Reading (For Dummies)

Medical scare, part 1

There's nothing like remembering you're mortal...

This little tale involves discussion of testicles. So if such talk bothers you, click here.

A little while ago, I discovered a testicular lump. I took my time getting it checked out, partially because I thought that I didn't have any insurance with which to fall back on, and insurance companies have pretty evil laws about getting pre-existing conditions treated when you've just signed up. I've been quite a bit bummed the last few weeks that the University won't let me subscribe to its insurance policy for this reason.

Fortunately, it turns out that my mother's health insurance is valid until my 24th birthday. The insurance company is even being extremely cooperative (unlike the last few times I had to use them).

I hit up the SU health center where I got checked by one of the local quacks, and am waiting on a referral for a urologist from my primary care physician down in Jersey. The consensus seems to be that it's a benign tumor, at least.

The appointment was rather odd, though. I realize that the university's medical staff is no Johns Hopkins, but I sort of expected more professionality. The folks were nice enough, but the doc seemed rather embarrased at my predicament (which I guess I don't need to point out that I'm not...). It sort of killed me when she asked, "When did you first, er...notice...the...affliction?" It kind of makes me wonder how they treat the folks that come in with VD...

Ohwell, the doc was at least reassuring in stating that, given the location and size, consistency, etc of the lump, it probably is nothing to be too worried about. I'll still be at least a tiny bit nervous until the urologist gives the all-clear. I guess I have a right to be, though...