Health Organization for Pudendal Education

Hi, after months of chronic pelvic pain, bowel problems, bladder problems post hysterectomy, I am being treated for Pudendal Neuralgia/chronic pelvic pain. Started out with pelvic physiotherapist and had great results until a very bad flare up and was referred to a Gynaecologist specialising in PN and Chronic Pelvic pain. I had a Pudendal Nerve block just over a week ago which is helping , on Lyrica and internal Valium. I feel like there is finally progress and feeling a lot better. I recently started working out on a treadmill, just walking. Started on 30min and built up to 1 hour sessions within a week. Mostly flat walking but some gentle incline walking. Start off at slow speed and build up to 4.8 maximum speed. I have noticed that I experience discomfort(not pain) in bladder area just above pubic bone after working out. Am i doing too much too soon? I have increased my water in take to at least 2L per day. Any ideas? Sitting, I use a folded towel (Cross ways) which takes pressure off and supports where necessary.

Hi Pink,

I guess it depends on what the cause of your PN is as to whether the exercise might be causing the flare-up. For me there are definitely exercises or activities that flare-up the pain and I have to avoid them but that may be due to my bad ligaments and pelvic instability. I have tried to use the treadmill since having my PNE surgery but it remains one of the activities I have to avoid -- even just walking on it flat. There are other exercises I can do without problems so I just stick with them.

I can't say for sure if the pain in the bladder area is due to the pudendal nerve being irritated. The bladder sphincter is innervated by the pudendal nerve so I can see a possibility of a relationship. As a general rule, if an activity causes you pain it's probably best to avoid it if possible, if you have pudendal neuralgia.

Glad to hear you are finding some things that help and I wish you all the best with your treatments.

Violet

Thanks Violet. Problems started after hysterectomy in March this year. I gave the treadmill rest on Monday. Tried again at a slower speed for shorter period of time (30min) and only on flat setting and had no discomfort. Perhaps too much too soon.

I think you are smart to take it easy. Over time you will figure out what you can and can't do but if you are clearly having a flare-up from an activity it's just not worth it to push your body too hard. I learned that the hard way. I hope you will continue to see improvements.

Violet

Thanks. What medication if any were you on? I've heard some rather frightening reports about Lyrica which I am taking.

PNKINK wrote:Thanks. What medication if any were you on? I've heard some rather frightening reports about Lyrica which I am taking.

Lyrica wasn't out yet when I had really bad PNE, but I've known a lot of people over the years who were helped by Lyrica. The worst side effects I've heard of are unwanted weight gain and loopiness but I'm sure there can be others. I tried neurontin, a closely related drug, but it had too many side effects and I never got up to a high enough dose for it to help. The other drugs I took that I found helpful were lexapro, clonazepam, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.

Violet