Post-Orchiectomy and further treatment - what should I expect?

Hi there. Welcome to the group. I hope you find some comfort and answers here as I did. I went through left side orchiectomy at the start of the year. I had 100% mature teratoma so chemo was out of the question for me but luckily they managed to get it all during the surgery and I have been clear since. Although I can't help with your chemo question I am always here if you have any about the aftermath of the surgery. Best of luck 

Andrew

Thank you for your reply Andrew! Im glad to know they got it all out. I hope you are well and continue to be well. regarding post surgery, how long was it before your stitches disappeared and you resumed normal activities?

I'm grand. Got a son now. He was conceived when I was firing double barrels. Anywho. It wasn't long for the stitches to go. I had a little stabbie but hang about for a couple weeks but honestly wasn't long. My scar stayed like a lump for quite a while. Feels like a aa battery in your groin. But it has calmed down now. Still feel it if you touch it but much smaller. As to returning to normal activities. I was moving around fine enough after 2/3 weeks. Tmi but I was wanting to make sure everything was working fine down stairs asap so after about 2 weeks I was getting the Mrs to help. Some discomfort around the scar but no worries on that front. I returned to work after 10 weeks. Wasn't at full strength but could do light duties and I work on a farm. I would say after 4/5 months I was starting to get back to lifting some weight and now after 10 months I feel I can lift at full capacity again. Hope that helps

What ever you do. Don't sneeze, cough or laugh to hard right now. I wasnt told and god all mighty that fucking hurts. And don't do what I did and try pushing on the toilet just yet. I thought I was feeling fine after 2 weeks and started to push when having a shit. Felt fine but when I stood up my scar had bulged out by about an inch and a half. Didn't do any damage but honestly that moment was the most terrifying of the whole experience. Looked like my insides were coming out. Just wait. Eat plenty fibre and shits will flow on their own haha. 

Thank you for such a detailed response.Im pretty much back to normal in terms of walking sitting and sleeping but bending down is still a mission haha. I’m only 24 and am planning to get married next year and haven't got any children so am worried on that front whether I will be able to have any or what the effects of chemo (if  needed) would be. I haven’t seen many posts regarding men who’ve had chemo and wanting to have children later on, maybe Ill have a read of those. I am worried about downstairs too haha and am afraid to “try” anything out. maybe I will at some point in a week or so. I have to return to work coming monday as i work as dentist and my patients are waiting on me haha.

I figured that one out when I accidentally sneezed the other day. Was in literal pain for an hour or so. coughing is just about bearable now and my brother makes me laugh so much so Im just staying away from him haha. with regards to bathroom, ive been quite lucky as I didnt need to strain and took some laxative to help with that

Well I'm 28 and il be honest with you. Im 100% sure the swimmers are still there. And I'd even say more of them. Fuck knows what happened but I produce alot more now hahaha. I wouldn't worry too much on that front. Go to a sperm bank and freeze some before chemo tho to be sure. If you need chemo. Have you had any indication that you will yet? I think a few days after surgery I woke up with morning glory and I can tell you now It was the most relieving sight. Maybe my sex drive is high but I'd bashed one out within the first week to make sure anyway. I'm surprised you are going back to work so soon. I would really take it easy mate as you don't want to cause stress on the wound. I've heard about getting hernias etc. Your patients teeth can survive another couple weeks 

The sneeze is the worst. Felt like if been shot in the waist 

Before the orchiectomy, they made me freeze some of the swimmers and my god that was embarassing. I dont know if it was anxiety of finding out I had a tumour or whatever but they said the motility of the swimmers was slightly low but nevertheless they froze a sample. Ive heard that sometimes removal of the rotten soldier can increase sperm production and testosterone but who knows. I have no idea whether I need chemo but doing alot of reading online (which is probably not ideal) and it states sometimes for Stage 1B chemo may be suggested. My drive is quite high after op and somehow feels alot higher than before. I wish i could have more time of work but since im in my training year there are certain requirements I have to meet to qualify, it kinda sucks but i think work will get my mind off things a bit.

Fair enough about work. Just take it easy. Yeah the internet is a bad place for your mind right now. With mine being untreatable it made the whole experience that little more frightening. If unfortunately it returns for me I'll be looking at more surgery. Removal of lymph nodes etc. Fingers crossed for that not happening but I'm hopeful as they said it was slow growing so most likely got it all. I never had to store any at the wank bank as they said to wait till after surgery. Luckily I had knocked up my Mrs in the days just before my surgery. Not intentionally but it happened. Found out she was 5 weeks pregnant 5 weeks after my surgery on the same day I got the all clear. Was a roller coaster ride of emotions I tell you. Celebrated with dominos pizza haha.