New here - thought I'd say hi - my story so far

[dvdx2]

Update - I have had some really good days this week, parts of which were pain/discomfort free! Its strange feeling 'normal'. I am hoping its a sign of improvement and the good days will become more frequent. Discomfort on urination has greatly decreased too, but I am still getting discomfort afterwards (nerve pains in thighs/occasionally cold sensation at the tip on the penis)

My regime has changed a fair bit over the weeks - the stretching has reduced and am focusing on treating my back (with ice). Counselling is still every Thursday evening and physio for my back still ongoing (I have minor traction tomorrow)

I have 2 TP sessions in June too - I really felt a shift in the condition this week, but am realistic its just a the starting point

[bobby]

Glad to hear things are getting better, keep up the good progress.

[dvdx2]

Thanks Bobby - progress is slow, but there are minor improvements.

I attended my 4th TP session and all the internal muscles in the pelvic region are now softer (or spongy as the therapist said). A big difference from the start, when the whole left side was hard. Still have the uncomfortable sensation on a full bladder and after urination, as well as a cold sensation at the tip of the penis on occasion - but its not as bad. I have also had some reflexology and was advised adrenal/zinc and magnesium supplements - been taking these for 1 week and feel calmer and less anxious. For me managing anxiety is the key to recovery of this condition.

[dvdx2]

Not had a great week to be honest - testicular pain (left side) is back as well as urgency discomfort. I need to get back into the stretching and exercise regime. I have just ordered a Theracane to see if it can help me with some external TP's. I know this flare up is only for a short period of time, so I'm keeping positive. (but it is hard too). I think I may have to go on some medication at this rate of progress, to help with the nerve pain I get in my legs after urination and throughout the day. Back and testicular pain I can deal with, the nerve pain is the hardest.

[bobby]

You'll get through it, just keep your head up. Like you said, get into the stretching regime, twice a day at least and internal maybe every other day. (That's what I do anyway). Also like you said getting a grasp on that anxiety is key. You must take some time out of your day to relax and focus on training your mind to let go of anxiety.

[dvdx2]

OK, so where am I? Here's an update

Urinary discomfort is down and my mood is much better. I still have discomfort after sex, but it it subsides after 1 day. Back pain has also lessened. I am now swimming a little. A recent tp session flared me for a day. Good or bad?

What I have learnt - you must learn to relax the pelvic floor, reduce anxiety/stop obsessing to move forward.

I have also had a recent flare of rsi, in my hands which hasn't helped either, but I'm generally positive. Progress is slow, but now visible

[dvdx2]

I have been using the relaxation method during orgasm (not forcing etc) and it as worked wonders for me. It essentially gave me a few almost pain free days, doest work every time though - although I think the sessions weren't far enough apart.

[dvdx2]

Can anyone tell me the best time of the day to take valium, regarding a benzo weekend?

Any advice would be appreciated

[webslave]

Start Friday night, then mid-morning Saturday, Sunday.

[dvdx2]

Guys,

Can you let me know your thoughts....

My symptoms are now down to discomfort after peeing (subsides after 3-5mins) in the genital area and left testicular pain (mild)

Any thing more I could be doing to help this?

[Mike Kavo]

Try just to relax do not try to force anything or think on the process or worry about tension after - part of the issue may be doing that. My bet is get it out your head and it will resolve.

You could try a very mild stretch before and after it will relax the muscles and help you focus on something else at this time. I find a squat very useful for this type of tension.

[dvdx2]

Thanks as always Mike.

I get a pressure type feeling when my bladder fills up, then urethral discomfort after I pee.

[dvdx2]

hi all

hope all is well

can anyone telll me the best stretches (other than internal massage) for the anterior front levator ani insertions?

[dvdx2]

I am off to Chile with my partner soon for a holiday and may make an appointment with a consultant, just to see if the Southern American approach can offer anything different. He was emailed my symptoms and replied;

'CPPS unfortunately is an illness very difficult to deal and treat. The first thing is to try to classify what type of chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome your partner has. There are 4 types, from I to IV. Then we tackle each pain independently. If he suffers testicular pain on the left side we investigate that, then the pain in urination and so forth on'.

Am I wasting my time? He seems approachable and it would be a good opportunity to get perhaps different perspectives? What do you all think?

Also he talks about the 4 types of CPPS?

[davyboy]

While I am new to the chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome game (about 8 months) I would say that if somebody were to be making significant gains in tackling chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome we would know about it just because how easy it is to access and promote information via the internet.

I don't think a different perspective could hurt. Tim Parks in his book discusses how his trips to India and his experience with Eastern medicine helped him. However, if you are going to be spending large sums of money on this I would perhaps rethink it. There is a reason that AHIP has been a successful book - because it works.