wondering what I have

[Bampy1]

I'm confused by all the info. Basically I have had left testicle pain and lower left back and lower front abdominal aching.I feel a lump about the size of the top of my thumb,it itself is not painful but the pressure and poking around makes it feel like I'm not recouperating from a hit in the groin.A constant dull ache.It always seems to be in the way,sitting bending etc always seems to pinch it because its swollen,not huge about the same size as the other but theres no room for movement in this one,its always tight.I also have had left leg numbness or an asleep feeling. The gp gave me some sulfaoxymeth something or rather on tuesday but its sunday and no relief in sight.I scheduled an ultrasound on this tuesday but can't get in to the urologists until the 17th.I can't seem to pin down the symptoms,are they also present with the epididymitis/variocele and the h(one,i forgot the rest)? and wouldn't think people with undiagnosed lumps would get in sooner than 2 weeks? If i have a nonserious dianosis I would gladly
give up an appt. for a newcomer who at least needs to get to the diagnosed stage.

[Scott]

I would try to get your ultrasound results right away, not wait to see the urologist. If it's something serious, the doctor needs to make room for you.

[Bampy1]

easier said than done?

I will definitly ask,but have heard(or at least read) that most ultrasounders?(certainly doesn't sound right)will only tell you they take the pictures and that they do not diagnose them. also I forgot to mention in my first note,I seem to have muscle soreness or fatigue without having changed my daily habits. but it's like a achy after workout feeling.probally old age but thought I'd mention it. Thanks for the reply by the way,I wasn't really sure how this thing works.

[Scott]

It's true, most technicians won't tell you much (or anything) about what they see. However, the urologist's office should be able to tell you something before your scheduled appointment.

[Bampy1]

i"ll give it a go.

Thanks, I'll give it a go,my wife just made a suggestion that I call the urologists office and get put on a cancellation list.This is precisely why these forums are a benefit,I've never been on one and would have bet top dollar I never would be,
but honestly it's the first time I've ever been worried about myself for anything like this usually it's "I'll handle it" or people coming to me and I fix it,whatever It is,you certainly don't think as objectively when its yourself. Thanks,I'll keep in touch.

[DianeE]

Hi Bampy,

I'm not positive, but I think my son Brian, was told by the tech
who did the ultra sound that he had a solid mass and it was probably TC.
He saw a urologist the next day. Every lump needs quick diagnosis.

Keep us posted. You will find an endless source of information,
help and comfort at this site. I don't know what we would have
done without it!!

Diane

[Joe's Mom]

It's a good thing that you are scheduled for the ultrasound this Tuesday. You can certainly ask if the lump looks like a cyst or a solid mass. The ultrasound tech will know. If the mass is solid, you will want to be sure to see the urologist as soon as possible. With my son's recent TC2 diagnosis, he knew before he left the radiology department that he had solid masses and that it was likely TC.

From what you have explained, the receptionist at the urologist's office may not clearly understand why you need the appointment. I think I would call them back, as your wife has suggested. In a urologist's office, new testicular lumps are viewed as emergent and most doctors/specialists have time put aside in their schedules for emergent appointments.

Keep in touch. There are a lot of people here who will be thinking of you.
Nancy

[Ras Joe]

Actually, when I asked the tech said she couldn't say anything it was not allowed, but she went and got the radiologist, who COULD tell me if it was solid or cyst. It took an extra 45min in the ultrasound room (fun!) but the doctor finally came and let us (my fiance and I) know they were solid masses (even more fun!). Ask to talk to the radiologist-- you may have to wait or wait and be pushy-- let people know how serious the results are and how bad you want/need them-- it worked for me.

Also, if they do find solid masses they won't wait long at all to get them out, a urologist will fit you in, as my mom said above-- she knows more about that kind of stuff (Nancy is a RN) than me in general, but in my case they made room for me BOTH times real quick and hopefully that won't happen for you because everything will be all good!! But the doctors will move fast when/if they know things don't look right, I had my R/O in 2000 done at night the day they figured out what was going on with me wasn't a cyst. Good Luck and God Bless-- My prayers are with you brother.

[Karen]

My husband's US tech told him she saw a "change in density" but it wasn't anything to lose sleep over. Well, he didn't lose sleep but he did lose his left testicle! This is a time to be really assertive and get your answers as soon as possible from the radiologist and urologist. Good luck!

[Mom]

My son was told immediately after the U/S that he had a mass and needed to see a urologist right away. He was at the urologist 10:30 the next morning. The urologist did not need to see an U/S to diagnose TC. He knew it at the examination (the PPC he saw first didn't have a clue but because of the "history" ordered the U/S). Also the ordering physician can put a "rush" on the U/S report. The urologist ordered a CT scan for that evening. They usually move very quickly. Dianne

[MRM]

I called a urologist on a Monday and was given an appt. 2 days later. I was scheduled for an ultrasound the next day and the radiologist saw the report the same day. I came home from work to 4-5 messages from my urologist's office.

I knew that meant the news was not good, but at least they moved quickly. I'm amazed some people have trouble seeing a doctor.

[dadmo]

My son visited a urologist at 10:00 am and by that afternoon he was minus one of the boys.

[IowaBrian]

My US was done and the orders were to read it while I was there and call the doctor with the results. Then they told me to go back to see my doctor who was on the phone with the URO to get me in the same day saw him at 4:30 on a Friday and surgery was 1st thing Monday.
My 2nd US was after surgery on lone lefty and after 20 minutes of the tech scanning the RAD reviewed the scan and came in to scan HOT for another 20 minutes he told me that all was fine just one small cyst funny thing is he was the one to read my other US and my CT scans I seem to get the same one each time.
I think as long as there is a RAD on site they should read it while you are there no time to be waiting 2 days for results.
Brian

[Bampy1]

Thanks again

I really can't get over all the great communication from you all, or y'all for any southerners,when I go in tomorrow I will certainly be more aggressive than I might normally have been,and hopefully remember to ask the right questions,is
it a mass or a cyst? prior to your input they could have told me something and I would not have known but I think "Mass " or "Cyst" is fairly plain english.And to ask for the radiologist,which is who I thought would be doing the US. See?, us newbies just don't know.It's a 3:15 est appt. but if I get "any" kind of result I will most definitely pass it along to you my new "mentors".You are all great!!!!

[Karen]

Bampy,
Visit http://tcrc.acor.org for a list of questions to ask as well as to familiarize yourself with the terms you may hear. Don't hesitate to ask for explanations for anything you don't understand. Good luck!!!!