Would welcome your opinion and advice.

[LMN111]

Hi Everyone,

Im very new to the site, having lurked for a whilst decided it was time to join up and join in as everyone seems so helpful, and understanding.

I have been having awful deep aching buttock pain that extends into genital area, which causes a numb/burning sensation (almost like I have been wearing trousers that are too tight), this has been going on for a couple of months. More recently the pain has been getting worse, it is still bearable and some days are wore than others. I could almost draw a line where the pain occurs - from left buttock, into periunium and into labia majora and stopping just before mons pubis. The pain subsides once I get into bed, and starts again when I get up in the morning. I can experience the pain in any of the areas, but more predominantly in my buttock and towards the front of my genital area.

I do suffer with low back pain, and regularly see a chiropractor but this feels very different and I have no pain in my back, or leg.

Going for a bowel movement is very traumatic, the pain I experience is an unbearable sharp stabbing pain - it occurs in my left buttock and perinium area, it can ache badly for quite some time afterwards. More recently I have been suffering from severe constipation and impaction - so have started to take lactulose to make things more comfortable. The pain is getting me down quite considerably, its not unbearable, but it is there with me all day nagging away, and gets worse with some activities, the pain is also exacerbated by sitting for too long to the point I had to leave work early last week.

I should also mention that I do (or did) horse ride, my Dr has told me to hold off for a while, although funnily enough I can ride without experiencing any pain, but it does hurt afterwards.

I have googled and googled and cannot pinpoint exactly what might be wrong (I know google isnt always a good idea). I have been to the Drs twice, first time he gave me Naproxen, which gives me chronic stomach ache, and more recently another Dr prescribed Amitriptyline, but Im a little reluctant to take it. I was also sent for an xray last week and should get the results this week. My Dr did say if Im still in pain in a few weeks he will refer me to a back specialist and ask for an MRI scan, so at least I feel like he is listening to me.

I would be so grateful for any advice or comments, does this sound like PN or something else?

Thanks everyone and hope you have had a good weekend

[Violet M]

Welcome to the forum, LMN.

Sounds like you have already figured out that some of your symptoms, such as pain primarily in the saddle area, are similar to what PN patients experience, but it's probably going to take a bit more diagnostic testing and consideration by your healthcare providers to really nail down a diagnosis. Have you been evaluated by a pelvic floor physicial therapist who treats pudendal neuralgia yet? You may have seen the list that can be accessed from the homepage at pudendalhope.org.

There are different types of MRI's that cover different parts of the spine/pelvis. It's important to know what type of MRI is being ordered and whether it will include all of the areas that really should be looked at for people with pelvic pain -- such as the lumbosacral plexus, the pelvic area, the lumbo/sacral area (including checking for tarlov cysts), labral tears in the hips, etc. You may also want to consider what type of MRI a future PN specialist would require in case you ever end up going to see one. This could save you having a 2nd MRI.

That's great that your doctor is listening and trying to help. Hopefully you can get this sorted out soon.

Take care,

Violet

[carolynm]

May I ask where you live? Someone here may gave more resources for you.