Hydrocele - Advice would be appreciated.

[ColourfulPainting]

Hi everyone,

First post here. I'm seeking some advice from anyone that's ever had experience with a hydrocele in their testicle sac.

The cold spell in December last year I was on a training course out in a field for 2 weeks, it was minus 5° c so naturally my body was frozen to the bone all day until I got home and into a hot shower. One night I came in and discovered my right testical was enlarged. Fearing the worst I obviously contacted the GP and got an appointment the next day. At the appointment the GP felt the area and was confident it was just a hydrocele, but wanted to send me for an ultrasound as he couldn't fully feel my right testicle, and wanted to rule out anything sinister.

He informed me that this will be an urgent scan as he could see how worried I was - NHS considers urgent 2-4 weeks so naturally I convinced myself in the couple days after I was going to die, so decided to pay for a private ultrasound which was done the same day.

The scan confirmed a medium to moderate hydrocele measuring at 36ml and no cancer/cysts/enlarged tubes. I spoke with the NHS GP who stated I must still go for the NHS scan as they'll remove me and put me to the back of the list to see a urologist for a consult and potential surgery down the line. I did attend the NHS scan and was at ease mentally knowing it wasn't anything serious.

After the scan the NHS sent me an appointment to see the urology department on September 25th '23. I was disappointed for the 9 month wait but appreciate the strain they're under currently.

I had just learned to live with the slight discomfort and continued my life as normal up until the end of June. I was having a really discomfortable drive home and when I checked my testicle, the size of the fluid had increased to roughly double it was prior. Obviously the panic sirens went off again (I'm not mentally strong when it comes to health issues) and I tried to book an appointment with my GP. They are almost always fully booked out and I was unable to get one after a few days of trying, so I decided to again go private for a consult with a urologist surgeon.

I was seen the day after my call and the Dr accessed me fully. He stated whilst yes, it most likely has gotten bigger and is now causing more discomfort for me, he is not immediately concerned and told me I should save my money paying for surgery and wait for the NHS as they may have a surgery date quicker than I think. But of course if I would like it done sooner, he would be more than happy to book me in. He told me to take a few days to make a decision.

After a few days I rung the NHS hospital to query about surgery date estimates - they informed me due to the current strain and backlog, it would be a miracle if I recieved an appointment within a year. Again, I appreciate the NHS and strain they're under, so I am not mad or angry with them.

After this I made the decision to book privately. My surgery date is 8th September '23, so a little over a month away. The reason for this post is to hopefully get reassuring advice from someone other than my partner, who is 6 months pregnant and most likely feeling the stress I feel I'm constantly putting her under with my worries. I want to believe the doctor when he tells me it's fine, but every time I feel discomfort or a shooting pain, I panic and convince myself it's not fine.

The shooting pains I feel are from when I've been sat driving for long periods normally. I can't wear comfy loose joggers to work, so my cargos are quite restricting. I'm hoping this is just where the fluid is increased in size and potentially pushing on my nerves, causing the sharp pains? Someone mentioned testicular torsion to me but also stated that I would 100% be in agony if that was the case. I am debating on going for another ultrasound for piece of mind until my surgery.

Maybe no one has had experience to this level and can't offer me advice. I have rambled on, and to be honest, writing this all down has made me feel a little less alone and a little better.

Thank you for reading this. I do appreciate it.

[jaglad]

I was diagnosed with mild hydrocele earlier this year. My problem sound a lot less worrying than yours and I have been advised that it is nothing to be concerned about at this time.

It doesn't really bother me so I am living with it. The shooting pains you describe from when you have been driving for long periods sounds similar to an issue I had, but that was years ago and stopped when I changed jobs but then reappeared when another job involved lifting and stretching. Again no issue now.

You may be over thinking things and it does sound like your Doc' has things under control but if going Private puts your mind at ease and you can afford, go for it. If they do find something you can always take that info' back to your GP who may refer you somewhere else.