Varicocele

[rich]

After suffering with a very large vericocele for years I finally had the surgery 4 years ago at the age of 41. It was not the lathroscopic procedure I've seen written about, instead I had a 2-3 inch incision (I don't know if that means anything) in my lower abdomen. Although the surgery greatly reduced my symptoms, and my testicle is (almost) normal feeling, I have a long lasting post-surgical symptom that occassionally flares up.

Specifically, if I move, stretch or exercise where I put any strain on my abdomen or groin, I get a sharp, immediate pain in my abdomen, left testicle, and sometimes down my left leg (thigh) that can last for hours. The only way I've found to relieve the pain is to wear a jockstrap, take aspirin, and lie down for at least several hours. Usually, if I sleep overnight, the pain is gone the next morning. I told my Urologist about this (the pain was not occuring that day), but when he examined me he only said that everything looked fine, and not to worry about it. That was 3 years ago, and I still occassionally have episodes that are so bad that I have to lie down immediately. Has anyone ever heard of a condition like this? It never occurred prior to having the surgery, and quite frankly it is cramping my lifestyle as I'm afraid to have vigorous exercise or sex because I fear causing a painful episode.

I also described this condition to my GP, and he said that it might be a small hernia, and that I should get an ultrasound immediately after the pain begins (which is usually not possible). Can a varicocelectomy cause a hernia as a side effect? Any info or opinion would be greatly appreciated. And by the way, even with this after effect I would still elect to undergo the surgery again, as 99% of the time I feel just great. Thanks to all of you; this is a fantastic site, and an important resource for men like us.

[pedromilk]

Hello rich,

I was just lying on the floor right now with the exact same pain you described. Been exercising in the afternoon for about 2 hours straight and, as you said, thats how it goes: overdo a bit of the exercise and the pain later on starts. I honestly feel the exact things that you described, right now as im typing. Hope you read this, 2 heads are better than one :) It just can't be all fine like the doctor usually tells me if you also had the exact same type of surgery i did.[moderator note: email address has been removed].

Cheers,
Pedro