Decision made this morning: eunuch to be!

[Sac_mec (imported)]

Best wishes for a good recuperation. It must have been a sort of out of this world experience, certainly a one off experience and congratulations on your outcome. I'll read with great interest about your recovery fromthe surgery and how you actually feel now with your ongoing postings. It sounds like you have good on the spot health support Budley B and that is the excellent. Maybe some time down the road you'll choose bare instead of bear! A nice goal to reflect on

if somewhat of minor importance right now. All the best, Bud

[BudleyBare (imported)]

This now is day four since surgery, and first full day at home. The purpose for this posting is to document the sequence of events beginniing last Monday through today at noon.

I did not sleep much Sunday evening/early Monday morning -- presumably in anticipation, and certainly not regrets or second thoughts. Anyway, I drove down of the mountain area where I live and got to the hospital about 10 AM as expected. After check-in, which was only a minor amount of paperwork, I was shown my room, a double occupancy room, that was vacant, and so I picked the bed closest to the door (and restroom). I was instructed to remove everything, get into the usual "open down the back" hospital gown. I did that, and a friend who accompanied me then took all valuables with him back to my home, leaving me by myself.

Shortly two nurses, both female, young, quite attractive, then needed to prep me (meaning wash, shave, an sterilize the area), which they did in a very professional manner. The door to the room was locked from the inside during this time. When they finished, I was again covered back up, and stayed in bed. I was not allowed to have any lunch or liquids of any kind (including water).

Approximately 1:00PM I had guests, my sister and brother-in-law, who live in the same general area where I do. They stayed in the room and we had a great conversation. The doctor had indicated he would arrive about 2:30, which he did, and by 3:00 I was transferred to a gurney and then wheeled down the hall to surgery. Sis, etc., went with me to the operating room doors, and then chatted with the doctor for a few minutes (we all use the same doctor), and then they said some personal things to me and off I went. I have had many surgeries in the past, and so you know when you go into a surgical room because they are always so chilly. I was introduced to the entire staff (something which is normal for the country where I live).

I had been told that I would have an "epi-dural" (not sure of spelling?), which is something I have never had in prior surgeries. I asked, and it was described to me as a "you're awake, but you're asleep; and then you're alseep, but you are awake" type situation. I never knew when they gave me the epi-dural. After what seemed like an eternity (to me it seemed like at least one hour had passed), I asked the doctor (I recognize his voice) when they were going to start. He leaned over so that I could see his face, which was covered with the normal cloth mask, and said, we're over halfway through. That was the strangest feeling I have had in a long time. Not good strange, nor bad strange, but just simply strange. I could not even feel them working on me. (Recall that I was actually having three separate procedures done, and the removal of the last testicle was only a minor part of the agenda.)

After a bit more than 2 hours, the surgery was completed. I thanked everyone, especially my surgeon (friend and doctor), but including everyone there. I then told my doctor that I was going to tell him a joke, which kinda surprised him, but he obliged me, and then I said "Oops, I changed my mind, can you put it back in?" We both burst out laughing, and he shared that with the others in the operating room (in Spanish), which resulted in a huge roar of laughter. I then asked my doctor if I could see the testicle (the one remaing one that was removed from the left side) and the cords associated with both (that were also removed as part of this orchiectomy). He showed them to me. I was surprised at how large my testicle was, and the cords were not what I expected at all. They are much larger in diameter than expected, and not uniform in dimensions. The cords were about 5 or possibly as much as six inches long.

Total surgery time had been priedicted to be 2.5 hours, but actually came in at about 2 1/4 hours. I was wheeled back to my hospital room, and then was moved from the gurney back to my bed, but I was not able to assist at all, simply because of having absolutely no motor control over the bottom half of my body.

During my surgery, another patient had been checked in to the "B" bed, but I slept through the rest of the evening unaware of anything.

Tuesday morning, I was feeling great. My doctor makes his first visit about 6:30 AM. Of courrse, having not moved during the night, I was totally unaware of how much pain was to involved in simply moving. When the doctor arrived, I said I was feeling great, and why not go ahead and send me home. He laughed, and said "as your doctor, I cannot recommend that, and you will shorlty find out why". Boy howdy, did I find out why. Any movement at all was incredible pain. My abdominal wall had been cut in two places, and that is less than a fun experience. Anyway, drugs were begun to make things tolerable, and I was happy not to be going home.

The rest of Tuesday was a difficult day pain wise. Any movement at all let me know with certainty that things had been done to my body. I had a really comfortable and intense sleep Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, things were signficantly better, but I was still not sure about going home. By noon Wednesday, it became my choice. I opted to go home, and got home with the help of friends and family by late Wedesday. Total time in the hospital was about 48 hours.

I continued pain and sleeping meds Wednesday evening, and today (Thursday) involved a trip to the local clinic for checking on things and antibiotics via IV. I will stay on the routine for several more days. On Saturday, assuming things continue to go well, there will be a decision about shutting down antibiotics, and then the possibility of removing the stiches perhaps on Monday. I have a total of 40 stitches.

[BudleyBare (imported)]

An additional piece of information. I had considered scrotum removal at the same time of harvesting the final testicle. However, readings on EA suggested that might not be a good idea due to swelling. And so, I decided pre-surgery that scrotum removal for me was reserved for some future date.

I am sooooooo glad that I made that decision. There has been substantial swelling, which I estimate to be about 20% to maybe 25%. In my case, the swelling may also have been associated with the other 2 procedures that were done on me during the surgery (and that are geographically very close to the same area).

Now early on day five post-surgery, that swelling is significantly reduced, but still noticeable. Pain is also signficantly reduced, but still noticeable.

I feel great. My only regret is not having done this earlier in my life. (But then let's wait and see what the hormonal changes causes me to think as I get further down this road.)

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

I've not been on the boards for a couple of days so it is a pleasant discovery to find that you're home and doing well.Take care of yourself. --FLO--

[Hash (imported)]

Congrats! Good to know that you're doing well. Hope the swelling has gone down and that the pain is going away. Thanks for sharing part of your life with all of us, I greatly appreciate it. It's good to hear about the experiences of others. One question, "Are you going to use any testosterone supplementation or are you planning to try things without it?" Hash

[BudleyBare (imported)]

...

One question, "Are you going to use any testosterone supplementation or are you planning to try things without it?"....

I intend to avoid HRT if possible, including the T part of it. The doctor has documented my pre-harvest baseline numbers for everything that can be documented via blood lab tests as well as bone density scan. Calcium supplementation is not part of my definition of HRT, however, and we will be watching that very closely because of my concern about osteoporosis.

My intention/desire to avoid HRT does not mean that I will do something really stupid. If the need is real and significant, or causing risk, then the matter will go back on the table for discussion with my doctor.

One side issue that has come from this part of my research is finding a good AND consistent definition of what a hormone is and what it really does, etc. I find that H word is thrown around alot, by well meaning but less than fully informed people, many of them medically trained. For an interesting exercise, look at http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&hs=V ... n&ct=title , among many others.

[Sac_mec (imported)]

Bud, I too haven't been online here for several days and today is the first time that I've seen your well written account of your past week. I too hope that your pain subsides soon and that you can have your stitches out safely on Monday.

It was very amusing to read of your joke that you'd changed your mind afterwards and it was nice to read that both the surgical team laughed and also took the time to introduce themselves to you. Wasn't that a friendly gesture.

Best wishes for recuperation again and I'd like to thank you too for sharing your insight and experience with us here. You're a neat guy and we all care for you, you know.

[BudleyBare (imported)]

Thanks, SacMec and all others for your support.

Saturday (yesterday) the antibiotics were done via IV, and then the needle removed. No more daily antibiotics. Also, I was given permission to drive, assuming that it is only moderate distances, at slow speed (bumps cause pain), and to avoid congested areas (if there are such in the area where I live!) so as to avoid the need for sudden stops (meaning exertion on the abdominal wall). I did drive around for just short of an hour at about 20 Kph, simply to be out and about.

Last night after going to bed was the first time I really felt it okay to "explore" the surgery area with my fingers. I slowly checked things out, and there is plenty of normal feeling but nothing sexual, no arousal, etc. I was very careful around the stitches, of course. I did feel something in the scrotum which is of concern, and will be a discussion item for my Monday visit to the clinic.

Today (Sunday) was a planned outing with friends to go down out of the mountains to see the Da Vinci Code cinema, all of about 6 hours travel, movie, and dinner time. There were five of us in a friends vehicle, and a really nice time. I also enjoyed the movie, but realize that it is just entertainment, as I don't belong to any conspiracy theory groups, nor am I a fundamentalist or literalist in spiritual matters. Saw more friends at the post-cinema dinner event, and they were surprised at how well I am looking and actually getting around. I am happy, both to be doing so well as well as hearing that others think likewise.

Don't know for sure if stitches will come out tomorrow, but hope so. Will also check on the "scrotum issue" mentioned above. I am really glad these procdures are getting behind me, and hope that the scrotum issue is nothing but routine reaction by the body to such surgery. I have had no hot (or even warm) flashes, like I did when I lost my first testicle last December. No signs of depression, but then it is early in the process.

Bottom line is that I feel great, and am happy about me and my life. Your support here via this web site is priceless. Thanks, guys!!!

[tugon (imported)]

Sounds like you are doing great. I am glad you spent time with friends and those same friends will be what you need if you do start to have a little depression. You have such a positive attittude and that will help you heal and avoid being down hopefully. I know your joyful outlook is infectious and I enjoy reading your posts. The EA has also been priceless for me and it is because people share so openly as you have. Thanks!

[BudleyBare (imported)]

Yesterday (Monday) was day 8 as a full eunuch. The stitches were removed, with a bit of pain due to number of them. I continue to feel great, and most of the swelling has gone down to almost zilch. Regarding being sore, yes it is still there, especially around the smaller (about 4.5 inches) of the two incisions, but continuing to diminish daily. I do get in and out of cars fairly carefully, and standing up from a sitting position is still a careful act.

The doctor and I discussed the issue in the right side of my scrotum (see one of my previous posts), and he strongly believes it to be just part of the after-effects from the surgery. The plan for now, assuming nothing changes for the worse, is to periodically check to see if a hardening into a mass occurs. The expectation, though, is that through time the "sensitive spot" will just go away.

We also are discussing the matter of exercise, which has been an ongoing topic for quite a while now. You know how most doctors are: exercise, watch what you eat, and drink lots of water, etc. However, now, to me, it seems to be much more important. Maybe I will take it more seriously. My doctor is urging me toward either a rowing machine or an elliptical exercise machine, as well as swimming. For medical reasons, jogging, even moderate amounts of walking, and any impact type activity are not recommended. I've got to get more aerobic (spelling?) type activity.

While in the act of peeing since yesterday about noon'ish, I have noticed what appears to be just the tiniest bit of "withdrawal" of my penis. I won't use the "shrink" word, because it just doesn't seem to have shrunk any, but it does seem to be just a bit "closer" to the main part of the lower abdomen. No big deal (pardon the pun) for me.

I am now filling out insurance forms to see how much, if any, will be covered. I have stateside health insurance benefits, and most of the surgery was for other than the harvesting of the remaining testicle. All of the medical bills have been fully paid, because that is the way things are done where I live.

I do not go around thinking or obsessing or expressing "look at me, I'm a eunuch now". It is becoming a non-issue, residing more and more in the background. I laugh at jokes, enjoy conversations with friends, go to the grocery store, etc., just like I did prior to surgery. I continue to get unsolicited comments about how much healthier I look now than in the immediate past. In general, life is returning to normal, and that is very good.

[BudleyBare (imported)]

...

P.S., for a preview of one comment that I will elaborate on, given what I saw of the testicle and cords removed from me, I would strongly recommend never doing self castration (burdizzos, banding, etc.). It can only be risk prone in the worst case. More to follow.

Coming back to this comment now: As mentioned, after the surgery was completed but still on the operating table, I asked my doctor to show me the remaining testicle, which he did, along with the two cords. I say two cords because the one still attached to the testicle was there, and the cord only from the prior testicle was also removed during the surgery. In fact, that was part of my problem, having had only the right testicle removed during the emergency surgery last December resulted in an inguinal hernia condition on the right side, and part of the reason for having gone back into surgery this May.

And so there are two comments I would like to document. First is that I suggest that those who wish to become surgical eunuchs seriously discuss HOW the procedure will be done. In other words, if you have only a small incision into the scrotum, by definition the attached cord is severed and remains in the body. I am not saying that this is either good or bad, but you may want to discuss downstream implications of having a dangling cord hanging around in your body. There are other -- perhaps "more complete" would be a good phrase -- approaches to removal of testicles that could avoid future problems. In my case, there now are NO dangling cords at all, and no chance of future problems associated therewith.

Second comment is that the cords themselves were not what I expected to see. They are wider, whiter, much longer, and less uniform in dimensions than I had expected. I have not done a lot of research (don't intend to) about the cords, but my reaction when I saw mine was how in the hell could anyone reliably use a burdizzo (or banding, etc.) to clamp down on that beast? It seems like to me that it would be necessary to clamp a much wider area, and thus cause additional damage to other tissue and blood vessels in the scrotum, simply to ensure that the fluid carrying part of the cord would be shut down. And then the pressure required to keep it shut down for a sufficient amount of time to cause it to atrophy (spelling?) must be incredible. Why would anyone want to do that? Well, maybe there are those who are into pain, but that certainly does not include me. And then the likelihood of success and not causing other problems just doesn't make sense to me.

I am not trying to tell people what to do. I am just sharing my reaction at having seen the cords and the resulting line of thinking. My recommendation is never to approach non-chemical castration by anyone other than medically trained professionals in a facility that is ready to deal with complications. Facility does not have to be a hospital, but I cannot imagine a hotel room or a bedroom in someone's house, etc., as being prudent. If you want to kill yourself, why use the testicles as the slow, painful, and probably very expensive approach?

End of subject -- for me, that is.

[BudleyBare (imported)]

Just to let all know that I am following through on a trip to Antartica. I have put a deposit down on a 3 week cruise early next year (mid-summer for Antartica, for obvious reasons, of course). May even do another tour somewhere else to parts of the world that I have yet to visit.

Still feelling great. Next doctor visit is this coming Monday for just a routine check on things.

For where I live, we just got the final American Idol show this evening. I never even knew of this show until this year. Taylor Hicks was never my favorite, but all of the last 10 to 12 finalists are really winners in my view. Mandissa, Paris, and Elliott were my favorites. The two hour finale was really good entertainment.

[farharbour (imported)]

Wow thanks for posting.. what a professional approach..

[BudleyBare (imported)]

I have just had a telephone (well, technically speaking a Skype) conversation with a close friend who just happens to live in Europe right now. The primary subject was my recent surgery. He expressed dismay at my choice of the word 'eunuch' as a label. He much preferred the word castrati, suggesting that I reconsider thinking of myself as a castrati rather than eunuch.

And so after our call was ended, I went to my favorite book, my 40 year old dictionary, and looked up eunuch. There are two definitions: the common thing between the two is that it deals with a castrated man, but the first (preferred) definition was a castrated man typically either in China who has a royal court function or, in a few eastern regions is associated with a female harem type engagement.

And so I come away from this conversation pondering this "label issue". It appears to me that most on this web site prefer the eunuch label (I could be wrong), but there is a relatively heavy presence of the word castrated as well. Grammatically it seems more appropriate to me to think of eunuch as a label (noun), whereas castrated is a process (verb). However, it seems that castrati is both, although leaning more toward a noun. For me, at least for the present time, I prefer to use the term eunuch, but would not be offended by other words (assuming nothing negative inferred).

Any viewpoints on this really insignificant matter?

P.S., there is also part of me that wants to avoid any labels other than perhaps human being, and just be me. Labels can cause segregation or discrimination, and lead to conflict.

[kristoff]

I have just had a telephone (well, technically speaking a Skype) conversation with a close friend who just happens to live in Europe right now. The primary subject was my recent surgery. He expressed dismay at my choice of the word 'eunuch' as a label. He much preferred the word castrati, suggesting that I reconsider thinking of myself as a castrati rather than eunuch.

And so after our call was ended, I went to my favorite book, my 40 year old dictionary, and looked up eunuch. There are two definitions: the common thing between the two is that it deals with a castrated man, but the first (preferred) definition was a castrated man typically either in China who has a royal court function or, in a few eastern regions is associated with a female harem type engagement.

And so I come away from this conversation pondering this "label issue". It appears to me that most on this web site prefer the eunuch label (I could be wrong), but there is a relatively heavy presence of the word castrated as well. Grammatically it seems more appropriate to me to think of eunuch as a label (noun), whereas castrated is a process (verb). However, it seems that castrati is both, although leaning more toward a noun. For me, at least for the present time, I prefer to use the term eunuch, but would not be offended by other words (assuming nothing negative inferred).

Any viewpoints on this really insignificant matter?

P.S., there is also part of me that wants to avoid any labels other than perhaps human being, and just be me. Labels can cause segregation or discrimination, and lead to conflict.

Although I am forthcoming about my status as a eunuch with most friends and family, many folks are distinctly uncomfortable with the whole topic, and tend to squirm a bit regardless the name/label applied. As a result, I tend to guage my discussion sometimes to their comfort levels, yet without avoiding a topic.

Personally, ever since having read Anne Rice's "Cry to Heaven," I just cannot think of the term "castrati" in any context other than the Italian singing contingents of the 18-19 centuries.

On the other hand, my roomie and a couple of others around here refer to us at the Archive as the "nutless wonders" - in many respects entirely an appropriate name, I suspect.

[Hash (imported)]

Have to agree with Kristoff. The "Castrati" were mostly involuntary boys who were castrated without their consent. They were made eunuchs to preserve their voices before the onset of puberty. Some may have volunteered because the "Castrati" were so revered; they were like movie stars. However, I didn't get castrated so I could sing and most others on this site probably didn't either, though I might be wrong. But I prefer eunuch. Hash

[Sac_mec (imported)]

Kristoff, I'm glad you brought up Anne Rice's book " Cry To Heaven".

Yes it is set in the past and the whole novel is about a deviously devised castration to a lad who sang with great skill.

This novel has so many depths and layers of intrigue and also of tremendous

personal development. I recommend it as a "must read" and if you have some difficulty to begin with in identifying with the characters or the historical past, stick with it. It is a powerful book and a great piece of fiction written with such perception and insight. I loved it.

[JeffEunuch (imported)]

I have just had a telephone conversation with a close friend....

. The primary subject was my recent surgery. He expressed dismay at my choice of the word 'eunuch' as a label. He much preferred the word castrati, suggesting that I reconsider thinking of myself as a castrati rather than eunuch....And so I come away from this conversation pondering this "label issue". It appears to me that most on this web site prefer the eunuch label (I could be wrong), but there is a relatively heavy presence of the word castrated as well.....Any viewpoints on this really insignificant matter?

P.S., there is also part of me that wants to avoid any labels other than perhaps human being, and just be me. Labels can cause segregation or discrimination, and lead to conflict.

I agree that it might be preferable to avoid any labels. My own take on the issue is reflected in my decision taken several months ago to change my signature from 'eunuch' to 'ballless.' I'm not a eunuch in that I continue to be sexual. I'm simply balless - also a castrati.

The discussion of cords is also interesting. One of my own problems was not having properly formed cords. My testicles thus did not 'dangle' below my crotch. This - that they lived most of the time in my inguinal canals - made them subject to infection and also difficult to remove.

[Slammr (imported)]

Although I am forthcoming about my status as a eunuch with most friends and family, many folks are distinctly uncomfortable with the whole topic, and tend to squirm a bit regardless the name/label applied. As a result, I tend to guage my discussion sometimes to their comfort levels, yet without avoiding a topic.

Personally, ever since having read Anne Rice's "Cry to Heaven," I just cannot think of the term "castrati" in any context other than the Italian singing contingents of the 18-19 centuries.

On the other hand, my roomie and a couple of others around here refer to us at the Archive as the "nutless wonders" - in many respects entirely an appropriate name, I suspect.

Or would the "Nutless Nuts" be even more appropriate?

[BudleyBare (imported)]

Minor update on my status/progress as I approach the one month anniversary of castration:

Itchy/scratchy feelings: I have recently begun to notice changes in my skin. For one, I am having scratching sensations in my underarm (arm pit) area. I have never had this kind of itchy/scratchy feeling before. Cannot say definitively if related to castration, but timing does suggest so. It is not to such a degree that I cannot tolerate, and I hope that it just goes away.

Swelling: Also, while in the capital city this week (that is why I have not been visiting here since last weekend), I got a second opinion about progress, and it was nothing but good news. There still is a significant amount of swelling in the lower abdomen area, but that is probably because the internal stitches have not yet completely dissolved. There is no swelling in the scrotum, and it really does seem to be much smaller than before (not only because it is not carrying any contents, but because it seems to know now that it no longer is needed for any function).

Outlook: still entirely positive. No signs of depression, regret, misgivings, or lack of support from friends and family. I continue to think less and less about being a eunuch, and just simply am getting on with my life. Planning a second trip for sometime this fall to places yet to be decided. Part of my business in the capital city this week was renewal of my passport, and that was the first time that I have been confronted with a government form to check off on sex. I of course clicked on the male box, but my mind was brought back to the real status of being neither. The lady behind the security glass at the Consulate had not a clue what was going through my mind.

[tugon (imported)]

I am glad all is going well. I found after castration my skin became dryer and I was scratching it. Time to buy some moisturizers.

I know what you mean about checking the box. Thefraj and I have talked about checking the space between the boxes. Of course for a passport it is probably best to check male.

[Christina (imported)]

Minor update on my status/progress as I approach the one month anniversary of castration:

Itchy/scratchy feelings: I have recently begun to notice changes in my skin. For one, I am having scratching sensations in my underarm (arm pit) area. I have never had this kind of itchy/scratchy feeling before. Cannot say definitively if related to castration, but timing does suggest so. It is not to such a degree that I cannot tolerate, and I hope that it just goes away.

Swelling: Also, while in the capital city this week (that is why I have not been visiting here since last weekend), I got a second opinion about progress, and it was nothing but good news. There still is a significant amount of swelling in the lower abdomen area, but that is probably because the internal stitches have not yet completely dissolved. There is no swelling in the scrotum, and it really does seem to be much smaller than before (not only because it is not carrying any contents, but because it seems to know now that it no longer is needed for any function).

Outlook: still entirely positive. No signs of depression, regret, misgivings, or lack of support from friends and family. I continue to think less and less about being a eunuch, and just simply am getting on with my life. Planning a second trip for sometime this fall to places yet to be decided. Part of my business in the capital city this week was renewal of my passport, and that was the first time that I have been confronted with a government form to check off on sex. I of course clicked on the male box, but my mind was brought back to the real status of being neither. The lady behind the security glass at the Consulate had not a clue what was going through my mind.

I've also have some problems with dry skin, although I attribute it to my intake of spironolactone. Granted I no longer use it for castration purposes but instead for it's diuretic properties and reduction of mild hypertenstion control (intake is 50% less now then when I used it for chemical castration). The areas most affected for me are elbows, hands and feet (and lately some dry skin on my face). Of course the dryer winter weather makes things a lot worse. I do use a hand cream occasionally and it seems to help a lot on those problem areas.

For a whole body moisturizer I found a product that works great for me call Avon "Skin So Soft". Just spray it on after a shower, rinse and pad dry. It seems to have an oil like substance that replaces the oil lost on the skin, but it does not give you a slimey or greasey feeling like baby oil or some hand lotions. It also has other qualities I find uses for. Used full strength it removes most dried paint, sealers and adhesives from your hands without nasty chemicals!

A few weeks after visiting the good doctor Kimmel for my castration, I made an appointment with a local urologist (just to get a second opinion and for the sake of convenience). This second doctor commented on the small insicion size and the good healing I was doing. One thing I do remember the second doctor telling me is that although the outside heals rather quickly it can take up to 6 months for the inside to completely heal. I found this to be the case with my castration surgery as well as my umbilical hernia operation 2 years prior. I did experience some significant swelling for a few weeks in the scrotum (most likely due to the insicion located in the scrotum vs. the abdominal approach).

I'm very glad to hear you have a positive outlook on all of this. I think it helps greatly afterwards to have a positive attitude before getting surgery. One thing I did noticed, and a few I have talked with also, is that about after the 6 month mark of having surgery I felt some slight depression and a fair amount weakness for a few weeks. Granted this was not a big issue, and nothing I could not work through, but something you may keep in mind when the time comes.

One thing that still bothers me a little is having to check off the gender marker on things such as renewing my drivers license. Although in essence I live, work and conduct my daily affairs as a woman, I am still legaly bound to check off the "male" marker. So far I haven't encountered any problems, but I've seen the puzzled look from the person behind the counter when they proccess the forms. I still intend to remedy that with surgery sometime in the future.

[Sac_mec (imported)]

It's good to read your update. I have been thinking about you. I'm glad you feel as strongly positive still. Like tugon and Christina, I found dry skin a problem with slight itchy armpits. Just leave the armpits alone, don't scratch them that will make it worse of course. I like a long hot lingering bath, it's the best for my back pain and in the early days of being a Chemical Eunuch I used Dove Moisturiser.

It was very soothing and the issue of dry skin has settled down.

My one concern Bud from reading about your plans to go to Antartica is that at some point I'm sure your energy level, your daily stamina will take a plunge.

For Christina and I and many other eunuchs here the issue is compounded by our spinal problems. If your general level of health is good and I see from your thread that all is going well, then I could be overstressing this issue hugely because the spinal pain factor is obviously dominant. I would just suggest that you always live within your comfortable energy tolerances. Comfort is such an important issue. Been thinking how you are and I'm glad to see all is well

[BudleyBare (imported)]

It's good to read your update. I have been thinking about you. I'm glad you feel as strongly positive still. Like tugon and Christina, I found dry skin a problem with slight itchy armpits. Just leave the armpits alone, don't scratch them that will make it worse of course. I like a long hot lingering bath, it's the best for my back pain and in the early days of being a Chemical Eunuch I used Dove Moisturiser.

It was very soothing and the issue of dry skin has settled down.

My one concern Bud from reading about your plans to go to Antartica is that at some point I'm sure your energy level, your daily stamina will take a plunge.

For Christina and I and many other eunuchs here the issue is compounded by our spinal problems. If your general level of health is good and I see from your thread that all is going well, then I could be overstressing this issue hugely because the spinal pain factor is obviously dominant. I would just suggest that you always live within your comfortable energy tolerances. Comfort is such an important issue. Been thinking how you are and I'm glad to see all is well

Sac_Mec, I do appreciate your comments and concerns! Thank you. I am refraining from scratching, but am not totally convinced that it comes about because of a dry skin condition. That could be the cause, but it feels more like tee-nintzie (sp?) little "bumps" (pin head sized or smaller bumps/lumps) just under the skin, somewhat akin to a zit, but that is not the source. Also, I am on guard for a loss of energy, but made the decision not to let those kinds of issues/changes affect my life. Not ony have I firmly committed to the trip to Antarctica for next January (21 days by ship), but I am also seriously considering a trip before that to either India or Ecuador.

Re my general health, it is typically "good" for me, but that is not saying much. I have never been blessed with good genes, and have many health challenges. Fortunately for me, back/spine problems is not one of my challenges.

Thanks again for your support and concern. When I found this web site earlier this year (after my first of four surgical procedures since Christmas), I feel like I have found a group of really neat guys, and you (collectively) have become part of my extended family. It is a neat feeling.

[BudleyBare (imported)]

After posting the above reply to Sac_Mec, it just occurred to me that today is my one month anniversary of full castration. Happy anniversary to me!

As previously posted, things are generally going quite well for me. Last week I was in Panama City for business and medical stuff. There still is swelling in the lower abdomen where the two long incisions were made. Most, but not all of the internal stitches have now dissolved, but there still are some remaining, and that is the reason for the swelling.

Insofar as physical changes since May 22nd, my scrotum definitely is smaller now. My penis does seem to be somewhat smaller, but again it could be just that it is hanging in a little closer to my body or it could be a result of the swelling that is slowly going away. My skin (not specifically referring to the scratching issue discussed previously) seems to be becoming more, uh, translucent (that is the only word that comes to mind). No, I know that I am not becoming invisible, but the overall skin tone seems to be healthier, perhaps a bit thinner, and somewhat "translucent".

Insofar as emotional changes since May 22nd, I have experienced nothing untoward. No depression, no regrets, no nothing of an ungood nature. My support circle (friends, etc.) remains strong and genuine. Some want to know more details than others, but that is a personal choice on their end of things. Depending on their questions, I am willing to gloss over details, or go into great detail. I am surprised at the support and interest of some of my long time male friends (who are also prior work mates while I lived in Hong Kong). Their questions indicate a real interest in my condition, not a perverse interest for vicarious thrills. A few really wanted all the details, such as erection, penis, feelings, scrotum effects, libido, vitamin/mineral (e.g., calcium) supplementation, etc., type topics. In other words, these questions indicate to me a much higher degree of knowledge and experience than I would have expected. One guy even shared his personal experiences as a teenager of (using his words) "becoming a 'one banger' due to hereditary issues in his family", which is something I never knew or suspected while working with him.

Insofar as HRT is concerned, I remain committed to avoiding HRT and have no indication so far that such a decision is not appropriate for me. I am taking increased doses of colloidal calcium (1500 mg to 2 gm per day).

In closing, it would be hard for me to say whether my friends or this web site has been my biggest support mechanism. Probably this web site, but it would be close to a tie. But with regard to knowledge and advice, this web site is the big winner, hands down.

Thanks guys!!!!