Please help me!

[tom89]

Hi, my name is Tom, I'm 17. My concerns began when I was in year 7 at high school. I am now in year 13 at college and will turn 18 next month. I used to play rugby an awful lot in year 7 and I sustained an injury to the groin area which I remember, of course being very painful. Shortly after, (still in year 7) I had problems with my right testicle being swollen with an ache. In addition to this, I still suffer from the same problem and it is gradually getting worse.

Since year 7 up until year 10, I ignored it. As I matured more and had the confidence I finally went to the doctor to have it diagnosed in year 10. The doctor told me that it was a hydrocele but I still am not convinced. When I am in cold temperatures, it seems to go and the area on the scrotum is fine and not swelled at all. It is also like this when I go to bed (like a hydrocele SUPPOSEDLY does) but when it is warm, the swelling comes down and is really visible and still aches. What is scaring me is that when I went to see the doctor, the room was cold, so there was nothing really obvious that could be examined, but he did say he could feel a build up of fluid. Lately, it has became slightly more achey, I can also feel the occassional sharp pain in my abdomen. I am really worried that I may have let this drag out to long. Besides this though I have been in normal health since year 7. If this was cancer, would it have taken a far more serious toll by now? Is it a hydrocele? Should I re-visit my doctor? Please help! Thank you.

May I also stress that no equipment was used during my examination!

[Karen]

Tom,
Welcome to the forum. My "I'm not a doctor" opinion is that if it was untreated TC 6 years ago you most likely would not be here to post today. Your description of the enlargement coming and going based on temperature and position does sound like a hydrocele...perhaps an inguinal hernia developed from your injury. The only was to resolve this and give you peace of mind is another doctors appointment with a urologist and an ultrasound. If it is a hernia you can have it repaired. Please let us know what the urologist tells you. Peace of mind is priceless, so don't delay.

[tom89]

Thank you

Thank you very much for replying, I feel less worked up about it already. I will talk to my Dad and ask him to arrange an appointment asap so I can finally have this sorted out and looked at in more detail.

[Karen]

Good for you, Tom!!! Post back with the results.

[tom89]

Been to doc

Hi everyone, I'm back. I went to see the doctor about a week ago, I should have been back earlier but I have been ill unfortunately with gastric flu. The doctor told me that it could be a combo' of problems, possibly a cyst and hernia. I think he is right about the hernia as I found something myself recently. I do have a groin swelling, on my right, above the scrotum, near where you get an inguinal hernia. It feels quite large so I presume this could be an inguinal hernia. Does TC cause a groin swelling or does this cancel out any chance of me having it? The doctor referred me to a specialist on the 11th, so I'm not out of the woods yet on this whole deal.

[Karen]

Hi Tom, hope you are feeling better. A hernia does not cancel out TC, but as I said earlier your symptoms sound like a hydrocele or inguinal hernia from your description. The specialist will hopefully do an ultrasound and give you an answer. The hernia would need to be repaired. Please post back and I am confident you will not have anything serious found on the 11th!

[tom89]

Thank you

I was in quite a rush this morning because I was getting ready for work, so I couldn't really say much about what the doctor told me. He did tell me that my testicle is actually fine, and that the problem (thing he could feel) is seperate from it. He also said it felt quite fleshy in that area. This re-assured me an awful lot at the time as he is sure there is nothing wrong with the actual testicle itself. I am praying that this is at least an inguinal hernia and a cyst, and I have no problem with having it repaired if it will stop giving me the worry and grief it is giving me now. Anyway, I thought I'd tie that up for today. I appreciate the feedback Karen, I think this forum is excellent and helps to keep my mind calm until the big day. I will hopefully be back on the 11th with good news.

[tom89]

All Clear!!!

Hi guys! Just got back from the hospital and NO CANCER!

So pleased to hear that news. The consultant had a look at the scrotum and was all 'hmmm, hmmmm'... which was very unnerving. Then he told me stand up and put his hand on my right groin and pushed up, then told me to cough and it felt like someone tore the guts right out of my groin, he told me instantly it was an inguinal hernia and that it is nothing to worry about. Got an operation within 4-6 weeks but really not bothered about that, I want it done asap so I can finally put this whole thing behind me.

Thank you Karen for the support and helping me get the courage to see the doctor, I honestly don't think I would have gone otherwise! A happy day for me and I'll be sure to re-visit to tell how the op goes.

Best wishes,
Tom

[Karen]

Tom,
Excellent news!!!! You must be SOOOOO relieved!!!! Please check back in after your surgery!

[fuse929]

Awesome news Tom! I've been keeping up with your posts, and I'm glad you got the courage to get checked out! If you were a few years older, I'd say have a few beers to celebrate!

[Margaret]

Tom, I am very happy about your news!!

Please do not think I am trying to make you nervous, because that is the last thing I would ever want to do. But since you have discovered you have an inguinal hernia, in the future, make sure you are doing your TC exams. Some doctors feel that there are certain factors that can increase your risk for TC and this is one of them. I am NOT saying you will ever develop TC later in life, but knowing you have a small risk, I wanted you to always stay on top of it. I have posted a helpful link. My husband had an inguial hernia and we did not know he was in a higher risk cat. and I just wish someone had told us. I hope this helps, chances are you will never have to think about TC again!

http://www.menweb.org/testican.htm

[Karen]

Awesome news Tom! I've been keeping up with your posts, and I'm glad you got the courage to get checked out! If you were a few years older, I'd say have a few beers to celebrate!

Well then, TC family, I guess we need to make the supreme sacrifice and drink some beer FOR Tom! Sheshhh, the things we do here

Tom, Margaret brings up a good point. Inguinal hernias are not uncommon, and not to worry, but it is important for all guys to do monthly exams.

[tom89]

will be checking up

I will still be keeping on top of exams, even after the surgery as it's a scare I won't forget about. Thanks for the advice and good to know people were reading about my concerns.

Awesome news Tom! I've been keeping up with your posts, and I'm glad you got the courage to get checked out! If you were a few years older, I'd say have a few beers to celebrate!

Haha, I live in the UK, and I turned 18 on September 1st so I can legally go out and drink here. So.. come to the UK and we'll have no hastle.

[Karen]

Happy Belated Birthday! And watch out, this crew WILL travel for beers!