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Struck to the pelvis

Soula Mantalvanos2016-09-01T15:39:20+10:00June 10th, 2013|About, Blog, The pain|

I was walking to my studio from where I had a clear view to the sky through our balcony doors when the largest strike and thunder occured that honestly seemed like it had come through the doors and landed on our kitchen bench a few centimetres away from me. I flinched, sort of ducked in some auto response and next thing I knew I was on my knees and had fallen to the ground. My legs were so weak Theo had to lift me off the floor and we made it to the couch where I chilled, a little terrified for a while. At that point I couldn't piece together what had happened, even now I'm not sure it was all so quick, but the fact remains, I landed somehow on my knees with the back of my legs feeling like jelly unable to stand me up.

How do I know if I have PN or PNE?

Soula Mantalvanos2017-12-11T09:42:18+11:00June 10th, 2013|About, Help, Learn, Professional, Professional Resources, Pudendal Neuralgia|

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.

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My_Space, My facade, living with Pudendal Neuralgia

My_Space, My facade, living with Pudendal Neuralgia

Soula Mantalvanos2017-12-11T13:46:29+11:00May 9th, 2013|Blog, Creativity, Print|

We don't usually love media, but a little attention after some lengthy hibernation from work was bound to be very valuable for our (Theo's and my) 12 or so year old business, Origin of Image. The lovely Sunday Style (Herald Sun) offered an interview in their 'My_Space' feature... hmmm, quite funny for us as there's nothing 'my' about 'our' life. We share work, living, we even share Pudendal Neuralgia (PN). However this media attention and the snap of me in Sunday's weekend paper had me staring at my portrait (thank you Marija Ivkovic) with curiousity at that captured second of my able life. I looked incredibly independent, active, like I was working full-time and like the issue I confessed to was clearly easy to live with. We are all judged on our facade... and although it was stated in the article that I have PN, I often wonder: can it (or any other invisible issue) ever be understood by my friends, family or community at a glance? The answer is obviously 'no'. I myself battle to understand this conflicting issue with its high sensitivity, on/off maddening, screaming and confusing signals and failing functions, and that's no surprise because even I can't see it! Theo puts it well, "I can't understand Pudendal Neuralgia but I believe Soula".

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My ‘Fatty’ tail aint fat afterall!

My ‘Fatty’ tail aint fat afterall!

Soula Mantalvanos2023-02-17T10:32:01+11:00April 23rd, 2013|About, Blog, My treatment|

Closure really is something. Feeling like a niggling concern is finally put to rest can be so satisfying, it brings me such calm. Slowly, my pelvic chronic pain niggles are finding their place and providing me with the peace my body and mind needs so I can let go, move on and most of all feel my injury is clearly understood. I had another session with the wonderful Raffaele who continues to treat me fortnightly. I was ready to call the next nerve block last week but after yesterday I'm hopeful again and thinking I was in some kind of a flare. I can't expect (but I will!) that with my effective management flare ups will cease to happen. As I test my capacity and lift my full litres of milk occasionally, walk the dog and go out more often, I've got to expect at some point the body is going to say, 'hang on love, you're lifting too much milk!'

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An eccentric and some e-loveliness.. thank you Sarah Wilson

An eccentric and some e-loveliness.. thank you Sarah Wilson

Soula Mantalvanos2023-02-12T13:13:59+11:00March 15th, 2013|Blog, Creativity|

I struggle hearing about people’s pain since my own experience with it. In trying to do my bit to help, I’ve found the world of pain provides endless gifts of empathy, understanding, love and compassion. [...]

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Next stop: Traditional Chinese Medicine with Raffaele Vavala

Next stop: Traditional Chinese Medicine with Raffaele Vavala

Soula Mantalvanos2023-02-17T10:32:01+11:00March 14th, 2013|About, My treatment|

Although I’ve tried acupuncture many times before, I’ve never felt as much of a response as I am feeling now after my four sessions with Raffaele Vavala. It’s possible my body wasn’t ready for it, being in ‘the thick of [...]

Subject: Fair Assessment for Compensation?

Soula Mantalvanos2023-01-24T16:12:33+11:00March 4th, 2013|Workcover|

For those subscribed to this Fair Assessment For Compensation post, I have had a reply and it is posted here! AN OPEN LETTER TO WORKSAFE AUSTRALIA (CC’d The Hon Gordon Rich-Philips) SUBJECT: FAIR ASSESSMENT FOR COMPENSATION? My name is Soula [...]

ABC Radio National thank you thank you thank you

Soula Mantalvanos2017-12-11T09:26:01+11:00February 6th, 2013|About, Advocacy, Pudendal Neuralgia|

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 [...]

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Do I dare put it in writing…?

Do I dare put it in writing…?

Soula Mantalvanos2017-12-15T15:53:55+11:00December 31st, 2012|About, Blog, Living, The pain|

Happy... post nerve block No. 3. I'm at 5.3 weeks and have managed to walk daily a few days in a row, practice some extremely mild yoga and have a few meals out without the pathetic fire warning in my pelvis. Could it be? Could it really be? Here's hoping 2013 begins with some pain free magic. Right now, I feel like this... and I wish that everyone who comes across my website, or is a regular reader feels the same. If not, please, remain hopeful.

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Building blocks… I hope!

Building blocks… I hope!

Soula Mantalvanos2023-02-17T10:32:01+11:00December 23rd, 2012|About, Blog, My treatment|

I’m not yet clear about the effects of Nerve block No. 3, but I’m calling it… I’m going to be positive… I believe I’m building! It’s just a sorta three steps forward and two back situation.. I hope. So far, my building blocks go like this: • Nerve block No. 1 (December 7, 2011), • Nerve block No. 2 (April 18, 2012), • Nerve block No. 3 (November 23, 2012)

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