not sure what it is

[katinka]

Hi everyone,
For the past 10 weeks I have been struggling with a wandering burning sensation down there. It started in my urethra so I went to see a urologist who prescribed an antibiotic. It didn't get any better but instead moved backward to my vagina. Went to see a gyn who couldn't find anything. Burning feeling moved on to my perineum and my anus. Went to see a proctologist who couldn't find anything besides stage I hemorrhoids, which shouldn't be a problem. In the meantime I have a pressure just above my anus, which feels like my underpants are stuck between my buttcheeks when I sit for more than 15 minutes and sometimes a burning feeling in the tailbone area. No more trouble with my vagina or urethra. No pain that is unbearable. Just that nasty pressure and slight pain in my tailbone. I have seen so many doctors including a doctor at the ER when I was getting crazy with the vaginal itching/burning and my family doctor. Next week i have an apointment with an internal specialist about a colonoscopy for my digestive problems and a week later an apointment with an orthopedic specialist regarding the tailbone pain. When I sit too long my right buttcheek hurts in one tiny spot right next to where the strange pressure is close to my anus. Do you think it would be a good idea to point out PN to my doctor and to go see a neurogist? Could this be a mild form of PN? Is it dangerous to sit even though the pain is bearable? I have a job in which I sit all day either at my desk or in the car. Thanks so much for your help and advice.

[stephanies]

Katinka,

Can your GYN recommend a physical therapist who can evaluate your pelvic floor and your pelvic alignment? This is a conservative first step and may be helpful in figuring out your pain. I have a similar-sounding spot of pressure/discomfort and when my therapist loosens the levator ani muscles it seems to improve the pain.

My best,
Stephanies

[Violet M]

Katinka, it's hard to predict how the specialists would respond to your suggestions of PN. Some have an open mind and some don't. I agree with Stephanie that it would be smart to see a PT who is familiar with PN. I was correctly diagnosed by a PT when the physicians had no clue.

Violet

[katinka]

I have meanwhile contacted a PT or osteopath specializing in this kind of problem (Pohl approach-I live in Germany). Unfortunately the PT is a 2 hour drive away from where I live but I hope it is worth it. I will still go see the internal specialist and orthopedic specialist to rule out any problems with my digestive system and bone structure. Thanks so much for your help. I will keep you posted.

[Violet M]

Too bad you have to travel so far. Any chance this PT knows of someone closer to you who is good?

Good luck. I will be interested to hear how it goes for you.

Violet

[katinka]

Hi there,
I have decided to give it a shot and try this special Pohl therapy. Even if I have to drive there (2 hours each trip). If it doesnt work for me I can still cancel it. I still have problems with sitting a lot. Some days are better, some are worse. It feels like the burning is travelling to whichever part I sit on. If I lean back my tailbone and area above the anus tend to burn. When I lean forward the burning sensation shifts to the front and can feel like I need to go pee. As soon as I switch positions the burning stops. It also stopps when I contract my pelvic floor. Which obviously I cannot do all the time. I have no vaginal pain whatsoever. My "pain" is a burning sensation as if my muscles cannot bear my body weight (although I am not that heavy). When I sit too long during a day the pain gets worse and I cannot really get rid of it. Feels like a bad sunburn on my butt or as if I just came home from a 24 hour cycling tour. This is just so bizarre....