Consultant

I had my appointment with the specialist at my local BUPA hospital yesterday morning.

Having never been to a BUPA hospital before, I was quite impressed with it. Very nice and clean, modern appearance. I can understand why private healthcare in the UK is becoming more popular; compare this environment to your average provincial hospital, with its 'temporary' portable cabins, tired looking decor and furnishings.

Anyway, the consulant asked me very similar questions to those the GP asked. Of course, he was able to feel that I had two testes (hallelujah!), but told me that they were small. He told me much that I had already found out myself - that there was a possibility that the testes were producing sperm, that there is about a 20% success rate for extraction of sperm etc. etc. I don't know why it makes it better when you're told this by a specialist, I guess that's the 'authority power' (hey, my Psych degree is proving to be useful after all!)

The consultant ordered blood to be taken, so that my white blood cells can be cultured in order to conduct a genetic examination of my chromosomes. I'm not entirely sure what he'll be looking for - maybe I haven't got a well-formed Y chromosome or something. There's a possibility that there may be a genetic defect, and I think that that may be looked at as well. Anyhow, I'll find out about that all in a couple of month's time.

He seemed pleasant enough, and was surprised at our lightheartedness about the whole affair. My wife and I agree, there's no point in worrying too much about something that you can't control - but let's see what we can do about it.