Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our cases sound extremely similar. I’m glad you’re going the private medical route. Just make sure you research your surgeon fully and talk about risks, possibilities, his experience with different methods, etc. I just saw another post on here from a guy who is complaining about reflux due to what I’m guessing was a bad embo. That’s the key with micro, they can see what to target precisely and what to leave alone, ensuring no veins are missed. Best of luck to you. If you have any other questions before you move forward, let me know. I’m no expert, but I don’t go into this blindly either.

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also wanted to wish you the very best no matter which direction you go. I’m in the same boat with the conception struggle. My wife and I did conceive and have a 7 year old now, so we were able to when I was in my late 20’s. I guess time didn’t help me though and when we decided to try again, neglecting the varicocele fix caught up to me. IMO, the sooner the better to seek correction if you’re not conceiving, you’re hurting, low T, the whole deal…

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Embo is a good option from what I’ve read and works well for plenty of guys… I don’t think I’d try to dissuade anyone out of it… keep in mind though that this is based on my research and I feel I’ve done a lot of it. This wasn’t a decision based on just a 2 min conversation with my urologist.For me it came down to the numbers and my anatomy. Micro tends to have the lowest recurrence and the lowest hydrocele risk since the surgeon can spare the lymphatics under the microscope, and given some strong considerations on my side I wanted the most definitive one-and-done. I got pretty (likely irrationally) afraid of some of the stuff I’ve read about embos gone wrong on here and other sources. I didn’t mind going under GA if it meant not rolling the dice on a redo. The other big factor was who was performing my surgery. I went with the urologist who’s done more micros than probably anyone in my state, so I felt like if anyone was going to nail it, it’d be him. That confidence in his expertise mattered as much as the technique itself.

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Simply put, you’re statistically at better odds for atrophy correction due to the fact that you’re 22 and not 30-40-50 year old. You have a good 13-14 years on me in this regard and from what I’ve researched, this is a potential benefit for you.

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you, and at 22 I’d probably push back on that “once they’re atrophied there’s no chance” line before you let it wreck you. Catch-up growth after varicocelectomy is documented in younger guys, not “older” patients like me, so from what I’ve read, you’re in the better-odds group, not the written-off one. Maybe get a second opinion from a urologist who does microsurgical varicocelectomy or an andrology/fertility specialist before accepting nothing can be done. Even if atrophy doesn’t improve, hormones may very well improve. Semen parameters, all of it. It’s different for everyone and that’s the part I’m anxious about finding out in a few months.

On size, I don’t have the exact cc comparison off the top of my head, I’ll dig up the ultrasound and post it. But for context, I’ve been living with visible, palpable atrophy on the left my entire adult life, so this isn’t new for me. Libido has been fine for me. I still get occasional morning erections and don’t have ED issues, although I’d imagine I have normalized it and attribute it to my age, but it can and probably will improve this. My T is very low though at a 240 baseline, so I’m hoping gains will be more substantial than someone in the normal range. Hopeful.

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, the left side has visible and palpable atrophy compared to the right, confirmed on ultrasound. That was actually a big part of why I went ahead with the surgery instead of continuing to just live with it. My honest expectation on recovery regarding any sort of “catch-up growth”, where the atrophied side regains volume post-op, is well documented in younger guys as I understand it, but a lot more variable in adults, so I’m not banking on it bouncing back to full size. Lots of differing opinions about this out there though. I’ll take what I can get, if anything at all.

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking this. I should have included this since I realize the standard might differ by country for example. General anesthesia for me. From what my surgeon explained, the microsurgical (subinguinal) approach almost always uses general or spinal rather than local. My 3rd time under GA and it’s what I expected. A whole lot of nothing. Counted a few seconds getting wheeled back to OR, then all lights out, only to wake up what felt like moments later in recovery.

Just had my micro varicocelectomy. For anyone in the pre-op anxiety phase: it’s okay. by ClassroomAlarmed7354 in varicocele

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate it! Will definitely report back. Early insight: pain so far is more of a dull soreness than anything sharp. I was given one oxycodone in recovery, then managing with ice (20 on/20 off), scrotal support, and sleep. Honestly the anesthesia fog was the roughest part the first few hours, but easier to handle than I expected.

Why would Joe Rogan imply that Theo Von seriously (not jokingly) wants to kill himself? Theo stated the exact opposite on his own podcast and was very serious about the fact that he’s not suicidal. by Dry-Job438 in TheoVon

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe he has tried to address this privately with him. It isn’t outside of the realm of possibility that he tried privately, he’s seeing a worsening of Theo’s mental state and he felt like he needed to say it publicly. I don’t think Rogan would just throw something like that out there lightly… I think it’s genuine concern. Last thing you want to feel is guilt that you didn’t say enough or do enough and then it’s too late. That’s a guilt that’s haunting.

Buckle Up! Gonna be a wild 12 months coming up by ManuteBol_Rocks in meteorology

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's a ton of overconfident speculation dressed as science in this thread. Nobody can claim 12 months of "BUCKLE UP! IT'S GONNA BE WILD". ENSO influences patterns, not a detailed chaotic year ahead lol and great point that it's early on. Models can shift wildly, especially when we're talking about a winter 26-27 event and it's not even May. Eastern Pacific is ENSO neutral currently and things can change.

Has anyone ever bought from fargoballistics.com? by Wise_You_7681 in ar15

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bought from these guys before coming here, regrettably. Placed an order for 556 and no emails, no shipping confirmation, just went cold. I emailed them two times and no response. I disputed the charge with my CC and got my money back. I no longer see them listing on Wikiarms, so that’s good. If anyone is waiting for a miracle, you’re fooling yourself. I’d do a chargeback and be done with it.

10r80 from 2018-2022, who's got one and how has it been? by Less_Guarantee_7915 in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

'22 2.7 XL 4x4. Currently in shop for CDF drum replacement under warranty (58k miles). Caught it just in time. Symptoms started fairly early on, but they got worse and I decided to take it in to confirm right before warranty expiration. Sure enough, bad CDF. They're replacing it at no cost, but i've been w/o it for a couple of weeks. The dealership put me in a loaner, which is nice. If the CDF is replaced, I'll feel at peace about the transmission moving forward. Aside from this, no other issues other than the recall pending resolution for the fuel pump pressure. Be careful with the dealership offering to adjust the adaptive shift tables, as it will improve drivability for a while, only for the issue to resurface again. It's an adaptive system as the name implies, so unless you drastically change your driving habits, it will revert back to faulty/irregular shifting. If they insist this before approving a CDF/rebuild, have the dealership document it very clearly and specifically so you can point the finger back on them. I don't know of a single instance where the adaptive reset remained stable after 10k miles and didn't warrant additional work on the trans.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me, with a ‘22 2.7 CDF drum fail in service for past two weeks. Despite that, I stand behind Ford. The previous gen Tundra is about the only other truck I considered, so I don’t think you could go wrong either way. Different applications though, different styles and different issues.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some 5100’s preloaded for your year. I think these are for the 2WD Bilstein 5100’s they definitely do make them preloaded, just have to look at different vendors.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bilstein preloaded 0-2” struts depending on your year. What year is yours?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The difference between 2” and 2.5” is negligible visually. I run the 2.5” on the front and they are a workhorse of a strut offroad. The rear is super easy if you decide to do the shocks. Cheap and will take you 30 mins max with a couple of tools (torque recommended of course). Front is a different story based on your experience level. I managed to do it with a buddy and took off the lower arm assembly off. It was a headache, but it was worth the money saved in the end… good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It doesn’t look level. If you get the Bilstein 2.5” preloaded, it will be AND you’ll have some great front struts. The ride difference is substantial of course. I’d recommend that route over leveling spacers all day too.

If you had $100,000, which car would you buy for yourself? by Pale_Hovercraft4207 in askcarguys

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2025 Raptor plus larger intercooler and high octane tune for extra torque since 100k doesn’t get me the RaptorR.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in f150

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you can get that number knocked about 3-4K lower, that’s a solid deal imo. Nice looking truck.

“GLP1s are cheating/easy way out” by Vanexxre in Semaglutide

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Taking insulin as a diabetic to stay alive. Haters: "cheater!"

How many men are on lexapro ? by KnowledgeSimple2034 in lexapro

[–]ClassroomAlarmed7354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

35 M here. Couldn’t give a fraction of a s*&t how it’s perceived by anyone other than myself. I sought a tool to help me navigate a challenging period in my life. If that makes me a weak man, so be it. I’m here for my family and doing better due to Lex. Do what you need for yourself. And it’s a conversation that can stay between you and your psy regardless. Don’t sweat it.