I hadn't really described my symptoms in any detail since my first post, so here's an update.
First of all, I still don't know whether what I have is CPPS. It's certainly only just within the "chronic" timeframe, and compared to a lot of the poor guys on here, it's always been pretty mild. However, I know I have normal kidneys, no urine cultures and normal flow rate, so plenty of other things have been ruled out.
Looking back at my first post, I definitely have fewer symptoms than I did 6 weeks ago. All I get now is a feeling of tension in my perineum (coupled with a slight tenderness on the bones nearby) and the occasional slight urethral sensitivity upon emptying my bladder. I can usually relieve the former by massing the area and stretching; the latter by relaxing.
I've started trying the tennis ball trick for massaging the perineum and also ordered that book about active stretches, but so far, I'm finding the most effective stretches are the ones involving my hip adductors and hamstrings (one, two, three, four and this yoga stretch). Oh, and also one for the hip flexors (here).
I'm still also trying to be aware of, and release, pelvic tension throughout the day, as recommended in the "Headache..." book. And I'm taking the free month supply of Quercetin... no idea if it's doing any good, but I might be able to say when I finish the course.
I'm also wondering about changing my initial strategy. My NHS cystoscopy is still nearly 3 weeks away, so I'm starting to worry that it may cause me unnecessary suffering with no clear benefits in return. I'm considering cancelling the appointment, continuing with my current stretches/etc and maybe coughing up the cash for a private urologist if that becomes strictly necessary. No disrespect to the NHS, but the slow progress of their tests (understandable, given the non-threatening nature of my complaint) hasn't really achieved much.
The continuing story of the maybe-CPPS
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adrianclark
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- Location: London
The continuing story of the maybe-CPPS
Age: 38; Onset: 38; | Symptoms: the famous "golf ball" sensation, irrational feel of needing to urinate, feeling of "fatigue" in pelvic floor, general lack of energy... all symptoms fairly mild and isolated; | Helped By: relaxation, stretching exercises, (possibly) alcohol, hot baths, sleep; | Worsened By: over-exertion (suddenly running without warming up), possibly excessive sedentary work
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otherwiseread
- Intermediate Member
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- Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:02 pm
- Location: brooklyn, ny
your situation sounds very similar to mine.. I wouldnt go for cystoscopy, maybe ask your doctor if you really really need it? My docs seemed fast to prescribe me numerous tests which had zero results, all of them showed that I'm fine..(2 CT scans, 2 X-rays, a MRI, 6-7 urine and blood tests, colonoscopy(ended up not going to get that one, not worth the suffering)and others)
On the other hand, when I went to a physical therapist/pelvic floor specialist she clearly saw the problem - this and that muscle shouldnt be like that, your this muscle inside your butt is bad your that muscle that connects too the prostate is too constricted too, abs stuck in tight state.. and you definately need some work.. I would go get a one visit evaluation from a PT instead of cystoscopy..
On the other hand, when I went to a physical therapist/pelvic floor specialist she clearly saw the problem - this and that muscle shouldnt be like that, your this muscle inside your butt is bad your that muscle that connects too the prostate is too constricted too, abs stuck in tight state.. and you definately need some work.. I would go get a one visit evaluation from a PT instead of cystoscopy..
OK, too lazy to change my signature, but my sympoms have improved significantly, some went away competely. Old sig below.
Age: 27 | Onset Age: 23 | Symptoms: differ from year to year, anal/buttocks pain(especially when moving around/walking), burning when pee every once in a while, muscle tightness after peeing, sometimes but rarely burning after,, but no urgency , i pee about 4-5 times a day. Stomach bloating, hard to pass gas, occasional sharp pain in right side lower abs.
Helped By: alcohol(maybe i am wrong about this one,, helps some symtoms, possibly makes other symptoms worse), water, Beer always cures urethra pains/burning.
| Worsened By: showers, defecation, massage?, stress, winter, early spring, Snapple diet iced tea?.
Makes no difference: sitting(try putting something under back legs of your chair to tilt it slightly), masturbation(2-3 times a day usually),(update, now down to 1-2 times a day), used to ride bike without a seat on for 4 hours some days 3-4 days a week- no problem, spicy foods - no problem, 3-4 cups of black tea a day- no problem
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Sleeper Service
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- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
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carld
- Retired Mod
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I would get the cystoscopy for the same reason Sleeper advises.....I'm very certain your dealing with tight muscles, but be safe and have a clear mind that there is no structural problem etc....
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I encourage anxiety prone UCPPS people to consider L-Theanine
Age, 44 onset age 37 Feb 2006 Freq. need to urinate. Sensation of having to urinate soon after going. Perineum discomfort/burning/tightness, pubic area discomfort @ times,poor urine stream, post urine dripping/spray. All symptoms have improved with my protocol. At the worst I give it a 1 to 2 on irritation and discomfort and frequency. Helps: Elavil 5mg for anxiety and mast cell protection, (will only take it as needed) self internal PT as needed, stretching, walking, stairmaster cardio workout and light weights, reducing stress, moment to moment relaxation, deep breathing relaxation and using a Theracane. Makes worse: sitting for long periods, stress, over focusing on it. Currently 95%-98% recovered. Stay positive, relaxed and control your anxiety.
I encourage anxiety prone UCPPS people to consider L-Theanine
Age, 44 onset age 37 Feb 2006 Freq. need to urinate. Sensation of having to urinate soon after going. Perineum discomfort/burning/tightness, pubic area discomfort @ times,poor urine stream, post urine dripping/spray. All symptoms have improved with my protocol. At the worst I give it a 1 to 2 on irritation and discomfort and frequency. Helps: Elavil 5mg for anxiety and mast cell protection, (will only take it as needed) self internal PT as needed, stretching, walking, stairmaster cardio workout and light weights, reducing stress, moment to moment relaxation, deep breathing relaxation and using a Theracane. Makes worse: sitting for long periods, stress, over focusing on it. Currently 95%-98% recovered. Stay positive, relaxed and control your anxiety.