prosthetic?

[smoothee]

I am a fairly young guy, still active in the dating scene so lately I've been entertaining the idea of getting a prosthetic implant. I've been reading up on some of the threads on here but I am still unsure as what to do. I know that there are pros and cons to the procedure and many guys are quite satisfied with getting one while others are content with not getting one. I guess the one advantage is that if I am not satisfied with the results that it can always be taken out down the road. I have had a few months to get used to the appearance of just the "one" and really it's not that noticeable most of the time. But as a naturally shy person, it's just the thought of deciding if/when/how explaining this to potential partners. I'm just wondering what others think about implants. And to the guys who have decided to go through with it, which type is most natural, comfortable, etc. Any input on insurance issues and overall satisfaction would be appreciated. Also, where would be the normal point of incision?

Thanks in advance,
Damian

[Paul54]

Hmmmm, let's see, shy but worried about impressions. I'd think your first question might be about the I/O scar. You could always say that it happended during a daring mountain rescue, or something completely macho. All kidding aside, I hope the guys who did opt for a falsely get you the info you need. I don't miss mine, nor does the love goddess.

[smoothee]

Haha, thanks Paul. It's strange but sometimes I worry a little too much about what other people think. I'm hoping that it's something that I will grow out of but who knows :confused:? Regarding the I/O scar, I might just have to use one of your suggestions :D. But if what they say is true that "chicks dig scars" then I should be in pretty good shape.

[Aegletes]

Damian,

I don't know what choices of prostheses are available in Canada so I can only speak from my perspective in the US where, consistent with the choices of TRT, the choices of prostheses are very limited right now. I guess we can't be trusted with choices. :rolleyes: I have Mentor-branded saline-filled prostheses which feel hard, particularly in comparison to real testicles. Silicone prostheses are under trial right now but are not yet generally available. Anyway, the different feel of the artificial testicle takes some getting used to. The good thing is that if dissatisfied with it, you can always have it removed. While surgery is never a welcome thing, it's a short procedure. But you have to be realistic about the end result: it will never be identical in feel to the lost testicle.

There are a couple of reasons why this may present less of a problem for TC 2x-ers like me than it would for "uni-ballers" like you and most of the guys here: (A) having no testicles at all is, from an emotional point of view, much harder to accept than having one and (B) having two unnatural-feeling testicles which nevertheless match each other is probably easier to get used to than having one real and therefore natural-feeling testicle and one artificial, and therefore less natural-feeling, testicle. I suppose the only men who could really provide a meaningful opinion regarding point (B) would be those men who had one prosthesis implanted after each of two primary tumors. While prostheses come in different sizes and so can be paired with the real testicle with respect to size, they won't quite match the "feel" of the real testicle.

As for how prostheses are implanted, if done at the same time as the IO, they are implanted through the IO incision. This has the frequent effect of resulting in a position that is higher than the natural testicle. Prostheses are usually anchored to the inside of the scrotum and, because of the location of the IO incision itself, this often means that the anchor point will be higher up in the scrotum than the position of the lost testicle.

Since you are thinking of having a prosthesis implanted after the IO surgery, much depends on the discussion with the urologist. In my own case, my right prosthesis was implant using a hemiscrotal incision because there was too much scar tissue from the IO incision, twelve years having elapsed and that IO so many years ago having had some post-operative complications. While my original implantation was not successful, I had surgery more recently to reposition the prosthesis again using a scrotal incision and that made it much easier for the urologist to position the prosthesis in a more natural-feeling location in the scrotum. So my scrotally-implanted prosthesis sits much more naturally in the scrotum than the inguinally-implanted one.

The downside to scrotal incisions is that they are, in my experience, far more painful than inguinal incisions and take more time to recover from. Even now, almost two months after my last scrotal surgery, the incision still hurts. This subsides in time but more slowly than the inguinal one.

Sorry for the long reply but there are many things for you to consider and to discuss with your doctor. Hopefully this reply helps.

Alex

[Aegletes]

Haha, thanks Paul. It's strange but sometimes I worry a little too much about what other people think. I'm hoping that it's something that I will grow out of but who knows :confused:? Regarding the I/O scar, I might just have to use one of your suggestions :D. But if what they say is true that "chicks dig scars" then I should be in pretty good shape.

Well, regarding the self-image side of things, I lived for twelve years with only one testicle (before TC paid a repeat visit) and after a year or two from the first IO, I became quite used to the single testicle. Sure it was lonely but it had more room "down there." I was single at the time of my IO and I had many of the same concerns as you did and often found myself explaining the situation when things would get to that point. It could be something of a mood killer unless the partner knows enough about you not to be surprised.

[Jay68442]

I’ve been a uni-baller for 20 years now. I was 16 when I lost lefty. In the beginning I had many of the same feelings with regard to confidence and concern with how I would be viewed. I always had an uncomfortable feeling when I would become intermit with someone new for the first time. Only the girls I had real feelings for did I tell them ahead of time about cancer and the fact that I only had one. The rest well they weren’t around long enough for me to know how they really felt about it. :) If I had to do it over again I would probably opt of a prosthetic just to avoid those uncomfortable feelings. But it has been so long for me I really have no idea what it was like to have two. One last note. Since I started cycling I’m kind of glad I have a little extra room down there. :D

LiveStrong
Jason

[jonwil]

Haha, thanks Paul. It's strange but sometimes I worry a little too much about what other people think. I'm hoping that it's something that I will grow out of but who knows :confused:? Regarding the I/O scar, I might just have to use one of your suggestions :D. But if what they say is true that "chicks dig scars" then I should be in pretty good shape.

Based on my experience they do!:D:D My dentist told me he used to say he only had one as a chat up line even though he had two! I won't put in the rest of his comments as they are XXX.

On a more serious point. I've not had a prostheses but my I/O was carried out in the same place as an operation I had 30 years earlier, so no noticable new scar. At the time it seemed to work out fine as I had very little pain after the I/O - didn't need the famous bag of peas or pain killers. Six months on from the I/O I'm now in considerable pain and this is being put down to the I/O having been performed on old scar tissue and taking much longer to heal - plus being 30 years older - not a problem you should encounter.

Jon

[smoothee]

Thanks guys for your responses. Your willingness to share experiences and offer advice never ceases to amaze me. I really appreciate and respect your knowledge and opinions.
There are definately a lot of things to consider when making this decision and to be honest I'm in no rush to go under the knife again. I intend on discussing this issue with my urologist in the coming year. This is not a decison I want to rush. With regards to self-image issues, it is very reassuring that a lot of you guys have gone on to live normal happy lives. My mom always told me I was unique and now I guess she's right :D.

I'm sure one day they'll figure out a non-invasive way of performing this procedure and maybe develop a new technology for the implant itself :cool:. Thanks again guys,

Damian

[Paul54]

You could always say that it happended during a daring mountain rescue, or something completely macho.

.......
Bike accident trying too hard to make the Tour de France team
Making the winning goal that got you into the World Cup
Stanley Cup playoffs
Defending the Princess of Canada from knife-wielding thugs.

OK, so you could get away with the last one only in the States. I'd be impressed. President Bush would send you a medal.

[smoothee]

.......
Bike accident trying too hard to make the Tour de France team
Making the winning goal that got you into the World Cup
Stanley Cup playoffs
Defending the Princess of Canada from knife-wielding thugs.


Paul,

Lol, Why do I get the feeling that you have used some of these yourself? ;)

But the Stanley Cup playoffs suggestion just might work. You all know how much we Canadians love our hockey :D.

[dmann999]

Ok... the only thing not here at this point is a woman's point of view.......

If the girl is worth keeping, she won't really care if there is one or two or none.......... that does not define you as a man from a woman's perspective.

Just wanted you to consider everthing ::rolleyes:

[smoothee]

Thanks Dawn, I'm glad you chimed in on this discussion :D. A woman's point of view is obviously very important to me in this situation. Just one more thing to add to my already long list of things to consider. But may I say I think this one is near the top of that list.

[ukboyuk]

I think the main reason is whatever makes you happy. Whilst it is nice to not have to explain to every new partner, I prefer to have a prosthesis for reconstructive/prosthetic reasons, so that I still feel as "complete" as possible.

[Neon]

Speaking from experience, I haven't minded having just the one. Its a comfort thing....clothes fit better, no more having "the boys' jockying for position. :rolleyes:

Then again, I'm a married guy, whose wife has been terribly understanding through the whole thing, so I've never had to explain my missing junk to anyone.

Good luck whichever way you decide. I'm happy with one, never looked back.

[smoothee]

Thanks again for all of your input everyone. I still have a lot of questions to ask myself and have to try and understand my own reasoning for considering an implant in the first place. Maybe I should just flip a coin and be done with it. :rolleyes:

[ukboyuk]

Here's another option - you know, you could just keep going the way you are. You can always change your mind, even a year or two later.

[smoothee]

Yeah that is the way I am leaning right now. Like I said, I am in no rush here and maybe if I give it some more time the self confidence issues may improve. As far as the dating goes, thank god for alcohol!!:cool:

Oh yeah, before I forget, for you guys who have elected to have prosthetic(s) did your insurance cover any or all of it or is it considered "cosmetic?" I'm not sure how it works here in Canada but I assume that it would be similar to you guys in the US.

Thanks again,
Damian

[Aegletes]

This being the US, the insurance coverage varies from carrier to carrier and so is probably not very indicative of what you might encounter, Damian. That said, having prostheses implanted at the time of the IO was a non-issue, the procedure and devices being covered under my standard policy. I subsequently had one of the prostheses repositioned and that too was fully covered.

[Kiwi]

Hey Damian

With my first TC I asked about a prostheses but was really talked around it by my Urologist (reasoning I was in my id 30;s, married and at that time they were more likely prone to infection) . Yip having one did not really bother me but deep down I really wanted one, just for me really. Also I am not really too shy about my body though.

I was actually going to pursue this with my Urologist this year (7 years on) but the TC 2 came along for me straight away I was going to have those new boys. The discussions with both my GP and urologist (along with some other reading that I did) were consistent in that prostheses were now more routine to be offered than they were 7 years ago. The main reasoning for this was for the now recognized benefits for improved mental well-being.

With the Second TC this year I got the two new boys, the right one used my original incision site without a problem. My Uro did say that they avoid cutting the scrotum as much as possible as it does not have great repair capabilities.

With the Prostheses we discussed, looked and handled two models and also size options. The ones I have a Silicon (not available in the US) – more information here from the manufacturers http://www.promedon.com/promedon/index/module,text_seccion/code,cance11/title,cancer/

I am fairly sure they feel firmer in than when I handled them leading to the op, but I am going to ask to handle one when I see the Uro in Jan.

I have been very happy with them but the left one (the side of my TC2) took longer to settle down than the right that I had removed 7 years ago.

Hope this helps n some way.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[smoothee]

Thanks Kiwi, it indeed helps. I'm trying to be like a sponge right now and every bit of info or every experience or opinion I can soak up the better. It seems to me that the silicon model would be the more realisitic but I don't know if they will be available here in the near future or not. By the way, it is good to hear that you have been happy with your decision and results.

[Kiwi]

I forgot to say that while they are silicone they are supposed to be quite different that the silicon chick bits that they had problems with a few years ago.

But the word ‘silicon’ may be the main reason why they are unavailable in the US.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[ukboyuk]

Kiwi, sounds like you have one of the newer "solid silicone" that are also now available in the US. And you are correct, the traditional silicone are not available in the US. Probably due to fear of litigation or some political reason, even though there is no solid evidence to suggest they are "dangerous".

[Kiwi]

My boys (or the ones known as Pamela (Anderson) and Dolly (Parton)) are described as being 'made of elastomer of low hardness silicone'. The Doc said he had used these for a number of years.

Any way they can be a good conversation piece especially to wind up some people I have said that I run a risk of an explosion if I am exposed to too much pressure.:eek:

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[smoothee]

Happy Holidays everyone,

I was just watching the bit on CNN about Lance expecting and for some reason a random thought entered my mind. I'm curious if Lance (or any other TC high profilers; Kessel, Lowell, etc.) had elected to go with a prosthetic.

Damian

[ukboyuk]

I have read conflicting information on Lance so no idea. Maybe someone on the forum could ask him at the next Livestrong event? :D

Can't tell from looking either! http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i307/not_kosher/packages_armstrong.jpg

[smoothee]

Haha, now there's an idea.

[Aegletes]

Not much left to the imagination in that photo. I've read his autobiography and don't recall any reference to a prosthesis in it. It's a thorough view into his treatment - which was extensive to say the least - so I'm inclined to think he did not get one, at least at the time of his diagnosis. Besides, Lance was diagnosed and operated on in the same month (October 1996) as I was for my first TC and at that time, prostheses were practically impossible to obtain in the United States.

[smoothee]

I was thinking the same thing, seems like a ballsy move to me :D. I've been trying to read up on Lance's story and I've never heard any mention of a prosthetic either so I just assumed that he hadn't elected for one. Obviously, for a case of his magnitude, survival was his main priority. Also, that's a good point you raise Alex about the availability of a prosthetic at the time of his diagnosis.

[ukboyuk]

Apparently he was interviewed by Playboy:

PLAYBOY: After you lose a testicle, does the other one stay where it was or does it move to the middle? ARMSTRONG:: It stays. Mine stayed left. You also produce less testosterone. The one that remains picks up a bit of the slack for his buddy who's gone, but not all of it. Since 1996 I've had chronically low testosterone, and I can't do anything about it. PLAYBOY: It's a banned substance. You couldn't race if you replaced the testosterone you lost.ARMSTRONG:: I have to wait until I retire. It's not a question of being manly or being a sexual god, but I worry about osteoporosis. Chronically low testosterone leads to brittle bones.PLAYBOY: Does it affect your sex drive?ARMSTRONG:: [Smiling] Not yet.

I would guess from this interview that he has only the remaining nut in the sack and no prosthesis.

[smoothee]

Haha, nice work Chris buddy!!

[Kiwi]

You could have a look at this. I am sure it will raise some further discussion

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/forums/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/34767/page/0

Cheers

[smoothee]

Thanks Kiwi, another interesting article.

[JamesC]

I wanted to put in a good word for the "appliances" that I have. AART in Nevada. A Urologist who is also a cosmetic surgeon tuned me into them. They come in normal adult sizes which was a big plus. Who wants a "small" implant? And they are solid silicone so nothing to break open or leak. Before my orchiectomy I was able to give a sample device a once over and test squeeze it. I think they are worth checking out.

Insurance covered them btw.

[smoothee]

Thanks James, that is something I will keep in mind. As of now I am still on the fence.

[Physast]

Just wanted to chime in. When I had my IO the surgeon, which was my doctor never asked me about a falsely. I was in shock about the whole cancer thing and it never crossed my mind. At the time I was just wanted the bad one out as soon as possible (didn't want the bad nut to have any influence over the good one).

I just hit my year mark and to be honest I don't miss it. I have been told that I don't look like a monster and actually it's not easy to tell unless you are specifically looking that it is gone.

That being said, every time I take a shower I am always reminded about my cancer. It's hard not to with only one friend to wash. Maybe having a falsely would keep that demon at bay. I have given this a lot of thought and I came to the conclusion that for me I am happy with just one.

For me I feel like, while I only have one at least it is mine. Even though I am reminded everyday in the shower I think I made the right choice.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Either way it will be what you want and therefor will be the right choice.

[Aegletes]

(...)
That being said, every time I take a shower I am always reminded about my cancer. It's hard not to with only one friend to wash.(...)

That feeling will pass. I felt much the same way a year or two after my first diagnosis. However, after a few years, having one testicle seemed perfectly normal. Well, normal for me. I still wonder if maybe I should have not bothered with prostheses when I was diagnosed with TC2 but figured why not. I've had to find roomier underwear for one. But, like all things, we each get used to the new normal in time. You probably won't be any different and before long you won't even give it a second thought.

[Chris'Mom]

I just happend to catch this post...hope it helps..my son Chris had an implant last week...and seems to be doing great....three years after his cancer diagnosis...he never seemed to want one, then a friend at College told him he had one from a football injury and was glad he did it..so it must have made Chris think....they went in from the old I/O incision, his surgery took only 45 minutes with a urologist....no problems....and he claims it is staying in place pretty good....he is glad he did it...it is a saline one...and the urologist said it willnot exactly be the same size as his other one...but chris seems pleased....hope that helps...Mary Ellen

[Kiwi]

Hey Team,

With the first IO 7 years prior I ask for one but was a lets review it latter and the Uro did not really want to do it. Then I was ok with one and it was not really a problem and having one is no big deal.

Like Alex with number two I needed something and got the 2 new boyz. Deep down I always wanted one, and for me I do feel better with one, I really think especially for younger guys that are still finding themselves and partners they would be a big asset with a positive spin.

Any way I am rapped with Dolly and Pamela.

Cheers

Kiwi :) :)

[smoothee]

Thanks again everyone.


Just wanted to chime in. When I had my IO the surgeon, which was my doctor never asked me about a falsely. I was in shock about the whole cancer thing and it never crossed my mind. At the time I was just wanted the bad one out as soon as possible (didn't want the bad nut to have any influence over the good one).


That is exactly how my experience was. The timeframe between TC being mentioned by my Urologist until the time of the actual I/O was only a matter of a couple of days. I didn't even have a chance to think about the possibility of a prosthetic. To be honest, at that time I really didn't know that a prosthetic was even an option. Obviously my main priority was getting the bad one out especially due to the excruciating pain that it was causing.



I just hit my year mark and to be honest I don't miss it. I have been told that I don't look like a monster and actually it's not easy to tell unless you are specifically looking that it is gone.

Good to know :D. As time goes on, I must admit it's not as big a deal as it was immediately post I/O. I do plan on discussing the issue with my Onc during my next follow-up in March though. I figure that it won't do any harm, maybe she could offer some advice, options etc.

[JamesC]

I talked to my GP about this and she (I think) gave me the best advise. People all have "some" body image problems. Women in general are more worried about how they look and thus they have more cosmetic surgery to fix things like saggy breasts etc. Is there anything wrong with wanting to look better? No. Men are not as tuned into this and thus are not doing this as much but is it valid to want to have testicular implants? Of course. But only if you (YOU) want them. If your doing it because of what you think someone else will say then this is probably not a good reason.

Some people will say "Who will notice? Who cares?" Thats the wrong question I think. YOU will know. Do YOU care? If not? No prob...

I thought about this and also what was available. I wasn't keen on the Saline Filled Mentor devices. They really are like hard superballs and at least I wanted a good simulation. As I'm a 2Xer they only had to be close however. The other consideration for me was the size. Who wants to have small testicles (Natal or Implants?) Since I was getting "new" ones I felt why not get a pair that would be more ahhh.... "healthy" looking. And while they do make King Kong sized ones (Silimed and AART) I went for just the slightly above average 31mL units.

My wife was pretty fine with me doing none but when I told her that for me I wanted to do this she was very happy with the large set I selected. Is it a big deal? To me it was / is but I understand its not the end of the world if you don't. If you go for implants remember there can be a plus to it. Although I would not go "Pamala Anderson" and get giganto ones. Unless your really well endowed of course!

[Aegletes]

(...)If you go for implants remember there can be a plus to it. Although I would not go "Pamala Anderson" and get giganto ones. Unless your really well endowed of course!

Reading this post, I was thinking the same thing all along: the downside to big prostheses is that other things look smaller in comparison. That said, I'll never forget discussing my TC2 surgery with my urologist and asking him about sizing of the prostheses. "I ordered large. I didn't want to insult you." was his response. Nice doc.

[racerxx]

When my urologist asked about an implant as he was booking the I/O, he mentioned virtually all of his patients had one and so far no issues... When I asked about sports injuries or other risks with it splitting he said if I'm gonna smash myself down there I'm better off hitting the implant than the real nut anyway. In the end I figured why not and told him put one in if conditions seemed ok during op, which he did.

It is silicone and at the beginning it felt identical to the real one and although after 40-45 days it's gotten a bit harder I have no complaints so far. I definitely think psychologically it does help a little bit that things look & feel the same down there and I am not constantly reminded of the big C word.