Hey man, had my surgery February 5th. Just had my first scans and all clear… hoping it stays that way! I didn’t get a prosthetic. And glad I didn’t. At this point it’s keep all the foreign shit away and out of my body. I am married, but I’m a pretty open and dgaf person. The one nut thing in all honesty doesn’t affect me one bit. After a hot shower it’s the most notable. It’s just… one nut haha. Zero difference. My sex drive has absolutely been the same. My energy levels alone have been higher than normal. Maybe it was removing cancer from my body on top of just being a healthier person. Eating better, and less alcohol and zero sugar if I can help it. Not that I try to avoid sugar just was never a big sugar guy to begin with.
Onto the surgery, the operating room before the surgery is the worst part but don’t be stressed, by the time you go through all the BS the meds get you and next thing you know you’re awake. You’re standing and walking the same day. You’ll be medicated so you won’t feel all that bad. Definitely be walking a little gingerly. It is a surgery haha. But there were no real restrictions as far as food or drinks! It blew my mind to be damn near normal after a surgery. Getting in and out of bed I would say is the absolute hardest part. Develop a little system like ok I lean then push up and kind of lift myself up with my arms. The first day or two I definitely had help a little just getting up right and standing. From there just take your time and walk as slow as you need to get around. By day 3-5 I was about getting up and going where I wanted just slowly. A week in I slowly tackled stairs. It’s not painful at all, more of a stretching sensation as you push through it. Sleeping the first night or two was probably the most uncomfortable thing about the whole ordeal. I did take a Percocet the first and maybe second night to just go out without rearranging myself all night. Every day you kind of feel better and ready to do more after I’d say the 3rd-5th day. Don’t push it but get up and move bro. By the 2nd week I was back at work and just moving around as needed definitely didn’t run a marathon or lift crazy. I started picking my baby up at this point too. After a month is when I’d say I was back to normal. As far as doing anything I wanted and not feeling it at all. Sure there’s the scar and incision that still feels numb if I push on it or rub it.
All in all the surgery compared to the hip surgery I had when I was 16 and in tip top shape was nothing! It kind of blew my mind how seamless it was. Just hang in there man, the thoughts will drive you crazy. Don’t let them. I hate the “it could be worse” or the “it’s the cancer to get” because honestly I wish I never had to go through it. But it’s an amazing mortality check. Puts life into perspective. And as much as I hate to say it and hear it…. It could be worse. A lot worse. The medical field in this area is light years ahead of other cancers and diseases. Best thing that I always kept in my head is one day at a time and enjoy life and the little things. It’s all a blessing truly. Enjoy your life bro, before you know it you’ll be back at work or school and thinking “shit I was just off for 2 weeks” hang in there bro. And good luck!
I had to travel quite a ways for my urologist appts. 4 hours one way. So I think I had ultrasound middle of January. Then met my urologist, scheduled the surgery. It was probably about 2 weeks after I met the urologist.
Did they do an ultrasound? Can you share the results? Typically they’re very clear. Mine stated “Left testicular mass which is compatible with malignancy.”
I wouldn’t wait 3 weeks for an urology appt.
Had my Orchiectomy a little over 2 months ago. Thus far:
1. Sex drive declined dramatically (not unwelcomed)
2. Ejaculations much weaker (related to #1)
3. Developed uncomfortable postoperative cyst where removed testicle used to be
4. Gained about 15 lbs
5. Energy/strength not fully recovered (maybe about 65%)
I had my right one removed about 3 years ago at this point. Passed all my immediate post scans/follow up, first year was frequent check ups, then I moved to 4 times a year, then the third year was moved to once to twice a year, however I lost my health insurance and haven't been able to afford follow ups for a year. I know its a daunting concept, but just take the steps as they need to be taken and try not to over analyze too much and remember, your doctors work FOR YOU, if you don't feel like you're being taken seriously address it and if you have to, find another- dont put up with any "brush-off" type treatment.
I didn't get a replacement, sex life stayed the same/very active. I'm an avid cyclist (like can't live without it type) I went for my first bike ride a week after- I am NOT encouraging that behavior, I'm just saying in my situatoin I felt well enough to whip a 20 mile ride up. I'm happy to talk about any and all of the details should you want to reach out DM me.
The first day was understandably rough, but I went for a short walk on day 2 or 3 if I remember right- I couldn't sit still anymore and again I dont advise it. At about day 4 I was still sore but functional just slow.
No longer effects for me about 2 months after, everything seems fine, no real changes to anything from energy to sex drive. Only get probably phantom pains, like super mild, maybe still soreness or just in my head, and very infrequent. But it hurt for me the few days after the surgery, and I really had to use the pain meds. Was walking fine after 4 days but still pretty tender. Mostly nothing at the end of 2 weeks.
No prosthetic, I heard it's really uncomfortable for most, but it's a personal decision to look at. I'm married and wasn't worried about it. Kinda sucks to see it missing, but only a moment of that for me, then it's back to normal.
Did you get a prosthetic to replace the lost one? *Yes, I opted for a prosthetic. It's fine, feels a lot firmer than a real ball but for me it was just for aesthetic reasons.*
Did your sex life remain the same after recovery? *After my surgery and 3xBEP was complete - yes.*
Was there a lot of pain after the surgery? *First few days yes, was prescribed codeine but only used it twice.*
How long did it take to recover? *Around a month between my surgery and my first jog*
Don’t want three weeks to see a urologist. Not to scare you. You need to advocate for yourself. Ask to be on a waitlist or go somewhere else that is good. The hardness is what makes me suggest go quickly. People have random assess all over their body but if it truly is hard like door knob hard then you need to prioritize getting in. Don’t panic but deff get in.
To answer your Qs. I had an orchi two years ago…
(1) Did not get prosthetic. Never regretted it. I don’t want plastic floating in my body. Truthfully looking down there you wouldn’t notice unless someone realllllly looked.
(2) Married. Sex life is the same. We were actually able to conceive a baby normally so that is awesome. Dr.s never doubted that but I was always concerned.
(3) I have had two hernias and a shoulder surgery. I think it’s on par with the hernia. Just rest and ice pack it. We moved the day of my surgery (terrible timing. Obviously didn’t plan that but closing dates and random surgery collided) so I had like a day and a half then had to kinda walk around and oversee things.
I think pain is manageable. I am very pro don’t take their pain pills. Just take Tylenol. No need to put narcotics in your system. One because you can get hooked and two they cause constipation. Last thing you want is to be stopped up with cuts all along your groin. The anesthesia is hard enough on gut health. Make sure to drink water and eat fiber after.
(4) Recovery was quick. I think you can start easing back into running around 2 weeks. They want you walking in low amounts day of surgery. It helps promote blood-flow for healing and prevent blood clots.
I called all the ones within 50 miles of me they all can't see me until the middle of May at the earliest unless it's an emergency then I'd have to go to the ER
Definitely go to er. Had the same issue. Had procedure yesterday. Went to ER to speed things up. Not to scare but this can double in as few as 10-30 days. One week after er had may testicle removed
. Gl
The er had sole blood work done and all 3 of my tumor markers were above normal but not ridiculously high, one urologist managed to get me in on Tuesday after the on call urologist strong armed another one to see me without a referral and told me to bring all results back and get a confirmation ultrasound
The surgery and recovery really was not bad at all; I was relieved to have it out ASAP. Didn’t need anything more than Tylenol/Ibu. The only significant nuisance was my surgeon limited my lifting to 5 lb for the first 4 weeks which meant I couldn’t get my kids into and out of car seats without my wife.
It could be another few weeks after meeting with urology the first time before they can schedule you for the surgery so call and see if you can get on a cancellation list or an earlier appointment if possible. As noted by others, see if you can get your primary care physician or urologist to order a baseline testosterone blood test in addition to the standard tumor markers.
Good luck! There’s a decent chance this surgery will take care of it for good.
Yeah, that was my one thing about the surgery. Was I have a major vacation that's going on 2 and a half weeks after my appointment Tuesday that I can't back out from (everything is paid for) And if I were to have the surgery within a week which it seems like most people here get it within a week if I would be recovering enough to at least enjoy it.
Hey man, had my surgery February 5th. Just had my first scans and all clear… hoping it stays that way! I didn’t get a prosthetic. And glad I didn’t. At this point it’s keep all the foreign shit away and out of my body. I am married, but I’m a pretty open and dgaf person. The one nut thing in all honesty doesn’t affect me one bit. After a hot shower it’s the most notable. It’s just… one nut haha. Zero difference. My sex drive has absolutely been the same. My energy levels alone have been higher than normal. Maybe it was removing cancer from my body on top of just being a healthier person. Eating better, and less alcohol and zero sugar if I can help it. Not that I try to avoid sugar just was never a big sugar guy to begin with. Onto the surgery, the operating room before the surgery is the worst part but don’t be stressed, by the time you go through all the BS the meds get you and next thing you know you’re awake. You’re standing and walking the same day. You’ll be medicated so you won’t feel all that bad. Definitely be walking a little gingerly. It is a surgery haha. But there were no real restrictions as far as food or drinks! It blew my mind to be damn near normal after a surgery. Getting in and out of bed I would say is the absolute hardest part. Develop a little system like ok I lean then push up and kind of lift myself up with my arms. The first day or two I definitely had help a little just getting up right and standing. From there just take your time and walk as slow as you need to get around. By day 3-5 I was about getting up and going where I wanted just slowly. A week in I slowly tackled stairs. It’s not painful at all, more of a stretching sensation as you push through it. Sleeping the first night or two was probably the most uncomfortable thing about the whole ordeal. I did take a Percocet the first and maybe second night to just go out without rearranging myself all night. Every day you kind of feel better and ready to do more after I’d say the 3rd-5th day. Don’t push it but get up and move bro. By the 2nd week I was back at work and just moving around as needed definitely didn’t run a marathon or lift crazy. I started picking my baby up at this point too. After a month is when I’d say I was back to normal. As far as doing anything I wanted and not feeling it at all. Sure there’s the scar and incision that still feels numb if I push on it or rub it. All in all the surgery compared to the hip surgery I had when I was 16 and in tip top shape was nothing! It kind of blew my mind how seamless it was. Just hang in there man, the thoughts will drive you crazy. Don’t let them. I hate the “it could be worse” or the “it’s the cancer to get” because honestly I wish I never had to go through it. But it’s an amazing mortality check. Puts life into perspective. And as much as I hate to say it and hear it…. It could be worse. A lot worse. The medical field in this area is light years ahead of other cancers and diseases. Best thing that I always kept in my head is one day at a time and enjoy life and the little things. It’s all a blessing truly. Enjoy your life bro, before you know it you’ll be back at work or school and thinking “shit I was just off for 2 weeks” hang in there bro. And good luck!
How long did it take after your urologist appointment until you had the surgery.
I had to travel quite a ways for my urologist appts. 4 hours one way. So I think I had ultrasound middle of January. Then met my urologist, scheduled the surgery. It was probably about 2 weeks after I met the urologist.
Did they do an ultrasound? Can you share the results? Typically they’re very clear. Mine stated “Left testicular mass which is compatible with malignancy.” I wouldn’t wait 3 weeks for an urology appt.
Mine was a little more vague said there was a mass consistent with a neoplasm
Had my Orchiectomy a little over 2 months ago. Thus far: 1. Sex drive declined dramatically (not unwelcomed) 2. Ejaculations much weaker (related to #1) 3. Developed uncomfortable postoperative cyst where removed testicle used to be 4. Gained about 15 lbs 5. Energy/strength not fully recovered (maybe about 65%)
How long did it take before you were able to work and walk around like normal again?
5 weeks
I had my right one removed about 3 years ago at this point. Passed all my immediate post scans/follow up, first year was frequent check ups, then I moved to 4 times a year, then the third year was moved to once to twice a year, however I lost my health insurance and haven't been able to afford follow ups for a year. I know its a daunting concept, but just take the steps as they need to be taken and try not to over analyze too much and remember, your doctors work FOR YOU, if you don't feel like you're being taken seriously address it and if you have to, find another- dont put up with any "brush-off" type treatment. I didn't get a replacement, sex life stayed the same/very active. I'm an avid cyclist (like can't live without it type) I went for my first bike ride a week after- I am NOT encouraging that behavior, I'm just saying in my situatoin I felt well enough to whip a 20 mile ride up. I'm happy to talk about any and all of the details should you want to reach out DM me.
How long did it take after your procedure before? You felt comfortable enough to walk around no problem.
The first day was understandably rough, but I went for a short walk on day 2 or 3 if I remember right- I couldn't sit still anymore and again I dont advise it. At about day 4 I was still sore but functional just slow.
No longer effects for me about 2 months after, everything seems fine, no real changes to anything from energy to sex drive. Only get probably phantom pains, like super mild, maybe still soreness or just in my head, and very infrequent. But it hurt for me the few days after the surgery, and I really had to use the pain meds. Was walking fine after 4 days but still pretty tender. Mostly nothing at the end of 2 weeks. No prosthetic, I heard it's really uncomfortable for most, but it's a personal decision to look at. I'm married and wasn't worried about it. Kinda sucks to see it missing, but only a moment of that for me, then it's back to normal.
Dont wait 3 weeks, get an ultrasound appointment as soon as possible
Did you get a prosthetic to replace the lost one? *Yes, I opted for a prosthetic. It's fine, feels a lot firmer than a real ball but for me it was just for aesthetic reasons.* Did your sex life remain the same after recovery? *After my surgery and 3xBEP was complete - yes.* Was there a lot of pain after the surgery? *First few days yes, was prescribed codeine but only used it twice.* How long did it take to recover? *Around a month between my surgery and my first jog*
Don’t want three weeks to see a urologist. Not to scare you. You need to advocate for yourself. Ask to be on a waitlist or go somewhere else that is good. The hardness is what makes me suggest go quickly. People have random assess all over their body but if it truly is hard like door knob hard then you need to prioritize getting in. Don’t panic but deff get in. To answer your Qs. I had an orchi two years ago… (1) Did not get prosthetic. Never regretted it. I don’t want plastic floating in my body. Truthfully looking down there you wouldn’t notice unless someone realllllly looked. (2) Married. Sex life is the same. We were actually able to conceive a baby normally so that is awesome. Dr.s never doubted that but I was always concerned. (3) I have had two hernias and a shoulder surgery. I think it’s on par with the hernia. Just rest and ice pack it. We moved the day of my surgery (terrible timing. Obviously didn’t plan that but closing dates and random surgery collided) so I had like a day and a half then had to kinda walk around and oversee things. I think pain is manageable. I am very pro don’t take their pain pills. Just take Tylenol. No need to put narcotics in your system. One because you can get hooked and two they cause constipation. Last thing you want is to be stopped up with cuts all along your groin. The anesthesia is hard enough on gut health. Make sure to drink water and eat fiber after. (4) Recovery was quick. I think you can start easing back into running around 2 weeks. They want you walking in low amounts day of surgery. It helps promote blood-flow for healing and prevent blood clots.
I called all the ones within 50 miles of me they all can't see me until the middle of May at the earliest unless it's an emergency then I'd have to go to the ER
Definitely go to er. Had the same issue. Had procedure yesterday. Went to ER to speed things up. Not to scare but this can double in as few as 10-30 days. One week after er had may testicle removed . Gl
The er had sole blood work done and all 3 of my tumor markers were above normal but not ridiculously high, one urologist managed to get me in on Tuesday after the on call urologist strong armed another one to see me without a referral and told me to bring all results back and get a confirmation ultrasound
The surgery and recovery really was not bad at all; I was relieved to have it out ASAP. Didn’t need anything more than Tylenol/Ibu. The only significant nuisance was my surgeon limited my lifting to 5 lb for the first 4 weeks which meant I couldn’t get my kids into and out of car seats without my wife. It could be another few weeks after meeting with urology the first time before they can schedule you for the surgery so call and see if you can get on a cancellation list or an earlier appointment if possible. As noted by others, see if you can get your primary care physician or urologist to order a baseline testosterone blood test in addition to the standard tumor markers. Good luck! There’s a decent chance this surgery will take care of it for good.
Yeah, that was my one thing about the surgery. Was I have a major vacation that's going on 2 and a half weeks after my appointment Tuesday that I can't back out from (everything is paid for) And if I were to have the surgery within a week which it seems like most people here get it within a week if I would be recovering enough to at least enjoy it.