Health Organization for Pudendal Education

Helen1000,

I don't know the success rates that Dr. Antolak has on his surgeries. Most of his patients who have posted on the forum have not had pain relief but not many of his patients post here so it's hard to say.

When you decide on a surgeon, I think you have to decide which philosophy you are more comfortable with. Some docs believe in sparing the sacrotuberous ligament in order to prevent pelvic instability and possible SI joint dysfunction after surgery while other docs believe access to the nerve and complete release of the nerve by severing the ST and SS ligaments is the most important. There are advantages and disadvantages to each surgery method and it is a difficult decision.

Have you read the treatment options, surgery page that describes the different surgery approaches?

Violet

I am scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Antolak on Sept 10! I have had 5 injection with only little relief. I miss my family and just want to be normal again!

Wishing you every success with your forthcoming surgery princess. Let us know how it goes.
take care,
Helen

Thanks Helen,

My name is Nichole, I am crossing my fingers this works.

Princess, I hope all goes well for you on your upcoming surgery.

Best,

Violet

Helen and Violet,

I am home and doing well. I had my surgery on Monday afternoon and came home Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Antolak told us that I was entrapped in 2 different spots, at the Alcocks canal and the clamp. He said he had never seen a never like mine before. My nerve was gray and looked like I was a radiation patient. He said he moved my nerve and wrapped it. I have not had any of the other pain I had before,the only pain I have is from my surgery. Dr. Antolakis wonderful! If u have questions please let me know.

Nichole

So wonderful to hear this princess. Absolutely fantastic. Yes I have heard (anecdotal) of nerves being white or grey because of entrapments. Some have mentioned that the surgeon reports the nerve 'pinking up' once decompressed.
It does sound as if you have definitely done the right thing in your case. Nothing else could have made a difference other than a surgical procedure.
How long have you had the problem princess and how would you say it all started?
Sorry if you have already said the answer to these questions.
I hope you have an easy post op recovery.
Will you be doing any gliding exercises? What did Dr Antolack say, or is that something he may give you instruction on at a later appointment.
Good news
Take care,
Helen

I started with a feeling of having a baby but that wasn't what was wrong. I was then told I had a cyst, so they lanced it and caused a hematoma. So I ended up with another surgery. Back in 2010 i had a hysterectomy, which I think is what caused my issue to begin with. it started with sharp stabbing, throbbing pain. It got to wear I couldn't walk at all! Sitting was almost impossible. I bought a special cushion to sit on at work. I then went to a doc at the U of M and she told me my pain was all in my head and accused me of drug seeking. I then went to a pelvic floor specialist who is now in the cities her name is Dr. Ann McNally. I talked to her for about 20 minutes about my symptoms and she asked to examine me. She was exactly correct with her thought of my diagnosis. I had bilateral Pudendal neuropathy. She referred me to Dr. Antolak, I had to wait 2 months for my appointment. I went to see Dr. Antolak and he did a pin prick test and then some type of heat test. My nerves didn't react very well to heat. I then ended up getting the injections. I went through a series of 4 injections. My right side got better but my left never did. The shots helped for about a week and then the sharp pains started all over again. I ended up being entrapped at two spots, the Alcock canal and the clamp. He wrapped my nerve injected steroids and anesthetic. My nerve was gray and looked like was a radiation patient. I spent two nights in and I am now home on my way to recovery. I haven't had any of the nerve pain that I used to have before surgery. As for gliding exercises, Dr. Antolak showed me the things i need to do daily to prevent scar tissue. Feel free to ask anything.

Nichole

Nichol

That's great, Nichole!

I was wondering if our description of gliding exercises on the website at this link http://www.pudendalhope.info/node/46#GlidingExercises
match the ones Dr. Antolak is having you do.

Thanks,

Violet

Violet the gliding exercises Dt. Antolak is having me do are the same.