Hey,
I didn't have the same op as you, but Ill try to help as much as I can.
I did have some surgery that required some fiddling of the arm, so Ill use of the "wisdom" I gained from that experience!
Is 8 weeks about the recovery time from surgery to return to work??
I should think that a physical job such as yours, this would be the minimum amount of time to have off. The RFF phallo will effect your arm a lot. During my second op, where my arm was used, I remember the first few weeks being hardest (...ofcourse), it took about 3 weeks to be able to straighten out my fingers. At 8 weeks, Im pretty sure actually that I was fine, able to go about my daily life, I was back at uni and had my arm free, probably at 4 or 5 weeks. I don't know how much more serious and injured your arm will feel, or what other surgeries you are having done at the time, but I should think 8 weeks should be ok...
If not how long was your recovery?? (I can appreciate this will depend on complications etc)
I managed not to experience any serious complications. The only thing I did suffer was a few wound infections on my side/hips, which took about 2 or 3 months to finally close. I simply wore soft trousers/jogging bottoms so it didn't rub too much, and carried on with every day things.
If you are getting the urethral hookup done (I cant remember if that is done straight away in the surgery youre having or not), that does give higher risks of complications, but a lot can be resolved on their own or quite easily.
If you traveled, how long did you stay in the area post op??
My op was in the same Country as where I live, but I still had to travel down to London (which is never cheap...). I was in hospital for a week, then went back to where I live. I visited my local DRs once or twice a week for about a month.
What was the most painful thing??
The *!%@#! catheter!! But that's just in my experience...
When could you stop taking narcotics/strong pain killers??
I stopped taking them at about 2 weeks post op.
When could you use your hand/arm??
I could use it properly at about 4weeks post op, but it MAY be different for you since youre having a lot more done to your arm.
When were you able to walk, sit, move between the 2 etc with minimal/no pain??
Depending on what is done to other parts of your body, having the testicle work done is what effected my sitting the most. It took almost two weeks to be able to sit with no pain. (I slouched very badly for awhile).
When were you able to return to working out (running, riding, lifting, yoga etc)??
I went back to the gym at about 2months post op, however, I may have gone too early. I didn't experience any setbacks or complications, but Im not sure if I remember the surgeons suggesting to wait longer...
Did you take a travel buddy to care for you post op??
No. It was difficult getting the train and finding my way back, and sure, I could've maybe done with some help there. But I managed.
If so who??
If you went alone what were some of the benefits/disadvantages??
I did struggle getting my train whilst carrying my bag (bear in mind you only have one arm free)
Does anyone else feel like they do NOT want family there?? It's not that I don't get along with them I do, and I know all they want to do is look after me and love me etc, it's just I know sometimes when I am sick or in pain I want to be alone but this is such a big surgery compared to all my others I am wondering what others thought/decided??
My Mum went to my first op, and I wish she didn't bring my little sibling, as it was clearly hard for them since they didn't understand, only saw that I was injured in a hospital. My Mum only wanted to care for me but what I struggled with is having someone there is a massive obvious reminder of what Im going through, when Id rather just get it over and done with without drawing attention to what I have to endure. It may be hard for families members to face that reality too, but it depends on what your family are like.
Is there anything you wished someone had told you pre op??
Mentally prepare yourself for what your arm will look like. I am completely used to it now, but the first few weeks were very difficult.
Is there anything you regret not having with you or doing prior to surgery??
Again, not that I can think of.... But Ill post again if I think of anything.
Anything you couldn't live without during the recovery??
My laptop and a tv. Its a big thing to admit that since I am not big on technology, but I was glad to be able to waste time in bed.
I hope that helps, and good luck with everything!
