look great” – not exactly the words you want to hear when you’re hoping for improvement.
Because of the medication mix-up and lack of progress, I’ve now been put on a dual antibiotic approach. I’m continuing with the Flucloxacillin (at the correct dose this time – 2 tablets, 4 times a day), plus they’ve added Metronidazole 400mg tablets, one tablet three times a day with or just after food for a 7-day course.
They’ve also taken a swab of the area just in case I need a completely different type of antibiotic if this dual approach doesn’t work. It’s reassuring that they’re being thorough, but also slightly worrying that we’re having to escalate treatment like this.
New Care Instructions: Airing Out
Commando Recommendations (Sort Of)
The nurse has told me to continue with my hygiene routine but also to let the area air out as much as possible. Her recommendation was to “go commando”, but realistically, I live with others, so that’s not always practical. I’ll opt for a dressing gown and loose underwear.
I’m trying to find a balance between following medical advice and maintaining some dignity in a shared living situation. It’s another one of those aspects of recovery that nobody really prepares you for – how personal medical needs clash with normal social living arrangements.
Physical Symptoms: Feeling Rough
Blurred Vision and General Malaise
Woke up this morning with blurred vision and just feeling generally “off” – that vague but unmistakable sense that your body isn’t right. I’m still feeling off as I write this, and honestly, I could just go back to sleep right now.
I’m not sure if it’s related to the infection, the stress of dealing with complications, or just my body being exhausted from fighting this thing for so long. Either way, it’s unpleasant and is definitely affecting my mood and energy levels.
Despite feeling rough, I’ve still managed to clock about 9,200 steps today, so I’m trying to maintain some level of activity even when everything feels like an uphill battle.
The Mental Struggle: Honest Feelings
Questioning Everything
I need to be completely honest here – part of me wishes I never had the circumcision because then I wouldn’t have to go through this rollercoaster of a recovery. It’s one of those thoughts that pops into your head when you’re feeling low and everything seems to be going wrong.
But rationally, I know that’s not fair thinking. The issues I had before surgery (phimosis and BXO) would have led to needing this procedure anyway. I would have had to go through this recovery process at some point, regardless of when I chose to have it done.
Still, when you’re dealing with infections, medication mix-ups, and feeling generally unwell, it’s natural to have moments where you question everything. Recovery isn’t just physical – it’s a proper mental and emotional challenge too.
Feeling Tired and Demotivated
The Emotional Reality of Setbacks
I’m feeling genuinely tired and demotivated right now. Not just physically tired, but that deep, emotional exhaustion that comes from dealing with setback after setback when you just want to heal and move on with your life.
It’s demoralising and demotivating when you’re doing everything right – following medical advice, taking medications, maintaining hygiene routines – and things still aren’t improving the way they should. It makes you wonder what else could go wrong and when this whole process will finally turn a corner.
Hope for the Dual Antibiotic Approach
Looking Forward Despite Everything
Despite feeling defeated today, I’m trying to hold onto hope that this dual antibiotic approach will finally tackle the infection properly. The Metronidazole is a 5 day course, so hopefully, I’ll see some improvement within the next week.
The nurse seemed confident that taking the correct dose of Flucloxacillin combined with the additional antibiotic should make a real difference. Sometimes it takes finding the right combination of treatments, and maybe this is what my body needs.
Day 16 Reality Check
Today’s Challenges:
- Discovered I’ve been taking half the prescribed antibiotic dose for days
- Infection showing no improvement, possibly worse
- Started on dual antibiotic treatment approach
- Woke up with blurred vision and feeling generally unwell
- Emotional low point and questioning recovery decisions
Today’s Small Wins:
- Got proper medical review and treatment adjustment
- Still managed 9,000 steps despite feeling rough
- Swab taken for potential further treatment options
- Being honest about mental/emotional struggles
Key Lessons:
- Always double-check medication doses and tablet strengths
- Pharmacy errors can happen – don’t assume everything is correct
- Recovery setbacks can seriously impact mental health
- It’s okay to have moments of regret and frustration
- Escalated treatment is sometimes necessary for stubborn infections
Community Support Needed
If you’re going through this recovery journey too, please leave a comment about where you are and how you’re finding it. Right now, I could really use hearing from others who understand what this process involves – the physical challenges, the emotional ups and downs, and the way complications can knock your confidence.
Whether you’re ahead of me in recovery, going through similar challenges, or preparing for your own surgery, your experiences and support mean everything during the tough days like today.
I know this update is more negative than usual, but I think it’s important to share the reality of what recovery can involve, not just the positive progress moments. Some days are genuinely hard, and that’s part of the journey too.
I’ll keep you updated on how the dual antibiotic treatment goes over the coming days. Hopefully, the next update will be more positive and show some real improvement.
Until next time, take care of yourselves.
Dan
P.S. – If you’re ever prescribed antibiotics, please double-check the tablet strength matches what you were told to take. Learn from my mistake!
