OpenHealth Q&A

Complications from a Surgery Gone Wrong

A month ago, at the age of 26, I underwent a procedure to have a mole removed from my upper left scrotum, which turned out to be a grave mistake. The plastic surgeon marked a small area around the mole—just half an inch by a quarter inch—and injected 5ml of lidocaine into my left testicle. Almost instantly, a large bruise developed, and when I inquired about it, the nurse assured me that it was normal. However, I was alarmed by the dramatic swelling that made my testicle appear three to four times its normal size. Feeling uneasy, I decided to abort the procedure, but the doctor and nurse were uncooperative. The doctor informed me that he wouldn’t see me again, while the nurse discharged me without any aftercare information. I acknowledge that I might have made some errors in judgment, but I firmly believe that the primary blame lies with the surgeon. It seemed either he lacked competence or acted with malice—especially given the unprofessional demeanor they displayed. The nurse even picked up a pen from the floor, neglecting basic hygiene protocols. Additionally, the doctor expressed frustration about my missed appointments, suggesting I was a nuisance. Following this incident, I began facing various complications. My left testicle swelled alarmingly, accompanied by severe bruising and persistent pain. While the swelling from the lidocaine injection subsided in a day or two, I later regretted not seeking emergency treatment to have the fluid or possible clot drained. Unfortunately, I received no guidance from the staff about follow-up care, and I was reluctant to return to the same hospital where I felt I’d been inadequately treated. Over the next few weeks, the bruising gradually faded, but I noticed troubling changes in my left testicle. It began to develop pronounced purple veins visible through the skin, which took on a yellowish hue. To my dismay, I discovered a significant varicocele on that side, something I had never experienced before. Eventually, I sought urgent care at a different hospital where they performed an ultrasound, which confirmed the presence of a varicocele on both sides. It was even noted that my right testicle was surrounded by fluid, though I wasn’t clear on the implications. The initial doctor at the second hospital lacked professionalism and made inappropriate comments about my condition. He insinuated that my symptoms were merely psychological. Despite that, he did order the ultrasound. I later consulted a Primary Care Provider at the same hospital, who echoed similar sentiments, implying that my issues were self-inflicted and would resolve on their own—completely overlooking the fact that varicoceles do not typically improve without intervention. She even suggested waiting several months before considering a referral to a urologist, which felt utterly unreasonable. Yesterday, I returned to urgent care and fortunately spoke to a more empathetic doctor who referred me to a urologist. However, I learned that the clinic was fully booked until mid-October, which was disheartening. Given the pain from the large varicocele and the visible changes to my scrotum, I’m struggling to manage. The discomfort is debilitating, making daily activities incredibly challenging. At night, the pressure becomes unbearable, often bringing me to tears. There’s a looming sense of urgency regarding the potential complications from my previous surgery. I can't shake the fear that I might lose functionality or that my condition may worsen as I wait for the necessary attention. This situation has also severely impacted my mental health, sex drive, and overall well-being, likely linked to concerns over my testosterone levels and sperm count. Is it advisable for me to explore alternative urology clinics to see if I can secure an earlier appointment? Navigating the healthcare system, particularly in America, feels daunting, especially since obtaining a timely referral seems improbable. It’s frustrating not to be taken seriously regarding my symptoms, particularly since none of my doctors have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, especially because I am not currently focused on conceiving a child, though it’s a future consideration. They won’t even conduct tests until I’ve seen a urologist, which feels ludicrous given my circumstances. I’m eager to find out how I can expedite my access to urology care. If anyone knows of any qualified professionals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or elsewhere in the Midwest—or even broader across the USA—who would be willing to assist me and accept Medicaid, your guidance would be greatly appreciated. I’m feeling desperate, and any support would mean the world to me.

Answers (1)

8/22/2025, 9:52:28 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you've faced following your surgery. It sounds like a distressing situation, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed given the physical symptoms and the challenges in navigating your healthcare needs. Here’s a structured response to help you address your concerns:

Main Points:

1. Your Symptoms are Significant: The pain and changes in your testicle, including the varicocele and swelling, warrant thorough evaluation and timely care.
2. Seeking Earlier Urology Care: Exploring additional urology clinics for expedited appointments is a wise step, especially given your current discomfort and the urgency you feel.

Explanation:

It appears that you are dealing with complications following your surgery, including a varicocele, which can lead to discomfort and potentially impact fertility in the long term. Given the symptoms you're experiencing—persistent pain, swelling, and visible changes—it's crucial to have these issues properly evaluated by a urologist as soon as possible.

You're right to consider alternative urology clinics. Many facilities may have different appointment availability or offer walk-in services that might better accommodate your urgent needs. Furthermore, while it's frustrating that some healthcare providers haven't taken your concerns seriously, your symptoms are valid, and seeking a second opinion, especially at a urology-specific clinic, is within your rights as a patient.

Next Steps:

1. Search for Urology Clinics:

   • Look for urology clinics in your area using online resources like Healthgrades or Zocdoc. You can filter for providers who accept Medicaid.
   • Call multiple clinics to inquire about their wait times for appointments. Let them know it's urgent due to pain and discomfort.

2. Consider Urgent Care Options:

   • If the pain becomes unbearable or you notice new troubling symptoms, return to urgent care or an emergency department, emphasizing your prior surgery and current symptoms. This may expedite a referral.

3. Request Patient Advocacy:

   • If possible, ask to speak with a patient advocate at the facilities you visit. They can help you navigate the system and express the urgency of your situation to the healthcare teams.

4. Document Everything:

   • Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including pain severity, any changes in your condition, and interactions with healthcare providers. This information can be helpful during consultations.

5. Reach Out for Support:

   • Consider discussing your feelings and mental health concerns with a therapist or counselor, as this can provide emotional relief during this challenging time.

Your well-being and peace of mind are important, so taking these actions toward securing timely care is crucial. You deserve compassionate and responsive medical support, and I hope you find it soon. If you have any further questions or need more specific resources, feel free to ask.