Another retraction-want to make sure all is ok-

[ftmomma]

My 3.5 yr old son just went to the bathroom before his nap. I came into the bathroom after and noticed some ballooning of his penis. He dressed himself this morning when he got up so I'm not sure if it was like that this morning, but I didn't notice it last night when he dressed for bed. I tried to touch his penis and he pulled away. I asked if his penis hurt and he told me only when he "pulls back the red part". I know he has been able to retract a very little bit, but I'm thinking he must have retracted too far. I tried to get him to urinate again (to check the stream) but he didn't have to go. I asked when he pulled back the skin - but he sometimes confuses today and yesterday--so I'm not sure when it happened. I'm not sure how much he went the first time either. He's acting like himself and went to sleep for a nap.

I just did a quick search on the forum and looks like this might be a fairly common issue. I'd like some reassurance though--I'm thinking when he gets up, I'll give him a bath with baking soda. (I read that might help). Any other suggestions. Should I push fluids, or would extra urination irrate him? How big could the "ballooning" get and still be normal?

In the 3.5 yrs of having a son, I'm grateful everyday that we left him intact and have NEVER had any issues! Of course I'm feeling panic mode thinking that he could have an infection. (more worried about his dr. wanting to retract further to "examine" if I was to bring him in).

I'd appreciate any personal experiences or words of wisdom- thanks!

[tutucrazy]

Don't worry about the ballooning. My son has a huge balloon. The balloon is larger when he has a more full bladder and smaller when he has less urine to pass. This is totally normal. Try not to manipulate it in any way until he heals up. Keep him in jeans or pants that make it harder for him to self-explore until he heals. He is probably experiencing some sting with urination if he knocked some of the natural adhesions loose. This will go away in a few days as the glans smooth over. You might also notice some redness and/or swelling. This will also disappear in a few days.

[ftmomma]

thanks for the quick reply. I peeked in on him while he was sleeping and his penis does not look red at all or as ballooned. I'm feeding the baby and have had more time to read thru some similar posts with a lot of great information. I'm feeling better that it isn't an infection..since there is no fever, redness or complaints about urination. phew.

we were supposed to go swimming tmrw. if he is in the process of separating, would the chlorinated water irritate him and make things worse?

[tutucrazy]

Originally Posted by ftmomma

thanks for the quick reply. I peeked in on him while he was sleeping and his penis does not look red at all or as ballooned. I'm feeding the baby and have had more time to read thru some similar posts with a lot of great information. I'm feeling better that it isn't an infection..since there is no fever, redness or complaints about urination. phew.

we were supposed to go swimming tmrw. if he is in the process of separating, would the chlorinated water irritate him and make things worse?

I would skip the swimming until he heals up. Clorine could disturb the natural flora which is already disturbed from the trauma. Avoid soapy baths for now too. You can give him a soak in warm water with a little bit of baking soda to soothe the glans.

[ftmomma]

Update & thanks~

thanks tutucrazy-- your info along with other info in other threads was right on with what my son was going thru!

It's been about 24 hrs since I noticed his penis was swollen. If I hadn't come to this board, I would've thought he had a UTI. But he is acting fine, no fever, can urinate the same as always. I think this time tmrw he will feel even better.

We did the bath with a little baking soda in the water - he was very comfy in the water. This morning he called me because "something just came out of my penis mommy!!". Luckily, I read about the discharge that is also normal...all the skin cells he knocked around while retracting a bit too far, right?

We did end up going swimming this morning (I just read your post to avoid it after we got home) He was looking forward to it all week...he never complained about any pain being in the water and had a great time. We are home now and I'm giving him another bath (we always do anyway to get off the chlorine).

His only complaint is when he is getting dressed, he is careful not to hit his penis with his undies or clothes. He wants it "placed" in there comfy.

One of the threads mentioned something about it being like a fat lip - such a vascular organ - and easy to swell.

Again, I'm grateful for the wealth of knowledge on this board. As mentioned before 3.5 yrs with an intact son and never any problems!! My DH is circd so hes still on a learning curve too.