HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Very sore scrotum and penis

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/25/2014 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi.
I haven't had prostate cancer, I had bowel cancer and as a result of this had my bladder, prostate, anus, rectum and colon removed.

I'm well on the road to recovery six months after my operation however I still have a few issues and I would like some advice on a couple of these or if possible pointing in the direction of where I could get more info.

For about four months now I have had a very sore and sensitive scrotum and penis. It doesn't feel like a deep rooted pain but it hurts very much when I wash or touch myself and even on occasion the whole area becomes very numb in a similar way the gum does after an injection at the dentist.

I mentioned it to my oncologist but he was concerned as the area looked normal! A nurse suggested it could be because the nerves which had been removed or cut during the operation may be growing back which is causing the discomfort.

I no longer have the ability to gain an erection and I'm curious as to whether the normal sensations I used to feel will ever return.

Do these nerves ever grow back and does anyone have any experience of this type of problem?

Nick
Posted 4/25/2014 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like a serious question for the surgeon who did the operation.

In the PCa world, the surgeon is working to protect the nerves where possible. There are some surgeons who believe that even where both nerve pairs are taken, there can be regrowth. But the extent of your surgery sounds like the whole area was removed. The regrowth that I have seen discussed would not appear to apply in your case.

There is only one member here that I know of who has had such radical surgery. His wife posts. Perhaps she will she this and respond.
Posted 4/25/2014 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
You could also try posting on her thread www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=35&m=3056818. It seems like you and her husband should compare notes.

As for your nerve-related discomfort I am not sure how much help we can be. Nerves are often traumatized during surgery and as long as the nerve is not cut they will often recover. With the erectile nerves (the ones we usually talk about on this forum) that recovery can take 6 months to two years with continuing improvement up to four years not that unusual. So your surgeon's nurse may be right. Hopefully your sensations will return to normal but the process will be slow.

You mentioned that the surgery has left you impotent (unable to get an erection.) Sadly, that we do know about... all too well. If it is a problem for you let us know and we can lay out some options for you.

Welcome to the forum.
Posted 4/26/2014 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Your experience is more extensive than mine, but I have had my scrotum cut into three times. and also had chemo where I do experience some nerve end discomfort. Not to the point where it hurts, but it has changed how I do some things.

I have a burning or scratching sensation. Now at shower time is when I get some relief by pulling the skin apart. For some reason that feels good. Buy I do have some loss of sensation there.

I also have lost my ability to have an erection. I think Trimix would work for me but any pills do not. I can have a dry orgasm, but no erection at all. It wants to, but no life so far.. 5 years and running.

I chock that up to extensive nerve damage.

I really do not have spousal support to seek treatment so I have not gone there yet.

NEO
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply