What can I say, you either crawl in a hole and give up or move forward with the realization you'll never be 100% again. That's kind of where I've been the last month. After having no many great months or rather blocks of weeks with little pain, the last month has been a challenge. This hernia pain which I posted about last time continues to rear its ugly head. It seems to worsen with physical activity, either long hours at work or when I try to actually run/playing basketball. It seems that running and jumping are bad for my with regards to my pain.
It seems like walking or hiking is all my nether area can tolerate. This makes me think that something is anatomically wrong down there on my left side. My right side has been relatively pain free, with the exception of an occasional twinge here and there. I'd like to get a sonogram of my left side to see if everything looks as it is supposed to, but I know that would be an out of pocket expense that likely wouldn't pay off, since most ultrasounds of the testes don't show very much. Maybe a CT scan would be better, but then the expense might be cost prohibitive since they cost roughly $1200.
So here I am, stuck between a rock and a you know what. Just living with this pain with no real future. It kind of stinks because the pain is significant enough to keep me from the activities I love to do most. Not to mention I need these aerobic outlets for my heart so it can stay in shape. Walking on a treadmill just doesn't give me the aerobic workout I'm looking for, when compared to playing basketball or going for a light jog.
So am I better since my vasectomy reversal? Prior to reversal my scrotum was constantly swollen and in pain. Since the reversal, the swelling is gone, but it is replaced with this terrible, intermittent nerve pain which makes my left testicle feel like it's about to explode from within.
It's kind of a toss up. One thing is for sure though, I'll never be back to 100% and that kind of sucks. I'd put myself at about 70% of what I used to be before I had my vasectomy, about 7 years ago. Some guys feel worse, other people suffer from other terrible diseases and situations. I guess I should count myself fortunate and blessed. Honestly though, it's hard to view it that way. But I know it's the approach I should take.
The good Lord has seen me this far, I know he'll see me the rest of the way. So be thankful for good days. This is the motto we should all be sticking to, even when we don't feel like it.
Showing posts with label activity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activity. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, December 24, 2012
Vasectomy Reversal Update - Two Year Anniversary
Merry Christmas to everyone! It has been 2 years since my vasectomy reversal. So I thought I'd provide an update as to where I am these days.
With regards to the inguinal knifing pain. I only get that pain if I have been sitting too long or have been inactive for days at a time. The pain usually registers at a 2-3 on a 1-10 pain scale (10 being intolerable). This pain is mostly bothersome, but rarely so painful that it prohibits me from doing anything. Tylenol seems to address this pain rather well.
What about the congestive or full feeling on my right side. It is hard to distinguish this pain from the knifing pain, since the knifing pain has dulled in the last year. However, the congestive pain seems more centered in my scrotum and radiates out into my inguinal area. Frequency of ejaculations (e.j.) seems to regulate this pain. It seems that if I have at least 2 e.j.'s per week, the pain doesn't ever bother me. I visualize my epididymis emptying regularly, and therefore, not allowing any build up of pressure, which causes the full sensation.
Interestingly, if my wife and I talk about plans to be intimate during the day only to have those plans fall through, I experience a significant up swell in pain. It doesn't feel like 'blue balls', but it is certainly a similar phenomenon. The knifing inguinal and congestive pain will both be present. It's like the anticipation of excitement does something at the physiologic level, which then creates the pain scenario.
The racking pain on my left side will come and go for the same reasons listed above, sitting and inactivity. Although, jumping (like when playing basketball) and lifting something over 15 pounds will cause this sensation to rear its ugly head. It king of feels like something is pushing into my scrotum, like a hernia maybe? However, I have had this checked and apparently I do not have a hernia. This pain registers the same 2-3 on a pain scale. Tylenol doesn't affect it though, only ibuprofen works.
Random burning sensations. These still come and go at random and are independent of any activity, as far as I can tell. I will get these in all areas of my nether region, from my scrotum, "johnson", inguinal area, etc. These are a little un-nerving, because they feel so weird. They range from sharp pains to burning, to spasm-like sensations to twinges. The pain can be anywhere from a 1-5 and don't really respond to pain medicine with just one exception. The johnson pain does respond to tylenol.
I find that lifestyle really makes a difference. The more active I am, the better. The more my mind is distracted, the better. As long as I remember my coping techniques and try not to behave like a 20-30 year old, I'm okay.
Independent of anything I've listed above, there does seem to be a cycle of pain. When the pain first struck, I remember having a few good days followed by a few bad. Then a week or two of good, followed by the same of bad. This cycle has progressively lengthened itself over the last two years. Most recently, I identified a cycle of good times lasting about 2 months, followed by a single bad week of pain. I am currently nearing the end of a two month good spell, so I should probably plan on something changing here pretty soon.
Lastly, I wanted to talk about what helps me. Sure tylenol and ibuprofen are good for the pain. Not sitting for long periods of time is helpful too. But the thing that helps me the most is my God. I'm sure many non-Christians are rolling their eyes at me right now. I would ask that you just hear me out.
Having this PVPS thing happen to me is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Yet, I can see how God has used this to grow me. My outlook and perspective on life has all been sharpened as a result of this stupid syndrome. I would not be the man I am today, if it weren't for my PVPS (and I mean that in the best of ways). My faith is far stronger, my expectation that God will work in my life and the lives of others is higher, and I see how he is using this syndrome to allow me to help others; it's truly been a blessing.
Now it wasn't always like this. In fact, I had a night where I basically yelled to God (not at God) about all the bad stuff that was happening to me (PVPS). From that moment on, my pain lessened dramatically, my ability to cope magnified about 100 fold, my attitude immediately changed from victim to contentment. I'd love to say that it was all me; that I some how mustard-ed up the internal fortitude and changed everything overnight. But it wasn't me. I know the Lord worked something miraculous in my life that night. I'm not going to say he "healed me from Heaven". No, no, that would be a huge leap of faith that not even I could make. Rather, he just seemed to change me somehow.
I had been playing the victim role for so long, and that had to change or I would never be any good to God. I could no longer completely focus on myself, which is exactly what was happening. I was ignoring my wife and two young children; not to mention my community and church. I know I'm doing a poor job of explaining how the Lord God worked in my life, but read through my blog and you'll get the idea. Maybe some day I'll be able to clearly state it, but right now, I'm just so overjoyed to be where I am and feeling how I feel. I can't help but to praise my Lord and my God - especially as we celebrate the gift of his only son Jesus, who is the Christ, the one who shall save us from our sins.
So on that note, I'll wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope you find peace and everlasting joy.
With regards to the inguinal knifing pain. I only get that pain if I have been sitting too long or have been inactive for days at a time. The pain usually registers at a 2-3 on a 1-10 pain scale (10 being intolerable). This pain is mostly bothersome, but rarely so painful that it prohibits me from doing anything. Tylenol seems to address this pain rather well.
What about the congestive or full feeling on my right side. It is hard to distinguish this pain from the knifing pain, since the knifing pain has dulled in the last year. However, the congestive pain seems more centered in my scrotum and radiates out into my inguinal area. Frequency of ejaculations (e.j.) seems to regulate this pain. It seems that if I have at least 2 e.j.'s per week, the pain doesn't ever bother me. I visualize my epididymis emptying regularly, and therefore, not allowing any build up of pressure, which causes the full sensation.
Interestingly, if my wife and I talk about plans to be intimate during the day only to have those plans fall through, I experience a significant up swell in pain. It doesn't feel like 'blue balls', but it is certainly a similar phenomenon. The knifing inguinal and congestive pain will both be present. It's like the anticipation of excitement does something at the physiologic level, which then creates the pain scenario.
The racking pain on my left side will come and go for the same reasons listed above, sitting and inactivity. Although, jumping (like when playing basketball) and lifting something over 15 pounds will cause this sensation to rear its ugly head. It king of feels like something is pushing into my scrotum, like a hernia maybe? However, I have had this checked and apparently I do not have a hernia. This pain registers the same 2-3 on a pain scale. Tylenol doesn't affect it though, only ibuprofen works.
Random burning sensations. These still come and go at random and are independent of any activity, as far as I can tell. I will get these in all areas of my nether region, from my scrotum, "johnson", inguinal area, etc. These are a little un-nerving, because they feel so weird. They range from sharp pains to burning, to spasm-like sensations to twinges. The pain can be anywhere from a 1-5 and don't really respond to pain medicine with just one exception. The johnson pain does respond to tylenol.
I find that lifestyle really makes a difference. The more active I am, the better. The more my mind is distracted, the better. As long as I remember my coping techniques and try not to behave like a 20-30 year old, I'm okay.
Independent of anything I've listed above, there does seem to be a cycle of pain. When the pain first struck, I remember having a few good days followed by a few bad. Then a week or two of good, followed by the same of bad. This cycle has progressively lengthened itself over the last two years. Most recently, I identified a cycle of good times lasting about 2 months, followed by a single bad week of pain. I am currently nearing the end of a two month good spell, so I should probably plan on something changing here pretty soon.
Lastly, I wanted to talk about what helps me. Sure tylenol and ibuprofen are good for the pain. Not sitting for long periods of time is helpful too. But the thing that helps me the most is my God. I'm sure many non-Christians are rolling their eyes at me right now. I would ask that you just hear me out.
Having this PVPS thing happen to me is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Yet, I can see how God has used this to grow me. My outlook and perspective on life has all been sharpened as a result of this stupid syndrome. I would not be the man I am today, if it weren't for my PVPS (and I mean that in the best of ways). My faith is far stronger, my expectation that God will work in my life and the lives of others is higher, and I see how he is using this syndrome to allow me to help others; it's truly been a blessing.
Now it wasn't always like this. In fact, I had a night where I basically yelled to God (not at God) about all the bad stuff that was happening to me (PVPS). From that moment on, my pain lessened dramatically, my ability to cope magnified about 100 fold, my attitude immediately changed from victim to contentment. I'd love to say that it was all me; that I some how mustard-ed up the internal fortitude and changed everything overnight. But it wasn't me. I know the Lord worked something miraculous in my life that night. I'm not going to say he "healed me from Heaven". No, no, that would be a huge leap of faith that not even I could make. Rather, he just seemed to change me somehow.
I had been playing the victim role for so long, and that had to change or I would never be any good to God. I could no longer completely focus on myself, which is exactly what was happening. I was ignoring my wife and two young children; not to mention my community and church. I know I'm doing a poor job of explaining how the Lord God worked in my life, but read through my blog and you'll get the idea. Maybe some day I'll be able to clearly state it, but right now, I'm just so overjoyed to be where I am and feeling how I feel. I can't help but to praise my Lord and my God - especially as we celebrate the gift of his only son Jesus, who is the Christ, the one who shall save us from our sins.
So on that note, I'll wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope you find peace and everlasting joy.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Daily Journal
Keeping a journal to help track your symptoms is great. It provides organization and record keeping, plus if you having it online, someone else may get helped from your experiences.
Today though, I have nothing new to report. I'm still wearing the athletic supporter, day and night. I'm trying to exercise and push through whatever pain may arise. Today was a real active day for me. No surprise, my symptoms and pain were much less.
So this is going to be a 'plain-Jane' journal entry, fitting for a Sunday I guess. Today was a good day, on many fronts: god church service, good friends, good times and good food. I hope this is a trend!
Today though, I have nothing new to report. I'm still wearing the athletic supporter, day and night. I'm trying to exercise and push through whatever pain may arise. Today was a real active day for me. No surprise, my symptoms and pain were much less.
So this is going to be a 'plain-Jane' journal entry, fitting for a Sunday I guess. Today was a good day, on many fronts: god church service, good friends, good times and good food. I hope this is a trend!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Walking on Trails Helps Vasectomy Pain
So yesterday I was recovering from a flare up of pain. The pain was some of the worst that I've had in quite some time. Thank the Lord, the pain didn't really return, but I also made sure I stayed off the computer and any prolonged sitting. Since my kids had the day off from school, I decided to take a little walk with them.
We walked about 2 miles or so. There is a concrete path/trail next to our house that leads to a fun little park by a river. It's one of my favorite little places up here in Washington. Anyway, we had a great walk. It was sunny and about 48 degrees.
The walk was not aerobic in nature, just a fun little walk at a relaxed slow pace. When I returned home, I felt much better. It continues to amaze me how exercise, especially relaxed trail walking/hiking, seems to help my pain.
I haven't spent the money on a gym membership yet, and I don't think I will. Not as long as the weather holds and I can access this trail. Granted, it is November, so the sunny days may not last much longer, but if I can save some money and walk in nature, that's what I'll do.
Fishing season is open now, so I've also been kicking around the idea of getting a fishing license. I figured, I could get some exercise by walking around the rivers, lakes and bays around here. Maybe I could bring home some dinner as well.
No real pain today. But like I said, I didn't sit around much yesterday. The game plan will be the same for today and tomorrow.
Also, thanks to all those who downloaded my ebook yesterday during the free promotion on Amazon.com. You can still download it today, but at the retail price of $2.99 - still a bargain. I am thinking about turning it into a hardbound book also. But will have to get more details before heading down that trail.
We walked about 2 miles or so. There is a concrete path/trail next to our house that leads to a fun little park by a river. It's one of my favorite little places up here in Washington. Anyway, we had a great walk. It was sunny and about 48 degrees.
The walk was not aerobic in nature, just a fun little walk at a relaxed slow pace. When I returned home, I felt much better. It continues to amaze me how exercise, especially relaxed trail walking/hiking, seems to help my pain.
I haven't spent the money on a gym membership yet, and I don't think I will. Not as long as the weather holds and I can access this trail. Granted, it is November, so the sunny days may not last much longer, but if I can save some money and walk in nature, that's what I'll do.
Fishing season is open now, so I've also been kicking around the idea of getting a fishing license. I figured, I could get some exercise by walking around the rivers, lakes and bays around here. Maybe I could bring home some dinner as well.
No real pain today. But like I said, I didn't sit around much yesterday. The game plan will be the same for today and tomorrow.
Also, thanks to all those who downloaded my ebook yesterday during the free promotion on Amazon.com. You can still download it today, but at the retail price of $2.99 - still a bargain. I am thinking about turning it into a hardbound book also. But will have to get more details before heading down that trail.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Need to Walk
I can always tell when I've sat for too long. Even though I have this great cushion, which lets me sit for longer periods of time, I still suffer from prolonged inactivity or more specifically, sitting. It's a great day here in the pacific NW, so I think I will go for a walk.
What's great about living here, is I can go for a walk down to the river and see salmon swimming upstream; or I can go down to the beach; or I can go up to the mountains to climb a trail. So many choices. It just becomes a matter of discipline. Doing the things you are supposed to do and then reaping the benefits.
That is an area I struggle in. I've had so many "additional" final touches to my ebook that it's required a lot of time in front of the computer. I think I spent 6-7 hours in front of the computer yesterday. Without my cushion, I would probably only lasted about 2 hours, max. So I am thankful for the cushion.
As a result, I've had a return of the knifing nerve pain to my left inguinal area. Nothing too dramatic, but still, pain is pain. The knifing pain is one of the worst. I talk about it in the book some. It strikes you out of nowhere and can literally, bring you to your knees. I'm not kidding.
So now that I have my book finally finished (for the second time), I hope to spend less time on the computer and more time on the trail.
What's great about living here, is I can go for a walk down to the river and see salmon swimming upstream; or I can go down to the beach; or I can go up to the mountains to climb a trail. So many choices. It just becomes a matter of discipline. Doing the things you are supposed to do and then reaping the benefits.
That is an area I struggle in. I've had so many "additional" final touches to my ebook that it's required a lot of time in front of the computer. I think I spent 6-7 hours in front of the computer yesterday. Without my cushion, I would probably only lasted about 2 hours, max. So I am thankful for the cushion.
As a result, I've had a return of the knifing nerve pain to my left inguinal area. Nothing too dramatic, but still, pain is pain. The knifing pain is one of the worst. I talk about it in the book some. It strikes you out of nowhere and can literally, bring you to your knees. I'm not kidding.
So now that I have my book finally finished (for the second time), I hope to spend less time on the computer and more time on the trail.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Increased Activity
Let's face it. It can get a little chilly up here in the pacific NW. The enjoyable summer is now a distant memory for locals and a steady stream of rainy and cold days has become what seems like the permanent forecast. But we did have some breaks here and there. We finally got outside and hiked around a bit. It felt great to stretch the legs and get some activity outside the house.
Meanwhile, I had something interesting happen after my wife and I shared some intimate time. I began having pain in my "you know what". It started a few hours afterward. Thank goodness it didn't occur while we were together. I hear from some men who experience that. I just can't imagine (and don't want to imagine) how that must be. I'd say this was just about the most significant pain I've had in my Johnson. I remember having twinges and little sensations that came and went, but this was ever present, ever painful and wasn't going away.
I figured it to be some kind of nerve pain. So when I have nerve-like pain, I reach for the Tylenol. I took 1000 mgs and hoped for the best. About an hour later, the pain was gone and hasn't returned. I also haven't had anymore E.J.'s since then. I'll be curious if this is going to be a regular occurrence or just a one time deal. I'm obviously hoping for the one time deal.
Outside of that little experience, things are pretty stable. An ache here and there, but nothing to write home about.
Regarding my big announcement: I've just about got the final touches done. One more little thing to finish and then I'll be able to tell you all what is going on, so stay posted. There will be a nice little companion to the Vasectomy Side Effects blog which I think everyone will enjoy.
Interestingly, some other man on the PVPS forum started a website/blog to help get the word out. So far, he's had quite a few visitors too. It seems like more people are coming out of the closet with their vasectomy pain and side effects. That's good to hear. I think there is a silent minority of people out there who suffer everyday and just don't know where to turn. Now there are several resources available to get your questions answered. I just hope I can help you in some way as well.
Good luck.
Meanwhile, I had something interesting happen after my wife and I shared some intimate time. I began having pain in my "you know what". It started a few hours afterward. Thank goodness it didn't occur while we were together. I hear from some men who experience that. I just can't imagine (and don't want to imagine) how that must be. I'd say this was just about the most significant pain I've had in my Johnson. I remember having twinges and little sensations that came and went, but this was ever present, ever painful and wasn't going away.
I figured it to be some kind of nerve pain. So when I have nerve-like pain, I reach for the Tylenol. I took 1000 mgs and hoped for the best. About an hour later, the pain was gone and hasn't returned. I also haven't had anymore E.J.'s since then. I'll be curious if this is going to be a regular occurrence or just a one time deal. I'm obviously hoping for the one time deal.
Outside of that little experience, things are pretty stable. An ache here and there, but nothing to write home about.
Regarding my big announcement: I've just about got the final touches done. One more little thing to finish and then I'll be able to tell you all what is going on, so stay posted. There will be a nice little companion to the Vasectomy Side Effects blog which I think everyone will enjoy.
Interestingly, some other man on the PVPS forum started a website/blog to help get the word out. So far, he's had quite a few visitors too. It seems like more people are coming out of the closet with their vasectomy pain and side effects. That's good to hear. I think there is a silent minority of people out there who suffer everyday and just don't know where to turn. Now there are several resources available to get your questions answered. I just hope I can help you in some way as well.
Good luck.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sleeping a Bit Better
Well, I guess you could say I'm sleeping better. I still wake up, but not because of pain or having to go potty - to quote my son when he was 3 years old. Now I'm just waking up and going back to sleep. I've made a point not to eat or drink anything after 8:30 pm. Maybe that is helping.
Regarding the inguinal pain, I didn't have any yesterday or last night. I am really hoping that activity will take care of all those little aches and pains - over the long term, that is. In the meantime, I'm just trying to be careful about how I cross my legs, sit, bend over, etc.
Sadly, it's those everyday "little things" that can cause the most pain. Cross your legs without carefully surveying the room in your drawers first and "ouch!" you can really hurt yourself. Same way with bending over, at least for me.
Other guys with PVPS probably don't have the pains manifest in the same way. For me it always seems to come down to a space issue. If I have room, then no worries. If it gets kind of cramped, then watch out.
Sitting continues to be a source of frustration for me as well. Even though I have this great cushion, which helps TREMENDOUSLY, I still get pains here and there from just sitting. They aren't nearly as bad as they used to be before the cushion. They're more annoying, than anything else.
So I guess you can add the adjective "annoying" to the endless list of ways to describe how PVPS affects your life.
Regarding the inguinal pain, I didn't have any yesterday or last night. I am really hoping that activity will take care of all those little aches and pains - over the long term, that is. In the meantime, I'm just trying to be careful about how I cross my legs, sit, bend over, etc.
Sadly, it's those everyday "little things" that can cause the most pain. Cross your legs without carefully surveying the room in your drawers first and "ouch!" you can really hurt yourself. Same way with bending over, at least for me.
Other guys with PVPS probably don't have the pains manifest in the same way. For me it always seems to come down to a space issue. If I have room, then no worries. If it gets kind of cramped, then watch out.
Sitting continues to be a source of frustration for me as well. Even though I have this great cushion, which helps TREMENDOUSLY, I still get pains here and there from just sitting. They aren't nearly as bad as they used to be before the cushion. They're more annoying, than anything else.
So I guess you can add the adjective "annoying" to the endless list of ways to describe how PVPS affects your life.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A Few Changes, But Not Really
I always hate having to come up with witty titles for blog entries. I think I've come up with some clever ones, and then others just fall lame. I think this title sums everything up pretty well. Let me explain.
There have been a few changes in my life. We have moved back to the pacific northwest. Our time in Knoxville was only about 5 months, and I'm honestly glad it's behind us. The culture, environment, etc. just wasn't what we were looking for. Plus, the job situation never really panned out. Wow, this economy is a lot tougher than I thought. You know it's tough when we can't even get a job in health care. An industry that is always desperate for help. So we've changed, but not really, because we're back in the area we love. Weird how stuff like that works out (not really, it's simply God's providence in our lives).
Okay then, what else? Well, on the vasectomy side effect front, I had a return of the racking pain to my left testicle. Not just any ole' racking pain, but the one where it feels like my guts are about to drop into my back of goodies...hernia-esque' type of pain. I tried to figure out why I was having this pain and the best I can come up with, is the fact I was sitting "Indian-style" for several hours as I went through some much needed filing.
Then I remembered that when I sit "Indian-style", with my legs crossed in front of me, I get this hernia/racking pain on my left side. So again, a change but not really. I just forgot that I can't do that for very long.
So I popped a couple ibuprofen and went to bed. The next morning, the pain was gone. So no more sitting like that for me.
One nice thing about being back in the NW, it is much easier to be active up here than in the south. Not sure why, it just is. Hiking and walking outdoors is just the norm up here. Down in the south, everyone takes a car, even if you're just heading a mile down the street. So the walking and activity should be very welcomed changes. It's also not as hot, so you don't mind being outdoors more here. If there's one thing that helps my nerve related pain, it's walking and activity. So I'm glad to be back for many reasons.
This is one of those big news things I spoke of in my last post. But there's another one coming. I'll let everyone know what it is in a few weeks. I have to put the final touches on it first. Then I'll announce the VERY BIG NEWS. I probably shouldn't over-sell it...okay, more like kinda of big news. There, that's better. So until next time...May God bless you and may you find strength and comfort in him.
There have been a few changes in my life. We have moved back to the pacific northwest. Our time in Knoxville was only about 5 months, and I'm honestly glad it's behind us. The culture, environment, etc. just wasn't what we were looking for. Plus, the job situation never really panned out. Wow, this economy is a lot tougher than I thought. You know it's tough when we can't even get a job in health care. An industry that is always desperate for help. So we've changed, but not really, because we're back in the area we love. Weird how stuff like that works out (not really, it's simply God's providence in our lives).
Okay then, what else? Well, on the vasectomy side effect front, I had a return of the racking pain to my left testicle. Not just any ole' racking pain, but the one where it feels like my guts are about to drop into my back of goodies...hernia-esque' type of pain. I tried to figure out why I was having this pain and the best I can come up with, is the fact I was sitting "Indian-style" for several hours as I went through some much needed filing.
Then I remembered that when I sit "Indian-style", with my legs crossed in front of me, I get this hernia/racking pain on my left side. So again, a change but not really. I just forgot that I can't do that for very long.
So I popped a couple ibuprofen and went to bed. The next morning, the pain was gone. So no more sitting like that for me.
One nice thing about being back in the NW, it is much easier to be active up here than in the south. Not sure why, it just is. Hiking and walking outdoors is just the norm up here. Down in the south, everyone takes a car, even if you're just heading a mile down the street. So the walking and activity should be very welcomed changes. It's also not as hot, so you don't mind being outdoors more here. If there's one thing that helps my nerve related pain, it's walking and activity. So I'm glad to be back for many reasons.
This is one of those big news things I spoke of in my last post. But there's another one coming. I'll let everyone know what it is in a few weeks. I have to put the final touches on it first. Then I'll announce the VERY BIG NEWS. I probably shouldn't over-sell it...okay, more like kinda of big news. There, that's better. So until next time...May God bless you and may you find strength and comfort in him.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Milestone Reached: I'm Wearing Jeans Now
It's been almost ten full months since my vasectomy reversal and I'm just now getting to the point where I can wear jeans again, on a regular basis. Who would have thought it would take that long, huh? I wore jeans all weekend long on our camping trip and then again on Tuesday and now today. It's great, because I was getting tired of wearing basketball shorts everywhere. Plus, my legs are stone white and the glare was hurting everyone's eyes.
I'm having a really good cycle right now. No real pain or sensations yesterday or today. Of course, that could change at a moment's notice. I just keep praying that the pain will stay away. However, I'm also praying that I'll be able to cope with whatever pain I do end up experiencing.
Before I start leaving the wrong impression, let me state for the record that although I'm in a good cycle right now, there are probably some reasons why. My activity level is still limited. I still am not bending, stooping, squatting, stretching, running, climbing, jumping, lifting or anything else that may strain my core. So, although the pain is better right now, I am far from normal. However, my buddy from Texas would say that I am coping successfully.
Maybe next year I'll be blogging about how I've been able to do some of those activities. I pray that is the case.
I'm having a really good cycle right now. No real pain or sensations yesterday or today. Of course, that could change at a moment's notice. I just keep praying that the pain will stay away. However, I'm also praying that I'll be able to cope with whatever pain I do end up experiencing.
Before I start leaving the wrong impression, let me state for the record that although I'm in a good cycle right now, there are probably some reasons why. My activity level is still limited. I still am not bending, stooping, squatting, stretching, running, climbing, jumping, lifting or anything else that may strain my core. So, although the pain is better right now, I am far from normal. However, my buddy from Texas would say that I am coping successfully.
Maybe next year I'll be blogging about how I've been able to do some of those activities. I pray that is the case.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Back From Camping
Ah, the great outdoors. Camping in the fresh air, smores over a campfire, the sound of a rushing river. It all adds up to a good time. I wondered how I would do, with the nerve pain and all. I wondered if I would over exert myself; mis-step on a slippery rock; lift something too heavy. But I didn't. I was careful, but not overly. It wasn't like a gave a whole lot of thought to my PVPs. It was one of those times when I actually felt normal.
The only time I was reminded of my pain was when I laid down to sleep at night. I squeezed into my "mummy" styled sleeping bag, on our Coleman air mattresses. I tried to get comfortable, but I didn't bring a pillow to place between my knees. So I slept fairly uncomfortably. Woke up a lot. Had to pee like a racehorse in the middle of the night (but it was too cold to get out of the tent). But once 6 am hit and I was able to get up, go to the bathroom and start my second roaring fire of the camping trip, I was back in normal mode. Didn't give my pain a second thought.
We had a good mix of walking, standing, and sitting. It seems like when those three activities are intermingled a lot, then my pain is substantially lessened. Too much of one though and the whole balance gets messed up. Once I get done blogging, I'm going to hit the hay and get a good night's sleep (Lord willing) to make up for last night. But I'll have my pillow all set up.
Still taking the vitamin and feeling my energy level staying high along with my mental sharpness. Praying a lot. In fact, my family and I had a great little Sunday service around the campfire this morning. It was awsome. My son gave the opening pray, my daughter led us in a song, I read about David escaping from Saul and my wife closed us in prayer. Just a neat, neat time - best part of the trip to be sure.
No pain to report today - thank you Jesus. Hoping for more of the same this week.
The only time I was reminded of my pain was when I laid down to sleep at night. I squeezed into my "mummy" styled sleeping bag, on our Coleman air mattresses. I tried to get comfortable, but I didn't bring a pillow to place between my knees. So I slept fairly uncomfortably. Woke up a lot. Had to pee like a racehorse in the middle of the night (but it was too cold to get out of the tent). But once 6 am hit and I was able to get up, go to the bathroom and start my second roaring fire of the camping trip, I was back in normal mode. Didn't give my pain a second thought.
We had a good mix of walking, standing, and sitting. It seems like when those three activities are intermingled a lot, then my pain is substantially lessened. Too much of one though and the whole balance gets messed up. Once I get done blogging, I'm going to hit the hay and get a good night's sleep (Lord willing) to make up for last night. But I'll have my pillow all set up.
Still taking the vitamin and feeling my energy level staying high along with my mental sharpness. Praying a lot. In fact, my family and I had a great little Sunday service around the campfire this morning. It was awsome. My son gave the opening pray, my daughter led us in a song, I read about David escaping from Saul and my wife closed us in prayer. Just a neat, neat time - best part of the trip to be sure.
No pain to report today - thank you Jesus. Hoping for more of the same this week.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Distractions Can Be a Good Thing
Woke up early for a men's bible study and am just now getting to bed. I've been awake almost 18 hours. It has been a long day. But a day where I actually felt normal. We went on a little hike at 5000 feet. My son got a headache and had some chest pain. As if I didn't have enough to worry about with my health problems. So we came back down to sea level and went on a day hike. We set up camp, had a campfire and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. All the time, I didn't really notice any pain.
I think being busy doing something you like to do helps with the pain. You probably don't notice the twinges as much. I'm sure I probably had them, but I didn't really dwell on them if I did. I've experienced this similar phenomenon before. If I'm really busy doing something, the pain doesn't seem to bother me as much.
This just goes back to the idea of how chronic pain can play mind games with you. That is, if you keep yourself occupied, the little things aren't noticed. Now, I will say this...the knifing nerve pain is always noticed, no matter what I'm doing. I've heard men report making love with their wives and then being in incredible pain with PVPS. Now if you were to be distracted, being intimate with your wife would do it.
Anyway, I enjoyed today's distractions. It helped me feel like a normal person today. Oh and by the way, today is my wife and I's 17 year wedding anniversary. I've enjoyed almost every day. The PVPS has created challenges, but the good Lord has helped both of us through them.
So a shout out to my wife...I love you darlin'. Looking forward to another 17 years, this time hopefully with less PVPS symptoms - Lord willing.
I think being busy doing something you like to do helps with the pain. You probably don't notice the twinges as much. I'm sure I probably had them, but I didn't really dwell on them if I did. I've experienced this similar phenomenon before. If I'm really busy doing something, the pain doesn't seem to bother me as much.
This just goes back to the idea of how chronic pain can play mind games with you. That is, if you keep yourself occupied, the little things aren't noticed. Now, I will say this...the knifing nerve pain is always noticed, no matter what I'm doing. I've heard men report making love with their wives and then being in incredible pain with PVPS. Now if you were to be distracted, being intimate with your wife would do it.
Anyway, I enjoyed today's distractions. It helped me feel like a normal person today. Oh and by the way, today is my wife and I's 17 year wedding anniversary. I've enjoyed almost every day. The PVPS has created challenges, but the good Lord has helped both of us through them.
So a shout out to my wife...I love you darlin'. Looking forward to another 17 years, this time hopefully with less PVPS symptoms - Lord willing.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Don't Sit Still
It's official. Sitting still during the day is a figurative death sentence if you have PVPS. The more inactive I am, the more nerve, knifing pain I have. The more I move around, walk, hike, stand, etc. the less pain I have. Yesterday after church we piddled around the house, but I vowed to my family I wouldn't get on the computer, hence no post yesterday. After lunch we went hiking and picked wild blackberries. The jaunt took about 3 or 4 hours. I got home and started making a blackberry cobbler, while my wife worked at getting dinner ready. We finally sat down and ate dinner at 7:15 pm last night. That was the first time I stopped to rest all day.
It hit me that I hadn't had any nerve pain all day. I actually felt normal and forgot I had PVPS. It was a great several hours. To be lost in activity, not thinking or "dwelling" on PVPS, was a wonderful thing. Those moments are special for anyone who suffers from chronic ailments. Just feeling normal. Wow, I kind of took it for granted before all these health issues started rearing their ugly heads in my life.
I also went walking today. It felt great. It felt so good that I actually considered running. But I knew better than to push myself too much. I've only been walking for a week and I should probably keep up that regimen for several more weeks before I consider doing anything else. But I am encouraged. My pain has been dramatically reduced through this walking routine (with less sitting) I've started. I thank God for this decrease in pain.
Lately I have felt inspired by the Lord. Maybe convicted is a better word, but I really feel like I'm being prepared for an important work up here in our new surroundings. I don't know if it will be something in the medical field, in ministry or in education. But I feel his presence in a way that I can't remember. Very humbling I have to tell you. Now, if I can just figure out what it is. But as we're learning in our bible study, whatever "it" is, will probably become known without me having to "do" anything. Perhaps this walking is to prepare me for whatever "it" is. I just don't know yet, but I do know that God is good. I'm certainly in his debt for all his blessings and grace.
It hit me that I hadn't had any nerve pain all day. I actually felt normal and forgot I had PVPS. It was a great several hours. To be lost in activity, not thinking or "dwelling" on PVPS, was a wonderful thing. Those moments are special for anyone who suffers from chronic ailments. Just feeling normal. Wow, I kind of took it for granted before all these health issues started rearing their ugly heads in my life.
I also went walking today. It felt great. It felt so good that I actually considered running. But I knew better than to push myself too much. I've only been walking for a week and I should probably keep up that regimen for several more weeks before I consider doing anything else. But I am encouraged. My pain has been dramatically reduced through this walking routine (with less sitting) I've started. I thank God for this decrease in pain.
Lately I have felt inspired by the Lord. Maybe convicted is a better word, but I really feel like I'm being prepared for an important work up here in our new surroundings. I don't know if it will be something in the medical field, in ministry or in education. But I feel his presence in a way that I can't remember. Very humbling I have to tell you. Now, if I can just figure out what it is. But as we're learning in our bible study, whatever "it" is, will probably become known without me having to "do" anything. Perhaps this walking is to prepare me for whatever "it" is. I just don't know yet, but I do know that God is good. I'm certainly in his debt for all his blessings and grace.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Long Day of Sitting
You know how sometimes you find yourself doing something that you shouldn't be doing? That was me yesterday. I sat around a long time at the computer and my nuts paid the price. I had a continuing education class to take on line which started me off on the wrong track. Then I checked my blogs, piddled around on the net for a while. Talked on the phone and basically just had a stationary type day. I haven't had one of those in a long long time, since we've moved out here to the pacific NW.
I suppose it was inevitable. The kids were at school all day and the wife was away to work. I should be better about going on walks during these type of days. There is still a lot to explore on foot that I haven't been able to do yet.
So I'm keeping this blog post short so I can get out, move around, enjoy some of this healthy lifestyle - which was a primary reason we moved out here in the first place.
With that said, here's my status today. No real pain to speak of, other than a feeling like I might be in pain down there. It's like how your arm feels right before the pins and needles hit, after the blood has been cut off for too long. It doesn't hurt, but you know what is coming. I guess it's the post vasectomy pain "dread". You know it's there, lurking around the corner. You just don't know when or if it will strike. I slept ok last night.
Remember the mantra - vasectomy bad, healthy scrotum good.
I suppose it was inevitable. The kids were at school all day and the wife was away to work. I should be better about going on walks during these type of days. There is still a lot to explore on foot that I haven't been able to do yet.
So I'm keeping this blog post short so I can get out, move around, enjoy some of this healthy lifestyle - which was a primary reason we moved out here in the first place.
With that said, here's my status today. No real pain to speak of, other than a feeling like I might be in pain down there. It's like how your arm feels right before the pins and needles hit, after the blood has been cut off for too long. It doesn't hurt, but you know what is coming. I guess it's the post vasectomy pain "dread". You know it's there, lurking around the corner. You just don't know when or if it will strike. I slept ok last night.
Remember the mantra - vasectomy bad, healthy scrotum good.
Monday, September 5, 2011
No Sitting is Rewarded
I didn't sleep that great last night. I felt like I was going to have a lot of pain when I first got out of bed. But then I took a hot shower and started getting ready for the day. Two hours later we were headed out the door to go fishing at a local river. From that point forward, I didn't have any pain at all. In fact, the first pain I've had today, came at the kitchen table about an hour ago when I was eating dinner. Now that I'm typing here at the computer, the nerves are starting to jump around a bit.
Sitting really does mess with post vasectomy pain syndrome. Some how, it traps the nerves. The physiology of why that would hurt so badly escapes me. Maybe having the innards pushing downward, in some way pushes something against something that irritates the nerves.
This is one reason why I feel nobody should have a vasectomy. Not only can you have granulomas or spermatoceles or epididymitis, but this nerve stuff is outrageous. One little slip of the knife and it's a lifetime of pain. I know it doesn't happen to a lot of men, but if the statistics are correct, than roughly 20% are dissatisfied with their vasectomies. If the majority of them are unhappy because of pain, then it just doesn't seem worth it.
Food for thought.
Sitting really does mess with post vasectomy pain syndrome. Some how, it traps the nerves. The physiology of why that would hurt so badly escapes me. Maybe having the innards pushing downward, in some way pushes something against something that irritates the nerves.
This is one reason why I feel nobody should have a vasectomy. Not only can you have granulomas or spermatoceles or epididymitis, but this nerve stuff is outrageous. One little slip of the knife and it's a lifetime of pain. I know it doesn't happen to a lot of men, but if the statistics are correct, than roughly 20% are dissatisfied with their vasectomies. If the majority of them are unhappy because of pain, then it just doesn't seem worth it.
Food for thought.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Journal Entry
Lots going on. We've sold our house and now have to move cross country to the pacific NW. I'm driving the moving truck (with a friend) 2500 miles. I'm not sure how that's all going to work out as far as nerve pain goes. I've felt pretty good these last couple of days, despite all the flurry of activity. I haven't had an ejac. in a while. With the move, I'm not sure when the next one will be. My wife and I are currently living in other people's houses - and it wouldn't seem right to get together in someone else's bed, if you know what I mean.
Back to topic, the activity includes moving boxes into the moving truck, cleaning the house, etc. in prep for our move. It seems this has been the right balance of activity for my groin. I've had very brief, flashes of nerve sensations, but nothing that I'd describe as "knifing" or "electric" pain.
However, in driving the truck across town, I did have some nerve pain that was inbetween the sensation category and the knifing category. I think it's because I had to move my foot between the accelerator and brake so much (city driving). I'm hoping the highway driving will be less taxing on my groin, and hence, my scrotum. We'll need to complete the trip in 4 days. I figure that's about 10 hours a day worth of driving.
So anyway, I start driving on Tuesday (T minus 3 days and counting). My goal is to take the driving in 2 hour shifts. I figure that should keep us both fresh and help to minimize the stress on my scrotum.
I probably won't be blogging until next week when I get back in town. Then I make the drive again, in the mini-van, with my family this time. Luckily, we'll be able to take our time on that road trip. We're going to treat it like a cross country vacation. Lord willing, I'll continue to feel good and we will have a safe, drama free trip.
Before I forget, someone in the PVPS support group just had a reversal "re-do". That's right, he had a vasectomy, a reversal and now a redo of his reversal. Listen, I couldn't make this kind of stuff up. Vasectomy pain syndrome is very real and much more common than you'd think. He says he's feeling okay and is hopeful, like many of us, that he'll be able to put a large part of the PVPS in his rear view mirror.
Back to topic, the activity includes moving boxes into the moving truck, cleaning the house, etc. in prep for our move. It seems this has been the right balance of activity for my groin. I've had very brief, flashes of nerve sensations, but nothing that I'd describe as "knifing" or "electric" pain.
However, in driving the truck across town, I did have some nerve pain that was inbetween the sensation category and the knifing category. I think it's because I had to move my foot between the accelerator and brake so much (city driving). I'm hoping the highway driving will be less taxing on my groin, and hence, my scrotum. We'll need to complete the trip in 4 days. I figure that's about 10 hours a day worth of driving.
So anyway, I start driving on Tuesday (T minus 3 days and counting). My goal is to take the driving in 2 hour shifts. I figure that should keep us both fresh and help to minimize the stress on my scrotum.
I probably won't be blogging until next week when I get back in town. Then I make the drive again, in the mini-van, with my family this time. Luckily, we'll be able to take our time on that road trip. We're going to treat it like a cross country vacation. Lord willing, I'll continue to feel good and we will have a safe, drama free trip.
Before I forget, someone in the PVPS support group just had a reversal "re-do". That's right, he had a vasectomy, a reversal and now a redo of his reversal. Listen, I couldn't make this kind of stuff up. Vasectomy pain syndrome is very real and much more common than you'd think. He says he's feeling okay and is hopeful, like many of us, that he'll be able to put a large part of the PVPS in his rear view mirror.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
It Didn't Take Much
My left side was teetering on the verge of hurting all day yesterday. I had that racking sensation earlier in the day and was nervous something bad might happen. Well, I shouldn't have been nervous...because something did happen. When I feel like I did yesterday morning, I should KNOW something bad will happen, rather than be nervous about it. I just need to accept the fact and move past it.
We are in the middle of packing up our house to move. All I wanted to do was move a couple boxes into an empty room to get them out of the way. Then it hit me. I could feel something kind of wriggle in my left inguinal area as I picked up a box. So I dropped the box. The wriggling pain didn't stay. So I picked up another box and it happened again. I should have stopped there, but the boxes had to be moved. However, I was very cautious and used proper technique. My physical therapist wife would have been proud of me.
But it was too late. The wriggle turned into a case of full on nerve pain and the racking sensation became more intense. I took some tylenol and went to bed. I had a good night's sleep, but today I still have some remnant pain.
This bites, because we have a lot of boxes to move. I was hoping to have some people from church help out with the bigger items, but it looks like I'll need them to do the entire loading of the truck for me. I just hate to ask them to do it. I'm sure they won't mind, but I still hate to ask. After all, I'm a 44 year old man, in the supposed prime of my life or at least on the down hill slope of the prime.
We'll see. On the good side, my friend from church is coming over today to talk with me about chronic pain. I want to ask him more about the physiology, as that has me pretty curious. Maybe if I can understand it more from a physiological standpoint, I can better protect myself from its affects.
We are in the middle of packing up our house to move. All I wanted to do was move a couple boxes into an empty room to get them out of the way. Then it hit me. I could feel something kind of wriggle in my left inguinal area as I picked up a box. So I dropped the box. The wriggling pain didn't stay. So I picked up another box and it happened again. I should have stopped there, but the boxes had to be moved. However, I was very cautious and used proper technique. My physical therapist wife would have been proud of me.
But it was too late. The wriggle turned into a case of full on nerve pain and the racking sensation became more intense. I took some tylenol and went to bed. I had a good night's sleep, but today I still have some remnant pain.
This bites, because we have a lot of boxes to move. I was hoping to have some people from church help out with the bigger items, but it looks like I'll need them to do the entire loading of the truck for me. I just hate to ask them to do it. I'm sure they won't mind, but I still hate to ask. After all, I'm a 44 year old man, in the supposed prime of my life or at least on the down hill slope of the prime.
We'll see. On the good side, my friend from church is coming over today to talk with me about chronic pain. I want to ask him more about the physiology, as that has me pretty curious. Maybe if I can understand it more from a physiological standpoint, I can better protect myself from its affects.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Very Little Pain for last 5 Days
Here I go again. It's been a few days now and I haven't had a lot of pain. I've been taking warm/hot baths every morning. I'm not sure if that's helping or maybe I'm just in that cycle of not having pain for a while. It does seem to cycle like that. However, I personally feel that prayer helps too. I'm feeling much better (physically and emotionally) since my prayer on June 25th. Having the guy from church over also helped, as he prayed with me too.
Okay then...I do feel like I'm learning more about what exacerbates the pain and what helps. Sitting is terrible, but not just any kind of sitting. Sitting on a hard surface or leaning forward while sitting, even for short periods of time, seem to hurt.
Hot baths seem to help. Avoiding bending over seems to help too. I'm going to try walking again, if the weather will cooperate. I'll avoid the vigorous stretching, as that seems to hurt me.
My wife and I were together a couple of times this week also. Maybe that helps too. But as usual, this thing keeps you on your toes. I will say this...I'm looking forward to my visit with the guy from church next Wednesday. It will be nice to visit with him some more and share what's been going on.
Okay then...I do feel like I'm learning more about what exacerbates the pain and what helps. Sitting is terrible, but not just any kind of sitting. Sitting on a hard surface or leaning forward while sitting, even for short periods of time, seem to hurt.
Hot baths seem to help. Avoiding bending over seems to help too. I'm going to try walking again, if the weather will cooperate. I'll avoid the vigorous stretching, as that seems to hurt me.
My wife and I were together a couple of times this week also. Maybe that helps too. But as usual, this thing keeps you on your toes. I will say this...I'm looking forward to my visit with the guy from church next Wednesday. It will be nice to visit with him some more and share what's been going on.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Are There Side Effects to Vasectomies
With blogger, you can see what people are searching for that brings them to your blog. A common search phrase is "are there side effects to vasectomies". Another one is "are vasectomies dangerous". I actually read an answer by someone who said that there were no vasectomy side effects. He called them "urban legends".
Well, I'm one of lots of people who have to live with this urban legend. I hate it when people talk out of ignorance. Just because it didn't happen to him, he's talking like an expert. There are a lot of men in our support group who are just suffering and aren't getting any better.
I wish there was more that could be done. I know the easiest thing to do is to not have the vasectomy in the first place. I hope people who read this vasectomy side effects blog will see that point. I only hope they don't come to the blog too late.
As far as how I'm doing...I feel okay. No real projects to do so I'm sitting a little bit more. As a result, the tingling in my right inguinal area seems to be a little more prominent. Like I said yesterday, there's no figuring this thing out. Sometimes activity hurts and sometimes it helps. Sometimes sitting is better, other times it makes it worse. Sometimes having sex helps the pain, while other times you're just too afraid to have sex because you fear it might make the pain worse. I've also noticed a little bit of nerve pain in my johnson. It doesn't last for very long and it's more irritating, weird, or un-nerving than terribly painful. But I can see where it wouldn't take much for the pain to ramp up to a 5 on a scale of 1 - 10. Obviously, a very sensitive area.
This vasectomy pain syndrome messes with your mind as much as it messes with your scrotum. That is what makes syndromes so crappy, they involve every part of your life. Well, time to get up and moving around before I start to experience the very REAL side effects of vasectomies.
Well, I'm one of lots of people who have to live with this urban legend. I hate it when people talk out of ignorance. Just because it didn't happen to him, he's talking like an expert. There are a lot of men in our support group who are just suffering and aren't getting any better.
I wish there was more that could be done. I know the easiest thing to do is to not have the vasectomy in the first place. I hope people who read this vasectomy side effects blog will see that point. I only hope they don't come to the blog too late.
As far as how I'm doing...I feel okay. No real projects to do so I'm sitting a little bit more. As a result, the tingling in my right inguinal area seems to be a little more prominent. Like I said yesterday, there's no figuring this thing out. Sometimes activity hurts and sometimes it helps. Sometimes sitting is better, other times it makes it worse. Sometimes having sex helps the pain, while other times you're just too afraid to have sex because you fear it might make the pain worse. I've also noticed a little bit of nerve pain in my johnson. It doesn't last for very long and it's more irritating, weird, or un-nerving than terribly painful. But I can see where it wouldn't take much for the pain to ramp up to a 5 on a scale of 1 - 10. Obviously, a very sensitive area.
This vasectomy pain syndrome messes with your mind as much as it messes with your scrotum. That is what makes syndromes so crappy, they involve every part of your life. Well, time to get up and moving around before I start to experience the very REAL side effects of vasectomies.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
You Can't Predict Post Vasectomy Pain
I'm posting kind of late. It's 11:00 pm my time. My wife and I just finished many projects around the house, while someone at our church is watching our kids. Amazing how much you can get done when you don't have to chase around a couple of kiddos. But, I do miss them, novertheless.
It just dawned on me that I've been going pretty steady since about 8:00 am this morning and haven't even winced with a pain or sensation. I did have a weird nerve sensation in my "johnson", but I'm not convinced that was related to PVPS, although, I'm not sure why I would think that. It seems like everything is related to PVPS. But outside of that, I've felt pretty normal. So I go from major disappointment when I posted yesterday to feeling okay today.
You just never know with this thing. Maybe tomorrow will be a bad day, or a good day, or an inbetween day. You just can't predict. But, I'll take the good days when I can get them.
It just dawned on me that I've been going pretty steady since about 8:00 am this morning and haven't even winced with a pain or sensation. I did have a weird nerve sensation in my "johnson", but I'm not convinced that was related to PVPS, although, I'm not sure why I would think that. It seems like everything is related to PVPS. But outside of that, I've felt pretty normal. So I go from major disappointment when I posted yesterday to feeling okay today.
You just never know with this thing. Maybe tomorrow will be a bad day, or a good day, or an inbetween day. You just can't predict. But, I'll take the good days when I can get them.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Vasectomy Pain is Back - Sort of
Yesterday was a busy day around the house. I was feeling great though, and I didn't have any pain at all. I painted, I installed a new ceiling light, I drove a few errands in the car, I actually felt normal. That is probably the best day I've had since my vasectomy reversal surgery back in December.
Today I woke up feeling okay. "Wow", I thought. All that work yesterday and I'm waking up feeling just as good. However, I did stretch out pretty hard this morning in bed before I got up. I stretched my legs and arms like I haven't done in quite a while. Then I felt a slight sensation in my groin. Nothing that was painful or even that noticeable, to be honest with you. Just something that reminded me that I probably shouldn't be stretching that aggressively because something bad might happen.
I got dressed, drove us all to church, sat down and then "Wham". A pain came out of nowhere on my left groin side. Then "wham" again and a couple more times. Then we drove home (my wife drove this time) and I made a sandwich. Then my right side started hurting. I was having nerve pain again. In fact, as I type this, the nerve pain is hitting me on the right side.
I took the Rapaflo last night, just like I have the last several nights. But now, the pain is back. However, I think the pain on my left is still related to that pesky spermatocele. Today just happens to be only 54 degrees. When it's cold outside, my scrotum pulls up to my body and pushes that spermatocele into stuff that shouldn't be getting pressed upon. What about the right sided nerve pain? I think that is simply from me over doing it yesterday.
So today, I'm taking it easy. I'm going to help my son with his biography of John Wycliffe for school. Make sure he's ready for his spelling and history test at school tomorrow, and then I'm turning in early. We have almost everything done at our house. Just some packing away stuff for storage, add a touch up of paint here and there, etc. The big projects seem to be done. I have a couple of neighborhood kids taking care of the landscaping, mowing, edging, etc., so hopefully, I can continue to heal up in my pelvic area.
Oh, and not that this has anything to do with vasectomy side effects, but I was asked to teach next week's Sunday School for the 7-10 years olds. That's the first time our church has asked me to do anything like that. I hope I don't let them or the children down. It's quite an honor that I take seriously. Well, that's about it. Until next time, don't get a vasectomy.
Today I woke up feeling okay. "Wow", I thought. All that work yesterday and I'm waking up feeling just as good. However, I did stretch out pretty hard this morning in bed before I got up. I stretched my legs and arms like I haven't done in quite a while. Then I felt a slight sensation in my groin. Nothing that was painful or even that noticeable, to be honest with you. Just something that reminded me that I probably shouldn't be stretching that aggressively because something bad might happen.
I got dressed, drove us all to church, sat down and then "Wham". A pain came out of nowhere on my left groin side. Then "wham" again and a couple more times. Then we drove home (my wife drove this time) and I made a sandwich. Then my right side started hurting. I was having nerve pain again. In fact, as I type this, the nerve pain is hitting me on the right side.
I took the Rapaflo last night, just like I have the last several nights. But now, the pain is back. However, I think the pain on my left is still related to that pesky spermatocele. Today just happens to be only 54 degrees. When it's cold outside, my scrotum pulls up to my body and pushes that spermatocele into stuff that shouldn't be getting pressed upon. What about the right sided nerve pain? I think that is simply from me over doing it yesterday.
So today, I'm taking it easy. I'm going to help my son with his biography of John Wycliffe for school. Make sure he's ready for his spelling and history test at school tomorrow, and then I'm turning in early. We have almost everything done at our house. Just some packing away stuff for storage, add a touch up of paint here and there, etc. The big projects seem to be done. I have a couple of neighborhood kids taking care of the landscaping, mowing, edging, etc., so hopefully, I can continue to heal up in my pelvic area.
Oh, and not that this has anything to do with vasectomy side effects, but I was asked to teach next week's Sunday School for the 7-10 years olds. That's the first time our church has asked me to do anything like that. I hope I don't let them or the children down. It's quite an honor that I take seriously. Well, that's about it. Until next time, don't get a vasectomy.
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