EVERY-THING SPORTS (AND NOT)
For men, trips to the doctor - even for elective procedures - are not a sign of weakness
There’s a stigma with most men. We often times don’t want to go to the doctor. Let me rephrase that: we never like going to the doctor. Whether it’s fear of what they’ll tell us, or fear of what may happen as a result, we don’t like going. Most of us would rather fall out and die than know what’s going on.
That said, I somewhat fall into this category. I only go when I’m forced. A cyst on the back of my neck got infected and grew into the size of a golf ball before I had it taken care of. When it grew back, it took me about a year or so to get it removed. Thank God it was non-cancerous, or else I would’ve taken even longer to get treatment. Yes, I’m hardheaded and tolerate pain or discomfort differently than others.
On March 7, I filled in on The Blitz and co hosted with AJ Hoffman. Beth Liebling of Darling Way was on with us in the 6 p.m. hour. If you’ve ever heard her segments, it can get interesting. The topic turned to birth control somehow. When my method was deemed taking a chance, AJ said vasectomy was the best way to go. His exact words were “it’s like going to the gun range with unlimited bullets.” Took me a while, but I finally decided to take the plunge.
I looked online at their website, read up on the procedure, and made an appointment. I was sent an email, and then got a phone call to confirm. Edgar and Madison were both very nice and accommodating. They explained everything to me in detail, helped me switch my appointment around, and even gave me the price for everything with my insurance.
When I got there Monday, my nerves were bad. I mean, I’m about to literally put my manhood in the hands of strangers! Jennifer helped me get signed in and took my payment. Nicest person I’ve ever willingly gave that much money to. Nathan was the medical assistant that went over the procedure and post-care instructions. He’s a funny guy that made me feel a little more at ease. By the time Dr. Williams came in, I was calmer, but I could feel myself getting nervous again.
Dr. Williams was nervous also. See, I laugh when I’m in pain. So while he was busy working on my nether regions, I was busy laughing and groaning. The stuff he did to numb me initially worked sort of. I also have a high tolerance for meds and stuff. But when something is going on down there, all bets are off. I was worried it wouldn’t work anymore if something went awry. The main reason I was there was to freely use it without fear of making another human tax deduction! My wife had to explain that that’s what I do, but he went to get more anesthesia. After the next round of anesthesia, I was good to go; only a little pain and discomfort.
I wrote as a man trying to get other men to realize that it’s OK to seek medical help. Next up, I’m getting this skin spot biopsied to make sure it isn’t cancerous. There’s no need for seeming weak or less of a man. Sure this was elective, but I wasn’t afraid to get it done. Okay, maybe a little. It’s my balls we’re talking about! Seriously though guys, if you need help, get it. Don’t be afraid. Take care of yourselves.
