Hello, been following the forum since April 2004, when I noticed a slight swelling on the bottom side of my left testicle. I am 37, single and not sexually active in over... well, a long time! Got rapidly worse, to the point I couldn't even walk without severe pain. Went to the doc, saw the urologist, did the blood and urine tests, docs all figured inflamation due to an infection, went on several antibiotics, then the herbal regime that is listed on this website ( bromelain, fenna greek, and echinecea ) and had minimal results. I missed two months of work due to the fact I was in some serious pain, not moving too quick, found it tough enough to just get off the couch.

When I finally got back to work, I was still uncomfortable, but managed, avoiding the heavy lifting and more strenuous activities. Missed a summer of motorcycle riding due to the fact I was unable to sit comfortably on my bike (worst part of this whole thing!) I saw the urologist again after 4 months, and he found the same thing he did when I first saw him in April. After much research, I booked an operating date with him for November, 2004 for an epididyectomy, or a radicle vasectomy to the left side. I figured anything had to be better then the present condition I was in. Had to operation in late November, and was back to work within 2 weeks, still swollen, but raring to go! Swelling went away after about 4 weeks, and so far, no problems what-so-ever, no pain, no spreading to anywhere else! Did alot of frozen bean bags, and rest, but I am glad I had to operation. Not a plesant surgery, but tolerable with pain killers, and I am very glad I did it.

Hope this helps anyone out there dealing with this decision, not easy to make and everyone is different, but considering the discomfort I was in, and the poor results form the things I tried, it was the best coice I had the option of making, seeing I was not going to suffer with this "3rd nut" for any longer then I had to. Keep your head up guys! It will get better on way or the other! :-)