Bob's Journal

[stephen54]

Dr. Kramer offered to have me come in and he'd take a look, but I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid or something. Never done this kinda thing before, ya know? I'm just not sure if I'm overreacting, or if everything's actually normal and normal sucks for a while.

I think you get in and let him have a look. Your peace of mind is as about valuable here as your sac.

My surgeon covered no charge anything which came up in the 90 days post-implant. He did not bill my insurance for any office visits, procedures, none of it. That was not my pressing concern, the $$, but it helped eliminate the deliberation process of "is it worth the $175 office visit?" etc. I found myself motivated to see him several times over that period of time, like you, for some validation that what I was doing was correct and on track, and a few times I became the centerpiece of their clinic day by having my surgeon, his urology fellow, and physician assistant all do various manipulative things to the edema in my sac, to some minor adhesions around my pump, etc. They were accommodating and I always felt better on my way out.

[justbob]

Thanks for the feedback! I went in to see Dr. Kramer today. Can't say I have a LOT more peace of mind than I had going in, but a bit I suppose.

He didn't seem too alarmed by the state of things, but then again, he said he wasn't used to seeing people at the 2 week point, so it was hard to tell. He advised to just wait and see at the 4-5 week follow-up.

Here's a funny bit though-because of all the swelling, I literally thought the pump was a testicle and the testicle was the pump!!! The pump is actually the thing attached to my scrotum, and it's actually pretty central.He said the hope is by week 4-5 it will be free-floating, but there's no way to know at this point, and there's not much I can do for now but wait.

As for the rest of my concerns, he didn't seem to bothered by them to be honest. Half of me was a bit annoyed at his lack of concern (as I was hoping for a bit more understanding perhaps, as this is the only time I've gone through anything like this so it's probably to be expected that I'll have questions/concerns), the other half of me says that if he's not concerned, I shouldn't be.

Anyway, back to the recovery grind. Thanks again everyone!

[justbob]

OK, back for an update and a question. I'm now 3 weeks post-op and recovering well. Still some occasional discomfort at the base of the shaft, but nothing major. Had my first day back at work yesterday-just doing half days because I can, at least for another week or so. I'd probably be fine doing full days by now, but damn is my desk chair uncomfortable right now! haha

The only real issue I'm still having is the fact that the pump is absolutely lodged onto the side of my sack, and refuses to let go. My left nut is basically trapped on top of it, which does cause a little more discomfort than I'd probably have otherwise. I have my follow-up/activation appointment in a week and a half, but I'm worried this may cause a delay as it's gonna be tough to deflate in its current position.

My question is this: I've read some other people have similar experiences of the pump latching on to the scrotum. Do you happen to remember how long it took for the pump to release? Did it do so on its own, or did you have to yank it off somehow? If so, how painful was that?

[Waynetho]

Bob, first of all, the doctor most likely created a pouch in the scrotum to keep the pump contained. I think they may do that by separating various layers of the scrotum or something like that. Secondly, my pump (AMS MS pump) was placed on my left side, laying "DEFLATE BUTTON" side down in the bottom of my scrotum, in front of and below my left testicle which is about the size of a small hen's egg. My testicle was MIA for about a month after surgery as I recall it. Eventually the swelling abated, the pump started hanging a bit better and the testicle dropped down behind the pump... In my situation, having it ride on top of the pump was probably more appealing because the pump and testicle have been arguing like bad roommates ever since the testicle came back down.

[justbob]

Had my follow up/activation appointment today. Wasn't going to post, as I'm a bit discouraged, but figure talking about the occasional slight setback can be helpful for others to know what can happen.

First off, the pump is still stuck to my scrotum. Dr. Kramer still things this is just something that will resolve itself in time, but it's been longer than expected already.

As for the activation, he was able to pump it up and find the deflate button, but oh my GOD did it hurt! I anticipated some pain, but nothing like what I experienced. I almost had to take a knee! It's not about 3 hours later, I've taken some pain meds, and it's still throbbing! He definitely seemed concerned with this. It seems the tissue has stiffened far more than usual or something. He stressed that I really need to start cycling 1-2 times daily.

I was fully planning on doing this, but I was unable to successfully deflate while in the office. Part of this was due to the pain, I was having a hard time fighting through it to do much of anything. The other issue is where the pump is stuck, with my left nut literally cock-pump blocking me! From his angle it was far easier to get to.

He told me to try sitting in a warm tub and trying it (advice I've read quite a bit on this board). If the pain goes down enough, i plan to try this tonight. If not, I'll wait until tomorrow when the tenderness dies down a bit.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty discouraged. I was hoping for a better outcome today, but now everything's been pushed back a bit. I have another appointment next Thursday to check progress and try again, but for now I feel as stuck as my pump is to my scrotum. I know it's just a temporary thing, and the end result will make the struggle worth it, but sometimes it's difficult to stay focused on the positive. I'll get there, just a rough day.

[LeRoastBeef]

I bet if you try sitting in warm watter for a good while it will help things greatly.
I have read that time and time again here. It seems like most guys benefit hugely.

Cycling will help you get the size back, you'll just have to push through it! Get some Rocky music playing in the backgroung.....

[LknRon]

Hey Bob,

I just had surgery with Dr.Kramer this past Thursday March 5. It is honestly a piece of cake! As soon as you meet Dr.Kramer and his staff you will be 100% at ease! My recent post may help you, as I have been documenting everyday of my journey since my consult last Tuesday. I wish you the best of luck.

My Post: https://www.franktalk.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14451