How long should I wait before surgical intervention of pvp?
May 10th 2008adminPost vasectomy pain syndrome
From Richard:-
I’m a 37 year old family man with a very active lifestyle who enjoys exercising on a regular basis. Prior to my vasectomy several friends shared their experience and reassured me that the procedure was no problem and I would be back to myself within a few days. I race bikes at a competitive level and have sponsorships, and contract obligations therefore, it was encouraging to know I could resume training with little interruption. Following surgery a snow ball effect of complications occurred the worst of which being the Epedidymitis. Furthermore, I experienced an allergic reaction to the antibiotics and/or the anti-inflammatory and was instructed to discontinue taking both. In its place was prescribed bed rest, daily sitz baths and scrotal support. After weeks of excruciating pain, the Epedidymitis infection ran its course.
The doctor mentioned that vigorous exercise and extreme straining could cause flare-ups and has implied that In order to live pain free, I may require an additional surgery to remove the Epedidymis. I decided to seek a second opinion. A younger less experienced doctor advised not to consider any corrective surgery at this time. He believes in the wait and see approach and said that he wouldn’t consider removing of the Epedidymis unless I’ve lived in pain for at least a year. I am now four months post vasectomy. I still have the constant heavy dragging feeling and pressure like my testicle is being squeezed and/or pulled. The left testicle hangs lower and appears larger/longer than the right one. Upon closer inspection there’s swelling at the lower end. Its almost difficult to tell where the testicle ends and the grape sized, mushy, very sensitive mass begins. Any contact or movement of the testicle is uncomfortable. I continue to take sitz baths. I am now able to walk and have returned to work but going without a support is unbearable. Occasionally, I’ll experience a very sudden sharp pain from the left testicle. This usually only last a few seconds but is very intense.
I’ve received opinions from both ends of the spectrum. An older more experienced doctor who prefers surgery and a younger less experienced doctor who thinks I should live in pain for a year before doing anything about it. I’m confused. Obviously, my family is suffering, my work is suffering and my overall quality of life is suffering. In addition to this I have the added burden of my cycling career on my mind. Meanwhile, my teammates and sponsors continue to ask about my status as I’m falling further and further every week. Living in this pain is not an option. How long should I wait before I have something done? Would a nerve block be viable option to get me through the summer?
Post vasectomy pain can be a disabling condition for the small percentage of men who suffer from this condition. Regardless of the cause of this pain there are effective treatment options. Conservative therapy with anti-inflammatories and warm baths is usually the first line of therapy that most men respond to. However, if the pain persists then patients should consider more invasive treatments such as spermatic cord blocks, cord denervation, vasectomy reversal or epididymectomy. Everybody has a different pain threshold and lifestyle. There is no right answer to how long a patient should wait prior to more advanced treatments. If the pain is bothersome enough that it causes an impairment in the quality of life or activities of daily living, then one should consider earlier rather than later intervention.
