Superior Hypogastric Plexus & Ganglion Impar Nerve Blocks

[needhelp872]

Hi I just made an account. I currently have ED, penile numbness/pain/paleness, urinary hesitation, constipation, stomach pain/nausea, & numb thighs. It first started 3 years ago when I stupidly was doing a penile male enhancement exercise and was too rough with my penis. That day it went numb, pale, and ED set it. For months after, there were times when I could achieve perfect erections and sensitivity would occasionally drastically improve. Then after sex/masturbation, all my symptoms would get worse for a few days. I'd leave it alone for the following days, and things got better again. That same vicious cycle is more or less what I still deal with.

I've seen the top male sex urologists (Goldstein included), I've had doppler ultrasounds of my genitals done, all which read relatively normal. CT/ MRI scans of the lumbar, sacrum, & pelvis multiple times. All clear. All the PTs and uros don't seem to understand my problem.

Back in march I was rushed to the hospital for a burst appendix. Likely due to me using a therawand too deeply and to forcefully. That's when my stomach issues really began, or at least when I noticed them.

Last week I had my pain specialist appt and received a Superior Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block as well as a Ganglion Impar Nerve Block.

I have gotten very little relief and just learned that if I was to have any relief, it would have already happened by now. I am very scared. I am only 27 and live in Los Angeles.

I scheduled a phone appt with Dr. Attaman is Seatle. The only two injections i've ever received are the ones I just listed. What is next for me? Botox injections? Pudendal nerve blocks? I feel like I'm dying, completely alone, nothing feels like it matter anymore. I'm not sure if recovery is even possible at this point.

I am in a very dark place.

[Violet M]

So being in So Cal have you already been to Stephanie Prendergast? She is one of the most knowledgeable PT's about PN. Do you have any pelvic floor tension when they do a rectal exam and do you have pain along the course of the pudendal nerve if they press on it? I'm guessing you were using the therawand to relieve muscle tension but I was just wondering if the therawand was something you initiated on your own or whether a PT recommended it due to muscle tension.

Maybe you could try a dorsal penile block to see what the results of that are. It sounds like based on your history that maybe you have damage of just that branch, or maybe even localized small fiber neuropathy. There is some hope because peripheral nerves can heal but it might take some time because they heal slowly -- which would mean avoiding anything that would cause further damage or irritation. You are young and have a good chance for healing but I guess the hard part would be avoiding sex or masturbation for awhile to allow healing. There are other things you can do to promote healing but it might require some lifestyle changes.

Don't give up the fight. There was a time I thought there was no way I could get well but I am doing great now.

Violet

[needhelp872]

Yes I have been seen by Stephanie P for many months and little progress. According to her I don't have PN. I believe she is totally wrong due to the burning in my pelvis and urethra. But she just referred me to her neurologist that does the nerve blocks. Upon rectal examination there isn't any obvious pain. It's mostly just in my penis and deep in both sides of my buttocks. The therawand was something I found out about after reading Heading In The Pelvis. I actually met with one of the creators of therawand and had some sessions with that person. I just met with this neurologist today and he said the first two injections I received were done incorrectly and missed the target (was not deep enough). So I'll have that repeated. He also recommended stem cells and shockwave therapy. It's funny, every doctor I have come into contact with have told me to continue having sex and masturbation. I can never get a straight answer on what exactly I should or should not be doing. Let's see how this new trial run goes. It's pretty depressing when you can't have sex or masturbation, especially as a guy.

[Violet M]

Yes, I can only imagine, especially when you are still young and in your prime. If sex irritates the nerve and causes an increase in the pain it does make you wonder I guess though.

I hope you have success with nerve blocks if you try them again. If you just have damage without an entrapment maybe they will help heal the damage. Does this neurologist who recommended shockwave therapy know where in the US you can get shockwave therapy for PN? I know of Dr. Andrew in Canada but am not aware of anyone in the US who does it.

Violet

[needhelp872]

I really can't picture a scenario where I live the rest of my life like this. So I need my penis to function again. And I think once I get these blocks done properly, it will relief the nerve and allow it to breath. Even 10 months after my injury I remember my sensation drastically improving just within a day so I'm not sure 'damage' is the correct terminology. I believe the nerve is irritated. Yes this doctor would have me do the shockwave in California.

[Violet M]

Hi Needhelp,

Just wondering if you were able to get any of the procedures/nerve blocks done and how you are doing. Hopefully the nerve irritation you experienced can be calmed down and you will be able to function normally again. I would be interested to know who the doctor is in California who does shockwave therapy for PN. That is good news that there is someone in the US who does this now.

Take care,

Violet

[happyman]

Really upsetting to see this person didnt come back to update us with any info at all. For what its worth, i tried shockwave for 6 sessions and it did not help at all. Violet, if you are seeing this, I would like to chat with you if you have the time

[harry_nerve]

Deleted

[happyman]

harry_nerve first and foremost id like to thank you for your reply

>you should try consult a specialist who deal with pudendal issues daily

harry_nerve i am located in los angeles. if you happen to have a recommendation, im open to listening. so far in my experience i have seen numerous urologists and pelvic floor therapists and all have wasted both my time and money.

After 4 years, I am running thin on patience.