[ ARC forum 2 ]

New here, looking for answers for 7 yr old son~ VERY FRUSTRATED!!

Written by mermom at 22 Mar 2003 19:21:09:

Hello all~
I've been referred to you by a poster on the Circ board at Baby Center, whose opinions I regard highly~
Brief history:
7 yr-old son has had recurring infections of the foreskin/glans, 2 or 3 a year since he was 2, lasting 1-3 days, usually 2, consisting of swelling, pain, discharge. He cannot retract his foreskin.
He has been recently diagnosed with "phimosis" by a ped urologist who recommends circ'ing, of which I am highly opposed to. He didn't offer, and even scoffed at alternative treatments.
HOWEVER~~
I've been reading about several conservative alternatives like plastic surgery, balloon dilation, waiting for puberty, steroid creams, manual stretching exercises, etc~ I'm just upset that my son has to suffer in the meantime. I'm worried about problems for him later on with sexual function. I don't want my son to be traumatized because of my ignorance and finacial status~ how do I help him? I can't afford numerous opinions from Drs with their $200 10-minute evaluations, vague diagnosies and rejection of alternative therapies.
Please help~


Answers: