I GOT A DATE!!!! (Finally)

[WheelyCurious]

Was able to reach the urology nurse, and looks like I can skip most of the tests she had ordered as I'd had the same ones not long ago as part of my annual physical... Only one that I think I probably should do is another urine culture since being a para means I'm normally colonized...

Still haven't been able to reach the Pre-Procedure people.... left a message, but they haven't returned the call...

WheelyCurious

[Paolo]

Your appointment is at 5...

"When do you close?"

5!

[WheelyCurious]

I kept getting voice mail when I called the Pre-Procedure people, and not getting the promised call-back, so this morning I called the hospital "Patient Advocacy" dept. and complained to them... Sure enough, I got a call back earlier this afternoon to reschedule the date... I now have a date for the call at 3:45 on Tuesday next week...

Amazing how escalating a problem can get it fixed...

I also commented on the call schedule and announced closing time, and the guy on the phone agreed it sounded odd, but that in practice the nurses that actually make the calls work until around 7PM, it is only the line to the call scheduling folks that shuts down at 5PM...

So slightly more progress....

The other minor amusement for today is that I am one of the "Tool Testers" at the maker-space, which means I do basic competency tests for people that want to be approved to use the manual mills and lathes (which we require for safety reasons)

I always emphasize that when not actually in use, one should either remove or reverse the handle that adjusts the knee height.... My line for this is "Save your Balls" which always gets a grin and instant understanding (find a picture of a Bridgeport if you don't know what I'm talking about!) Usually if the user has had much practice on a Bridgeport or similar knee mill, they know this from personal experience - those handles are LETHAL, and are out to get anyone walking near the mill... Not sure what to tell female students, perhaps that the handle is a lousy sex toy?

WheelyCurious

[Hash (imported)]

Hey, there was a guy some time ago who had a similar issue with his penis. It was useless and thin, he got a penectomy and orchiectomy but kept the tip or glans of his penis. The surgeon fastened the glans a little lower down, sort of where his scrotum used to be, which made urination easy. Maybe something like that would work for you. You never know unless you ask.

[WheelyCurious]

Hey, there was a guy some time ago who had a similar issue with his penis. It was useless and thin, he got a penectomy and orchiectomy but kept the tip or glans of his penis. The surgeon fastened the glans a little lower down, sort of where his scrotum used to be, which made urination easy. Maybe something like that would work for you. You never know unless you ask.

The issue with what you suggest, (thanks for the thought!) is that I CAN'T urinate voluntarily at all, except for undesired leakage... (This is typical of SCI patients, because of the lack of nerve communication w/ the brain) I have to do intermittent catheterizing where I have to shove a hose up my several times a day...

This is MUCH harder to do for females than males to the point where many actually go to indwelling catheters.

I have a female friend w/ a similar level SCI, and she

jokes that the only time she has ever experience

d "Penis Envy" was when she landed in rehab a

fter getting hurt... She described it as when the nurse comes in w/ a catheter kit and a mirror and says it is time for lessons on how to...

The illustrated instruction manuals you find from the catheter companies for guys basically seem to assume 'average' size and step one is basically to get a 'wanking grip'.... Because my injury is non-traumatic to the lower motor neurons, as opposed to the more common traumatic sort, I slowly lost the ability to get ANY erection, which has led to shrinkage to about pre-puberty size, and mostly almost 'buried'... I have trouble dragging it out far enough to clean the glans and stick the catheter in. A penectomy, especially with a re-route would make it MUCH more difficult to even get to the needed spot...

I'm hoping that in addition to making sitting a lot more comfortable, the surgery to get rid of the scrotum will improve access to what I have left... At least this what I'm asking the doc to do for me.

WheelyCurious

[WheelyCurious]

Had the call today from the "Pre-procedure department nurse... Not a big deal, mostly went over meds and such w/ instructions on what not to take when and what to bring / not bring, and so on... Pretty much routine stuff that I'd have expected from most any medical procedure...

It's getting closer....

WheelyCurious

[spookibus (imported)]

I've followed your journey with interest since you joined the forum last year. I'm happy you're finally set to get what you've wanted.

[WheelyCurious]

I've followed your journey with interest since you joined the forum last year. I'm happy you're finally set to get what you've wanted.

Thanks... It's sort of a weird headspace being in this final countdown mode, especially when I go to cath and haul things out knowing it will only happen a few more times... Sort of a mix of scary and happy anticipation, mixed in with knowing that I'm going to have to figure out some new techniques...

Right now the sack and balls do a combination task of holding my underwear out of the way, and as paperweights to hold the underpad I use to keep my clothing clean and give a more sanitary work space, as well as some of the other supplies - about all they are good for... Once they are gone I'll have to figure out some new methods... It will be worth it though....

WheelyCurious

[WheelyCurious]

Getting closer and closer - Today I had to start using the special soap for showering that they want me to use for three days before the procedure... (My GF had to use the same stuff getting ready for her carpal tunnel surgery FWIW)

Definitely a strange headspace to be in knowing that every time I have to handle my balls that it is only a few more times that I'll be able to do so.... I want them gone, but at the same time I'm sort of going to miss them...

WheelyCountingDown.....

[sftineun (imported)]

All the best to your upcoming procedures.