Chronic Pelvic Pain

chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Read and learn more about chronic pelvic pain syndrome. For more, visit the Chronic Pain website ChronicPainFAQ.org

Q: Doctors can’t find anything wrong? Could this be Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome?
A few months ago after abdominal pain I was after tons of tests diagnosed with ibs. Around this same time I developed left side groin pain with a pain that is inside my penis and seems to only effect the left side. Its a weird pain. Like a pinching/prickly feeling that which I can sometimes feel a funny pain in my abdoment. Its more of a huge discomfort than pain. Intitially they thought I had prostatis and treated me with antibiotics but for like a week I felt better and then it all came back and after several more antibiotics no improvement. the doctors and uroligist say they can find nothing wrong. Could this be chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

A: I’m not sure if this is what you have. I recommend you see a doctor of rheumatology because I feel your problem could best be diagnosed by this type of doctor.

Q: What cardio is allowed for someone with pelvic pain?
What cardio would be best/safest for someone with chronic pelvic pain syndrome? I heard that cycling should not be done. What about running, rowing and elliptical machines?

A: Try pool therapy exercises.

Good luck.

Q: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist- What to expect?
Hi-

I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and I have been referred to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. I’ve never heard of this! Has anyone been to one before? What should I expect? Any stories/warnings are appreciated!

A: You will be instructed in exercises, and biofeedback. A lot of patients do well. I know people who have been and therapists that do this. It is not my speciality, howwever. Best wishes.

Q: Is there pain involved with chronic fatigue syndrome?
My doctor has done every test possible to find out whats wrong with my legs and pelvic. I have had pains,like an achy, heavy , and tired discomfort for a long time…he has done every test possible to rule out everything else. Now he says it could be chronic fatigue syndrome. I have also been diagnosed with depressions years ago and havn’t gotten any better, even with meds. I am tired of feeling this way. Is there any cure?

A: In major depressive individuals, and bi-polar individuals, muscle pains are actually quite common.

As with chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s quite a possibility that could be the reasons for the pains, as the muscles get tired, they could cause an achy and uncomfortable feeling.

I have chronic depression myself, and also get the same exact pains your talking about. Hope this helps.

Q: chronic pelvic pain…?
for the past few months ive had this on and off pelvic pain on my left side that sometimes causes my back and upper thigh to hurt as well. could it be endometriosis? a cyst? or just irritable bowel syndrome?

also can you have pelvic inflammatory disease without having sex? im a virgin but i wasn’t sure…

A: It could be any of the conditions you listed. I don’t think you can get PID as a virgin unless you got some sort of severe infection (not an STD) that was left untreated for a long time. You should talk to your doctor, if they dismiss your pain, find another. If you have other family members with endo, cysts, or IBS it would be more likely for you to have them. Hope you feel better! I know how much of a pain it can be… I have endo and cysts…

Q: Is this a case of getting your just desserts?
Seven months ago my father left my Mum after 28 years of marriage for another woman he’d been having an affair with for five years.

He has just been diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, a condition which causes varying degrees of discomfort plus, pain on ejaculation and sexual discomfort..

I can’t help that feel like justice has been done! What do you think? Harsh or fair?

A: Well it is poetic Justice alright. The next thing you will find that the one he now loves can not handle having to look after a decrepit old man. Your mom should take heart in that he is no longer with her and if she had stuck around him – she would have to nurse him for the rest of his life….

Q: could I possibly get benefits?
A woman, at the warehouse where I work, use to be a social worker. She said that I should be able to qualify for disability benefits. I am 30 years old. I was recently diagnosed with diabetes(taking metformin) and hypertension (take lisinopril). I also have severe migraines (take replax as needed). I have ulnar neuritis (pinched nerve in both funny bones per EMG) which doc says will likely require surgery-though due to the psoriasis on my elbows he’s worried about infection. I also have PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) with chronic pelvic pain. I have had severe back pain since April and my mother reminded me that I was diagnosed with with scoliosis when I was 12. I know that these are very minor things in comparison to other people but they do make it very difficult for me to work. I was a housewife up until 3 years ago so I don’t have many social security credits.
The pinched nerves cause me to wake up every hour or so due to tingling in my hands. I have fmla available 2 days a month (though I miss more than that) but I still lose pay.
I have been married since ‘96.
I do inventory work in a warehouse so I am constantly on my feet and moving. I also do a lot of lifting(up to 75 lbs). I guess I should say that is what I am supposed to be doing. My assistant supervisor has been trying to help me out…but he will get tired of that come peek. Luckily they have a point system at work where you can take 12 points for abscences, each last up to 3 days…but I am out of those and my vacation was used on my tonsilectomy. I can’t afford to not work I carry the insurance (my husband would pay $190 a week for the same insurance that I pay for $53)……I just don’t know how much longer I can do it. My whole body just feels really heavy. The physical theropist today said that I am dont have very much strength in my hands for the work I am doing, according to her measurments. I just want to feel better…This is getting really old.

A: The scoliosis thing, unless it’s been debilitating and has stopped your normal life’s functioning, is something to just put aside. I have scoliosis too but it doesn’t hinder me and my life at all so, if you’re like me, you can’t now suddenly claim it…… especially since it hasn’t seemed to have made a negative difference in your life from the time your were 12 to now, when you’re 30. If you go for benefits, they DON’T like to see you picking at straws, just pulling up anything and everything, regardless of if it is relavent to your case or not. That will go against you more than it will work for you.

You were a housewife until 3 years ago so you don’t have much S.S. credit, you said. Were you ever married, especially up until that time? If so, you can go on your husband’s social security credits, even if you’re divorced from him. There are restrictions to this law/rule, of course. Maybe you can check http://www.ss.gov and see if there is info. there that can help you?

I am on S.S> disability and get checks each month. But, I am not able to work. That is a primary factor. I have a severe back problem caused by a severe auto accident and I’ve had 3 surgeries since.

Look in your local yellow pages under attorneys and see if you can find a listing for attorneys who specialize in social security disability claims. They would be the best people to tell you if you have a chance at collecting disability from the goverment. That’s what I did. I had an attorney file papers for me. They were rejected and then he appealed or whatever he did and I won.

But, again, “I” cannot work and I had medical documentation to prove that. If you can get a letter from any of your doctors to say that you have a permanent disability that doesn’t allow for you to work, then that would be good for your case. BUT, here again, social security can and probably will then send you to their doctors to confirm and verify these findings before they will grant you disability benefits.

I think that ESPECIALLY since you’re only 30 years old, it doesn’t matter what your social worker friend told you, you really have to have good proof that you cannot work before you will be granted social security benefits. And, believe me, the amount you get isn’t that great. You might be better off working as you are now. That might bring home more money than the benefits would.

Or, you might be better off working for some time if you were never married and, therefore, don’t have your husband’s social security credits to share. Right now, from what you say, there is no history of a work record or money paid into FICA or Medicare or whatever. You have to work a certain amount of time for certain S.S. benefits.

If you sincerely cannot work (then you’d better stop working to prove that), then if all the above doesn’t apply, you probably can be eligible for Medicaid or some other low income assistance. I’m sure your social worker friend can direct you to the proper place to go to, to apply for these various benefits to help you.

Good luck.

EDIT: Maybe you can check the yellow pages (phone book) for an attorney who specializes in disability and social security. That’s who I used when I needed to get social security disability after a bad car accident because I can’t work anymore. BUT, if you succeed in getting social security, that will give you Medicare benefits but only you. Your family will be on their own. That’s also what happened to me and, wouldn’t you know it, my daughter then had appendicitis and had to have surgery and we had no medical coverage so I was paying that off for years. You’re really in a tough position. Couldn’t you try to find work doing something else that’s not so physically difficult?

Usually lawyers charge a flat fee for this service.

Q: PLEASE HELP ME! I feel like I’m going to break, Horrible vaginal pain?
I have never been sexually active in any form. I have had many tests to find out what’s wrong but they don’t know. Any opinions? I am having horrible vaginal pain, it feels like someone is stabbing me most the time. Other times it is just a dull ache. I am not pregnant, and I don’t have a vaginal infection of any kind. I have had two X-Rays, and an ultrasound. No cysts were found. I also get horrible pain in my pelvic area I feel like crying because its so raw and feels like I’m being cut with glass shards. This has been going on for many months. I also have rectal burning constipation/diarrea which they treated me with Irritable bowel syndrome, but meds seem to only cover up the problem not solve it. Anyone have any opinions or suggestions as to what this could be? I am 16 years old my periods only last 3 days instead of 5, the pain in my vaginal area is so bad if its not burning its aching, or its sore. I always feel the burning but it become intense during my menstrual cycle and the worst after my cycle then it dies down till my period comes again.

I know it sounds like I’m exaggerating but trust me this pain is not normal, I’ve been missing days of school were I can’t even functiuon because the pain is unbearable I’m trying really hard to make sense of this pain and I know they don’t see anything wrong but what I am going through is unbearable I can’t live like this, I am already on antidepressants months before so its not like I’m not being treated phycologically speaking

I’ve looked into endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia all my doctors refuse to diagnose me with any one of these chronic (unexplained) disorders

I’m fighting a silent battle here and even if I do have any one of those condition will it even help me or solve my problem or will I be in chronic pain for the rest of my life, will it be so bad that I won’t be able to hold a steady job and will be bedridden. I realize I sound crazy but months of chronic burning UNexplained pain can do that to a person.

A: I’m a nurse, not a doctor. I would have said endometriosis. Keep going to different doctors. You may have to go out of town to a different doctor if you have seen all of the ones in your area. Tell them your symptoms but don’t tell them what other doctors have seen you. This way you will get an honest opinion. Some doctors will review your chart from the previous doctors and just go with that because they are busy. If you don’t tell them you have not been to any others then you will more likely get the answer you need. I hope it is not anything serious. I had fibroids, and endometrosis for years along with severe pain and in the end had a hysterectomy. I never had children. I hope that doesn’t happen to you. The right doctor and answer are out there just go about it the way I said so you get an unbiased answer. I wish you well.

Q: I am bloated and have pressure on my bladder 24/7. What could this be?
I am bloated and have heavy pressure on my bladder 24/7, irritable bowl, and yeast infections. Doctors have done exploratory surgery and a MRI, but nothing is showing up. The only answer they can come up with is that I may have Interstitial Cystitis (interstitial cystitis (IC) refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by chronic urinary urgency (feeling the need to urinate immediately) and frequency (frequent urination) with or without pelvic pain. The term “cystitis” refers to any inflammation of the bladder. In contrast to bacterial cystitis that results from an infection in the bladder, no infectious organism has been identified in people with interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is diagnosed when the symptoms occur without evidence for another cause of the symptoms). However, doctors say my bladder looks healthy. Does anyone know of anything else this could be? Have had the same symptoms and a doctor was able to diagnose it? Any help is appreciated!

A: I would recommend having a cystoscopy with hydrodistention to confirm whether or not you have IC. I would also recommend that you insist on being put on an antibiotic (Macrodantin or Augmentin) because you may have an infection that has mutated and is not showing up using conventional cultures, etc. Those two antibiotics work the best for specific bladder infections. I am not a health care professional, but I have lived through exactly what you are going through. Good luck.

Q: Do fat people understand that Bariatric Surgery is not easy way out?
The following is a list of possible side-effects and complications to consider before having weight-loss surgery. We will discuss these in more detail at your office consultation.

1. Anastomotic leak (leak from a connection made to the bowel, usually requires re-operation and long hospital stay)

2. Anastomotic stricture (narrowing or obstruction at an intestinal connection resulting in vomiting)

3. Bowel obstruction/strangulation/internal hernia/ischemic bowel possibly needing removal (associated with pain and vomiting, usually requires re-operation)

4. Injury to an abdominal or pelvic organ/structure (especially the liver, spleen, pancreas, bile duct, stomach, esophagus, colon, bowel, diaphragm, urinary bladder, nerve or blood vessel)

5. Conversion to an open operation (due to bleeding, poor exposure, large liver, tension on intestines, etc.)

6. Incisional hernia (more likely if procedure is done open)

7. Infection or abscess (due to a leak, spillage of intestinal contents, underlying infection, etc)

8. Bleeding and the potential need for blood transfusion. Blood transfusion carries the risk of infection with bacteria, parasites (malaria), and viruses (hepatitis, HIV/AIDS).

9. Need for additional surgery or procedures to treat any complication that may occur

10. Prolonged hospital stay or readmission may be needed to treat complications

11. Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)

12. Pulmonary Embolus (blood clot going to lung, fatal 30% of the time)

13. Atelectasis (lung collapse causing fevers, possibly pneumonia)

14. Pneumonia, lung infection and fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)

15. Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

16. Stroke

17. Pancreatitis

18. Rhabdomyalysis (breakdown of the muscle in the body)

19. Pressure ulcer or decubitus (skin breakdown, may require skin grafting)

20. Allergic reaction to anesthesia, medications or materials

21. Nerve or ligament injury from positioning or lying on the operating table

22. Kidney failure and/or the need for dialysis

23. Need for ICU care

24. Need for a ventilator (machine to help you breathe)

25. Multi-system organ failure (liver, kidneys, lungs, etc.)

26. Poor cosmetic results (ugly scar, keloid, unattractive incisions, contour defects)

27. Chronic pain, discomfort, numbness, burning or tingling in the incisions or anywhere else (abdomen, back, extremities)

28. Transient or chronic nausea/vomiting due to strictures, gastroparesis, food intolerance, etc.

29. Dysphagia (difficulty or painful swallowing)

30. Diarrhea, constipation, foul smelling gas and stools

31. Heartburn (acid reflux) symptoms

32. Ulcers or gastritis

33. Intestinal perforation due to ulcer, foreign body, obstructed food, etc.

34. Development of food intolerances/loss of taste

35. Dumping syndrome (abdominal pain, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, diarrhea)

36. Hair loss or thinning

37. Development of malnutrition or vitamin deficiency

38. Anemia

39. Metabolic bone disease (loosing calcium from the bone because of inadequate intake and supplementation) with possible osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone fractures

40. Failure to lose an adequate amount of weight

41. Loss of too much weight

42. Development of loose or redundant skin

43. Sterility or inability to become pregnant

44. Increased ability to become pregnant

45. Birth defects or fetal injury if you become pregnant. This is less likely once weight has stabilized and laboratory tests are normal. Usually, about 2 years after surgery.

46. Postoperative depression or other psychological reaction to surgery

47. Need to revise or reverse the procedure at some point in the future because of nutritional deficiencies, excessive weight loss, pain or other reasons

48. Extended disability, financial hardship as a result of complications related to weight loss surgery

49. Parts of your stomach and/or intestines will be inaccessible by endoscopy.

50. Death (1% nationwide) within 30 days

A: It’s just amazing how thousands and thousands of people have actually survived this surgery and are now healthy and happy. How long would your list be if you listed all the things that morbid obesity causes in a person. It would be much longer and certainly more serious than those you listed. You get this surgery to save your life. It has done that for my husband who is doing just great with it. He hasn’t had a single problem yet other than getting adjusted to eating the right amount to not feel so full. He has lost 80 pounds and feels great. He is so much more active and actually takes long walks all the time. His energy level has skyrocketed. He started planting a garden yesterday and doesn’t need anyone to help him get down on the ground to do it which he hasn’t done in many years. He doesn’t get out of breath like before. His blood pressure has dropped enough to lower his medication for it. Obesity caused him to have both his knees replaced and it still bothered him. Now he no longer has any pain in his knees, and he walks with ease. Next week, we are going to start riding our bikes. I always have had to do it without him, but no more. He is going along with others family and friends. This surgery has done much more for him than anyone can imagine. I don’t know why you want to keep running it down, but it is a real lifesaver to many people. Yes, there are risks. But the real question is whether or not the risks of staying obese are greater than the surgery. Most doctors will agree that obesity is the bigger risk for anyone morbidly obese. My husband loves his new life without all that weight. He knew all the risks before he had it done. It was well worth taking those risks for his good health now.

Q: PLEASE HELP ME! I feel like I’m going to break?
I have never been sexually active in any form. I have had many tests to find out what’s wrong but they don’t know. Any opinions? I am having horrible vaginal pain, it feels like someone is stabbing me most the time. Other times it is just a dull ache. I am not pregnant, and I don’t have a vaginal infection of any kind. I have had two X-Rays, and an ultrasound. No cysts were found. I also get horrible pain in my pelvic area I feel like crying because its so raw and feels like I’m being cut with glass shards. This has been going on for many months. I also have rectal burning constipation/diarrea which they treated me with Irritable bowel syndrome, but meds seem to only cover up the problem not solve it. Anyone have any opinions or suggestions as to what this could be? I am 16 years old my periods only last 3 days instead of 5, the pain in my vaginal area is so bad if its not burning its aching, or its sore. I always feel like i am on fire, it aches/throbs/stings all the time.

I’ve looked into endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia all my doctors refuse to diagnose me with any one of these chronic (unexplained) disorders

they found 5% blood in my urine the normal amount is only 3%, also my thyroid was a bit low

A: They’re difficult to find, but a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders. They may be able to help you with diagnosis and treatment. Best of luck.

Q: Can anyone help with diagnosis of health issue described below?
I am 29yrs old mother or 3, have definitive dx of congenital bilateral dislocating hips (need dbl rplcmt), narcolepsy, cataplexy, interstitial cystitis w/ hunner’s ulcers, brain dysautonomia from CO poisoning. I also have the following chronic sx: neuropathy in my finger tips and feet, pain n muscles and joints (early onset of osteoarthritis), nodules on skin, extreme sensitivity to smells, low range bp around 108/60, dizziness upon standing, motion sickness, raynaud’s phenom, recurrent shingles, sob, easily contract staph and strep skin infections, slow to heal, fatigue w/ intermittent insomia, memory loss both some st & lt, also had pelvic organ prolapse resulting in surgical repair such as hysterectomy, tvt, etc. which my body rejected the graphs used and cause numerous problems.

I am at a loss of what to do, I had to switch family dr and when I go to dr or any medical facility other than my specialist I am treated like a drug seeker and hypochondriac! I know my sx are real th major onset was 8yrs and over the past 6months my sx are so severe I can no longer ignore them. I have tried to research syndromes and diseases because I know that all these sx have to fall into something or maybe I’m a case study all alone. Its very frustrating to live like this at 29 and I just don’t know what to do anymore. I also seem to have adverse reactions to almost every medication so I try to steer clear of those also. (Sorry if seems like rambling…also adding details as I think of them. will gladly answer any ? to further detail) Anyway, hope someone out there might have some insight and help point me in right direction….Thx!
Saw neuro at onset but not since, they didn’t find anything at the time but since that time have found out med hx ie co poisoning and sx have become mush more severe.

Currently see urologist weekly for bladder tx, ortho for hips, fam dr is internist but a crappy one & sleep specialist. Someone rec rheum’gist & ortho suggest genetic testing his concern is connective tissue disorder like ehlers danlos on wait list but growing impatient…need to find shorter avenue for dx if there is one…give this further info anymore suggestions?? thx again for any and all insight!

A: I would suggest that you see an internist and an infectious disease doctor. Keep your chin up, you are physically ill, don’t let yourself think anything but. Do you get migraines or headaches with nausea? Have you had a heart echogram with bubble injection? Have you been tested for lyme? There is a retro virus XMRV similar to HIV that was discovered some 18 years ago but left to spread in our blood supply. It is the third known retro virus. Please check out the whittemore institute, they are also on facebook where you can talk to others with similar illnesses .http://www.wpinstitute.org/

god bless

I’ve looked into endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia all my doctors refuse to diagnose me with any one of these chronic (unexplained) disorders

A: Those unexplained diagnoses are just descriptions of symptoms anyway. The dont tell you the cause. If you are having pain that is not associated with any type of discharge or internal tissue changes, you need to look into it being related to nerve impingement. But you could have herpes- it feels like that. Or like shingles. both of those feel like that. Get an MRI on your low back and have the doc look at your discs. All of your symptoms are related to the same region of nerve plexuses in that area.
Other than that I would suggest you get a test for herpes, too.
Good luck my friend.

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