Hospital Modesty for Guys

[BWalter]

Hey,

So I went to see an orthopedic surgeon this past week, and I'm scheduled to have back surgery in July. It's going to be a big ordeal, but oddly enough I'm not at all concerned with the pain and recovery. I am REALLY concerned about trying to preserve some scrap of physical modesty in the hospital. Anyway, I'm hoping maybe some of you guys can answer a couple of questions for me.

I'm going to be in the hospital for one week. The last physical operation (removing the staples) is going to be on the 3rd day after the surgery. After that, I'm just going to be there a few more days for observation and physical therapy. Am I going to have to wear a hospital gown during that time anyway? Or will I be allowed to get dressed?

Kind of as a follow-up to that, they're probably gonna be able to take out the catheter on the first day after the surgery. After that point, do I get to wear any sort of hospital-issue underwear or anything like that?

I'm basically scared that I'm going to be laying around a bunch of strangers for a week with nothing but a thin gown (read: long overrated t-shirt) on. Maybe this seems weird to you guys, but that's my biggest fear about the whole surgery process, and I'm asking these questions in the hope that someone can reassure me.

- Ben

[Atonement]

Depending on where on your back, you may or may not be allowed to wear comfortable pants like, athletic shorts. I got my tonsils out and just wore shorts. Way comfy, and modest. Now, you aren't getting your tonsils out, but unless you are getting your tailbone worked on, you should be allowed to wear shorts. Ask them if you can. Ask a nice nurse :D

[BWalter]

Well, the operation is in the middle of my back, along my spine. Shouldn't go that close to my waistline. If it's not made obvious to me though, I'll definitely summon up some courage and ask if I can wear some athletic shorts or even boxers. Just as long as it has an elastic waistband and covers my crotch.

Just thought of my mom's face when I ask the nurse that question. And after the nurse leaves, Mom will tell me "That wasn't necessary", "That's not what you need to be worrying about", "It's OK for them to see that stuff", yak-yak-yak-yak-yak...

[Oblivion]

Just thought of my mom's face when I ask the nurse that question. And after the nurse leaves, Mom will tell me "That wasn't necessary", "That's not what you need to be worrying about", "It's OK for them to see that stuff", yak-yak-yak-yak-yak...

Well, honestly, what she would say is true.
Doctors see a huge variety of things daily, many things much worse than a partially or even fully naked person.
They don't care, they don't stare, they don't do anything odd.
They usually turn away or leave while you change.
It's not a big deal, if they even make you were a gown.

[Skuzzy]

Here's something bad. Having a tube pulled out of your dick by a doctor with your mom watching. I hate hospitals

[nick]

Good luck, hope it all goes well, doesnt sound much fun.

Most doctors and nurses will know that boys of a certain age are shy about things and will be sympathetic I'm sure and do what they can to help you feel comfortable.

[byee]

Hi Ben,

I absolutely understand your concerns here! Hospitals can often be very impersonal, b/c their focus is on 'fixing' whatever part is broken, and in the process, they forget about all the feelings people have about the process. So, you're not alone in feeling exposed and vulnerable (physically and emotionally). And you're right to want to retain as much if your dignity as possible. The solution is to advocate for yourself. A lot might not be able to change (like those awfully silly and totally humiliating 'gowns'), but some things can, and your doc is the one who can advocate for that, if he knows about your concerns.


Regardless of your mom's perspective (which is also understandable), you should ask all these questions to the doctor before the surgery. In addition to getting the info you need, you're also alerting him to your feelings and concerns, which will help him advocate for you when interacting with the staff there.

Good luck with the surgery, and do not be afraid to speak up for yourself.

[BWalter]

Well, honestly, what she would say is true.
Doctors see a huge variety of things daily, many things much worse than a partially or even fully naked person.
They don't care, they don't stare, they don't do anything odd.
They usually turn away or leave while you change.
It's not a big deal, if they even make you were a gown.

It doesn't matter to me whether THEY care or not. *I* care. I'm fine with them doing what they need to do, but I'd much rather wear some more clothing when they DON'T need easy access to anything.

Here's something bad. Having a tube pulled out of your dick by a doctor with your mom watching. I hate hospitals

I'm going to make sure my mom understands that she does NOT need to watch when the doctor or nurse does stuff like that. I'll explain to her that, while the nurse needs to see me to be able to do her job, my mom does not.

Hi Ben,

I absolutely understand your concerns here! Hospitals can often be very impersonal, b/c their focus is on 'fixing' whatever part is broken, and in the process, they forget about all the feelings people have about the process. So, you're not alone in feeling exposed and vulnerable (physically and emotionally). And you're right to want to retain as much if your dignity as possible. The solution is to advocate for yourself. A lot might not be able to change (like those awfully silly and totally humiliating 'gowns'), but some things can, and your doc is the one who can advocate for that, if he knows about your concerns.


Regardless of your mom's perspective (which is also understandable), you should ask all these questions to the doctor before the surgery. In addition to getting the info you need, you're also alerting him to your feelings and concerns, which will help him advocate for you when interacting with the staff there.

Good luck with the surgery, and do not be afraid to speak up for yourself.

I think the gown thing is ridiculous. Maybe girls don't mind it so much, IDK... I'll be fine with the gown, but I'd like to be able to wear some boxers under it, and I will definitely ask a nurse about that if I can! I might not even see my doctor again before the surgery, I'm not sure. Wish I had his email address...


Thanks to everyone for your comments! It makes me feel a little better to know that there's at least a possibility of retaining some modesty.

[BWalter]

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to update this post and say that this subject finally came up with my mom. Fortunately, she didn't seem inclined to make herself an obstacle in this area, and in fact expects that I will be allowed to put my boxers on after they take the catheter out. We'll know for sure when she calls to find out what we need to bring to the hospital.

Keep your fingers crossed for me, guys!

[Oblivion]

Good luck!
And know that doctors would rather you ask something than not. If your mom says anything about, just tell her you wanted to make sure with the doctor, and you're pretty sure they didn't mind you asking.