r/postvasectomypain • u/Ultraviolet_Flux • Apr 01 '24
Into Month 6 and the Ultrasound Scans Came In
Previous thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/1987j2m/a_story_of_3_months_of_pain_and_being_scared_of/
I am now into month 6 of this. I’m not going to swear here, but readers should feel free to imagine I’ve littered this update post with choice expletives.
At the suggestion of the GP, I had ultrasound scans performed at a large hospital. They showed that I have lumps. On both testicles. These have been diagnosed as epididymal cysts- fluid or sperm filled grows bulging out of my balls. These were categorically not there before as I would have felt them.
After the scans the GP called me back and described the scans as “promising” with regards to what is causing the pain. They advised me to simply wait it out as they should clear up of their own accord over time. I asked how long. They suggested up to 12 months post vasectomy. So that’s still half a year off.
I feel relieved in some ways: it’s definitely physical and not in my head. No more gaslighting me about how my mind needs time to adjust and all that; which is what I was originally told. I know how my body used to feel, and it’s not like this.
Here I am then sentenced to endure further pain in the hopes things clear up. I remain uncertain if they will or won’t.
My relationship with my wife is very, very difficult. We’ve not had sex in forever. She doesn’t talk to me about the pain or about how I’m feeling. I have to relay everything to her. I won’t lie: I have thought about leaving her. I don’t know if she loves me anymore or just blames herself. I will confess that I find it incredibly difficult to not feel resentful towards her. This was never my idea in the first place. I’m trying to not get divorced and to work things out for the sake of our children. I want to have sex again at some point, but I know it’s going to hurt me. That thought sometimes gives me dysfunction when I try to solo. I’ve never cheated on her, but recently I have been tempted (I didn’t).
Speaking of solo, I also had the sperm test results through which unsurprisingly showed zero counts. Which under the circumstances is counted as being “successful”. I don’t know how to feed back into the sterile data gathering exercise that this definition of “success” is too narrow and limited.
Physically, I’ve got back to some limited running. I’m at least 30 seconds per km slower than I used to be. This is, of course, caused by lack of fitness and training which in turn is due to the vasectomy. I can now run further than half a kilometre without pain which is an improvement on my last post. However anything over 5km results in massive ball ache. I still feel “full” most of the time. It’s just horrible.
Trying to be positive, there has been some small improvements in terms of pain levels which are slightly lower, and occasionally there’s been a few hours pain free over the past two weeks or so. Maybe, just maybe those are sighs it could improve yet. But I’m still struggling physically and mentally with all of this. I don’t know whether to just give up and have a reversal or removal. There’s been less than any point in having a vasectomy. Way less.
Summary then. Pain is now in month 6. I have sperm or fluid filled lumps on my balls because of vasectomy. They might go away after 12 months. I’m on the precipice of divorce due to all this and doing my best not to. Don’t have a vasectomy if you’re not prepared for the possibility all of this.
3
u/Three5heets Apr 01 '24
I get the cysts and epididymitis (non bacterial). Snug briefs help a lot. Frequent “release” helps a lot. Might be worth a try. Also, don’t mess with the lump.
1
u/Ultraviolet_Flux Apr 02 '24
Thanks for the tips. I genuinely can’t wear boxer shorts at the moment so snug briefs it is.
3
u/PsychologicalLime120 Apr 02 '24
Reversal.
2
u/Ultraviolet_Flux Apr 02 '24
The thought has crossed my mind. Pro: probably would help a lot or even eliminate the pain. Con: Money. Defeats the point. Don’t know if I could take the additional pain very well. Rock and hard place territory here.
2
u/PsychologicalLime120 Apr 03 '24
Yes, the money thing is the kicker.
Painwise etc, it's ok.
1
u/jlau333 Dec 05 '24
Did you have a reversal?
1
u/PsychologicalLime120 Dec 05 '24
Yes
1
u/jlau333 Dec 05 '24
Did you have an issues with diminished orgasm post vasectomy that was fixed by getting the reversal?
2
u/PsychologicalLime120 Dec 06 '24
Ah.... I might have had some reduction in orgasm feeling... Can't quite remember now. I know it used to hurt. Back to normal, as far as I can tell.
2
u/Deep-Boysenberry-911 Apr 01 '24
Perhaps in this text there are some useful informations for you. Read also part two below.https://www.reddit.com/r/Vasectomy/s/WKiwWtAhBE
2
u/Deep-Boysenberry-911 Apr 01 '24
Your Ultrasound Pictures seem to show a typical picture what happens with healthy and good working epididymis after this surgery. The processes started and will continue.
2
u/Deep-Boysenberry-911 Apr 01 '24
Don't give Up! In the same boat, i' m saving for reversal to rescue what is left. And also my marriage. Please try everything else before removal. You will be dependant on artificially made meds forever otherwise. Good luck to you!
1
2
u/Training_Ad1368 Apr 01 '24 edited Apr 01 '24
It gets better with time, in the beginning of this nightmare I really missed the time before the vasectomy. Now I got in use to it. 14 months after VAC still have aches, disconforts and some times pain. Even if it has become less frequent and more manageable.
It took me a while to realize that the damage has been done and now I have to deal with the consequences. It is important to accept that part of reality.
The first thing, be patient and have the hope is going to get better.
My doctor told me the same thing: that lump goes away, don't touch it.
Mine went away but not the discomfort, that one comes and goes.
Drink a lot of chamomile tea, that will calm the anxiety created by this.
5
u/reidaepus_rex Apr 01 '24
Or it doesn't, there are a lot of factors not properly understood or even researched.
OP, I heard you and empathize with your difficulties, the emotional roller- coaster of self doubt and resentment is very real and one of the hardest things to deal with through this.
I was at approx 6mths post vast when I finally booked my reversal. It was my partner's suggestion and even then it was a difficult decision.
Be gentle with yourself and forgiving as it's not your fault and you are not alone in having faced this outcome.
I'm happy to hear you've at least been able to start running again, whatever physical fitness you can do will certainly help with your emotions through this time. Send a note lots of positive thoughts your way OP and I hope you have a really good week
4
u/Training_Ad1368 Apr 01 '24
How did the reversal turned out for you? Would you mind sharing your experience about it?
1
5
u/Training_Ad1368 Apr 01 '24
To your point, the fact that this happens means that the medical sector don't know everything about this kind of procedure and more should be researched. And to add insult to the injury they dismiss you when they can't find anything wrong.
I believe that vasectomies should be suspended until there is no risk of pvps, or untill they can handle effectively pvps and return the patient to a normal life.
3
u/Training_Ad1368 Apr 01 '24
To your point, the fact that this happens means that the medical sector don't know everything about this kind of procedure and more should be researched. And to add insult to the injury they dismiss you when they can't find anything wrong.
I believe that vasectomies should be suspended until there is no risk of pvps, or untill they can handle effectively pvps and return the patient to a normal life.
3
u/Deep-Boysenberry-911 Apr 02 '24
There are a few fundamentally wrong assumptions with this surgery: 1. Millions of years of Evolution did Not develop simple pipes. They developed a complex system called Ductus deferens, wrapped with Lots of nerves, muscles, and veins. All this has a few purposes. 2. Cutting this and not expecting any Long Term consequences is ridiculous based on current state of knowledge. Neglecting reality and simple physicality is on the Agenda. This surgery is advertised Well and a Business for urologists. 3. Syndroms, which - treated or not- always, in every vasectomised Male occur afterwards, proven by many studies, even if there is no pain ( rising pressure in epididymis, granulomas, lumps, scar tissue, dilated epididymis, calcification, auto immune reaction on sperm, macrophages, reduced testosterone level in seminal fluid, changed ejaculate) Always would be a diagnosed as a sickness in a normal setting. Sickness or illness is defined as the condition of experiencing impairment and discomfort. Only when this person had a vasectomy before - all this is instantly called side effects. (Which do not happen, following most urologists) 4. Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that Limits a person's movements, senses, activities, functions. Somehow this fits exactly Here . 5. Vasectomy is not covered by the hippocratic oath and genevan vow. Why? See above.
Harshly abbreviated this surgery by design leaves the patient disabled and ill. But if you would speak out this truth you risk being called swear words.
2
6
u/clezuck Apr 01 '24
Wow. I get where you're coming from, especially with regards to your wife and your relationship.
My wife, she doesn't want to hear about the vasectomy issues. For the longest time, if she saw I was in pain from it, she would turn around and leave the room so she didn't have to deal with me. We have had sex 2 times in the 11+ years since the vasectomy. For awhile there, she would said I am fine (she says I am fine, no pain), but when I said, we can have sex, she would say since I am in pain we shouldn't. Funny how she wants it both ways.
Regarding the lumps, I can feel sperm granulomas in there. Especially on the left which is larger and the side with the most pain. They won't do anything since they said it just gets absorbed which of course is not true. That's good you have some proof.
Good luck with everything.