Frequency or pain?

[scotsman]

I've now got to stage where the pain round my pelvis is largely under control (via relaxation techniques and lots of PT - internal weekly sessions with my physio and nightly external sessions with my wife). However, the frequency feeling is still constant, distressing and hasn't diminished at all (apart from a couple weeks ago when it 'almost' went away for two days).

I've been wondering though whether it's just pain and not true frequency (are they the same thing?). I feel I need to pass water all the time but I don't really. When I pass water I don't have any pain and feel my bladder is emptying. The 'frequency' feeling goes away directly after urinating but returns after 5-10 minutes.

I was trying to describe the frequency feeling the other day to my physio and explained it as the feeling/pain you get if you have a very very full bladder - which is a pain tied into the need to pass water (which is where the feelings of 'frequency' come in?). I also get a ache in the base of my penis.

From recent trigger point work the pubococcygeus muscle (especially around the top part of my anus - towards the coccyx) is very tight/painful (the front and sides are fine). This is now the focus for some serious PT.

Am I confusing the matter by saying I have frequency problems when in fact it's just plain pain (!) - and given it's location leads to feelings of frequency?

I guess I'm just trying to find the right words, and effective words, to describe my condition. I always feel that when I mention that I have a frequency feeling that the other party will assume I have some sort of bladder issue - which of course isn't the case.

How to others explain their frequency issues/pain to their doctors?

Richard.

[Richard.N]

I think you're right in calling it frequency. If you feel the need to urinate frequently you have a symptom called 'urinary frequency'. You're simply describing a symptom.

[Paso]

Scotsman,

I know what you are talking about. I had the same thing when this started (in april). Today I have it from time to time and less dramatic. Now more of an irritation. I have been following the Stanford/Wise-Anderson Protocol and done PT work. Also I have taken Atarax. How long have you had this?

/Paso

[MS]

Scotsman,

I currently have the same "residual" symptoms of frequency that you described.

I guess I'm just trying to find the right words, and effective words, to describe my condition. I always feel that when I mention that I have a frequency feeling that the other party will assume I have some sort of bladder issue - which of course isn't the case.

How to others explain their frequency issues/pain to their doctors?

I think the problem is, like you said, when you say frequency to most doctors, they automatically assume a prostate or bladder problem, and treat you for "prostatitis" or "cystitis."

I also have a raw pain/discomfort after I urinate, and about ___ minutes before my next urination (depending on how bad the frequency) -- and I can only anecdotally assume it is inflammation.

To add to Paso's post, I have been taking Atarax (25mg) at bedtime, which as all but ended nocturia.

[scotsman]

Paso - I'm just entering my 5th month.

MS - Would an antihistamine really help? (I'd like it to!!) Would that only help if the urine itself was causing the irritation?

Thankfully I've not had nocturia - though getitng to sleep in the first couple of months was tricky.

The 'Theta Meditation System' CD's from Dr Jeffrey Thompson arrived from Amazon today - which will hopefully add a lot of value to the breathing exercises I do just now.

Richard.

[Paso]

That CD is amazing. The 1st track when I first listened to it I was blown away. It is almost like being in another world. I must thank JD for the tips. Good luck Scotsman :)

/Paso

[scotsman]

That CD is amazing. The 1st track when I first listened to it I was blown away. It is almost like being in another world. I must thank JD for the tips. Good luck Scotsman :)

The CD is fantastic - amazing how it completely zonks you out.