Post Orchiectomy questions/concerns

[CanMan]

Hey guys.

I had my left Orchy on July 7th, 13 days go.

It turns out it was a senoma tumor in the left teste about 1cm in size. The patology said it was upre senoma confined to the teste. I am waiting on a follow up appointment now.

My recover is going good, however over the last couple of days I've had a bit of pain in the left lower abdomen after a day of walking/working. I don't do crazy work, but I'm fairly active and am doing normal activities most of the day. My cut still hurts to touch, but is otherwise ok and very livable with.

Today I've gone a bit further in feeling my left abdomen/teste area (at least where it used to be), and I must say I feel a hard, cord like structure that gets bigger and extends into my abdomen and is fairly hard. Its not like a lump, but rather like a thick cordlike long structure. I don't feel such a thick structure on my right, good side. Just on this left side. I have not done much "feeling" in that are since the orchiectomy, so can't say if its "normal" or how long its been there.

Is this normal? Or could this be a complication like hernia or something?

This really sucks as I was going to go camping this weekend and finally take a breather. Now I'm worried all over again.

Thanks for your help guys.

[Fish]

It sounds like you might be feeling the remnants of the spermatic cord. Some guys, myself included, have even felt a blood clot, hard lump, at the end of the cord. It can take several weeks for the swelling to completely subside. The pain could simply be from being too active.

Of course if anything seems to get worse rather than better over time, you should call your doctor and discuss the problem.

best wishes

[CanMan]

Ya, that's kind of where the area I am feeling is. But it feels hard/big. It could be just that.

[Ras Joe]

I wish I knew more about that kind of stuff brother, but since I don't I won't even bother to give a guess. I can say I tried to go do some camping over the past weekend myself, before I had my surgery-- and it was ruined b/c my mind was occupied with bad thoughts, too. I feel for you bro' sucks when you feel like something wierd could be going on-- no sense in stressing yourself out -- maybe seeing the doc could put your mind to ease-- praying for you-- Joe

[CanMan]

Well I phoned his office and his secretary said it could take upto 6 weeks for the sweeling down there to settle. It makes sence. But what does not make sence is the extra pain over the last 2 days. No bruising or anythign tho.

[Karen]

CanMan,
Could be a hernia...get it checked out before the weekend but don't stess over it.

[IowaBrian]

You need to take it easy 13 days isn't that fair out from surgery. The more activity you do the more pain you will have remember that ICE is you best friend to keep things from swelling up too much. Also you still have your lifting restriction for 4 more weeks. Shouldn't lift much over a 6 pack or gallon of milk (we all break the rules but we need to be careful). Take it easy camping sit back in the lawn chair and relax
Brian

[CanMan]

hahaha, I just pulled a motor out of my car. Using tools of course.

I don't feel I'm pushing it 'cause I don't feel like it hurts doing the work. I go slow of course, take my time. I have used no ice or pain killers. I'm not in major pain by any means, its just that its there and I want to make sure.

I called them and they said some swelling and soreness is normal. They said to watch for brusing, major increase in size, major changes in pain, etc.

I'm not one to sit and its hard for me not to be active. But at the same time, I don't want to over-do-it. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Back to the garage for me (might as well use this forced "vacation" time to get stuff done at home)

[CanMan]

Well the weekend just about passed by, and no change. Pain is not as much, but i've done nothing. I can still feel the swelling where that cord was and goes into the abdomen, and my entire side of that abdomen is sensitive to touch/hurts.

I've been reading about "the grape". What is that? Is it normal for this cord to swell like that and stay swolen past 15-16 days?

I do not think its hernia in any way, I didn't lift anything heavy and it just does not feel like that. Feels like a swollen/inflamed cord/area where they pulled the teste out of.

This does suck in a way though, I was hoping to be better and better, and no leveling off.

[Scott]

"The grape" is a hematoma, blood collecting where the spermatic cord was cut. It's normal and goes away within a few weeks.

[CanMan]

"The grape" is a hematoma, blood collecting where the spermatic cord was cut. It's normal and goes away within a few weeks.

This this is what I have scott? Its kinda firm, thick cord like, and its thickest near the bottom, but it feels like it goes into the abdomen. It wasn't that noticable the first 10 days.

Thanks.

[Scott]

I can't be sure. It's probably a good idea to give your doctor a call on Monday to ask about it.

[CanMan]

Well Ice definitley helps.

Is it only for relif, or would continues icing make the swelling go away sooner?

Thanks.

[dadmo]

CanMan:
The ice is great for pain but it won't make the swelling go away. If you have a new injury ice will prevent swelling but usually in a day or so heat will be applied to to increase blood flow and reduce the swelling.

[stevenh77]

Well..

I don't know if I'd agree that it's from being too active, I'd need more information to even try to guess, but I know for me personally I was up on my feet and playing my guitar the same day of my orchiectomy (right side).

Within a week after the surgery I was back to my usual routine of walking a quarter mile a day without any problems. After about a week and a half I resumed (almost) normal intercourse with my fiance. I had problems at first with premature ejaculation after the surgery, but that problem seems to be taking care of itself over time, I had my surgery June 28th and I'm almost 100% back to normal now.