No Prostetics

[Marc311978]

I've been browsing this website and have seen that many people chose to get the prostetics. I was wondering if there are any X2 guys who chose not to get them and whether they are happy with the decision?

When I lost my left testicle when I was 18 I chose not to get the prostetic. Now that I am going to lose the right testicle I am not sure what to do.

[Aegean]

Marc, I am not a x2 Warrior, just an x1... I did not get a prosthetic when I had my I/O but I am certain I would opt for them in your situation. Of course this is just my opinion and I am sure the X2 guys will jump in.

edit: to clarify the "your situation" part, I meant that I would have them inserted during the I/O as opposed to waiting and having another surgery... just my opinion.

[Kiwi]

HI Marc

You would have seen my posts on this and the x2 upgrade for me was great, for me I wished I chased after them the first time years ago (it probally has something to do with the Testosterone increase now too):p. I got both in the same op as the last guy was removed.

But its what you want or feal best with, you can always upgrade latter it you are not sure now.

I kinda seen this as positive of the impact of loosing both.

They are also a conversation piece and can introduce some humor with some good mates.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[Aegletes]

As people who have received a cancer diagnosis — in our cases twice — we're seldom given choices but at least in this case we are. It's probably one of the most personal and subjective issues we face so there is no right answer. I think much depends on where you are in life and what you're willing to live with: Are you in a relationship with a partner who doesn't particularly care one way or the other? Or are you single and concerned about how a potential partner might perceive you and your body? Are you willing to live with the fact that prostheses shouldn't be assumed to be permanent (they might need replacing years from now)? Can you accept the fact that while they reasonably mimic real testicles, they will never feel like real testicles? These are just a few of the questions only you can really answer to your own satisfaction.

Speaking for myself, I jumped at the chance to have prostheses implanted when I was diagnosed with my second TC. They weren't available in the US at all when I was diagnosed with my first TC (soon after the whole silicone breast implant scare) and I had lived for twelve years with only one and feeling very self conscious throughout. Dating was awkward as a result. So I got the two this time around. While the prostheses haven't been without some complications, I'm nevertheless happy I opted to get them.

Alex

[BraveOne]

Marc,

I was unlucky (or lucky enough depending on how you look at it) to have been diagnosed with cancer in both at the same time. Needless to say, I got the implants immediately and am very happy with them. Now the feel like part of me (although they are firmer than your natural ones). I think that having your other one out without any replacement may be harder to deal with emotionally.

But whatever you decide, you DEFINITELY need TRT.

[guitargoalie]

I think I may be one of the few on this board that opted to not get implants put in. I didn't have any health reasons against it or problems with the actual implants.

It just came down to convenience for me, I've heard they can move around quite about on their own and become uncomfortable. I've heard you also need to pull down on them once a day to keep them from making their way up and causing discomfort. I am fairly active and still play hockey and goof around with a few other sports. I'm a goalie in hockey so I don't miss getting hit in the beans even if they are artificial.

I can't commit so much on dating, I was with a girl during the second I/O and for about 4 months after until she ended up getting plugged by some random dude. After that I ended up being treated for chemo and really didn't pursue dating never mind have anyone knocking down my door while I was that sick for 3-4 months. Now that I'm getting healthy again and my hair is growing back I am feeling a little more like I can go out give dating a try again. I also have a piece of logic for myself, if any woman blows me off simply because I don't have testicles, how true and real is she? Maybe I am totally wrong but I would think for women the testicles have nothing to do with anything "in bed" as long as you have enough testosterone you can do anything that you use to and sometimes more. I am also from the mentality that I rather have a girl with a natural A cup then artificial D's :p

I am what I am.

Not beginning to say anyone who does get them is wrong and not saying that you shouldn't get them, it just all depends on where you are at and how you feel about your disease, your confidence level and outlook on life.

[Kiwi]

.... I've heard they can move around quite about on their own and become uncomfortable. I've heard you also need to pull down on them once a day to keep them from making their way up and causing discomfort. I am fairly active and still play hockey and goof around with a few other sports. I'm a goalie in hockey so I don't miss getting hit in the beans even if they are artificial.


Just wanted to comment here...for anyone that may read the thread...
;)Moving around? --- They have a little bit of movement actually less than the real guys, they are secured to the scrotum to stop them moving upwards.
;)Uncomfortable? at first after the op yes, but really don't notice them now (my partner has commented that can be firmer during some action:))
;)active? more active now, than before they are fine runing and on the bike.
:)need to pull down on them once a day? at first for the first couple of months this was recommended but they are fine now

It is personal choice and like anything there are risks and you could also have a negative experience.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[Marc311978]

Thanks for all the responses everyone. I think at first I am going to not get the prostetics. I am in a committed relationship and my fiance says it will not bother her just as having had only one testicle did not bother her. Hopefully, our relationship will last forever and I will never have to go back to the dating scene again where I might feel more comfortable having prostetics.

I am definitely going to start the testosterone treatment as soon as the doctors at the county hospital allow me to. My appointment is this Tuesday and I hope I don't have to wait too long for all the tests and surgery.

[guitargoalie]

Just wanted to comment here...for anyone that may read the thread...
;)Moving around? --- They have a little bit of movement actually less than the real guys, they are secured to the scrotum to stop them moving upwards.
;)Uncomfortable? at first after the op yes, but really don't notice them now (my partner has commented that can be firmer during some action:))
;)active? more active now, than before they are fine runing and on the bike.
:)need to pull down on them once a day? at first for the first couple of months this was recommended but they are fine now

It is personal choice and like anything there are risks and you could also have a negative experience.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

I didn't mean to come across as saying it was a bad decision or "wrong" to opt for prosthetics. For me It's not physically missing my beans that bothers me, it's just been the actual aspect of having cancer and having to go through 2 and then 3 rounds of chemo. I hope the cancer is behind me now.

Trust me I like to see anyone else who has gone through what all of us have be as happy impossible in life, in fact I think everyone here deserves a little extra in life after being able to fight through this :)

[AdrianE]

Hello,

I had to chime in my two cents on this one, but it seems that I am a bit late and all the good pros and cons have already been weighed! I am a TCx2 as well, and to be honest, the idea of prosthetics has never crossed my mind. Other than when the doctor asked me of course. The idea of putting something foreign into my body, when I was trying to recover from taking something foreign out, seemed to disagree with me.

However, I think that this was my own personal choice. And it was based on where I was at that time in my life. If had been single, maybe I would have thought differently? I'm not sure. If getting prosthetics is something that will make you feel better about the situation, or will help get you on the road to feeling normal again, then by all means go for it.

I mean, you can always change your mind whichever you decide!

Adrian

[Kiwi]

I didn't mean to come across as saying it was a bad decision or "wrong" to opt for prosthetics. :)

Hey mate, I did not read what you said as saying bad or wrong either.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[Kiwi]

[QUOTE=Marc311978;110636].

I am definitely going to start the testosterone treatment as soon as the doctors at the county hospital allow me to. QUOTE]

Hey Marc - Chase this and do not let them delay you, the sooner you get started the better you will feel.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[Andycoles]

Marc,

I've recently lost my other testicle after a second TC occurance earlier this year, so now need testosterone replacement. I was originally told before surgery that I would get a first shot of Sustanon after the surgery, but I was not given anything for the first two weeks. By this time, my testosterone level had dropped down to 6.1, and I fealt like death warmed up :eek:

My suggestion would be to get your testosterone replacement sorted as a priority, because the longer you leave it, the worse you will feel. I'm now on my first shot of Nebido, but it has not improved my feelings of tireness.:(

Andy (New member)

[Marc311978]

Marc,

I've recently lost my other testicle after a second TC occurance earlier this year, so now need testosterone replacement. I was originally told before surgery that I would get a first shot of Sustanon after the surgery, but I was not given anything for the first two weeks. By this time, my testosterone level had dropped down to 6.1, and I fealt like death warmed up :eek:

My suggestion would be to get your testosterone replacement sorted as a priority, because the longer you leave it, the worse you will feel. I'm now on my first shot of Nebido, but it has not improved my feelings of tireness.:(

Andy (New member)

Hi Andy. They finally did my blood work today but I still have no date for surgery yet. Is a testical biopsy standard. I was under the impression it was risky because it could spread the cancer and that orchiectomy was the usual procedure?

[Kiwi]

Andy -- When I started they gave me some gell as well as the injection for the first couple of weeks to kick start the raise in the testosterone. I would go back to the person who fixed up the T for you and get a Testosterne check and ask about optiond for raising the levels quicker.

Marc -- when they talk biopsy, they usually mean run with the orchiectomy but a decision on the removal will be made when the firstly view the testicle and may do some quick pathology before the remove, but confirmation of the type and make up takes a couple of days for pathology. Get the T sorted out soon.


Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[Andycoles]

Marc, you were right. I was put under anaesthetic, the testicle was eased out while still attached, and a frozen section was removed. This was then tested in the lab for signs of a tumour. As nothing obvious was found, it was returned to place, but the section they removed was subjected to more tests. It was during these further tests that the pre-cancerous leasions were found (it was called a pre-cancerous intratubular neoplasia, which is not cancer yet, but will turn into it if not dealt with).

Kiwi, I was told originally that I would be given an injection of Testosterone during the operation to help with my poste-op levels, but for some reason this was not done. I then had to wait to get the injection after I had healed enough to travel to the GPs. After two weeks with ever deceasing T levels, I was almost tearing my hair out :eek:

[Marc311978]

Marc, you were right. I was put under anaesthetic, the testicle was eased out while still attached, and a frozen section was removed. This was then tested in the lab for signs of a tumour. As nothing obvious was found, it was returned to place, but the section they removed was subjected to more tests. It was during these further tests that the pre-cancerous leasions were found (it was called a pre-cancerous intratubular neoplasia, which is not cancer yet, but will turn into it if not dealt with).

Kiwi, I was told originally that I would be given an injection of Testosterone during the operation to help with my poste-op levels, but for some reason this was not done. I then had to wait to get the injection after I had healed enough to travel to the GPs. After two weeks with ever deceasing T levels, I was almost tearing my hair out :eek:

That must of been horrible for them to enter your body in the same place twice? Was the original incision healed before they performed the orchiectomy two months later? I definitely do not want that to happen to me and will tell them just to remove it.

[Marc311978]

Andy -- When I started they gave me some gell as well as the injection for the first couple of weeks to kick start the raise in the testosterone. I would go back to the person who fixed up the T for you and get a Testosterne check and ask about optiond for raising the levels quicker.

Marc -- when they talk biopsy, they usually mean run with the orchiectomy but a decision on the removal will be made when the firstly view the testicle and may do some quick pathology before the remove, but confirmation of the type and make up takes a couple of days for pathology. Get the T sorted out soon.


Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

I have another appointment with them on Nov. 12th right after my CT scan and will definitely mention the Testosterone treatment as soon as possible. They were supposed to have measured my testosterone levels yesterday with the blood sample they took.

[Andycoles]

I found out today that, before I started on the Nebido shots 3 weeks ago, my T level had gone right down to 6.1, but after two weeks on the Nebido, it had gone up slightly to 13.5. Apparently, I am going to need a higher dose of testosterone to make me feel "normal", because the sustanon injections I had previously should have lasted 4 weeks, and only lasted for 2 :confused:. The specialists are now looking into this, and should be able to sort out something to make me feel a bit more normal again, but it all takes time, doesn't it!

I'll let you know how it goes.

[JamesC]

Your one of many posts that say the same thing. These long lasting testosterone injections don't last long. Or at least not as long as they say.

I think your far better off doing 7 to 10 day cycles with Testosterone Cypionate. I would be curious what your doctor says if you ask him/her?

[Jaywillam]

I just recently had the second one removed and I for one did not go with the prosthetics. They seemed like to much of a hassle for something no one sees, and since my fiance likes the smooth look, it seems to be alright. Also I find not having to worry about them getting in the way anymore when riding horseback, among other things, quite refreshing.