[ ARC forum 2 ]

Re: need help on kid's problem

Written by RJK at 14 Sep 2000 19:21:42:

As an answer to: Re: need help on kid's problem written by victor at 14 Sep 2000 02:37:14:

Hello again Victor; There might be some alternatives to circumcision, but given the infection the boy has, and taking the physician's advice into consideration, there is a need to get the problem over with as soon as possible. One definite thing about circumcision is, it will end the problem once and for all. For a 5-year-old (or any kid under 12) in the U.S., a general anaesthetic is almost always used because it is considered to be less emotionally stressful than a local would be. It is important for him not to be frightened (although some fear is undoubtedly natural), or end up feeling that something dreadful has been done to him (it hasn't! it's just that his painful problem will have been ended, once the circumcision has healed). If you can
talk to him reassuringly, and also have the doctor do so before the operation, if there is to be an operation, this will be a great help. You certainly shouldn't tell him there will be no pain, because there will be some (hopefully not great), but once the penis has healed there will be no more pain. You can tell him truthfully that his penis will be somewhat sore--as it already has been with the infection--for a few days after the op, but that this will pass and then he will be ok. I think it may help for him to know that he's only one of millions of boys who have had this procedure, that it's sometimes necessary and that it's no big deal! Good luck, RJK.
>Thanks a lot. We showed our son to pediatritian. And he confirmed phimosis.
>Now we set the appointment to surgeon to evaluate the possible treatment.
>It seems that actually our son is facing circumcision. We do not have any objections at this point, because it is radical and prooven surgery to eliminate and prevent retracting problem in future. And it seems there is no alternatives anyway, isn't it?
>Now we have two concerns.
>The first is that since doctor's and our attempts to retract the foreskin some pus is bleeding. We wash it and apply cream with light antibiotic. And we have an appointment in two weeks and than some time before the possible surgery. Is it acceptable or we have to accelerate it?
>The second is to prepare our son for it and after surgery period. We just read the msg from Mom of 18. It was not easy for 18 year old, so what about 5 year old. Is anaesthesia applied during the procedure? Local or general? How long and painful can be recuperation? What are the possible side effects or complications?
>I would appreciate your help in directing us to the source where we could find answers on these questions. We would like to be prepared to the appointment as well.
>Thanks
>Victor
>>Victor, it sounds as if the problem is a low-grade infection related to the accumulation of dirt and rancid smegma under the foreskin. I think you are well-advised to take the boy to a specialist, namely a dermatologist or urologist. Obviously the problem could be eliminated by circumcision, but if you don't want that, a dorsal slit in the top of the foreskin should also take care of it. The slit need not be long, only long enough to permit full retraction of the skin to expose the glans (head) for cleaning. If done by a competent specialist, healing should be swift and should end the problem. It is probable that both of the conditions you describe are different aspects of the same problem, which needs to be cured as soon as possible. Best wishes, RJK.
>>>Hello,
>>>I would need some advise on the problem I discovered today on my son's pinos.
>>>He is 5 years old and is uncircumcised.
>>>Today he complained about the pain on his pinos during walking/running or urinating. It seems to be alternating and according to him itching and painfull both.
>>>I investigated his pinos and noticed that the right side of the head skin is slightly swollen and redish, so pinos looks a bit bent. He also compained on pain when touching that place.
>>>On the opposite side I found some sort of fatty drop under the skin located on the boundary of the head a bit toward the head tip. The size of it is approximately 6 by 3 mm. It seems to be soft and is moving slightly with the skin, but at the same time seems to be attached to the body. He does not complain about any pain when I touch it.
>>>Actually there are two questions. The first if this two problems are related?
>>>The second is what it could be and possible remedy? (Obviously we are going to show him to specialist)
>>>I never made such investigatin before so can not say when that fatty drop appeared. About the pain and irritation he started to complain in the morning after sleep, but claims he felt it a couple days ago. I suspect it was developing with shorter periods of alternations and/or getting stronger.
>>>I would appreciate any advise on this matter.
>>>In general I think this site is very helpful in addressing and discussing such sensitive topics. I read some articles and recalled fears and problems I had 20 years ago. But I got explained some of them only today.
>>>My alternative email: vkarlo-excite.com
>>>Thanks
>>>Victor

Answers: