Patient Reviews

Dear hypospadias moms, dads, and hypospadias heroes,

My son was born with hypospadias. When we were first diagnosed at birth, by an unqualified urologist, he made me believe that my son’s case is not a big deal. He did not answer my concerns, questions and certainly made the surgery sound like a 'walk in the park'. His office gave me a printed page with the incisions he would perform on my son and send us home. My mommy’s instinct kicked in and I did not trust that urologist. I felt insecure of his expertise. I sought a second opinion, where the second urologist said my son needs testosterone injections, on top of a surgery. Again, my gut told me that this is wrong. "My son does not need testosterone". Meanwhile, I was researching what moms have to say about their experiences with their sons born with hypospadias, as well as grown up men with this condition. I knew I don’t want to trust health grades from health networks. I wanted to read what moms and dads have to say about the urologists who attempted to fix their sons’ hypospadias. After intensive reading, I stumbled upon a blog from a mom whose son had hypospadias and she was talking about her journey. This is the first time when I heard about Dr. Snodgrass and Dr. Bush. As an inquisitive and worried mom, I started reading about both of them. I researched their work and watched their videos on youtube. I read some of their studies. These were the first urologists I found that actually did research work, wrote articles, wrote the textbook "Hypospadiology", traveled the world to teach other urologists about their performant techniques and patients from all over the world traveled to them for operations. I kept reading what parents have to say about Dr. Bush and Dr. Snodgrass. It took us about a year, until we made an appointment. My husband and I were scared to find out the real truth about our son’s condition. Finally, on March 1st, 2018, we met with Dr. Snodgrass and we were given the most accurate diagnostic. Our son not only had hypospadias but he also had a curvature and torsion, which will take two operations to fix. He took his time to draw and thoroughly explain what and how he will fix out son’s penis. I started crying. I knew in that moment that we are in the right place but I was devastated to find out what we have to go through. It did not sound cosmetic, as the other two urologists explained. I felt a void in my soul. I started blaming myself, thinking that maybe I have done something during my pregnancy that affected my son’s private parts. There were no words anyone could tell me to make me feel better. I needed help from a professional, who will know how to listen to me. I found a contact from PARC urology then (Hypospadias Center now), through the Happenis organization Dr. Bush had created. The lady who emailed me for emotional support had led me to Kyle-Hypospadias Center’s psychologist. What is more important, Kyle was a patient of Hypospadias Center (PARC) and he himself was born with hypospadias! There was no doubt that he is what I needed to calm my nerves and worries. I set up a Skype session with him immediately. I called Hypospadias Center (PARC) and they scheduled our session. Kyle was kind, knew how to listen, was open to answer the most uncomfortable questions in a safe environment. It was the most reassuring conversation I had so far about my Hypospadias concerns. I started feeling hope for my son when Kyle told me that he is married and has a normal life. I finally found peace with myself. I was able to gain strength so I can be my son’s rock when he needs me most. It was hard. I told my husband I would rather give birth without medication again, then seeing my son go through this ordeal. Albeit, in all honesty, the surgeries are harder on the parents than on the boys. The emotional rollercoaster of 'what will be', and 'what if', and ‘how', and ‘why' was killing me from inside. Thanks to Kyle and the amazing emotional support I have received from Happenis moms, I took one day at a time and I took charge of my emotional health. This message is intended to encourage other moms and dads with hypospadias sons, or adult hypospadias heroes, to seek professional psychological help. All of us need to be heard, especially when we are vulnerable. Keeping it all inside can destroy our emotional strength and mental stability. The more knowledge and wisdom we acquire about hypospadias, the more confidence we can instill in our sons.

Best news on earth. [Our son] just peed an enormous amount 100% straight and perfect. I was screaming!!!! So so so grateful we found you.