Tomorrows orchiectomy

[Ampaman]

Good Morning to all,

I'm a newbie here and I will be having a surgery tomorrow for my left side orchiectomy. It's been really a roller coaster for me since my urologist found out that I have a 5mm tumor in my scrotal area my AFP is normal and my HCG was 13.
My doc suggested for orchiectomy at the same time (biopsy15min frozen) while i'm on the table.
Overwhelmed worried.

[Fed]

Hey man,
Welcome to the Forum. First off, it's good that you have seemingly caught this early and that you are taking care of this promptly. It's also really cool of your doctor to have a frozen section done at the time of the surgery (not every urologist does that). Keep in mind that a frozen section is not a substitute for a full-fledged pathology read, so even though you will have some knowledge as far as the tumor composition is concerned, you will not be able to get the full story until the normal fixed-tissue sectioning is done and you have radiology data (CT scans and chest X-ray).
The surgery is quite simple, and it should take between 45-60 minutes. Odds are you will be able to go home several hours after your procedure (they usually wait until you are able to urinate), and you will be prescribed painkillers. Use them as needed, but don't over-do it (they can constipate you). Get plenty of rest over the course of the next few days and do absolutely no heavy lifting for the next 4-6 weeks (to be safe, don't lift anything heavier than a six-pack ). The first few days may suck, but you'll soon notice that each day is better than the previous one. Take care. You will be fine. Best,

[Ampaman]

Thanks dude,
I had a HERNIA op before and used to remember when I was at the recovery room the cute nurse was forcing me to pee wt? and I was like I could not even feel a thing, (all the anaesthisia, groggy etc plus she was standing next to me in the bathroom) and this nurse is forcing me to pee? and I was in and out coz of the meds I nearly collapsed tha she had to slap my face to bring me back.
So when she said we have to put a catheter on you if you could not pee I freaked out and started to tell the nurse to get me a gatorade, water etc I started drinking gallons of liquid eventually and next thing you know I was at the bathroom.
NURSES are the BEST.

[dadmo]

Bring a pair of sweat pants. Ask your urologist to recommend an oncologist. After the I/O in most cases it's the oncologist who directs treatment. As soon as you get the pathology reports give us a shout. Good Luck Ampaman.

[Russell's Mom]

good luck

Good luck with your surgery...it should end up fairly similar to the hernia operation that you had. Ask questions if they come up and relax with the meds. Here's to more nurses that you can lean on!! Keep in touch. Russell's Mom, Sharon

[fuse929]

I usually try to recommend SlimFast shakes or Carnation Instant Breakfast to people getting an I/O for two reasons:
1. they will keep you nourished so you can recover faster and 2. they will keep you off the toilet for the most part.

Oh, laughing and sneezing are the worst. No comedy or funny friends......I learned that the hard way...haha.

Bobby

[Margaret]

Ampaman, we are here for you. It does sound like you have caught this early and I will keep my fingers crossed for great results.

My husband also had a hernia and of course the O/T. If it helps, the O/T was 10 times easier than the hernia. He also struggled with going to the bathroom after his hernia but not as much post O/T. He fainted trying to pee post hernia. No issue post O/T.

Great suggestion by Dadmo about the sweat pants and Bobby is right on target about the laughing part. Wait a few days. Lean on all of us if you need anything.

M

[kgaskie]

Tomorrows orchiectomy

I am also new to this whole thing. I just had my orchiectomy almost three weeks ago. As far as the surgery goes, make sure you bring some LOOSE comfortable pants. As the post-op peeing, the nurse brought me 2 Sierra Mists and I was peeing in no time. I still don't know that much about this whole cancer thing but everyone here is helping to answer all the questions that I've had, so if there are any questions ask, their really good.

Keith

[fuse929]

Everyone mentions being made to pee after surgery before release.........I think I'm one of the few who wasn't required to. They woke me up, got me a Coke, I chilled out for like 40 min and they let me leave. I guess your condition when you wake up determines how long you need to stay / steps you need to take before release.

I found mesh shorts and hoodies to be the best clothing for the first few days after surgery.

[Ampaman]

Thank you guys I will keep in touch. I'm just trying to relax and clear my mind for tomorrow and been trying to eat alot of bananas and drink tea. ~

[Karen]

My tips:
Bags of frozen peas make great ice packs.
Go easy on the pain meds, as Fed mentioned they slow bowel motility.
My hubby wore sweats and a jock...the support lessened the pain.
If you feel a laugh, cough or sneeze come on take your palm and put pressure on the incision...it will REALLY lessen the feeling you just ripped out all your sutures!
Keep moving around to lessen adhesions (internal scar tissue)


Ray had his surgery at 6pm-after no food/liquid all day. When he was in recovery they wanted him to pee before he left and that just wasn't happening. He went home on the promise that if he did not pee by morning he'd call them.

You'll be OK...really....post and let us know how you're doing!

[ChrisN418]

I just went through this two weeks ago as well. All great tips from everyone here. Especially the frozen peas!! I though I lost my guts the first time a coughed!! Plenty of rest but my Dr. told me to take short walks to reduce any chance of clots....The people in here are all wonderful and will help you with your questions along the way..Take care of yourself and keep us posted.

[JKD]

Ampaman,

Hi, I just wanted to throw in my 2¢ as I just had the surgery myself two weeks ago. BTW, they did not make me pee, but asked me to call if I had any problems going. This could have been because I was the last surgery of the day on a day surgery unit.

I can second the warnings about constipation and the pain medicine. I had no idea or I would have laid off more than I did. The fact is, the only time I had any real pain was when I laughed, as others have said. Maybe a tweak here or there if I swung out of the seated position too quickly, but nothing like I expected (this was my 1st ever surgery and I was expecting to be miserable). Just general soreness and some irritation from rubbing after the dressing came off (my vote is for basketball shorts).

Anyhow, just take it easy the first few days and I'm sure you will handle it fine. Good luck with your treatment!

John

[MRMRSU]

Good Luck!

My husband had a left orchiectomy this past February and had a smooth recovery. I wish the same outcome for you. Chin up, and don't be afraid. Everyone here will think positive thoughts for you.

The things we found to be really helpful during Andy's recovery at home were these re-usable ice-packs that I bought for him at our local CVS pharmacy. It had a felt, waterproof casing and the gel insert could be re-frozen. It gave him a lot of relief, and he barely had to take any painkillers.

Best wishes!

[petep]

it is interesting to read the post orch. wait...

I remember going under just after 7am...opening my eyes and seeing a clock that read 8:10....and walking out of the place at 8:25....

by now you are probably done....

the modern anesthesia's are great....sleep right away, wake you are waking up from a very tired nap...no dizziness etc...

keep us posted.

pete