My 6 year old son was diagnosed with a hydrocele last year. His pediatrician has watched it for a year and decided it ws time to see the specialist. Does anyone have any experience with this?
My son had surgery for it when he was an infant. I still don't really know what it is.
See the specialist as recommended, as he might need surgery. My experience... my son had one when he was 2yrs old. Our pediatrician referred us to a pediatric surgeon. As it ended up, my son had out-patient surgery to repair the hydrocele. The surgery was done within a half an hour. That day he was kind of sluggish from the anesthesia (that was a good thing as they suggest you keep them calm for a few days afterward.) However, by the next day, he was back to himself. You would never have known he had surgery. I think the worst part was for me. I had a hard time watching my baby "go under".
For anyone that does not know what a hydrocele is... it is somewhat like a hernia. The biggest difference though is that instead of the intestine poking through the pelvic wall (hernia), it is a small fluid filled sack (hydrocele).
My son had surgery for this 3 times when he was little. :( He also had hernias with it. It was very quick and a one day stay each time. I know I was a nervous wreck each time but he was fine. He is 17 now and fine.
I agree with finding a childrens hospital. Good luck- Prayers for your little guy.
D.
I haven't had to deal with it myself, but I can tell you I am personally a research-freak. I'd utilize the internet thoroughly and smarten up on it. I would also find the best doctor within 4 or 5 hours of our home to do the surgery. Look into Children's hospitals. I never let things like that be done by our small-town hospital and doctors. I'd get a second (and possibly third) opinion as well.
My experience, well my son's really, was exactly the same as C.M.
