I only got a bilateral orchiectomy. And after having that experience I am absolutely convinced that this is all one should go for at a time. I didn't use any drains or anything. Not being able to walk for me is an awful thing but I did learn all about what's on television these days. (Not much just as in the times of old but different somewhat.) And then there was that swimming pool that I never used and the museum that I couldn't tour. But there was a nice little corner restaurant at Spring Garden.

my surgery included a scrotal reduction/removal. I had no drain and minimal swelling. I guess I was lucky.

I still think that a lot of the result lies with the surgeon. In Phil's case, I think as he said, it was luck and he was young. In my case I had an excellent surgeon who used a drain since I had my scrotum removed also. I never had any swelling or bruising or open wounds and I was back to work in 12 days. Like I have said before, You get what you pay for. It also seems that you always end up paying. It's either pay to do it right or pay to fix a bad job or pay for the extra healing time with lost wages. Like Phil though, some are lucky.

I went back to work six days after my surgery and also had done some more walking than what had been recommended to me afterwards. The time of year may also have something to do with it.

I wouldn't say it was total luck I did adhere to the post op procedures like my life depended on it. I think that had more to do with my good result than luck.

Update for you all...

Hi there, I just received your email message. I'm nearly completely healed from the open incision, but it has taken over a month and a half to heal. And if you consider the time I had the surgery performed, over two and half months of recovery time. If I could go back to the time I had wanted the surgery, I would have done things much differently. At the time, I felt so strongly about getting the surgery.. I didn't spend time researching my options or any other doctors who could've performed the surgery. I just knew that I had wanted it and didn't want anyone but me to decide it was right for me and made a drastic move. It is my opinion the doctor I chose is simply far too old to be in practice. I believe he has the background and knowledge, but lacks the vitality to keep up his business and lets the staff (staff of two others) run things. It feels as if he has little control over things in his office and felt uneasy that the practitioner wasn't 'altogether'. He had told me after the surgery, I would not have any complications.. and then after the incision opened, said it was a rare thing and my body would close the incision in a week or two week's time. All of which did not happen for me. I'm not a doctor and cannot say what he may have done wrong, if anything was done wrong on his part. And everyone's body heals and reacts differently. But I strongly suggest you trust your instincts on this one. He isn't much different in person than over the phone, if y'know what I mean. Also something I wasn't comfortable with is that during the surgery my blood had litterally gotten all over the room. If he needed to slowly reach for something during the surgery (like a tool for instance), he would let blood drip on the floor or on the equipment. He would say his assistant would come in to sterilize everything after the surgery. I can only imagine what a bloody mess everyone who has this surgery leaves behind. Another thing I found strange is that they simply have you sign a waiver and take payment, but did not take any identification. My only advice from all this is.. please carefully consider the surgeon you choose. It may be considered a "minor surgery", but with any surgery there is always Risk! Also make sure the doctor is readibly available and accomidating to any needs you may have or if something is to go wrong. Something else I would like to share is that I do not feel much different physically or mentally after the surgery. Three months post op, I notice little difference in my sex drive, and no real difference in my mental or emotional outlook (and I'm on HRT). Besides some diminshing body hair and softer skin I notice little difference. It's not that I regret this surgery (it has it's benefits, like preventing me from taking certain medications) but it's just that it didn't make much of a difference for me as I thought it would have. And looking back at all I went through (coz it hasn't been easy), I often wonder if it was all worth it. And I realize everyone gets this surgery for different reasons and may have a different experience and body reaction than what I have. Well I wish all the best of luck.. Take Care and tell me how it goes.