Dr. Bahn - 6 month update

[neis]

I had my last of 3 prostate injections from Dr. Bahn in April, 2008. Prior to the injections I had pain on some level 24/7, the worst being nerve jolts/zaps through my penis, perineum burning and *nerve crawling* with extreme itching that was only helped by applying an ice pack. Sitting on anything soft, especially deep cushioned sofas, would initiate nerve pain through my genitals that would lead to a multi-day flare with the perineum issues mentioned. In the 6 months since my last shot, months 2-5 were mostly pain free with zero nerve zaps, itching, or flares from sitting on soft cushions. I tried biking a few time with some success in the early months, but after month 5 began to experience increased burning in my perineum, so I've stopped. Since month 5 I've been experiencing occasional low level pain issues (burning and return of minor nerve crawling) that have been tolerable, but are a sign things are slowly moving in the wrong direction. I consider the series of shots a huge success with regard to pain management that all other treatments (PT, dry needling, antibiotics, Lyrica, prostate massage, . . . ) failed to provide. I'm going for another treatment Nov. 19, and may do another 2 rounds after, depending on my condition. I hope my experience and honest assessments have provided insight for those curious about this approach.

[webslave]

Thanks for the update.

[kevin]

Thank you for your post, neis.

[critthinker]

Thanks, super helpful.

[changejobs]

Neis, if you are still a user on the site can you give updates as to how your feeling and if the additional shots by Bahn helped?

[neis]

Haven't been a poster on the site for a long time. Just saw this post. My pain is no longer in genitals, only perineum. No symptoms for a long time, but have been dealing with pain in perineum for last 6 months. Before that I was biking a lot with no symptoms. Was bummed it came back, and will be seeing Tim Sawyer after the first of the year for review of symptoms and PT. Won't go for injections again, though they were a great pain management tool initially, but not a cure. The more time that goes on, the more I realize how impactful this condition is on experiencing life's joys; sex especially.
Also, much of my period without pain was aided by opiates. Unfortunately they almost killed me. Continual use slowed respiratory and cardiovascular function resulting in heart function problems that put me in cardiac unit after collapse. They worked for pain, but not without a price.

[changejobs]

Neis.
I am sorry you are still dealing with this. Thank you for the update. I am still thinking of trying Bahn to get some relief. I wanted to ask how you feel after the shots. I have to work in between the week of shots. Will I be in a lot of pain or will I be able toattend meetings the same day? Also did you have any negatives from the shots?

[neis]

They provided a dramatic degree of relief initially. My prostate was swollen and reduced in size a lot from from 1st to 2nd visit measured during ultrasound. That accounted for the pain relief most likely. Personally, I can't connect symptoms to stress. I went through great stresses during my period of no symptoms, and have the worst flares now when I'm at most ease. Sitting is my trigger.
You should be able to deal with pain easily. My worst pain was after the first shot; dropped me to my knees when I was leaving Bahn's office. Within 2 hours I felt great relief. Best of luck.

[changejobs]

Thanks neis. I noticed that some of the people that have been helped by Bahn go back after some time and that period between shots gets longer and longer. Do you think additional injections would have helped?

[neis]

Likely, though only temporarily.