Bad Day just gets worse.

Akulahawk

EMT-P/ED RN
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EmtTravis: you might be one of the people that lack the enzyme necessary to convert the oxycodone in the vicodin to a usable form. When that happens, the only pain relief you'll get is from the acetaminophen. Hopefully you'll find something that does work for the pain. Also, see if frozen veggie bags (cryotherapy) is indicated for post-op scrotal pain. If it is, it may also help with the swelling. As to the swelling/pain and trying to find another agent (like an NSAID), you should consult your specialist tomorrow to ensure that it's not going to be an issue with any other pain med you're going to be taking or any other medication you might be on. While NSAIDs can work well at reducing inflammation, they may still cause problems. It would be best to ask first... It's possible that you could be given an Rx that's higher than the OTC dosage.

Hope you find restful sleep tonight.
 
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EmtTravis

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EmtTravis: you might be one of the people that lack the enzyme necessary to convert the oxycodone in the vicodin to a usable form. When that happens, the only pain relief you'll get is from the acetaminophen. Hopefully you'll find something that does work for the pain. Also, see if frozen veggie bags (cryotherapy) is indicated for post-op scrotal pain. If it is, it may also help with the swelling. As to the swelling/pain and trying to find another agent (like an NSAID), you should consult your specialist tomorrow to ensure that it's not going to be an issue with any other pain med you're going to be taking or any other medication you might be on. While NSAIDs can work well at reducing inflammation, they may still cause problems. It would be best to ask first... It's possible that you could be given an Rx that's higher than the OTC dosage.

Hope you find restful sleep tonight.

I have been using an ice pack since the recovery room in the hospital and it does help with the pain and I've tried finding ways to keep the ice bag in place while im asleep but it always shifts and falls away. I never thought that ice would feel so good in this particular area of my body but man it does lol.
 

Sassafras

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Maybe you should get a strap on for the ice? Sorry. It was just too easy to go there. LOL

What about small pillows between your legs to provide support? Not that I know anything about athletic gear but could a cup offer compression and support like a sports bra does for women? I hope you find some relief. Oxycodone always knocked mw out cold so it worked well for me postoperative. Feel better soon.
 
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EmtTravis

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Maybe you should get a strap on for the ice? Sorry. It was just too easy to go there. LOL

What about small pillows between your legs to provide support? Not that I know anything about athletic gear but could a cup offer compression and support like a sports bra does for women? I hope you find some relief. Oxycodone always knocked mw out cold so it worked well for me postoperative. Feel better soon.

I've been wearing a jock strap since I got out of surgery and it does work for support.
 

Sassafras

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Did you ever get to sleep?
 

Akulahawk

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Ok, good. at least we know the ice is working for you... when you can use it. Don't forget to ask your provider about whether or not an NSAID would be appropriate for you at this point, and whether or not you can change out your narcotic analgesic for one that might work better. Some people just don't get any effect from the stuff you were given (vicodin).
 

EMS/LEO505

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I hope they caught it early man, wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.
 

firetender

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For sudden swelling, use skateboard!

But, really, I wish you a smooth recovery.
 
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EmtTravis

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Hey everyone thanks for all your support I really appreciate it. I had my DR apt this morning. They didnt have the results of the tests that were ran on the tumor. They want me to go ahead have a CT of my kidneys and chest on Thursday. I asked him about a different med that I could take and he said to try and take a ibuprofen along with a vicodin and see if that helps. If the ibuprofen doesn't help then he said he would prescribe me torodol.
 

jjesusfreak01

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Hey everyone thanks for all your support I really appreciate it. I had my DR apt this morning. They didnt have the results of the tests that were ran on the tumor. They want me to go ahead have a CT of my kidneys and chest on Thursday. I asked him about a different med that I could take and he said to try and take a ibuprofen along with a vicodin and see if that helps. If the ibuprofen doesn't help then he said he would prescribe me torodol.

He wants to be sure you really aren't faking before he prescribes the good stuff, because you know most people don't feel any pain after having a testicle cut out :)

Good luck on your recovery!
 

Akulahawk

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It's good that you're OK to take ibuprofen. That stuff works well in combating inflammation. It'll hammer your kidneys after a while if you get dehydrated though. Take the doses at the times and at the dose the MD prescribed or suggested. Oh, and don't forget to let the surgical site thaw for a while after using the ice... if that area gets too cold, you could end up with frostbite on your other bits. That'd be another injury you want to avoid as it'll lengthen your recovery time.
 
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EmtTravis

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well I go for my CT scan tomorrow blah. The ibuprofen/vicodin mix seems to be working for the pain but i have swollen to what would be about 3 times the normal size if I still had a testicle there. I tried calling my specialist today and they said his nurse would give me a call back but I never got a call. I may try and stop by either before or after my CT tomorrow.
 

himynameismj

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Hey Travis,

I'm an EMT-B out of NJ. I'm sorry to hear what you're going through. How's the financial aspect of things looking for you? I'm sure if you're struggling, some of the men and woman on this site would be willing to coordinate some sort of fundraiser to help you out? At least I'd be willing to try and help if I can. Let me know what's going on. I'd like to help.

+ Mike Kempton (EMT-B / Paramedic Student)
 
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EmtTravis

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Well as of right now i've been off almost 2 weeks but that was to be expected. Have a Dr appointment on tuesday to find out the results of my CT scan and the results of the tests that they ran on the tumor. Not sure how long I'll be out of work but such is life lol.
 

rescue99

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Well as of right now i've been off almost 2 weeks but that was to be expected. Have a Dr appointment on tuesday to find out the results of my CT scan and the results of the tests that they ran on the tumor. Not sure how long I'll be out of work but such is life lol.

Travis, you may not be off as long as you think..hope so anyway. Lets hope chemo isn't in the plan. The following is how radiation went; for one person anyway. I can give several similar stories however, only one had TCa.

My better half was back to full duty in 4 weeks following surgery (arnica ia a wonderful remedy) and never missed a beat during radiation treatments. He took silicia religiously before, during and after radiation treatment which started 6+ weeks after surgery. He already has excellent diet habits but, we added a (diary free) fiber and protien shake, B12, B-50, A, E, C. Their plan was to make him eat some goofy refined diet. No way was that going to work for a greek who eats vegies and salads twice a day! He tossd their so-called diet ideas and stayed with his own, cutting out 2 things...any dark soda (Pepsi) and anything hot. Funny, he still won't drink dark soda, hmmm.

Although hubby got tired (counts dipped) by the last week, he still wanted to work. I can only assume that kept his mind off stressful thoughts more than being at home would. His cancer team did a great job of supporting him. One (radiation onc) couldn't bring himself to believe homeopathics have any use....but he couldn't explain how burns / side effects were completely avoided. By the end, the Onc could only shake his head and say, "whatever". ;)

So, it is our experience that; Arnica helps the body heal itself, Silicia prevented the usualy burns, Nux prevented any nausea and he kept his diet...those were key. Hope you have the same good luck...be well.
 

Sassafras

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Bromeline is supposed to help with post op swelling as well. Not that I ever took bromeline. It was too expensive after buying arnica and enough lemons to start an orchard. But it was on the recomended list. I'd just make sure that any supplements you intend on taking are not contraindicated with your radiation and any hormone decreasing meds they may have you on (or any other meds for that matter). Hope your pain levels are decreasing as of late and that you are well on the way to recovery.
 

rescue99

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Bromeline is supposed to help with post op swelling as well. Not that I ever took bromeline. It was too expensive after buying arnica and enough lemons to start an orchard. But it was on the recomended list. I'd just make sure that any supplements you intend on taking are not contraindicated with your radiation and any hormone decreasing meds they may have you on (or any other meds for that matter). Hope your pain levels are decreasing as of late and that you are well on the way to recovery.

There is no chance of an anti-adrogen being used as TCa is not a testosterone fed/drivien cancer. Radiation/chemo depends on the outcome of his tests. Perhaps it's a a stage one, non-agressive cell...we'll hope for that:>) A good number of those require just watchful-waiting.

He should check with his team though. We did before beginning any supplements. Part of my husband's team included our family Physician, a naturalpath M.D.
 
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EmtTravis

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Hey everyone thanks for all the help. I'm still taking the ibuprofen and vicodin but the swelling really hasn't went down all that much and still painful. Also I've been having alot of pain in my incision and its hard to the touch all the way across it. Never had surgery so don't know if that's to be expected or not. I have a appointment with my specialist again on tuesday to go over all my tests. I've just been trying to relax and not worry about things like bills and such but i'm waiting on the surgery bill from the hospital lol. Hope you are all having a wonderful labor day weekend.
 
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EmtTravis

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well im off to see my specialist. Hope everyone had a great labor day weekend and wish me luck lol
 
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