Hydrocele

[wrk]

2 years ago I was lifting a heavy log, and felt something down in my groin area kinda of pull on the left side, I paid no mind as I had no pain or discomfort, then about 3 months later I developed a hydrocele in my left testical which swelled up to about the size of a large peach, since I drive, and am very active for work it became very bothersome, sweating and rashes would occur, I let it go about 1 year until my wife said to see a doctor, After the Doctor checked it out, Blood tests, Urine test, and ultrasound he confirmed it was a Hydroclele, He then performed an aspiration by needle to remove the fuild, No problem, No pain, after about 6 months the hydrocele reoccured and once again the Doctor aspirated it again. but then said if it comes back we will have to do a hydrocelectomy, which after another 4 months it returned, So in I went under the knife, I was told after I would be in pain and discomfort for about 6-8 days and could return back to work. Well today is the 24th day and I went back to work. after getting home from the surgery my sack swelled up to the size of a large grapefruit and was black and blue, this lasted about 5 days, then the swelling started going down During this time I was heavy into the pain medication and could only lay on my back 24-7, then for the next 3 days the pain was constant with no relief even with the pain killers, I found out the 16 stitches were pulling (as the cut was about 1-1/2" long on the bottom of the sack) and I could not stand or sit upright for more than a few minutes. I called the Doctor and was told to come in, the Doctor removed the stitches and said let it bleed out and the wound will heal, he placed gauze inside the opening and then bandgaed it up, I lived this way for the the next 13 days, the swelling went down little by little and the bleeding was consistent, Now I know how women feel, with my depends and manpons during this time. For work I used a large pad with gauze with tight underwear which works fine. The biggest problem is getting up and down and going to the bathroom, No sleeping on your sides, putting on socks and shoes, If not for my wife I would have gone nuts (no pun). Now after 24 days I am able to get and down, walk around and stand, sitting and driving my car/truck is ok but have to adjust, I am on Light duty for work not to lift anything over 20 pounds and just change bandages. Doctor said I will still have some pain and the swelling will last over 1 month. So now there is no pain just some heavyness and pulling in the area, I cannot wait untill all is back to normal. I hope this will help those that may need the procedure done. Be ready to spend some quality time with your bed, and TV. Make sure your wife really loves you and all will be ok.
P.S. for work I work most of the state of Florida on heavy Metal Machines, up and down ladders, my tool box alone weighs over 100 pounds with large pipe wrenches and such. You get the picture. Good luck to all if anything comes up I will post again so far now its going ok.

[wrk]

Ok, so now it has been over 37 days since surgery 3/27/2009, I still have some swelling on surgery side, right side is all normal, and the wound is still leaking out blood but not as much, The cut area is almost closed, I still get a little pain when I sit up fast or walk to fast, sleeping on my sides now with a small pillow, I dress it every morning and night, and during the day if needed, using Vitamin E tabs, open them up and pour directly into opening, alternating with neosporin ointment. I found for work I wear a jock with pads which gives good support and keeps everything in its place. I see the Doctor in one week, and hope this thing goes down completely. Every now and then I get some ping pains on my left side which I think is the swelling going down little by little. I am able to do more and more everyday as I push myself when I can. Thats it for now. Hope this helps.

[rfung]

I really feel sorry for your case, and hopefully you are getting better now :-)

I had hydrocele almost 25 years, and I had hydrocelectomy on 1/29/09. After 5 months I still feel uncomfortable with my operated side..SIGH. I cannot get much help from my doctor. He told me to wear underwear which is for bicycle rider.

Please tell me about your recovery progress, thanks.

[wrk]

Hello,Well I am a little over 6 months as today is June 30th 2009 all the swelling has gone, It is still a little tender on the scar, but No pain in the testical itself, I still have a black and blue area (could be the old blood working its way out of my skin?), goes from the bottom of the sac down and back almost to my anis, I still have a very little bit of pain kinda like a gas bubble in my lower left side abdomen that sometimes goes around to my side it comes and goes and is not bad to deal with. Doctor says this is where all the veins and tubes and vessels that go down to the testicals are and the pain spurts will go away. I see the doctor this Thursday for my check up. So far all functions are normal, I do wear underwear that gives support and that breathes, My sac is now smaller than it used to be, and I don' have the problem of rashes when I sweat all day, back at work 100% lifting and doing what I do, and glad to be able to ride the harley. But now I watch how I lift and use my legs more, I turn 53 this October. I hope my story has been a little help at least for the unknown part that can happen. My Doctor has stated serveral times that this "was a mess". The scary part is it can happen on the other side! So protect yourself if you can, I am more careful now don't want to do it again. Good Luck!