Bad Experience With Rolling Suitcase

[MovinCA]

I'm a college counselor and instructor, and use a rolling suitcase to carry my classroom materials with me. It seems that I won't be doing this any longer as its leading to issues with my pudendal nerve. Having to twist my body and pull something heavy behind me sends pains through my rectum and down my thigh...and my pelvic floor muscles tighten terribly, causing perineal pain and burning. Anyone else experience this?

[Violet M]

I used to have problems with lifting or pulling weight or walking uphill which I think puts a similar stress on the pelvic floor. Sorry to hear of this new problem for you. Seems like this is going to make it very difficult for you to get around now and to do your job, isn't it?

Violet

[MovinCA]

Hi Violet!

Yes, it has been tough. You are right on...it really did mess with my pelvic floor. The last time I taught, my classroom was so much closer to my office and I used a bag instead of a suitcase. It worked out much better.

Yesterday, on my way to PT I kept thinking, "the handle is too low. I have to twist and bend and it pulls at the nerve in a weird way." Then, I asked my PT about the situation and didn't mention the handle. LOW AND BEHOLD that was her first question for me. "Is the handle too low," she immediately asked. Amazing. I really do feel fortunate to work with such a great physical therapist who is not only an expert with respect to pelvic pain and rehabilitation, but a thoughtful, caring person! She told me, "you MUST get a new suitcase this weekend. Do not wait!"

I had been thinking that I'd have to talk to our disability accommodation specialist and request the use of one of our golf carts--which would have been fine if I needed it, but it was really just a small modification that I needed to make. Feeling very fortunate.

By the way...I got the name of the great physical therapist I work with from the PUDENDAL HOPE website! I've been going to her for about 4 years now and she has truly helped me.

I used to see another PT who was also great...used different exercises that were equally helpful. She was farther away and that's why I checked this site to find the PT that I go to now. I'll have to give you her info as well. She too was excellent, and an expert in the field of pelvic pain.

Thank you.

[Violet M]

Wow, I hope something as simple as getting a longer handle will solve this problem for you! Let us know how it works out.

It is very fortunate that we have PT's who are interested in working with PN patients and that they are willing to be listed on the site. Glad to hear that PT is helping you out so much.

Take care,

Violet

[JackieOUCH]

That is a BIG pain producer for me as well. Cannot pull or push ANYTHING, and cannot carry a bag over about 2 pounds either.

I've found that when I have to carry anything I just hug it or hole it very close to my upper body. This seems to add less stress or tension to the nerve.

Good luck,

Jackie OUCH

[lindsayg]

I'm in the LA area. Interested to know who are the 2 pt's you mentions.
Thanks.
Lindsay