Health Organization for Pudendal Education

Hi,

I have read in the information pages that with PN, pain can be referred to the other side. Has anyone experienced this and been told by a PN aware doctor that pain can be referred in this way?

I most definitely have a problem on my right. As well as pain along the course of the nerve on the right I also get pain/tingling down the back of my right thigh and on the inside of the right thigh. But now I am noticing these same sensations down my left thigh. I know I do some wonky sitting and shift alot of my body weight onto the left but just don't know whether this could be the cause or whether I am developing a left hand problem too.

Hope this makes sense.

Kath

Yes, I have, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this, it does happen.

I know that the problem with the nerve is on the left side, because of how it started. However I now get pain on the right as much as the left, sometimes it is one side, sometimes the other, sometimes both. I have been told it is because of 'crosstalk', and because all the nerves in that area are very agitated - actually that's not the right word, but I can't think what the right word is.

Hi Calluna,

Thanks for that. Did Dr Greenslade say this can happen? When he examined me in January he said it was right sided PN and I remember my left side feeling completely normal when he did that exam but all the symptoms he induced were on the right.

Do you have an appointment now Calluna?

Kath

Hi Kath - no it was the Pain Clinic, they said it was very common. I did mention it also to Dr G and he just noted it down, wasn't surprised at all. He didn't examine me, he said there was no doubt whatsoever that I had PN.

I saw Dr Greenslade at the beginning of April, he referred me urgently to a surgeon who is hopefully going to have a look laparoscopically and try to remove whatever is impinging on the nerve. I am seeing the surgeon in August, the letter hasn't arrived yet though.

I do hope it settles down, Kath.

Oh yes...when I had flares, mostly before PN diagnosis, would feel it spread to both sides, from both thighs to lower back.
RR

I heard that Dr. Hibner said in surgery he only finds problems unilaterally most of the time, even though pain is bilateral. Don't know if I believe him, but then, I've never operated on anyone. But I feel my pain bilaterally. However it's worse on my right side. I figure, since the nerve also functions for orgasm, which sends feelings all over your body, it could also send pain all over??? in a similar manner? just a guess...

Thanks everyone, that's really interesting and helpful.