Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I realise that I probably won't get an answer in time, I'm booked in for surgery in like 17 hours...
The urologist that is doing my orchiectomy told me back when I had the consultation that he was aware that there is a certain method used for transgender patients and he would look into it.
The hospital rang me before Christmas to say there was an opening on 18th January, I didn't think I'd get seen so soon!
I phoned the hospital the other week to get more details and found out the urologist was on leave and he would contact me when he gets back. So I get a phone call yesterday and the urologist said that he was looking at doing the simple orchiectomy apparently it shouldn't matter which method is used?? He said the inguinal method has two incisions and there is no medical reason to do that over the simple method of going through the scrotum, which only requires one incision. He went on to say if I get SRS in the future they just cut the scrotum in the same place so it doesn't matter if I get the orchiectomy done the simple way.

I'm a bit confused cause there is information floating around the internet saying the inguinal method is better because it leaves vital skin intact that is needed for future surgery. There seems to be conflicting information on this. Am I worrying over nothing??
I'd rather have the inguinal I feel that would be easier to heal and more convenient for me as I wear tight clothes. In a way I feel that the simple method is actually more invasive and I would have more emotional strain. Am I going to be worse off getting the simple orchiectomy over inguinal? It sounds like I'm not going to be able to get it done the way I want  :( I guess I can't really argue my case when I'm getting it done for free...

I'm in recovery, its hell. I did end up going ingiunal, I have mixed feelings because of the pain I'm in. I am glad I don't have a cut on my scrotum, I haven't had a proper feel yet, I'm still in agony. I had my urine bag removed this morning, that was quite traumatic.
As well as the orchiectomy I had a camera put into my urine track, I've been having bladder problems for quite a while. They found scar tissue obstructing so the inside of my urine track got stretched thats why I had to have a urine bag for a day because possible swelling could stop me passing urine.
I was told the obstruction couldn't be removed easily and that it could stop me getting further surgery down there. Its still sinking in that I have a permanent condition and need to get everything stretched and having a urine bag again. I'm actually okay about having a bag attached just not a tube tube going into my wee wee, especially after the inside has been stretched and bleeding.

I might write some more later about why I had my orchiectomy done, no point me talking about recovery its empty words going in a void that doesn't want to know

QuoteI had a camera put into my urine track

Did you see the inside of your bladder on TV?  I had the same thing on Tuesday and also a while ago. 

They did both procedures while I was under the anesthetic so no TV for me.. I probably wouldn't have been able to watch even if I was awake I've got too much trauma with my all my bits down there.
I think I'm going to take quite a while to heal from this

Quote from: Belladona on January 19, 2019, 12:40:58 AM
They did both procedures while I was under the anesthetic so no TV for me.. I probably wouldn't have been able to watch even if I was awake

Well, maybe it'll be on YouTube.   ;)

I'm praying for your speedy recovery and successful resolution to any issues that may have been uncovered. Hang in there, girl. The worst usually passes pretty quickly.

I also would be interested in your reasoning behind the switch in procedures. I've done some reading on the subject, and when I first saw your inquiry I thought about suggesting that you research the inguinal procedure more, as it seems to me to be the preferred method. However, my research is only anecdotal and I have no first hand knowledge, hence my reluctance.

All the best,
--AshleyP

Quote from: AnneK on January 18, 2019, 04:27:24 PM
Did you see the inside of your bladder on TV?  I had the same thing on Tuesday and also a while ago.

I did a few years ago.  I try to stay awake for any medical/surgical procedure, if possible, because I want to observe what they are doing with and to me.

Quote from: Dietlind on January 19, 2019, 03:18:06 PM
I did a few years ago.  I try to stay awake for any medical/surgical procedure, if possible, because I want to observe what they are doing with and to me.

And hear when the doctor says "oops".   ;)

Quote from: AnneK on January 19, 2019, 04:40:25 PM
And hear when the doctor says "oops".   ;)

I would have asked: Whats App?
In honest, I want to see when people of my profession work on my body.  Prior to any cutting, i want to see the appropriate steril presentation of the instruments to be used.  As well as the sterilization indicator of the batch.  I tell this at the presurgical, and they can prepare for it.

Quote from: Dietlind on January 19, 2019, 03:18:06 PM
I did a few years ago.  I try to stay awake for any medical/surgical procedure, if possible, because I want to observe what they are doing with and to me.

I was awake when I had my vasectomy. kinda gross. I want to watch the boys go. Kinda some sick closure.  :angel:

Quote from: GingerVicki on January 19, 2019, 08:01:29 PM
I was awake when I had my vasectomy. kinda gross. I want to watch the boys go. Kinda some sick closure.  :angel:

Did you wave goodbye, and made sure they were dressed appropriately?

Quote from: Dietlind on January 19, 2019, 08:17:32 PM
Did you wave goodbye, and made sure they were dressed appropriately?

I did not wave, but I was smiling the entire time

Quote from: AshleyP on January 19, 2019, 01:52:48 PM
I'm praying for your speedy recovery and successful resolution to any issues that may have been uncovered. Hang in there, girl. The worst usually passes pretty quickly.

I also would be interested in your reasoning behind the switch in procedures. I've done some reading on the subject, and when I first saw your inquiry I thought about suggesting that you research the inguinal procedure more, as it seems to me to be the preferred method. However, my research is only anecdotal and I have no first hand knowledge, hence my reluctance.

All the best,
--AshleyP

I got to choose the ingiunal method, I'm very grateful to get it done at no cost.
The urologist told me that he contacted some places around the world like universities and surgical wards and stuff; the method preferred for transgender patients was through the scrotum, people arguing for the ingiunal method seems to be only a internet trend.
After having my orchiectomy done ingiunal I would tend to agree with medical knowledge over the internet. What I think has started the confusion:
1.Back before dissolving stitches perhaps the scars were larger and that caused trouble with the scrotal method.
2.Some places only offer ingiunal (probably for money reasons) leading patients to believe that its the superior way.
3.Maybe forums spreading misleading information to stop people from operating on themselves
4. Confusion over skin shrinkage
5. Personal choice/bias

I think my urologist was right, technically it is recommended to do an orchiectomy in the most simplest way with fewer incisions and faster healing time. There is no technical advantage between the two methods and doesn't affect SRS in the future as long as the scrotum isn't also removed. However after getting an orchiectomy there is the possibility of skin shinking, this can happen regardless of method used.
Why I chose ingiunal against my urologist was mainly because of body dysphoria and I think this factor does sway other peoples choice of method.

I want the simple with removal of the extra skin.

Quote from: Belladona on January 20, 2019, 08:03:38 PM
I got to choose the ingiunal method, I'm very grateful to get it done at no cost.
The urologist told me that he contacted some places around the world like universities and surgical wards and stuff; the method preferred for transgender patients was through the scrotum, people arguing for the ingiunal method seems to be only a internet trend.
After having my orchiectomy done ingiunal I would tend to agree with medical knowledge over the internet. What I think has started the confusion:
1.Back before dissolving stitches perhaps the scars were larger and that caused trouble with the scrotal method.
2.Some places only offer ingiunal (probably for money reasons) leading patients to believe that its the superior way.
3.Maybe forums spreading misleading information to stop people from operating on themselves
4. Confusion over skin shrinkage
5. Personal choice/bias

I think my urologist was right, technically it is recommended to do an orchiectomy in the most simplest way with fewer incisions and faster healing time. There is no technical advantage between the two methods and doesn't affect SRS in the future as long as the scrotum isn't also removed. However after getting an orchiectomy there is the possibility of skin shinking, this can happen regardless of method used.
Why I chose ingiunal against my urologist was mainly because of body dysphoria and I think this factor does sway other peoples choice of method.

Hi Belladona,                            20 January 2019

To answer the question in the title of this thread: Does it really matter which orchiectomy method is used?? The answer is: YES!!

Hope I'm not butting in here; I had my Orchiectomy Friday 13 April 2018. I had the Bilateral, Inguinal, Radical, Orchiectomy, which is what I wanted. The doctor I chose only does inguinal, which is why he was high on my list of choices. My research indicated that inguinal was the least invasive, the least traumatic and the fastest healing.

My surgery took about 35 minutes, I walked out on my own power. had no pain just minor discomfort for two days which was handled by a total of 6 Tylenol over the two days. The two incisions were about 1 to 1.5 inches in length, were sutured with dissolvable sutures with no visible thread, all done internally. They were healed in one week and I was back doing heavy duty work after a week and a half.

It's now a little over 3/4 of a year since my surgery and the scars are almost invisible; I have to look very carefully to find them.

My opinion of the simple is that it is next to the most traumatic for the patient; the Subcapsular orchiectomy, in my opinion is more traumatic than the other two, reason being more tissue is disturbed during this procedure.

If you want to see what you missed by having the inguinal instead of the simple, look for Devlyn's chronicle of her simple orchi. I think you will have a different opinion once you read it and see the pictures. I have pictures of mine, unfortunately I'm not allowed to post them here. If I were allowed they would be here for all to see.

My surgery cost $3500.00 total for, pre surgical consultation, Pre surgical checkup, surgery, anesthesia, operating room, pre and post care nurses, three post op checkups. I did receive a 5% discount off the price I quoted due to being a Veteran.

From everything I have read, the simple is performed by surgeons because it is easier for them or they do not have the necessary skill to do the Inguinal. Don't take this as gospel, it's my opinion based on my research and experience.

I'm sorry you had to have additional work done, especially within the bladder and urethra. I had a similar experience sans the Orchi, when I was 17. It wasn't a pleasant experience. Had you not needed the additional procedures, I'm sure your post surgical recovery would have been less painful and less traumatic. I have posted on this subject elsewhere on Susan's, just don't remember the threads.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Best Always, Love
Christine

I have read devlyn's thread, I DIDN'T GET A COOKIE  :(
I think maybe each method is its own healing experience. I've been in a lot of pain and almost completely bed ridden for 3 days. I really underestimated how much pain I would be in, I've needed prescription pain meds and probably going to need them for a few more days. I think I would have had a lot more mobility and less pain if I had the simple orchiectomy. At least there isn't any blood or annoying chords in my scrotum, thats a definite advantage with going ingiunal. It would be psychologically difficult for me to heal an injury on a body part I'm not comfortable having, so in that regard I'm happy with the decision I made.

Quote from: christinej78 on January 21, 2019, 12:05:45 AM
My surgery took about 35 minutes, I walked out on my own power.

       Christine I am confused over what the differences are in the procedures? I accompanied a member here during a orchi and her experience and recovery was easy, much like yours. I assume the connections are cut and testes removed? She probably still has hers sitting in a glass jar atop the refrigerator!  :o

      Personally, being 'older' and very diminutive in size to begin with, I would never do this see it as unnecessary my body has learned to live without AA's but dislike the idea of forever being totally estrogen-dependent (with a possible ultra low T deficiency?) for life. Of course SRS would be another matter entirely don't feel I'd be eligible for inversion/depth technique without extensive grafting so would prefer to wait until something more perfected comes along?

Quote from: Chloe on January 21, 2019, 07:12:21 AM
      Personally, being 'older' and very diminutive in size to begin with, I would never do this see it as unnecessary my body has learned to live without AA's but dislike the idea of forever being totally estrogen-dependent (with a possible ultra low T deficiency?) for life. Of course SRS would be another matter entirely don't feel I'd be eligible for inversion/depth technique without extensive grafting so would prefer to wait until something more perfected comes along?

Iam, older like you, and have only almond/hazelnut sized testes left.  My urologist is of the opinion that those babies stopped to make testosteron quite a while ago could that have been the reason that my breasts started to grow way before I ever found out about HRT?
But I will try to get them removed, because those guys hurt constantly.  I barely can touch them, and I have to always watch how I sit down to not hurt.  They tried antibiotics again, because some physicians seem not to listen and understand that patients have some knowledge, too.  I tried to explain that this is not a bacterial infection (I very likely know more about that crap than their entire office).  I now have to get it across that something else is wrong down there that ended up in some kind of chronic inflammation.  To find out what it is that is causing the pain, they would have to cu me open anyway, and at that point they may as well take the babies out for good. 
That would render me balless, and because I had part of my spine removed already (good old stainless steel instead), I would be a partially spineless and balless person, just fitting for a little old woman!

For the case that I would want to have SRS (I actually want it really badly), I would go with a minimum depth vulvoplasty any way, and would care less to have not much material for a vagina!  At my age, those parts are way overrated anyway!

Quote from: Chloe on January 21, 2019, 07:12:21 AM

       Christine I am confused over what the differences are in the procedures? I accompanied a member here during a orchi and her experience and recovery was easy, much like yours. I assume the connections are cut and testes removed? She probably still has hers sitting in a glass jar atop the refrigerator!  :o

      Personally, being 'older' and very diminutive in size to begin with, I would never do this see it as unnecessary my body has learned to live without AA's but dislike the idea of forever being totally estrogen-dependent (with a possible ultra low T deficiency?) for life. Of course SRS would be another matter entirely don't feel I'd be eligible for inversion/depth technique without extensive grafting so would prefer to wait until something more perfected comes along?

Hi Chloe,                         21 January 2019

Here is how my Inguinal orchi was done. I went to my surgery appointment with that area completely waxed (Brazilian) and hair free. I climbed onto the surgical table under my own power and un-sedated (don't do Benzos of any stripe).

I had them raise the head of the table so I could be in a reclining position head up. I didn't want to be intubated (breathing machine), I wanted to breathe on my own. They didn't want to do it using local anesthesia as some of the stuff couldn't be numbed. I agreed to be conked out using a Propofol drip. This method puts you to sleep quickly and when they stop the drip you are awake and clear headed in minutes. None of the fog bank stuff that results from the Benzodiazepine class of drugs most doctors prefer to use. Just for information purposes, Benzos are dangerous for everyone and more so for persons of advanced age.

They opened two small incisions over the upper part of each canal about 1 to 1.5 inch long. They then pushed each testicle up the canal simultaneously (four hands involved) and popped them out through the incisions. They pulled them out and laid them on my belly above my penis, then took photos of them. They then pulled the spermatic cord out as far as they could, clamped it, tied it then severed it completely. No need for string dangling down into the scrotum. Once both were out, severed/removed they laid them on the surgical towel on my belly and photographed them again as a testament to their skill in performing Inguinal orchiectomies and as souvenirs for me. No, I didn't get to take them home with me though I did ask.

The rest I have already written about. I'm totally happy with the result and the doctors and their staff that took care of me.

Hope this helps clear up any concerns about this procedure. I had no swelling and only a tiny bit of hematoma (blood under the skin) that cleared up in a week. My scrotum has shrunk to a tiny pouch that's almost unnoticeable. Remember the scrotum is very stretchy so don't worry about it if you plan on bottom surgery at a later date, which I plan on doing after I move to Phoenix this spring. I want the cosmetic vagina, less traumatic than the full depth version. I don't have any desire to have sex with a male so why have something I won't need.

Take care and hope everyone that has this procedure has an even better outcome than I did, and mine was fantastic.

Best Always, Love
Christine 

Quote from: Dietlind on January 21, 2019, 09:39:12 AM. . . a partially spineless and balless person, just fitting for a little old woman!

lol ???  :-\  :-* thx to both of you think I've got a pretty good visual!

So it's a *slice, pop, clip knot & snip* am almost certain that's what Keri had as well! Dietlind sometimes I get *pinching* pain from tucking 24/7 but nothing like you describe . . . you're on "E only" too(?) been dry and inactive for so long I also highly doubt have much T left as well!

This AM ex-spousy braided my hair for the very first time if young "convicts" are gonna persist in hitting on me with def need the full-depth model!

Quote from: Chloe on January 21, 2019, 01:48:34 PM
lol ???  :-\  :-* thx to both of you think I've got a pretty good visual!

Dietlind sometimes I get *pinching* pain from tucking 24/7 but nothing like you describe . . . you're on "E only" too(?) been dry and inactive for so long I also highly doubt have much T left as well!

I really don't tuck, because there is hardly anything left to tuck.  All that is here slips into the stow away position anyway as soon as I put my underwear on.  I have this pain from before I went on HRT (I think something inside is tangled up and causes a chronic inflammation).  I am on Finasteride (strongest possible dose, nothing to do with being trans) for 5 - 6 years already, and started with estrogen a little over two month ago.  After i complained about my constantly swollen feet, spiro (the water pill) was added.  This took care of most of the swelling of my feet.

Except for the swelling of my feet, I still have to discover anything that estrogen is doing for me?  I don't think that i have emotional changes, or anything else some people here are ranting and raving about.  But I had mostly female emotions almost all of my life.

Here I sit, waiting for the "wow" effect of estrogen, and nothing really happens!  Of course, I don't have most of the indicators cis people have, when one does have no hair to start with, one cannot see it growing less.

I wish the stuff would do a little to my boob growth, but nothing more than I have already, is woking there either.

i hope I am taking a placebo as part of a triple blind study!

Quote from: Chloe on January 21, 2019, 01:48:34 PM
lol ???  :-\  :-* thx to both of you think I've got a pretty good visual!

So it's a *slice, pop, clip knot & snip* am almost certain that's what Keri had as well!
.
.
This AM ex-spousy braided my hair for the very first time if young "convicts" are gonna persist in hitting on me with def need the full-depth model!

Hi Chloe,                            20 January 2019

*slice, pop, clip knot & snip*  >>>>----------gone---------->>> "Zackley" Right

There is only one Person for me, and She is our Dena. No one else wanted or need apply. Dena is the Love of My Life, My Guardian Angel, and She is a Life Long Dream Come True.

Best Always, Love
Christine

Quote from: Dietlind on January 21, 2019, 02:34:33 PM. . . on Finasteride (strongest possible dose, nothing to do with being trans) for 5 - 6 years already, and started with estrogen a little over two month ago. 

         *sigh* If only two months give it time the *spiro* should help but Finasteride is a guy drug, doesn't really help with the "T": "Finasteride stops testosterone from converting into DHT, the androgen that shrinks hair follicles which leads to hair loss." lol Given all the pain issues they've been trying to remedy sounds like your gonna wind up a transgirl quite by accident? Tried "Fin" once upon a time gave it up quickly there's a stronger, more effective thing out there that you should try, might better suit your overall purpose. I HATE doctors (*they put my dad thru the mill before he died/yep THAT finally cured his problems*) they treat you like a guinea pig and sent ya a bill regardless!

        Well, I promised not to speak about THAT drug anymore . . . Gee it's COLD in GA this morning (this IS an orchi thread) think mine just froze off! Where is SW FL are you(?) spent some HS years in New Port Richey! You and Christine are my glimmer of hope always LIKED Dena's posts too but, as all good girls know, *Hands Off*!  ;)

Quote from: Chloe on January 22, 2019, 06:35:15 AM
         *sigh* If only two months give it time the *spiro* should help but Finasteride is a guy drug, doesn't really help with the "T": "Finasteride stops testosterone from converting into DHT, the androgen that shrinks hair follicles which leads to hair loss." lol Given all the pain issues they've been trying to remedy sounds like your gonna wind up a transgirl quite by accident? Tried "Fin" once upon a time gave it up quickly there's a stronger, more effective thing out there that you should try, might better suit your overall purpose. I HATE doctors (*they put my dad thru the mill before he died/yep THAT finally cured his problems*) they treat you like a guinea pig and sent ya a bill regardless!

     

None of the above reasons cover why I take Finasteride.  Mine is to keep blood from leaking into my bladder, and I have to take it for the rest of my life, and it has nothing to do with trans either.

Please don't generalize an entire profession, because I am part of it.  And, like in any other profession, you have also idiots in the medical one!  I seem to have a talent to run into all of them!
My endo tried to educate me about stuff that I discovered and informed thee world about, because he did not even listen to me introducing myself.  He is a good endo, but has zero patient skills!

Quote*sigh* If only two months give it time the *spiro* should help but Finasteride is a guy drug, doesn't really help with the "T": "Finasteride stops testosterone from converting into DHT, the androgen that shrinks hair follicles which leads to hair loss."

I've been on dutasteride for almost 2 years.  It's often taken for the same reason as finasteride and works the same way, though I believe more effectively.  It is also used with estrogen in MTF to promote breast growth.

I should be be starting on Estrogen soon.

Dutasteride can make men very androgynous.

Quote from: AnneK on January 22, 2019, 08:16:45 AM
. . . on dutasteride for almost 2 years.  It's often taken for the same reason as finasteride

          Ok, well I get that part both are designed primarily for the same thing: "to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) to shrink the prostate and reduce the risk of urinary retention caused by restricted urine flow as the prostate becomes enlarged" . . . in effect inhibiting T conversion to DHT which the prostate also feeds on to grow? Slowing hair loss is a secondary benefit as well but, as a transition AA therapy, I never heard of either being taken alone, not in conjunction with something else (besides "E")?

         Dietlind apologize if I offended your professional sensibilities all I'm saying is wasn't pleasant to watch my father die from prostate cancer and "blood in the bladder" is NOT a good sign. My best lover friend's father caught it early and still survives and can only wonder IF a more aggressive therapy sooner would have made a difference with my dad . . . and you? In questioning & researching my father's treatment this is exactly how I stumbled upon Casodex 15 years ago and, like I said, swore it would never happen to me. I call the "above two" safe to use "guy drugs" because they more-or-less leave T unhindered  . . .

. . . and for us trans anyway, What Good Is That? (despite knowing your intersex condition may render all this wayyy off base?)

Quote from: Chloe on January 23, 2019, 03:30:49 PM
       
         Dietlind apologize if I offended your professional sensibilities all I'm saying is wasn't pleasant to watch my father die from prostate cancer and "blood in the bladder" is NOT a good sign. My best lover friend's father caught it early and still survives and can only wonder IF a more aggressive therapy sooner would have made a difference with my dad . . . and you? In questioning & researching my father's treatment this is exactly how I stumbled upon Casodex 15 years ago and, like I said, swore it would never happen to me. I call the "above two" safe to use "guy drugs" because they more-or-less leave T unhindered  . . .

When blood was discovered in my urine, we (me and the treating physician) were concerned, and the entire system of the Mayo Clinic was set into action.  I got contrast medium enhanced MRI's to see if I had kidney problems (and a tiny stone was discovered, sitting in a dark back corner of my right kidney, but nothing to be concerned about), prostate biopsies (3 of them, and it hurts like hell) were done, and showed noth cancerous cells, and finally a scope was shoved into my bladder, and i saw it's inside for the first time in my life. What a beautiful view of the scenery in there!  >:-).
And there the found the culprits, two veins in the bladder wall were somethings like varicose veins, and the prostate pushed against them from the outside of the bladder, which caused the leaking of blood into the bladder..  The possible treatment was either to remove the prostate, repair the veins, to take Finasteride for the rest of my life to keep the prostate as shriveled up as possible.  I choose Finasteride, and have no blood in my urine since.  I have one problem with Finasteride, I should not become pregnant anymore (but I have no plans for this anyway  :angel:).  I have none of the other possible side effects of the drug.

Quote from: Belladona on January 16, 2019, 07:44:16 PM
I realise that I probably won't get an answer in time, I'm booked in for surgery in like 17 hours...
The urologist that is doing my orchiectomy told me back when I had the consultation that he was aware that there is a certain method used for transgender patients and he would look into it.
The hospital rang me before Christmas to say there was an opening on 18th January, I didn't think I'd get seen so soon!
I phoned the hospital the other week to get more details and found out the urologist was on leave and he would contact me when he gets back. So I get a phone call yesterday and the urologist said that he was looking at doing the simple orchiectomy apparently it shouldn't matter which method is used?? He said the inguinal method has two incisions and there is no medical reason to do that over the simple method of going through the scrotum, which only requires one incision. He went on to say if I get SRS in the future they just cut the scrotum in the same place so it doesn't matter if I get the orchiectomy done the simple way.

I'm a bit confused cause there is information floating around the internet saying the inguinal method is better because it leaves vital skin intact that is needed for future surgery. There seems to be conflicting information on this. Am I worrying over nothing??
I'd rather have the inguinal I feel that would be easier to heal and more convenient for me as I wear tight clothes. In a way I feel that the simple method is actually more invasive and I would have more emotional strain. Am I going to be worse off getting the simple orchiectomy over inguinal? It sounds like I'm not going to be able to get it done the way I want  :( I guess I can't really argue my case when I'm getting it done for free...

I think ingunal is the better way to go.  By accessing them this way the surgeon can remove the spermatic cord (or at least a lot more of it)  The cord can dangle around in the scrotum causing pain or worse can attach to the scrotal wall which can be very painful.   

My doctor suggested one thing other thing to do pain wise.  He feels that numbing the testes and cords before they cut is thought to eliminate the possibility of future phantom pains which he thinks are the pain impulses that go to the brain from anything that is amputated.  I was glad I had mine done that way its never been a problem.   Asking the doctor to numb things even if your going to be given a general probably would be helped by explaining why your prefer it done that way.   Anyhow congratulations on your upcoming procedure!  To quote Dr Bowers, "Two more soldiers who will never fight!"

Quote from: Dietlind on January 23, 2019, 06:32:28 PM
The possible treatment was either to remove the prostate, repair the veins, to take Finasteride for the rest of my life to keep the prostate as shriveled up as possible.

There is another treatment and that is after you have an orchi, you shouldn't need Finasteride. My new doctor wanted to be extra cautious so he requested a PSA test. My levels came back 0.00 so I suspect that's what left of my prostate is microscopic.

Quote from: Dena on January 23, 2019, 08:05:23 PM
There is another treatment and that is after you have an orchi, you shouldn't need Finasteride. My new doctor wanted to be extra cautious so he requested a PSA test. My levels came back 0.00 so I suspect that's what left of my prostate is microscopic.

That's what I thought.  My testes are so tiny, my urologists feels that they gave up producing testosterone for quite a while.  But he is also of the opinion that I might need to take Finasteride even after an orhi.  It seems as if they do not want to take any risks.
It is OK with me, because I don't have any of the side effect listed for this drug, and I don't plan to become pregnant in the near future either.

Quote from: Belladona on January 21, 2019, 01:55:50 AM
I have read devlyn's thread, I DIDN'T GET A COOKIE  :(
I think maybe each method is its own healing experience. I've been in a lot of pain and almost completely bed ridden for 3 days. I really underestimated how much pain I would be in, I've needed prescription pain meds and probably going to need them for a few more days. I think I would have had a lot more mobility and less pain if I had the simple orchiectomy. At least there isn't any blood or annoying chords in my scrotum, thats a definite advantage with going ingiunal. It would be psychologically difficult for me to heal an injury on a body part I'm not comfortable having, so in that regard I'm happy with the decision I made.

I don't have any of the recovery room cookies, but here ya go!  :)

(https://www.susans.org/forums/gallery/0/59100-190518194935.jpeg)

Speedy healing!

Hugs, Devlyn

Hahaha Devlyn good one  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Just curious what is your opinion on the different orchiectomy methods? You had the simple way done from memory?

Quote from: JanePlain on January 23, 2019, 07:10:45 PM
I think ingunal is the better way to go.  By accessing them this way the surgeon can remove the spermatic cord (or at least a lot more of it)  The cord can dangle around in the scrotum causing pain or worse can attach to the scrotal wall which can be very painful.   

My doctor suggested one thing other thing to do pain wise.  He feels that numbing the testes and cords before they cut is thought to eliminate the possibility of future phantom pains which he thinks are the pain impulses that go to the brain from anything that is amputated.  I was glad I had mine done that way its never been a problem.   Asking the doctor to numb things even if your going to be given a general probably would be helped by explaining why your prefer it done that way.   Anyhow congratulations on your upcoming procedure!  To quote Dr Bowers, "Two more soldiers who will never fight!"

I had phantom pains for the first 4 days, so weird!! I would say they didn't numb anything on me, I woke up in some pain. I had sweat on me too as if my body reacted to pain while I was under the anesthetic. My body kind of went into shock when I woke up, I think it knew something was up, I felt violated. I never expected the psychological effects of being operated on, that is going to take more time to process.

So far a lot of the pain has gone, still sore stitches are starting to itch. I'm still bruised from having a tube in me, I hate my man thing being purple so gross... The other day I got my doctor to change the bandages, everything is healing fine. I feel a bit more feminine down there, I think the skin shrinking might be a problem for me, I liked having lose skin  :(
It seems like all the phantom sensations are fading, I was getting worried they wouldn't go away.

Quote from: Belladona on January 24, 2019, 02:45:21 AM
Hahaha Devlyn good one  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Just curious what is your opinion on the different orchiectomy methods? You had the simple way done from memory?
I had phantom pains for the first 4 days, so weird!! I would say they didn't numb anything on me, I woke up in some pain. I had sweat on me too as if my body reacted to pain while I was under the anesthetic. My body kind of went into shock when I woke up, I think it knew something was up, I felt violated. I never expected the psychological effects of being operated on, that is going to take more time to process.

So far a lot of the pain has gone, still sore stitches are starting to itch. I'm still bruised from having a tube in me, I hate my man thing being purple so gross... The other day I got my doctor to change the bandages, everything is healing fine. I feel a bit more feminine down there, I think the skin shrinking might be a problem for me, I liked having lose skin  :(
It seems like all the phantom sensations are fading, I was getting worried they wouldn't go away.

Hi Belladona,                                 24 January 2019

I'm sorry you are having pain and problems. Are you still in the hospital?

You might want to ask for a copy of the anesthesia report and see what you were given prior to and during the surgery. They should have infused you with a small amount of Fentanyl, a synthetic Morphine, or some other pain med to control pain during and after the procedure. My guess is your pain may be coming from the other procedures you may have had along with the orchi, or a UTI.

I think you said you had or have a catheter in place. They can be painful and can cause a UTI to develop, which can be quite painful. As for an inguinal orchi by itself, a catheter should not be required unless you have an issue requiring one. If the catheter you have is fairly large, assuming you are of average size, that could mean they did surgery in your urinary tract. You might want to ask the doctor just what all he did.

A hack surgeon operated on me when I was 18; the catheter he installed looked the size of a garden hose. I couldn't see how he got it in there; glad I was asleep when that happened.

Wishing you a speedy and pain free recovery.

Best Wishes, Love
Chris

Quote from: Belladona on January 24, 2019, 02:45:21 AM
Hahaha Devlyn good one  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Just curious what is your opinion on the different orchiectomy methods? You had the simple way done from memory? ...

I had a midline incision on the scrotum. I'm not sure I have an opinion on the various surgeries, we all have different bodies and requirements. I just like to jump in when the "necessary tissue" point comes up.  :)

This seems to (possibly) prove out the problem of doing an orchiectomy without numbing the cords and testes,  The theory my Doctor had is that the nerves carry the pain signals to the brain during the procedure and fry that signal into the brain where its left to replay at random times.  Thus phantom pains or phantom limb.  If they use something to numb the area the signals never flood the brain and thus you have nothing "recorded" that can play back. The drug used to knock the patient out doesn't stop the signals.  It might be wrong but I think his logic is sound and he is one of my areas "superdocs" in the area of chronic pain.

And of course having it done through a scrotal incision leaves a lot of the cords dangling around which have raw ends where the cut was made.