IC and Pudendal Neuralgia/Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension

[chhhb]

I've had IC for over twelve years and have been on Elmiron and doing pretty well until early this year when I began having flare symptoms. Went through all kinds of instills, etc., and nothing helped. Finally I was referred to a UroGyn group who do a lot of research studies as well as treating many patients. She got to the problem very quickly through proper diagnostic examination and says I have Pudendal Neuralgia which also causes terrible pelvic muscle tension and what feels like a burning bladder. That's why I thought I was in a long flare for so long and two previous doctors didn't have a clue as to why nothing was helping. Currently, I'm getting weekly nerve block injections with physical therapy. I'll get this for a total of six weeks and will hopefully be in less pain by then. So far, the pain is relieved only for a short time. If anyone else out there has IC and PN, I'd appreciate your feedback if you've been helped with your nerve pain.

Also, I purchased the pudendal seat cushion from this site and received it yesterday. It's well made but hard for me to sit on, just isn't comfortable. I'm going to give it time, though. I may just need to adjust to it. The center of it is cut down so that all the pressure is off your tailbone and pelvic floor. The pressure is off those places but it puts more pressure on my butt and makes it feel sore very quickly. Anyone else found a cushion that works for you?

Thanks for any feedback.

[nanawaggs]

Hi, chhhb ~ I just saw your post for the first time and although I don't share the same problem wanted to let you know I care about what you're going through and sure hope your cushion works out for you. I'm sure someone will have some experience and may share their solution!

Blessings and take care,

[chhhb]

Hi, chhhb ~ I just saw your post for the first time and although I don't share the same problem wanted to let you know I care about what you're going through and sure hope your cushion works out for you. I'm sure someone will have some experience and may share their solution!

Blessings and take care,

Thanks so much. That means a lot just to get encouraging, caring responses. I've been in this situation since January and am just really weary and wanting to get better. Thanks again and the best to you too!

[Fluffersmom]

Cushion

Hi-I am sorry to hear you have pudendal/neuralga/pelvic floor muscle tension on top of IC.

I was initially diagnosed with "mild" IC. Turns out my "IC" pain wasn't "IC" at all, but the pelvic floor muscle problem. Like you, I wasted too much time, went to too many doctors and spent too much money before I found out the problem.

Anyway, back to your question.

Throw out the cushion they promote and make your own. Just take 2 or 3 old fiber stuffed bed pillows (not down or foam), stack them together and cut a small hole out in the middle of all. Take a glue gun and arrange the hole so that it gently slopes down. You don't want too big of a hole. That's what I am sitting on now. Sitting on hard surfaces is torture.

Otherwise, stick with the physical therapy and those muscles will loosen and you will feel better. I promise. Hot baths help me.