Hallelujah! Pardon my pun here, especially as I'm preaching sexuality on a Sunday morning but finally, here is some thorough research and attention for the clitoris. Thank you Louise Smith for sending this link to me.. I think it's essential info for everyone, not just women with PN. Thank you melodiousmsm for writing this and thank you to artist and sex educator, Betty Dodson for the fabulous artwork.
It's been a while since I posted a personal update but it's probably accurate to say that PN's weather patterns need to be documented seasonally. I mostly have turbulence, like it's sunny one day/stormy the next, or otherwise described as I take two steps forward and about 1.9 steps back. It's incredibly frustrating. So rather than report all the fluctuating details in between, it's best to leave some months go by to really figure out the progress. So now, the months have gone by and I can deliver to you, Soula's PN weather update for September 21, 2013.
I've lived here in Delaware since December 2011 and have not had a block since. I already had 6 Pudendal Nerve blocks and this after so many other procedures: 5 Ganglion Blocks, 6 Caudal Blocks, 2 Botox injections, 2 Radio Frequency Ablations, 2 Neurostimulator Trials, an Interstim Impant, and then the 6 Pudendal Nerve blocks. Endless research and finally putting the right two words together on Google, opened up the world of Pudendal Neuralgia (Neuropathy) to us. That was near the end of December 2010. On the day after New Years and in response to two letters I sent to two Dr's names I had found, I got calls from both Dr’s the same day.
Before I get into PN versus PNE, I want to first give you a brief explanation of the physiology of the pudendal nerve and the diagnosis of PN. The pudendal nerve is a large nerve that arises from the S2, S3, and S4 nerve roots in the sacrum, and divides into three branches—the inferior rectal nerve, the perineal branch, and the dorsal clitoral/penile branch. The nerve travels a tortuous course through the pelvis to innervate: • the majority of the pelvic floor muscles, • the perineum, • the perianal area, • the distal third of the urethra • part of the anal canal • the skin of the vulva, the clitoris, portions of the labia in women, • and the penis and scrotum in men. The pudendal nerve travels a torturous course through the pelvis. Patients with PN can have tingling, stabbing, and/or shooting pain anywhere in the territory of the nerve. Symptoms include vulvar or penile pain, perineal pain, anal pain, clitoral pain, and pain at the ischial tuberosities as well as pain with bowel movements, urination, and orgasm.
Finally some accurate coverage and attention. WorkSafe, I hope you were listening, ignore Chronic Pelvic Pain no more! Honestly, I cried listening to this on Wednesday. Nothing like empathy and understanding after years of pain and hunting for diagnosis and [...]
I've been contacted by a few males who feel their symptoms are similar to the ones I share on my website. There is help, for males with pudendal neuralgia in Australia:
(Excerpt from the Daily Mail's newspaper) Feminist Naomi Wolf finds enjoyment in sex again after her nerve 'wiring' is repaired by surgeon • Author felt something different was happening after sex • 'I felt I was losing somehow, what made me a woman' • Doctor found she had been born with mild spina bifida
ABC 1 Catalyst: The Trouble with Sex Yay for some recognition and acknowledgment!! Injury to this nerve can happen during childbirth or with lower back injury, or strenuous exercise. Australian based expert on the pudendal nerve is gynaecologist, Dr Thierry Vancaillie. Dr Thierry Vancaillie When they come to see us, they will talk about bowel dysfunction and bladder dysfunction. Maybe talk about pain within the course, but arousal problems, well, they'll leave that for last, if they'll talk about it.
