Hey everyone! Dan here, checking in from the end of day 18, going into day 19 of this rollercoaster of a adult circumcision recovery marathon. We’re well into the thick of things now, and I’ve got some proper updates on healing progress, antibiotic adventures, and holiday planning anxiety!
Where Should I Be at Day 18-19? Let Me Google That!
So here’s something I did today – I actually searched “where should I be in my healing journey on day 18 and 19 adult circumcision recovery” because sometimes you need that reassurance, don’t you? Turns out, I’m pretty much bang on track for this stage of recovery, which is a relief after all the drama we’ve had.
The Antibiotic Chronicles
I’ve been on antibiotics for nearly six days now, though at proper strength since Friday! It’s mad how much difference the right medication at the right dose can make to your recovery journey.
Strategic Step Reduction and Smart Decisions
Dialling Back the Activity
I’ve made a conscious decision to lower the number of steps I’ve been taking over the past few days. I know it might sound counterproductive, but it’s probably helped the healing process loads. Sometimes in recovery, less really is more.
The Shared House Airing Challenge
I’ve been keeping the area as clean as possible and airing it out as much as I can manage. Now, this can be quite difficult when you’re living in a shared house – you can’t exactly wander around with everything hanging out! But I’ve been doing my best to get some air circulation whenever possible.
Scar Line Progress Report
75 – 80% Closure Achievement Unlocked
The knitting of the scar line looks like it’s around 75-80% closed, which seems completely normal for this part of the recovery process. It’s actually quite fascinating watching your body literally knit itself back together. The human body is absolutely incredible when you think about it.
Redness Reduction Victory
The redness has reduced significantly around the scar line, which hopefully shows that the infection is finally retreating. This is the kind of progress you want to see when you’re battling post-surgical complications.
The Last Stitch Standing
I can only see one stitch left visible today! It’s like watching the end credits of the stitches saga. Each one that disappears feels like a little milestone in the healing process.
The Great Hair Mystery Solved
Plot Twist: It Wasn’t the Underwear!
Here’s something interesting I discovered – when walking, the rubbing issue I’ve been experiencing hasn’t actually been due to my underwear choice. Turns out it’s hair regrowth after the hospital shaved everything down there before the operation!
Who knew that something as simple as hair growing back could cause friction issues during recovery? It’s these little discoveries that make you realise how much goes into the healing process that medical guides never mention.
Wales Holiday Countdown Anxiety
The October 15th Deadline
I’m hoping desperately that I’m healed enough and infection-free before I head to Wales for a week on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th October. There’s nothing quite like having a holiday deadline to make you hyper-aware of every aspect of your recovery progress.
Holiday Recovery Logistics
Planning a holiday whilst recovering from genital surgery isn’t exactly covered in travel guides, is it? You’re thinking about things like: will I be comfortable on long train journeys? Can I manage walking around much? What if something goes wrong whilst I’m away from my usual healthcare providers?
Next Week’s Post-Op Appointment Nerves
The Consultant Call That Should Actually Happen
Next week I have my post-op telephone appointment – the one that should actually happen this time! I’m not entirely sure how that conversation will go, especially given all the complications I’ve had.
Questions I’m Planning to Ask:
- Is the healing timeline normal, given the infection setback?
- When can I resume normal activities without worry?
- Are there any red flags I should watch for during travel?
- How long before I can consider myself fully healed?
Swab Test Results Day
The Moment of Truth
I should find out the results of my swab test today, too. This feels like quite a significant moment – it’ll either confirm that the antibiotics are working and the infection is clearing, or we might need to adjust the treatment plan.
There’s always that nervous energy when you’re waiting for test results, isn’t there? Even when you’re feeling optimistic about progress, there’s still that little voice wondering “but what if…”
Optimistic Outlook Despite Everything
Remaining Hopeful
Despite all the setbacks, complications, and unexpected twists this recovery has thrown at me, I’m remaining genuinely hopeful that things are moving in the right direction. The visible improvements in the scar line, reduced redness, and overall feeling of healing give me confidence.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
I’m hoping I’ll be fully back to myself very soon! It feels like we’re finally turning the corner from the complicated middle phase into the home stretch of recovery.
Reflections on Day 18
What This Stage Teaches You
Day 18 is teaching me that recovery is as much about patience and strategic decision-making as it is about medical treatment. Knowing when to push yourself and when to dial things back is crucial.
The Importance of Realistic Expectations
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is research where you should be in your recovery timeline. It removes so much anxiety when you realise you’re progressing normally, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
P.S. – The hair regrowth situation is honestly something I never expected to be a factor in recovery comfort. If you’re planning circumcision surgery, just know that the pre-op shaving will eventually grow back and might cause some temporary friction! Who knew something so simple could be so annoying during healing?
Thanks for following along with the start of my day 18 update! The combination of visible healing progress, antibiotic effects, and holiday planning is making this feel like a proper turning point in the recovery journey.
If you’re considering adult circumcision or are currently in recovery, remember that day 18 is typically when you start seeing real structural healing progress. Stay patient – your body is doing incredible work even when it doesn’t feel like it!
Until the next update!
Dan
