Hey everyone, Dan here!
I’m just back with a quick update from Week 9 of my adult circumcision recovery. Nine weeks! If you’d told me on day one, when I was barely able to shuffle to the bathroom, that I’d be back at the gym and walking 21,000 steps daily by this point, I’m not sure I’d have believed you.
But here we are. Things are going really well, and I’ve got some genuinely brilliant news to share.
The Moment I’ve Been Waiting For: Fully Knitted Together!
Right, the big news first: the incision area and scar line are now fully knitted together.
Fully. Closed. Healed.
That left-hand side that’s been lagging behind for weeks – the one with the infection, the granulation tissue, all the complications, has finally closed within this past week. It’s done it. My body has finally finished the primary healing job.
Now, I’m not going to pretend it looks perfect. The left side is still quite lumpy around the scar line and still bright pink compared to the right side. It’s clearly still maturing and settling down. But the actual wound closure? That’s happened. No more open areas, no more concern about infection getting in, no more having to be ultra-careful when cleaning.
What “Fully Knitted” Actually Means
The scar line just needs to smooth out now, which is apparently a process that can take several more months. The body continues remodelling scar tissue for ages after the initial wound closes. So whilst everything’s sealed up and safe, the cosmetic appearance will continue improving over time.
But functionally? I’m there. I can do everything I did previously.
Back to the Gym: Treadmill First, Strength Training Soon
Last week, I finally made it back to the gym. Properly back. Not just thinking about it or planning it, actually registered, turned up, and got moving.
Week One at the Gym: The Cautious Approach
So far, I’ve kept it simple – just the treadmill, really. I’ve been using it to get my steps up in a controlled environment, which has been brilliant for those rainy days (and this is Preston, so there have been plenty).
The treadmill feels safe. I can control the pace, stop whenever I need to, and there’s no risk of awkward movements or unexpected jolts that might cause discomfort. It’s been the perfect re-entry into gym life. I’ve even started running for a few mins at a time.
Next Steps: Strength Training on the Horizon
In another week or so, I’m planning to start incorporating more strength-based exercise alongside the cardio. I’m genuinely excited about getting back to lifting weights and building my fitness back up properly.
That said, I’m being realistic about it. I’ve lost a fair bit of muscle mass over these nine weeks of limited activity, and my cardiovascular fitness has taken a hit too. I’m not going to be lifting what I was before surgery, at least not immediately.
The plan is to start light, focus on form, and gradually rebuild. Slow and steady. No point rushing it and ending up injured or causing problems with the healing.
Sensitivity During Exercise: The Learning Curve Continues
I have noticed some sensitivity when trying certain exercises – squats in particular caused a bit of discomfort. Nothing painful, just… awareness. That feeling of everything moving and fabric rubbing in ways I’m not quite used to yet.
The Squat Situation
When you squat, everything shifts and moves down there. Post-circumcision, with the glans still adjusting to being exposed and the scar line still quite new, there’s definitely sensation during these movements.
I’m sure this is still going to be a learning process. The sensitivity will probably get less as time goes on and everything desensitises further. It’s just another one of those adjustments you don’t really think about until you’re doing the movement.
For now, I’m just being mindful of it and adjusting my workout as and when. If something feels uncomfortable, I’ll modify it or leave it for another week or two.
The Left Side: Slow but Steady Progress
That left-hand side that got infected early in the recovery and has been causing me grief for weeks? It’s still lagging behind the right side, but it’s finally getting there.
Current Status:
- Fully closed (finally!)
- Still lumpy around the scar line
- Bright pink compared to the right side
- Clearly still maturing
Why the Difference?
The infection and subsequent granulation tissue healing process meant the left side has had a more complicated journey than the right. It makes sense that it’s still a bit behind cosmetically, even though it’s now functionally healed.
I’m not worried about it anymore. It’s closed, it’s healing, and I know from everything I’ve read that scar tissue continues maturing for months. The lumpiness and colour difference will gradually improve.
The Consultant Follow-Up That Never Came
Quick admin note: the consultant still hasn’t sent me a follow-up appointment. At my last visit, he mentioned there’d be either an in-person or telephone follow-up, but nothing’s materialised.
Honestly? I don’t think I’m going to get one at this point.
Am I Bothered?
Not really. Everything seems fine. I’m fully healed, there are no concerning symptoms, and I’m back to normal activities without problems. If there was something urgent or concerning, I’m sure they’d have been in touch.
That said, if anything changes or I notice something concerning, I know I can contact the hospital directly.
Walking Stats: 21,000 Steps and Climbing
I mentioned in my last update that I was averaging around 20,400 steps daily. Well, I’ve pushed that up a bit more, I’m now doing around 21,000 steps a day with no issues whatsoever.
That’s roughly 8.5 miles daily. And the best bit? No discomfort. No having to stop and adjust. No worrying about the wound or the scar line. Just… normal walking.
Why Walking Has Been So Important to My Recovery
Beyond the obvious physical fitness benefits, the walking has been massive for my mental health during this recovery. It’s given me:
- Routine and structure when I couldn’t do my normal gym workouts
- Thinking time to process everything I’ve been through
- A sense of achievement when other exercise was off-limits
- Fresh air and movement during what could have been a very sedentary recovery
- Proof of progress when the visible healing seemed slow
If you’re currently recovering from adult circumcision and you’re cleared for walking, I cannot recommend it enough. Start small, build up gradually, and enjoy the mental and physical benefits.
Community Gratitude: Thank You for Your Emails
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who’s emailed me or reached out through the blog. I’ve read each and every message, and I should have replied to each one by now (if I’ve missed you, I’m sorry – drop me another message and I’ll get back to you!).
Why Your Messages Matter
Hearing from others who are going through the same experience, or who are considering the surgery and finding my blog helpful, makes all the documentation worthwhile.
Some of you have shared your own recovery journeys, others have asked specific questions, and some have just reached out to say the blog’s helping you feel less alone. All of it matters. All of it’s appreciated.
This recovery would have been significantly harder without this sense of community and shared experience.
Low and Tight: The Style Details
I don’t think I’ve explicitly mentioned this before, but my circumcision is a low and tight style. For those unfamiliar with the terminology:
Low means the incision line is closer to the glans (the head), leaving less inner foreskin remaining.
Tight means there’s minimal loose skin when erect – it’s quite snug.
This was the style recommended by my surgeon based on my Phimosis and BXO situation and the need to remove as much affected tissue as possible whilst still leaving enough skin for comfort and function.
Everyone’s different, and different styles suit different people and different medical situations. But for anyone curious about what style mine is – there you go.
Reflections at Nine Weeks Post-Op
Looking back over these nine weeks, a few thoughts:
It Took Longer Than Expected: Everyone’s timeline is different, but for me, getting to “fully healed” took the full nine weeks. If you’re someone who heals slower, don’t panic, you’ll get there.
Complications Are Part of Some Recoveries: The infection, the granulation tissue, the slower left-side healing, these things happen. They’re frustrating, but they’re manageable with proper care and professional input.
Mental Adjustment Takes Time: I’ve moved through doubt, regret, frustration, and finally acceptance. That emotional journey is as real as the physical healing.
Community Support Is Invaluable: From James the nurse explaining granulation tissue, to everyone who’s commented and emailed, you’ve all helped more than you know.
The Body Is Remarkable: Nine weeks ago, I had a surgical wound. Today, it’s healed tissue that’s functioning normally. The human body’s ability to repair itself is genuinely amazing when you stop and think about it.
To Anyone Currently Recovering
If you’re reading this from the middle of your own recovery:
Week 1-2: I know it feels impossible, but it gets better. I promise.
Week 3-4: The frustration of slow progress is real. Keep going.
Week 5-6: You’re over halfway. The improvements are happening even when they’re not obvious.
Week 7-8: You’re nearly there. Don’t give up now.
Week 9+: You made it. Your body did an incredible thing.
Be patient with yourself. Follow medical advice. Build your support network. Document your journey if it helps. And know that you’re not alone in this.
What’s Next for Me?
From here, the updates will probably become less frequent. The dramatic day-to-day changes are done – now it’s just gradual improvement and getting back to full fitness.
I’ll update again when:
- I’ve started proper strength training and can report on how that’s going
- There are significant changes in the scar appearance
- I hit other milestones worth sharing
- I start that Health, Nutrition and Exercise course I mentioned
But the main recovery journey? That’s essentially complete now. Everything from here is just refinement and getting back to full fitness.
Until the next update,
Dan
P.S. That moment when you realise you’re genuinely not thinking about the circumcision every waking moment anymore? That’s when you know you’ve properly healed. It’s just become part of normal life rather than the thing dominating your thoughts. That’s a good feeling.
