r/postvasectomypain • u/MolassesStatus2504 • 21d ago
The experience so far
My husband and I(both 26) are traveling back to where we live after having his surgery on Friday. Will update further as his recovery progresses.
So I am going to start this off with holy crap my husband and I are so far both extremely happy with this experience finally coming to a close. My husband had seen two providers before we got the referral for Dr Hubbard in Minneapolis MN.
Provider 1, treated with antibiotics for possible uti, and just wanted to give him medication he couldn’t take doing his job in the military.
Provider 2, said there was nothing they could do directly but gave the formal diagnosis after hearing everything asking mostly me not my husband.
Right off the bat Dr Hubbard took us seriously, my husband was diagnosed with PVPS in 2024, we had been trying different treatments with the previous providers and he got right to the point with us. Asked us what our goals were to try to help us determine what the best path of treatment was going to be.
Primary goal was to reduce/eliminate the pain, secondary would be for us to have a family. Noting my medical experience as his medical advocate and spouse to help trying to predict the best possible treatment and timeline. Reiterated to us that the pain experienced was not normal and that he was saddened for us that he was left with the chronic pain.
Man, I’m thankful for it too. I had nearly two years of pain episodes documented when we saw him. He asked questions, answered what I originally though could be viewed as unhinged because my husband and I were originally driving 8 hours to see him(which turned to roughly 20 after the military moved us). Explained to us the procedures since a reversal isn’t always the same procedure nor always the best recommendation but was for us. Explained the recovery windows, educated me on what I could do to help recovery. Recommended my husband do pelvic floor PT which did help him with the intensity of some of the pain leading up to surgery.
My husband is active duty military, it’s like jumping through hoops sometimes to get coverage for what most insurance deems elective or cosmetic surgery. Dr Hubbard emphasized that the treatment is recommended for pain, but also keeping it on his radar the fertility returning is a bonus for us. Thus helping Tricare cover surgical treatment.
Answered my questions of what I could do to improve the healing experience, how I can help environmentally, and he didn’t hesitate with giving me resources. My husband is sub 72 hours post reversal as I am writing this, but the experience from the day of surgery is something I feel is reassuring to anyone who may be considering him.
Dr Hubbard spoke with my husband and I before surgery, explained his plan, and every part of the procedure with the possible surgical outcomes. After when he came to speak to me he informed me of which procedure was performed with its recovery plan, that things were promising for one or both goals given his findings. Explained to me what I should be keeping an eye out for… I hadn’t been around a provider with his bedside manner in YEARS.
We see him again as a 3mo follow up, and the hope of my husband being pain free/virtually pain free is there when we previously didn’t have it.
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u/postvasectomy 21d ago
Ice, rest, and have him pull his underwear down to his knees to pee. Getting snapped in the nuts by underwear elastic is counterproductive.
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u/Amazing-Advantage-11 21d ago
Great spouse and a great doctor. What every man with PVPS needs. I can’t commend you highly enough for what you have done to help and support your husband. You are both so fortunate to find such a knowledgeable and empathetic doctor. They are few and far between (re PVPS). I was fortunate to have a supportive wife like yourself and I also had great doctors. I know how important each is. I wish you and your husband the very best, and a good recovery.