Unexplained Pain in Testicles and Groin – Seeking Guidance After Medical Visits
Hello everyone, I’m a 41-year-old male, standing at 5’11” and weighing 185 pounds. I don't smoke, and I've been managing my pain with Oxycodone as necessary, in addition to taking antibiotics for what might be an infection. I’m reaching out for help or insights from medical professionals or anyone who has faced similar experiences, as I'm feeling quite lost. Currently, I’m on the seventh day of experiencing this pain. Here’s a brief summary of my situation: 1. The pain initially struck suddenly, starting as intense discomfort in my left testicle, prompting me to rush to the emergency room immediately. 2. In the ER, doctors conducted a CT scan with contrast and an ultrasound, both of which showed no abnormalities. The blood circulation was normal, and they ruled out testicular torsion. 3. The attending ER physician speculated that my testicle might have rotated and subsequently repositioned itself, or possibly be infected (although I didn’t note the precise terminology used). 4. Following this, the urologist referred me to the surgeon who performed my inguinal hernia repair in 2023 to investigate any potential complications related to the mesh. 5. Ultimately, neither specialist identified any issues, but the painful sensations persist, and at times, they become so severe that walking is a struggle. I continue to experience this discomfort without a clear diagnosis. The pain primarily resides in my testicle and groin area, compounded by a background of hernia repair that involved mesh. Additionally, my white blood cell count was elevated, leading me to suspect a possible infection. Has anyone else encountered a situation like this? Could it be related to the mesh, nerve damage, or perhaps another underlying condition? I’m grateful for any insights or suggestions you might have, as I'm unsure how to proceed from here.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 11:10:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel lost and frustrated when dealing with persistent pain, especially after seeking medical evaluations with no clear diagnosis. You've displayed great attention to your health, and it's important to navigate this situation carefully.
Summary of Main Points:
- You've experienced unexplained pain in your testicles and groin for over a week, following specific events and medical evaluations.
- Tests ruled out serious issues like torsion and indicated no abnormalities.
- You're left with ongoing pain and concerns about potential infection or complications related to past surgery.
Explanation:
The pain you're experiencing could arise from various sources. Given your history of inguinal hernia repair with mesh, it's possible that adhesions (scar tissues) or nerve irritation related to the surgery might be contributing factors. Additionally, elevated white blood cell counts might suggest an underlying infection or inflammation, even if specific infections weren't confirmed during diagnostics.
Pain in this area can be complex and may not always pinpoint a single cause, especially if initial tests appear normal. Nerve-related pain, which can occur post-surgery, doesn't always show up clearly on scans.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: Continue to manage your pain with Oxycodone as prescribed, but consider discussing with your doctor about a schedule or alternative options (like NSAIDs if appropriate) to help reduce reliance on opioids.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting the nature of the pain (sharp, dull, constant, intermittent), activities that trigger it, and other accompanying symptoms. This record can be valuable for any future assessments.
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Consultation with Specialists:
- Pain Management Specialist: If symptoms persist without a clear diagnosis, a pain specialist may explore nerve-related issues or other chronic pain syndromes.
- Urologist Follow-Up: Consider a follow-up appointment with your urologist or a different urologist specializing in chronic testicular pain. Make sure to discuss the possibility of nerve-related pain if applicable.
- General Practitioner: A thorough check can help explore potential systemic issues that might lead to elevated white blood cell counts.
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Self-Care Strategies:
- Ice Packs: Use cold compresses on the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Avoid Strain: Take care to avoid heavy lifting or straining that could exacerbate discomfort during this period.
If you experience any new symptoms—such as fever, severe swelling, or changes in bowel or urinary patterns—reach out for medical help immediately. Remember, you're not alone in this, and persistent advocacy for your health is essential. Don’t hesitate to raise your concerns with healthcare providers until you feel satisfied with the approach taken.
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