DR. Hal Martin and decompression surgery.

[Soonerfan11]

Finally, after a year of horrible pain in my rectum area, someone listened to me about PNE. I was rear-ended in August of 2010. After about 3 weeks, all of a sudden a burning, itching sensation delveloped in my rectum. It was so intense that I had to go to the ER. They ran several test and could not find any problems. As the weeks went by, the burning pain became more intense and started to migrate to my genitals. I did have 2 ruptured lumbar disc. The surgeon said that a fusion would take care of the burning and pain in my rectum. I had a 3 level fusion on Dec.29,2010. I had no pain or burning for 4 weeks. I thought the problem had been solved. Then out of the blue one day, all the pain and burning came back. This time more intense than ever. I went to several doctors to have test for cancer, fissures, or anyother possible thing it could be. All test came back negative. I was almost certain that I had this condition that I had read about on the internet, known as PNE. However, none of the doctors I have been to had ever heard of this condition. To make matters more diffucult, this was a workers comp. injury. The adjuster claimed that a car wreck could cause this condition. Finally, after 4 months of excruciating pain, I was refered to a neurosurgeon. He agreed with me that my symptoms would indicate PNE. he recommend that I have a nerve block done in the pudendal nerve. Again, workers comp would not approve it. However they were still paying me each week, and no treatment was being done. It didnt make much sense to me. Then out of the blue, I received a call from Dr.Douglas Beall in Oklahoma City. His office told me that I was approved to have the nerve block. So yesterday, Nov.8,2011, I had the procedure done. Dr. Beall told me the block was a diagnostic test as well as providing me with some relief. He said if the nerve block stopped my pain, that would indicate that my problem was indeed PNE. The next step would be to have decomprssion of the pudendal nerve. This would be done by a DR. Hal Martin. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Dr Martin and decompression surgery. I am anxious and do not know what to expect.Howerver, the good news, and its only been one day, but I have had no pain and no burning in my rectum for the first time in a year. I was able to have a BM without straining. I am very thankful for Dr Beall and the nerve block. Now, I am just waiting on the next step. I pray for all of you that have had this horrible condition for years. I do not see how you stood the pain for so long. I was blessed that I got help a lot sooner than most.

[Soonerfan11]

that should read..the adjuster said a car wreck COULDNT cause PNE.

[helenlegs 11]

Welcome Soonerfan11,
Sorry that you have had such a bad run, but I honestly am amazed that you have got so far so soon. Maybe the world IS waking up to PN.
The line in your post that struck me the most was

Finally, after 4 months of excruciating pain, I was refered to a neurosurgeon. He agreed with me that my symptoms would indicate PNE.

Good for you! and him ! ! I still haven't met one who recognised the problem here at all unfortunately (UK) and was referred to 3 separate ones. They all said 'it's your back'. I was also offered a spinal fusion but declined as my MRI showed no nerve impingement?? All because I'd had a successful microdiscectomy 5 years earlier and no back problems since that time. So glad I refused
Great that the shot has had a positive effect. I hope this lasts a good while.
I have only heard good things about Dr Martin, although I have absolutely no personal experience.
Take care,
Helen

[pomegranate]

Boomer sooner!! OU grad here.

I only know what information is on this board about Dr. Martin and his work with PNE surgery.

I had arthroscopic hip surgery with him for a labral tear and femoroacetabular impingement this summer. Very positive experience, and I'm glad I had him as my surgeon. He and his office are very new to this surgery, so just be aware of that. They may not have all the post-op guidelines perfected along with other issues. But I do think he's a top notch hip surgeon--one of the best in the country.

My PN/pelvic pain is not at a level where I'm considering surgery anymore, so I'm not much help there.

Lauren

[carolynm]

Soonerfan11,

do you know where anatomically your nerve block was done? Just curious, and have you made an appt with Dr. Martin? wondering what his wait times are like

cari

[Soonerfan11]

The nerve blocks were injected in each side of my buttocks, while I was in a CT scan. I had excelent relief for about 8 days. Most of the symptoms have returned. Dr Douglas Beall did the nerve blocks, and since i did have some relief, he refered me to Dr Martin last week. AS of Nov 21, I havent heard from Dr Martins office.

[nyt]

Glad to hear of such a good response from your block! Did they recommend a total of 3 blocks? My pelvic floor PT told me of a patient she had that the first pudendal block they got about 50% pain relief, then the 2nd block 75% pain relief and the 3rd block 100% pain relief and is still pain free 4 months later. This patient is exercising normally and no problems sitting. It is always nice to hear when individuals are finding relieve!

[Pisama]

Its very good to hear block helped you! It is good sing, to get few more blocks or that you have high hopes for surgery!