Now here's something I didn't see coming, my pain journey being transformed into an educational documentary about Pudendal Neuralgia (PN). And I have to warn you, there won't be much smiling and [...]
Yes, I've found another medium to express my pain and you can own your own copy of it! I didn't like the idea of creating a long description of my living [...]
This is a brilliant website! Have you ever been in so much pain you found it too hard to speak? Dumb question, of course you have, you're on a PN website. Well [...]
Getting a grip on pain and the brain – Professor Lorimer Moseley – Successful Ageing Seminar 2013 Always great to hear the latest definitions and discoveries regarding pain from THE pain Professor, [...]
I've made some great friends in cyber space throughout this PN pain journey (and developed quite a library along the way!). One friend I consider a favorite is John Quintner. He's one of my most reliable sources when I need an honest opinion. We bump into each other over two main mutual 'interests': the (primitive) WorkCover assessment methods, and pain definitions. John doesn't just know what he's talking about, he's upfront, honest and calls it how he sees it. And when someone has these credentials, I'm all ears, not to mention I become much wiser!
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 [...]
Pain in the pelvis can include pain 'down there' too... sometimes 'back there' as well! True! Just follow the path of the Pudendal Nerve and see where its extremities are... I have cyber met many women who suffer with this awful condition called, Vulvodynia. The Pudendal Nerve branches extend to the Vulva, and so the condition is certainly 'related' to the whole Pelvic Chronic Pain issue. I personally relate to the condition after having extremely high sensory signals (almost maddening like I had my own 'hoo-ha' stuck in a power point!!), up until an oversized pelvic ligament was found and resected. Thankfully that high sensory pain (and associated issues) ended for me there. Of course my Pudendal Nerve and I are still in a personal battle over its insistant pain tune. But... I'll leave my personal details there and concentrate on some much needed awareness for my pain sisters who are out there telling their story and providing a voice to those who can't bare to speak about this awful issue, Vulvodynia. Firstly, a wonderful and supportive cyber friend, Vanessa Watson who lives in Perth and helps run the Pelvic Pain Support group with Catherine Aurubind for HOPE (Health Organization for Pudendal Education). Vanessa's story was also recently published in The Sydney Morning Herald. You can also find us chatting on Facebook. Secondly, Esther runs her 'Mad Peach, living with chronic pain in the hoo-ha' blog, and might I add with a great sense of humour. Read her account and many other accounts from her followers at: madpeach.blogspot.com.au. And thirdly I'll add a recent story, Privacy around private parts hurts women's health, which went to air on the ABC'S 7:30 report last week. It is certainly difficult to speak of this very personal pain but the more documentation and the more we share our stories, the more courage we give to our sisters to speak up. Speaking up means we share our treatments and knowledge and bring pain relief and quality of life. Silence will take us nowhere. Please share this post and related links.
Oh happy day! Yes this website has been nominated for an Awwwards 'Site of the Day' with an Honorable Mention. Please help me say, 'thank you' to the wonderful team at Origin of Image who helped me put this pelvic pain resource together and in turn gain more awareness for pudendal neuralgia. All you need to do is visit this awwardswebsite link, log in with your facebook or twitter account (or register) and rate us from 1-10. To date, pudendalnerve.com.au has had almost 10,000 visitors. It certainly isn't anything to be happy about, that's alot of people in pain, but if thats an indication the website is indeed becoming a resource, creating awareness and helping with the frustration of chronic pain, which in turn gives great relief and direction, then I'll be very happy. My chronic pain at least served a purpose.
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:
