Orchidopexy for undescended testicle at 3.5 years old - any advice?

[WoolyMammoth55]

Hi all,

Our DS wasn't flagged for undescended testicles at any of his infant checks but I realised something was "weird" down there about a year ago. Covid delays kicked in just before first op was scheduled so we've been on hold for ages...

His new surgery date is 22nd Sept and I'm really worried about a few things:

• firstly about how to prepare him that it's going to hurt, without terrifying him so much that he won't want to go to the hospital? I feel like if I don't say it will hurt he might not trust me again afterwards :(
• secondly about the risks - urologist we saw in person was actually v reassuring about cancer and fertility risks but the more I read the more scared I feel.
• thirdly (linked) about recovery - my understanding is that straddling things, like riding a bike or going on the seesaw, are massive no-nos for 6-8 months afterwards to protect the testicle. That if they do occur they can lead to the testicle dying even a few months after a successful op!

Anyone had a DS go through this at a similar age and can offer any advice or reassurance? I'd be hugely grateful - Dr Google is definitely giving me more fear, not less!!

Thanks

Hi @Penguinmuma - no catheter for my DS. The only poky thing he had was the little needle in the back of his hand stuck down with tape, and that did seem to bother him a bit. They wouldn't take it out until he'd eaten, drunk and done a wee, which took a couple of hours - but bearing in mind it had taken them an hour to get it in there, because they struggled so much to find his veins, I can understand why they were reluctant to remove it! :(

My husband (who is a very attentive and involved dad) drove us to the hospital, and waited there all day but in the cafe/car park. I could go out and hug him when I wasn't with my son, during the actual procedure. And as soon as we were able to be discharged he just met us in the lobby. Obvs not a fun day for anyone but it wasn't awful either. TBF I think it's a question of bodies in the wards - if you have 3 kids needing operations, plus one parent each, plus doctors and nurses coming and going, it does feel busy - and would have been busier with 2 parents per child. I hope it'll have changed for you when your date comes through but if it doesn't I'm sure you will cope.

Wish you and your little one all the best!

Thank you xx

When my little one was a newborn he had a cannula put in both his hands & he didn't even flinch, but when they had to put one in his foot he screamed the place down. I would imagine now that he's older he will probably cry when they put it in although I'm hoping they will use the numbing cream first. But those things hurt after a while. I know he will not like it being there not only the pain but I think he will be irritated by it & try to pull it off so I will have to distract him somehow.

Its going to be hard to keep him still after as he's such an active little man. Although I imagine he will be tired from the anesthetic.

Thanks for all the information, if the situation doesn't change by then we will most likely do what you & your hubby did. My husband won't leave he will be too worried, he will wait around somewhere & be there when I need him. I just feel bad for him not being able to stay with us. & feel a bit nervous too.

He was my rock through my traumatic pregnancy, labour & emergency c section. Before that I was miss independent but now I've come to rely on him ❤️ been together 15 years & it was only since my pregnancy that I've stopped being so independent & started to rely on him 🤭

I get why only 1 parent is allowed now from what you said about the amount of people being around, it makes more sense now.

I told my hubby last night that if it's only 1 parent then it's going to me, he didn't look too impressed lol but in situations like this he knows I'm better for the job. Plus I'm with my buba all day everyday so naturally he will need me more. Although he does want & need his dad more sometimes.

Hi mamas, thanks for the advice already in the thread above. My LO was seen by the consultant in Nov for his undescended right testicle, and I haven't heard anything about surgery dates yet due to the wait lists I was told. Any ideas on how I can chase? The number on the letter keeps going to voicemail. My son is 16 months old and I am conscious the earlier the surgery is done, the better,

@mamaudrey ring the hospital main number and ask to speak to consultant secretary. Or ask GPsecretary if they can chase for you.

@mamaudrey For chasing my LO's appointments I would call the hospital switchboard and ask for the paediatric urology secretary. Then even if you get a voicemail just leave your son's name and your number and you should get a call back - they were a very responsive team at our hospital, fingers crossed you can get some answers soon. Best of luck.

Thank you @lancslass17 and @WoolyMammoth55. Both very helpful. I rang and spoke to the consultant's secretary. Unfortunately, unable to get a date/timeline because of the wait lists :( I hope we don't have to wait too long.

Hi my 2-4months old had 1 undecended testicle it was spotted at his 6 week check up, we went to a few appointments for check ups and the doctor discharged us as he could feel it and said it would probably come down on its own that was last may, in the mean time I have spotted it a few times and yesteday I could see 2 testicles but also a bigger lump on top of his left 1 I rang the drs who didn't want to see him until next Thursday.. so rang again and got an appointment this morning unfortunately the lump neither the testicle is there today .. so the dr wasn't sure if it was the sac I could feel are a hernia .. he's put a referral back to the dr we saw last may but that's just a waiting game and I can't stop worrying I'm so sad I keep crying I'm scared it's something more sinister and I can't get on with my life until I no what it is 😭😭 did anyone else experience this ??? Please 🙏🏻