Epididymitis???

[djmac]

Hi all,

About a week and a half ago I went back to my urologist because my right testis felt a little senstitive ad my epididymis was swollen. We had an ultrasound and the radiologist felt that it was "mild epididymitis" and wasn't all that concerned. The epididymis was "more heterogeneous" than in the prior study. My uro didn't think that it was an infection, that it was rather caused by "back flow" of urine from straining when I urinate. He said that the urinalysis did not show an infection.

The problem is that he has done nothing after the ultrasound, and the swelling hasn't gone down. I then found out through the grapevine (he's an old colleague) that he is actually leaving the state.

Do these mild forms of epididymitis resolve on their own? Has anyone else heard of "urine backflow" or is this a case of my urologist hand waving because he actually has no idea of what may be causing this?

The actual testicle looks fine by the way.

Regards,

djm

PS It never ends, does it?

[GAH]

DJM, looks like we're in the same boat:

http://www.tc-cancer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5595

I had my US Thursday and see the urologist Tuesday. I didn't have much pain yesterday until last night and today it's sore. Knowing there's no tumor in the testicle is a relief. Not sure how/why I have this but we'll see what the doc says.
________
steaming food

[Michael112]

I would definetly get a 2nd opinion.
I would look into a way to treat urination problems if it is the cause, such as kegal excercises. Or see if antibiotics might help, if you dont find a solution through this then as I said before, I would get Bioavailable testosterone and Estradiol checked.

[djmac]

I would definetly get a 2nd opinion.
Or see if antibiotics might help, if you dont find a solution through this then as I said before.

Well...

One course of antibiotics seemed to help, then it came back with a vengeance. I still don't feel anything abnormal with the testical, but the epididymis is definitely enlarged, swollen, and indurated. In addition, I'm getting all kinds of weird pains and feelings. I feel a bit better than I did yesterday, but I am icing my ball so maybe that is helping. I am also taking NSAIDs against the orders of a dermatologist who performed a minor surgery on Friday to remove a 2 cm cyst from my back that I've had for ~ 2 decades (I want no more lumps in my body).

The first course of antibiotic was 7 days doxycycline. A friend with a similar problem got 10 days cipro and it seemed to clear him right up. I'm seeing another uro next Friday. I'll keep you all updated.

My biggest concern is that the epididymitis might cause enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen/pelvis. I have my followup CT next Wednesday, and I really want to pass,

djm

[Fed]

My biggest concern is that the epididymitis might cause enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen/pelvis. I have my followup CT next Wednesday, and I really want to pass,

I'm trying to see how this would work out... how would epididymitis cause enlarged nodes? Would that be because of infection? I'm trying to follow the logic here.

Is the CT part of your scheduled surveillance regimen? If anything, the CT data may help address your concerns over node enlargement.

Take it easy, dude. I'm sending good vibes for a successful day of radiology,

[djmac]

I'm trying to see how this would work out... how would epididymitis cause enlarged nodes? Would that be because of infection? I'm trying to follow the logic here.

Hi Fed,

It's my impression that any infection can cause node enlargement. I've had my neck nodes get "lumpy"...large, indurated, painful... a number of times from severe upper respiratory tract infections or colds. My big worry is that my epididymitis may be an infection, and may cause node enlargement at the draining nodes. When I have my CT scan in a week-and-a-half, my oncologist will freak out and put me right on chemo.

djm

[TCLEFT]

my oncologist will freak out and put me right on chemo

DJ,
I would think some further confirmation would be done before just putting you on chemo. A PET scan and/or a needle biopsy comes to mind. I've gone through both (a couple of times) and neither are too invasive. They would have to determine what protocol to use and I don't believe they decide just based on the primary tumor. And before any of that were to happen, I'm sure antibiotics and at most a second CT would be done after couple weeks to see if there were any change. Especially if you're having some inflamation of the epi. Take a breath and try and take it easy. Yes, it's always going to be something, but then life was like that before cancer as well, wasn't it? The volume just got turned up on us. Life can still play us a good song, and when that happens, the louder, the better. Hang in, you'll be OK.
Mark

[Fed]

Mark's got it right. I would be very surprised (and shocked, to say the least) if an oncologist would want to start pumping you with chemo based on the current evidence, and I am fairly certain that you would not allow for that to happen, either.

This aside, I think you might be getting ahead of yourself and might be getting the pre-surveillance scan day jitters. You haven't had your CT scan yet, so right now it's all just speculation. Things like these should be left to the experts. See what your new urologist says, or bring it up with your oncologist if you think this might help allay your concerns. Maybe taking some sort of action along these lines could make you feel better.

I'll drop you a PM in a sec... the kid's trying to use the keyboard as a pair of bongos...

[djmac]

Mark,

It's great to see you back here giving advice! I hope all is well, and best of luck with your PET tomorrow. Rereading my post does sound like I'm freaking out, but I'm really not...well not that much anyway. Frankly, I'm quite calm and resigned to whatever my fate may be... I'm doing a lot. I just bought a new lawn mower, and I'm having my house painted, and planning our wedding... I can't stop living, because you just never know what's going to hit you. I recall talking to a friend early on in this disease process... I was driving and passing a truck, and talking on the cell, and then my car started hydroplaning with a semi and a divider surrounding both sides. It wasn't that bad, but it helped define my life... I could worry all I want about cancer, and WHAM... I could get killed by a semi in a fiery ball of wreckage, so why stop living?

Take care Mark, and again, all the best!

Fed, thank you too, and I'll go read your PM!

djm

[djmac]

Ok, Just an update...

The second uro sentenced me to 10 days cipro. I didn't even see him, he did it over the phone after reading my report and me telling him that I do not want doxycycline again (he originally offered another course of dox)

I still get occasional pangs of pain but mostly the pain is gone. The epididymis looks and feels much less swollen now. In fact, I feel close to normal. So it looks like the cipro worked, but the cost was fairly high. This is a powerful, nasty drug, with side effects ranging from mild (nausea, fatigue) to permanent tendon damage to depression, psychosis, and death.

After only 3 doses I was starting to feel severe joint pain. The worst side effects were the nightmares and panic attacks... very very bad. Unforgettably bad. I almost gave up on the third day of treatment because I really thought I was going to die (I almost went to the hospital), but after a little bit of research I realized that the culprit may not be the cipro, but the combination of cipro and caffeine. It turns out that cipro can cause caffeine toxicity, so caffeinated beverages should be avoided (the instructions say 'limited'). I gave up the caffeine instead of the cipro, and although I experienced fatigue and sleepiness, the panic attacks and nightmares resolved. So I urge you, if you ever take this drug, just avoid the caffeine.

Anyway, getting back to my ball, I still feel that it's uncomfortable. Now that it's warmer, it always hangs lower than it used to and it the scrotal skin sticks to my thigh. I always have to readjust...it's kind of annoying. I'm now kinda wondering if I have to give up on boxer briefs and boxers and go back to the briefs (non white tidy whities ) Any feedback will be appreciated!

Take cere

djm

[Michael112]

LOL just dont be a spokesperson for this stuff.
I have been taking ZMA and continuing testogel, waiting to either start injections or add in arimidex, my pain has improved a lot compared to how it was 2 months ago, I am hoping arimidex will sort it out.

[Michael112]

Is it continuing to improve? if not I would suggest getting your E2 levels checked, youve done 2 rounds of 2 diffrent antibiotics, if it hasnt gone away i would assume its something else. The only other things I can think of are:
High E2(arimidex to fix)
Nerve pain due to other nerve being missing (exercises such as leg press, crunches can help with this problem)
Damage to the testicle during surgery or diagnosis (MRI to confirm)