Today I finally got up enough nerve to call a local urologist's office and make an appointment. I'm scheduled for next Monday (10/6 @ 2:30pm).

The nurse/receptionist that I talked to, said they don't draw the blood there, but give you an order to take to another facility to get it done. Sounds like a lot of hastle for something simple. She kept insisting that the doctor would have to see me first before they could do anything. I purposely was vague about why I wanted the test. This urologist is one who deals with ED cases, as it turns out. ED is the least of my problems. wish me luck.

Wait until you get the bill for it. This test is way more expensive than it should be.

Kangan (imported) wrote: Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:37 am Today I finally got up enough nerve to call a local urologist's office and make an appointment. I'm scheduled for next Monday (10/6 @ 2:30pm).

The nurse/receptionist that I talked to, said they don't draw the blood there, but give you an order to take to another facility to get it done. Sounds like a lot of hastle for something simple. She kept insisting that the doctor would have to see me first before they could do anything. I purposely was vague about why I wanted the test. This urologist is one who deals with ED cases, as it turns out. ED is the least of my problems. wish me luck.

Kangan-

Also they often won't let you see the result. You could probably insist with a formal letter, otherwise the results just go to your doctor, even though you pay for the test. At least that 's what I went through post vasectomy 15 years ago with planned parenthood. The VA has been real great though, they take all the blood right then and there, no paying off site labs. The funding and treatment is much better at the VA.

chilli-

chilliwilli (imported) wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2008 1:53 am Kangan-

Also they often won't let you see the result. You could probably insist with a formal letter, otherwise the results just go to your doctor, even though you pay for the test. At least that 's what I went through post vasectomy 15 years ago with planned parenthood. The VA has been real great though, they take all the blood right then and there, no paying off site labs. The funding and treatment is much better at the VA.

chilli-

My doctor told me my reading when I had low levels but I don't recall the readking. Apparently, I was sufficiently low that essentially I had nothingl My clinic has its own labs. My insurance covered the test.

I'm still going to make my appointment with my local urologist on Monday, but I have called Dr. Kimmel's office and am waiting for the good doctor to call me back this afternoon. [Do I hear applause in the background?]

Right now, my mind set is that I want the d***ed things off without much further delay. Kimmel has some openings this month and my son has volunteered to drive me there and back and to babysit me at the hotel afterwards, so the trip is much more doable than before.

I still prefer that the local doc to do the job, but I have no idea how he'll react at my exam..Right nut is definitely dead, and the left one is mostly dead - I think. What scares me is how to explain how they got that way.

In this regard, Kimmel is much easier to deal with despite the travel headaches. Also, I want a scotal incision rather than general anesthesia and an inguinal operation. I want to watch!

I'll keep you posted - stay tuned.

Kangan (imported) wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2008 7:10 am What scares me is how to explain how they got that way.

Why explain? Simply say this is what is. Let him puzzle over how it happened. Besides why care about what he thinks of atrophied nuts; his job is only to diagnose and treat to the best level possible? Post surgery, make up a BS story about being out of town and had an accident or a flare up from necrotic tissue, if you must have a story. Or just tell him the truth - if he says anything out of clinic, he's unethical and deserves a medical examiners board complaint.

kristoff wrote: Thu Oct 02, 2008 9:28 am Why explain? Simply say this is what is. Let him puzzle over how it happened. Besides why care about what he thinks of atrophied nuts; his job is only to diagnose and treat to the best level possible? Post surgery, make up a BS story about being out of town and had an accident or a flare up from necrotic tissue, if you must have a story. Or just tell him the truth - if he says anything out of clinic, he's unethical and deserves a medical examiners board complaint.

Thanks, Sister K.

I get my blood work done regularly and insurance pays for the bulk of it. The urologist or endochronologist always sends the sample to the lab for analysis although they draw on site. I have never been sucessful in getting results from the lab but my doctors' office has always been cooperative in providing me with a copy of the results. If a nurse calls with the results about all you will get is they are ok or not. They do not like to give out actual test results although they have at my insistence and request for the Dr. to instruct them to.

Glad you are having the tests done and never be shy about talking with the Dr. about anything or requesting tests. I have had to request additional tests that the Dr. did not specify at times such as Peak and Trough testosterone with Estradiol (E2) and DHEA. Also request total and free testosterone. Good luck and hope the results are favorable.

JLC

Kangan,

When I approached my Urologist for a bilateral orchiectomy I was successful because I was direct, honest, and used medical terms and not cut, castration, nutted, etc. Mine were useless also and beginning to atropy. The Doc did not question me as to why they were not functioning. They just were not and that is where we began discussion of bilateral orchiectomy for the purpose of "Quality of Life" issues. I had composed a letter to him which he read. After a couple of visits to his office to evaluate tests such as sonic, labs, physical exam, etc. he actually asked me what I wanted to do and I suggested removing them. He agreed and in a couple of days they were removed. Don't be bashful about talking with the dr, give him honest information but don't volunteer more than he asks for. If he is a professional he will deal with you in a professional and caring manner. Good luck.

JLC

I just got off the phone with Dr. Kimmel. He sounds elderly, but quite knowlegible about the surgery. I'm still debating about Philadelphia versus a possible local job, Kimmel would be quick and easy except for the journey. I'm dealing with a lot of unknowns if I go with a local doc.