Testicular Pain/ Scrotal Pain

[fanof]

Hi All,

For many years I had pain in my right groin area off and on but never knew what it was. Two years ago, Feb 14th V Day, I really got it bad and couldnt walk very well for about 2 weeks. As before when it was not so bad, time seemed to take care of it. This last July was diffrent and the pain was more than I could handle any more. I saw a Urologist and was diagnosised with a "likely" Spermatocell cyst. The DR gave me atibiotics and told me to try them, they didnt work. I got a second prescription, and they worked. A few months later, Sep to be exact, I was on vacation and packing to leave. I carried a 54 lb suitcase down a flight of stairs at my chest, I thought it would be easier, doh. On the plane I got very uncomfortable and couldnt wait to get off the place, 4 hour flight. From then on I could not handle the pain and went back to the DR. He said the only other option was to remove it, and since he felt it was a rupture from the epididymis, he suggested removal of the epididymis. Being in extreme pain at the time and emotionally dealing with the loss of my Step Father and Sister dieing of Cancer, I rushed into the decision not getting full information, and getting it removed.

The recovery time I was told was 2 to 3 weeks with full recovery in about 5 to 6. It has now been 3 months and I cant do anything without being in pain. Sleeping is very difficult because I want to sleep on my stomach, but it puts too much pressure on the area. Driving is very uncomfortable and about the best position I have is sitting here at my computer, hence the long post :) Well, to wrap this up, I have been to 3 DRs now since the operation, spoken to another one whos is a friend of friend. Everyone just tells me to wait, but I really feel like there may be something else wrong. I have pain in the surgery area, but I also get a lot of pain into my hip area and groin area too.

1 How would I know if I ALSO have a Hernia? Thats what I thought I had when I went in btw.

2 How long do I wait until I do something else?

3 I know this is not normal, based on 4 opinions, but of extreme cases, what is normal recovery?

4 Is there anything I can do to help heal quicker?

Thanks for any advice

Fan of 7 Elway 30 Davis 84 Sharpe

[drkaufman]

Fanof: It certainly sounds like you were suffering from chronic and recurrent epididymitis. Heavy lifting with a full bladder can exacerbate the condition, by causing the reflux of urine through the prostatic ducts, down through the reproductive ducts to the epididymis, resulting in chemical irritation and epididymal pain. In general, I prescribe long courses (4-12 weeks) of antibioitics and antiinflamatory agents in these patients with good results, but every so often, someone does not respond to this course of therapy and an Epididymectomy is recommended. As you've noticed, the healing period following this procedure is long and slow. Without examining you myself, it is hard for me to figure out what exactly is going on, but in general, most patients do feel substantially (though perhaps not completely) better by 3 months. I would certainly not second the guess your surgeon unless the pain is not substancially better by 6 months post-op. During this time I would prescribe healthy doses of antiinflamatory agents such as Naprosyn or Celebrex and encourage you to sit in a warm tub nightly for 15-20 minutes.
A hernia is easily diagnosed on physical exam. I would assume that one of the several doctors you have already consulted would have picked this up already. I hope I have addressed your concerns
Best of Luck-

[fanof]

Thank you Dr Kaufman, I appreciate your reply. It now has been just over 4 months and I have felt a bit better, but still cannot take very long walks and by no means can I ride a bike or even ride my golf cart around the yard. Doing so makes me sore for at least a day, but I do seem to be healing quicker after I "re hurt" myself through activity. My Surgeon never mentioned Epididymitis, is it easy to diagnose and should he have caught that, if I had it? His examination concluded that I had a Spermatocell due to rupture of the epididymis, hence his decision to remove the epididymis along with the Spermatocell. There was never any mention of Epididymitis.

I did not get a good dose of antibiotics after my surgery I dont think. I have in my life been very suseptible to sickness and have a low immune system. I beleive due to my age, 37, and generally fit good health, the Dr beleived I would recover very easilly. But it is taking a very long time and even though I have felt a bit better since my first post, I feel it is mostly because I have been taking it so easy and being very innactive. On revisits with my Surgeon, all he can guess is that I am a rare case and take longer than usual. He does not offer any definitve answers or options. He suggested a dose of Steroids, but I have had personal friends who are Doctors disagree with that. I have been taking Ibuprofen as needed for pain, but it doesnt seem to make me any better long term.

Thank you again for your reply, this has been very debilitating for me as I am normally very active Jet Sking, Mtn Biking, and such. The physical melds with the emotional, and I just want to have some end in sight.

Thanks