Baring It All

Baring It All

I just had a CAT scan as a follow up to a kidney lesion that was discovered accidentally. The lesion was found by an x-ray that was done as I was being physically evaluated to participate in a study for gout. Because the medication that I was to take they had to make sure that I had good kidney function before they would allow me to start the program. It was a blessing that the lesion was discovered and now I could keep an eye on it. That lesion alone would have disqualified me for participating in the study. The uric acid level in my blood work wasn’t elevated enough to be admitted into the study either.

Finding the lesion on my kidney alerted my primary care physician and she order a consultation with an urologist. My urologist was the one who ordered the first and the recent follow up CAT scan to monitor the progress or lack of progress of the lesion. I had the second CAT scan prior to my last visit to her office. At that visit I mentioned that I had a spermatocele for many years, but on a recent self-examination, it disappeared and my left testicle seems to be surrounded in mush-like substance. After the examination, she ordered an ultrasound of my testicles. I had it done yesterday.

Because I worked at Frick Hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania as a nurse for 34 years before I retired, I prayed that the sonogram technician wouldn’t be someone that I knew. I wasn’t embarrassed to be undressed to have the test done; I just didn’t want to expose my private parts to a friendly face.

The technician was a lovely blonde who did her job quickly and did it well. When she was finished I thanked her. Then I told her that from what I have heard, I was glad that the test wasn’t as painful as mammograms. Although my testicles were tender, she didn’t cause any pain.

Now all I have to do is wait for the results.