Saying Hi & my symptoms- One more Question

[Burner2k]

Saying Hi to veteran members & newbie alike.

It's been only around 3 months since this whole thing started but the journey so far as been terrible. I am sure it's been exasperated further by my anxiety/stress.

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in August 2009 as I used to have terrible gas and been on gluten free diet to a large extent since then.

I travelled internationally during Winter and after I returned to US in early Jan, I got hit by a bladder infection. Was given anti-biotics for 10 days. Seemed fine by the end of it and I masturbated that weekend. After my ejaculation, had a feeling to pee even though I had emptied my bladder. Kept me up all night and for some reason I thought UTI had returned and drank plenty of water + cranberry juice. After a couple of days it seemed fine and I masturbated again the following weekend. It came back with vengeance. I approached doctors and they said it had nothing to do with masturbation & encouraged me to continue with jerking off. Finally I thought I will quit masturbating and took about 4 weeks off...now tingling/urge has mitigated (just builds up gradually) but frequency still remains. I still remember being on a plane for 14 hours straight and had to use restroom like 2-3 times. I would give a million dollars to revert to that condition :)

To describe my symptoms:

· It's like after I urinate...this sensation disappears and then builds up gradually. Currently I can sort of hold off for around 2 hours. On bad days, like holding time is around 45 mins -1 hour.

· Consulted my Family Physician on Feb 16 and she noticed some inflammation on the tip of glans and she thought it might have been an inflammation due to dermatitis. Was prescribed Hydrocortisone Valerate 0.2% to be applied twice for 5 days. I also changed soap to a milder bar one. My prostate was also checked and I was told its normal.

· Urologist (nurse practitioner) suggested it might be a Candida Infection and I was applying anti-fungal cream twice for around 5 weeks now. For some reason the cream helped me in reducing my urge...may be a placebo effect. I have had 3 urine analysis so far and no infections have been found.

· This is recently...some discomfort/pressure feeling in the groin region when holding off urine...usually disappears after voiding. Since last week I also notice some bloating feeling in my lower abdomen. Not sure if it is gas which has accumulated (I used to fart a lot before but now barely...kind of scary). I would not say I am constipated but certainly not defecating as much quantity as before.

· Also sometimes there is slight discomfort/pain ([2 to 3]/10) in base of penis towards left side. Some pain in buttocks recently...usually when I sit. Usually no burning while urinating. Sometimes there is slight rectal burning after I defecate. Sometimes I feel slightly burning/ cold flashes between my testicles & thigh region when seated in certain positions.

· Usually the urge sensation is worse when I am seated..

· Don't have a problem having and maintaining an erection. However it seems like I am ejaculating a lot quicker than before. (last time it was just around in 25-30 seconds).

· No smoking and almost never drink soda. Had just one shot of liquor this past week after being liquor free since August 2009

So far been to two Urologists and 1 GP. I think I may have some pelvic muscle issues...

I have an appointment with another urologist in early May (supposed to be familiar with IC). I have ordered 'headache in the pelvis' by Dr. Wise & 'Healing Pelvic Pain' by Amy Stein. I'm hoping them books would provide me with some more information & hope.

I have lurked enough in the forum for the last two days to find that a lot of people have gone through the same symptoms & process and are feeling a lot better now (yaay :)). I am looking for encouraging words from other members on my symptoms (I read feeling of fullness is one of the symptom of PFD) & pressure in the groin area.

I hurt my back in the gym last year for which I never sought medical attention and in August of last year, I had a case of mild sciatic nerve inflammation which disappeared after taking Flexeril. It has acted up twice so far and OTC pain relievers have helped me calm it down. So not sure if these two are also contributing factors to my pelvic issues. I have to say that all my pain intensities are quite mild. The only thing that is really bothering me is now urgency & frequency (& the fear of IC + recent bloating:))

Does going to a Chiropractor help with my back? I don't want the Chiro to do something which might affect down there. I would love to hear feedback from members on how much of a help Chiropractors are.
Thanks...& good luck to all.
-Vish

P.S: Apologize if the post is too long...its frustrating being not able to share this with a lot of people, especially males. Hope you guys understand

[webslave]

Fairly ordinary case, so not to worry. Read the books, that'll get you started on the road to recovery!

[Burner2k]

I really did not want to start a new thread for this...I received my books yesterday and I am on it . Pretty slow reader so might take some time before I finish them.

I want to start Yoga Therapy soon...just to get a distraction & possibly to reduce anxiety. Should I wait till I receive an evaluation from PT/Doctor on my Pelvic Floor before I start Yoga? I do not want to do any exercises which might hurt down there and exacerbate the situation further. Responses are appreciated.
Thanks
-Vishak

[d_man]

Although, my symptons are diff than yours, I am miles better since this started in Jan. If you're not physically fit. I would take it easy on the Yoga (just my opinion). If you are by all means, go ahead. I don't see how it would hurt. I stopped doing yoga and just stuck to doing stretches now. Hold each stretch for a good 30 to 45 secs. Use a watch if you have to. Best of luck.

[Burner2k]

d_man, thanks for your response.

I am not even officially diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction yet. I know my problem is not related to any infections. I don't think I would call myself physically fit. I have Chondromalacia Patella in my right knee...for which I am supposed to do PT (never did ). Recently, I am having some pain in my hips and stuff...I desperately need some diversion from this and I thought Yoga might be a good approach. I am single and live alone...so my living situation doesn't really help here either.

I guess I should finish reading HITP book first...

[Burner2k]

I would appreciate some sort of guidance on this guys. My doctor's appointment is in early May which is like 3 weeks away...in the mean time I do want to start Yoga Therapy. I'll let the instructor know about my potential Pelvic Floor issues (my butt muscles pain if I sit too long anyway) and hopefully he'll let me know of poses which puts too much strain on hip/pelvic muscles and I can abstain from doing them. Did Yoga help anyone before they started their PT?

[d_man]

I found that stretching did help, especially taking my mind off of things (which was and still is my #1 prob). My stretching does consist of many yoga elements. The routine is 45 minutes morn, and 20 minutes afternoon and night. But to be honest, it was only after 5th to 6th physio appointments, that I started to get the feeling of being somewhat normal (she pressed some magic buttons). I was going twice a week. I also have a pretty discplined schedule, that combines 2 mediation sessions (sometimes turns into a nap) a day, internal and a hot bath.

So to answer your question, imo, whatever you do to take your mind off things will help and yoga is great for that. Good luck, and I hope it works out for you.

[Burner2k]

d-Man, thanks again for your response. I'll start Yoga soon...keep myself busy :)

Curious to know for how many people this thing started after ejaculation/orgasm? In the past my technique of ejaculation was not lets say very healthy and I think being a very anxious person, all it took for me was one orgasm to upset something down there to trigger urge to urinate/tingling sensation in my penis and thus frequency!

[Jay]

We have many members for whom chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome became chronic following sexual activity. Could be "normal" sex, something more exotic, masturbation, etc. In any case, yes, there are numerous posters whose problems manifested and/or grew more troublesome following an ejaculatory experience.

If your habit was to hold back ejaculation/orgasm, then there are most certainly others like you here.

[calguy]

I would say you are not too bad on the frequency side now. 2 hrs is normal but 45 min a little bad. I think you can turn this around since you caught it early. I would stop masturbating for a while. Try stretching, can't say which ones because its different for everyone. Stretching is good for you in general, it helps me to do groin stretches. Try some prostate support medicine from health food store. Give it time and relax . . .2 years before mine calmed down but my frequency was a lot worse. Read up on site and I think you will be fine!

[Burner2k]

Jay,
That is exactly what I used to do...hold back. I never realized this was a bad practice...I am holding off on masturbation. I did once last week...lasted for 25 seconds (from 5 mins before...wow). Did not have any pain during ejaculation...but did notice slightly dull ache about an hour after ejaculation and then disappeared. I still apply anti-fungal cream near my tip of penis...helps me reduce tingling even though I do not have any yeast...may be it soothes the nerves there! Not sure...

How would prostate medicines help if our condition isn't prostate related at all? Just curious...also which ones are good & helpful with out any side effects. I am already on a gluten free diet and I hope supplements will not affect it with my diet.
Thanks guys

[gmccormack]

Burner2K,

I'm not sure the condition has NOTHING to do with the prostate. A very common end effect of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome is trigger points/tight muscles, releasing those can lead to decreased symptoms. But chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome as a whole is far more complicated than that, and the prostate COULD certainly be involved.

Quercetin etc have been shown to have good results, these do not target muscle tightness but the prostate inflammation, which is why there are increased levels of interleukin-6 in the semen of most men with this condition.

[Burner2k]

Thanks...will speak to my doctor about taking Quercetin.

[calguy]

I can't say why but I take a good prostate supplement when I start flaring and it helps then I stop. Maybe placebo I don't get it either. Try Elavil low dose it helps and clams everything down, if frequency really bothering you or having to go feeling. Time my friend just give it time and work on relaxing!

[we.the.hulk]

Burner

My chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome came back with sex. But I thought it was bacteria, so went on 6 weeks of Bactrim. Got real freaked out and that's when all hell broke loose. You are ahead of the curve. You and I have the same symptoms. Still struggling with that tingling sensation / urge to pee thing. No more burning and no more "real" pain for me right now.

I'd say get on the stretching and meditation and walking immediately. Don't wait for someone to "tell you" what you have. You've got it. You're like me -- live alone, probably some anxiety in general about life, improper bracing / tensing etc. Figure out your issues and what you need to balance. I've spoken with Dr. Wise a couple times now and he pegged me right out of the gate. Drs wanted to tell me I had IC. It was good to here him say it.

Definitely get Dr. Wise's new book "Paradoxical Relaxation - The Theory And Practice Of Dissolving Anxiety By Accepting It".
I'm almost finished. Lot of great insight. A must read companion to A HEADACHE IN THE PELVIS. The mental side of this horrible affliction is huge.

Good luck sir!