[BoxOfRainMama]

Today we took my 5 year old son to see a pediatric urologist for a 2nd opinion regarding his undescended testicles. 2 urologists and 1 pediatrician have now confirmed he will be needing surgery. Does anyone have experience or insight on this matter?<br><br>
I guess I have been kind of in denial until this appointment today that surgery was going to happen, but now that its been confirmed I'm kind of a mess over it.<br><br>
He is a very very sensitive child. He is my middle child, but he is so snugly and extremely affectionate and in need of physical comfort he has kinda stayed the "baby" a bit. In my head my biggest worry is that moment when they separate us to take him for surgery. My heart can't handle that thought/image. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"><br><br>
The doctor we spoke with was from Children's Memorial in Chicago and he said he preforms 1 or 2 of these a week so I know he will be in good hands, its just hard to mentally prepare. I still have to schedule it, he said the wait is about 2-3 months right now.<br><br>
Any experience or feedback on this situation would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rubelin]

don't have any experience but wanted to offer hugs. I've been putting off going to the same appointment for my almost 7 yr old for much too long. Our family Dr doesn't think he'll need surgery and just wants the urologist to take a look, but I haven't been able to face the possibility of my baby having surgury, YK??<br><br>
I look forward to other replies <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[BoxOfRainMama]

My boy is Benjamin too. Every well baby visit and well child visit they said "we need to keep an eye on this" then last year they sent us to a urologist. He said the same- come back in a year. Then at the 1 year follow up they were ready to talk surgery.<br><br>
I know its hard but taking the step to see a urologist might set your heart and mind at ease if he does not require surgery. Today he did a 30 second examination and knew right away surgery was needed.

 

[grisandole]

Moving to health and healing <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[smudge]

You know alot of Children's Hospitals are very good about letting the parent be the last thing the child sees as they go to sleep. Some will even let you carry baby into pre-op. I would call the hospital and speak to someone in Child Life, or a hospital social worker. If they don't know the specifics for your facility, they will be able to get you in touch with who does know!<br>
Good luck with the surgery. My DH had this as a baby, but 37yrs ago they decided it didn't need to be dealt with until he was 14yrs old. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> Eventually it was removed for failure to thrive and caused us alot of heartache with infertility issues.

 

[sbgrace]

My son was much younger (18 months) and so not nearly as aware.<br><br>
A couple of things. Please talk with the surgeon about your concerns. With one son (a different surgery procedure) I was with him as he fell asleep. With the testicle surgery they gave my son something while I was with him that made him essentially really, really relaxed and fuzzy. He smiled as they carried him out--completely unaware really. They did that so he wouldn't be scared with the parting from us and the operating room. I'm sure there is something that can be arranged for your son so it is less traumatic than what you are fearing.<br><br>
I do think the surgery is important (in terms of being able to check for cancer especially which all our kiddos that have this condition are at some increased risk for). For pain relief they gave my son a block in the surgery that lasted for I want to say 12 or 24 hours and then of course pain medicine afterward too. Talk to them to make sure he has the best pain relief. It is generally a really quick surgery. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug">

 

[Nitenites]

My middle son (turned 4 in Feb) had surgery last week for a hernia. I thought he would be frightened, but he completely took it in stride! The anesthesiologist was very accomodating, and our ped urologist is wonderful. My greatest concern was not general anesthesia, but how DS would react, emotionally, to the separation. He's very much like your son - cuddly, wants to always be sitting next to someone, likes to hold hands and sit on my lap - but he REALLY suprised me! He did very, very well (emotionally and physically.)<br><br>
I agree with the others - talk to the anesthesiologist about your concerns, tell him that you want to be with your DS as he "falls asleep," or find a way to at least make him more relaxed before they take him to the OR. With the amount of time that you have before the surgery has to take place, you should be able to find someone who's willing to work with you.<br><br>
I firmly believe that children have a right NOT to be scared before a medical procedure. Especially if it's a children's hospital you're going to, I think that the staff should be sensitive to his emotional needs. Be nice, but firm - let them know that this is non-negotiable to you.

 

[ctdoula]

My dh had this surgery when he was a child. I think he was about 4yrs old. He says he doesn't remember much about it. I know that he would address this if our son had an issue as quickly as possible. For him, the surgery was supposed to position the testicle in the right place. Either his testicle wasn't viable or was injured during surgery, but it didn't work. His other one grew larger to compensate & he's fully functional, normal, has 2 kids. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"><br><br>
Good luck!!

 

[talk de jour]

DP had this done as a kid -- 7 or 8yo, I believe.<br><br>
He has two small scars (one on the pubis, one on the scrotum.) He says it really didn't hurt -- a little soreness, like a few hours after you've been kicked, but no big deal.

 

[maryteresa]

My youngest had surgery for this. We had a good experience. He was given something to make him relax prior to going to the OR. Then DH was able to bring him into the OR and stay until they were ready to administer the anesthesia. After his surgery we were able to go to him right away in the recovery area. He was crying, but the nurse was very loving and was holding him. I was able to nurse right away. Just be sure to ask lots of questions and clarify any concerns that you have. Also, recovery was not bad. About a day and a half later he was up and about.

 

[BoxOfRainMama]

Oh Thank you mamas for sharing your experiences with me! This whole thread has really helped me deal with this.<br><br>
I'm scheduling surgery today! I hope hope hope I can get him in in may or early June because he is a little fish and the doc said no swimming for 2 weeks!

 

[BoxOfRainMama]

Just wanted to bump this up in case anyone who might have feedback for me missed it the first time. We have the surgery scheduled for July 26th. I am already uneasy about it. Its just hard to even think about. I really have no idea how he will handle this.

 

[KMK_Mama]

Please keep us updated. My DS needs to see a specialist because his Doc thinks he might have undescended testicles too.<br><br>
Good luck. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/hug2.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Hug2">

 

[BoxOfRainMama]

My little guy goes in for surgery next week. I am really kind of a mess about it. DH too...... off to amazon to look for books to prep him..... I should have done this weeks ago ......<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/gloomy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Gloomy">:

 

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I know the dread you are feeling <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"> From what I have read about this issue it is better to fix it sooner rather than later because of fertility issues. I bet he will do just fine. But the unknown is scary.<br><br>
I wanted to ask you if your ds is intact? if he is then you need to make 100% sure that the Dr. knows not to circ him. It happens from time to time that a dr will do this for imagined reasons or just to do the kid a "favor" Be sure to read any paper work you will sign dosnt have a concent for circ on there anywere and make sure they know how to deal with a intact penis.

 

[fortunecookie]

Hugs mama! My son had this done a few months ago. He was given the oral sedative 20 minutes before so he would be relaxed when we handed him over to the doc. Normally he doesn't let strangers touch him but he was all smiles with this stuff. I was the one who could hardly hand him over because I was a wreck emotionally. It is a simple routine procedure and they even release them the same day a few hours after the surgery. We nursed 30 minutes afterward. They only need tylenol or motrin for pain for a couple days afterward and that is it. The third day he was back to running circles around us. The hardest part was when they bring them back to you. They are fighting their way out of the anestesia and struggling a bit. It is not pain though, it is a fogginess they don't like. Bring toys and maybe a portable dvd player with their favorite video to have afterwards when you have to hang out for a couple hours. It is comforting to have some of their own things in this strange place and helps them relax a bit. It WILL be okay mama. Personally I was relieved afterwards too. I didn't realize the amount of guilt I was hauling around wondering if his testicle was going to twist and render him infertile.

 

[mirlee]

This surgery has been suggested for my guy as well. Our ped is waiting to see if they come down on their own first. She doesn't want to have the surgery done unless absolutely neccessary, so she has been charting their progress. I am glad to hear that it seems to go well. My guess, though, is that they need to figure it out soon because he is 7!<br><br>
As for the medication they give to calm, it is probably Versed. This works very well.

 

[BoxOfRainMama]

I just re-read this thread, every post and I just wanted to say THANK YOU MAMAS! I am so glad I posted about this and got so much support and encouragement. I love that, thank you for that! I am sure it will all be ok, I just need it over with.<br><br><br><br>
Pam

 

[LindsayAmos]

Update?!?

I know this thread is old, but I am going thought this exact same situation right now, and would love to know how your son did, and how he is doing now. I keep reading that this surgery needs to take place before the child is 2, but. My son is 5 and they are just now suggesting it. Mi am stressing out so much right now! He is my sensitive middle child as well

 

[PeterS]

Old thread. I had this surgery when I was a kid. I had other types of surgery too but this was the first general anesthetic and I remember being scared. Thirty seven years on I have a young daughter and would be worried sick if she had surgery for anything. At some point though you have to trust the doctors and hospital staff to do their job. Just being there is about all you can do as a parent while your child is in hospital.

For this particular procedure technology and techniques will have evolved since when I was a child and I imagine any risk would be insignificant. After the surgery just keep an eye in your son and make sure he is moving freely and doesn't seem inhibited by any pain or discomfort. I still have a little discomfort around the scar left by the surgery and if I could go back in time I'd love to have had some structured rehabilitation.