Pundendal pain and diet

[Bryon_H]

Hi, I've been told I need a nerve block for pundendal pain. The consultation lasted less than 5 mins and I got no advice at all. I've booked physio, but a bit of reading suggests diet may be contributing as I'm intolerant to a growing list of foods. Has anyone had positive help from a nutritionist, I don't have money to waste?!

[Hidden]

I don't know much about diet. I have issues with burning feelings when I do a BM, constipation, and bloating. I eat a big bowel of porridge with a lot of natural yogurt once a day to keep things moving. I also take 1 sachet of Movicol everyday, because I would be afraid not to. I did see that foods rich in vitamin B-12 can be helpful, I eat quite a lot of those anyway.

I have never seen a nutrionist. I have seen 2 Consultant Dermatologists, a gastro-enterologist, a colorectal Consultant at a bowel clinic and a pain Consultant yesterday

It's all been a dispiriting experience, and I haven't even got a diagnosis of PN or PNE from any of these gentlemen. The Pain Consultant yesterday said to me that "nerve pains come and nerve pains go, and sometimes we never know why".

He advised me to stay with the meds(which I haven't been on long) - he wasn't very keen on nerve blockers or the decompression operative. That's all very well but I don't see that that's ever going to restore any of my lost quality of life.

Can I ask you Ryan what sort of practitioner advised you that you needed a nerve block, and on what basis?

I'm thinking of consulting a urologist next, though it will probably just be yet more money down the drain. I wished I live in the US where there are interesting developments. It just seems hopelessly backward here, especially our beloved NHS.

[Bryon_H in reply to Hidden]

I saw a pain clinic consultant, he asked where the pain was and did a bit of prodding. I'd had an x-ray and mri beforehand so presumably he had sight of the results (nothing special to see). He only said that nerve is aggravated and a block may help, nowt else.

Reading afterwards is horrifying and I've seen nothing to suggest this is temporary, but I am in a risk group with sport and injuries and cosine related constipation. I don't think the consultant knew that. So, as is usually the case, having to educate myself and make life changes sharpish. I've also been struggling with back pain for 6 years and found that's the only way to get anywhere. I've had to fight my gp nearly every step of the way. Good luck with your diagnosis.

If you've not read them a search on pundendal nerve pain/block brings up some great info resources. One thing I saw (who knows) is it's best to avoid laxatives. It says 25g fibre a day or more. You're right about b12. In terms of drugs I've been through most and have been on pregabalin for a couple of years. Works for my back not pundendal nerve, I'm lost...

[Hidden in reply to Bryon_H]

"Good luck with your diagnosis."

I don't know where to go next and what to do, hoping the meds will reduce the pain and discomfort at least a bit

I have ceaselessly searched PN sites, but I find it very difficult to concentrate anymore

"One thing I saw (who knows) is it's best to avoid laxatives. It says 25g fibre a day or more."

I've been on movicol for a couple of months know, basically I'm terrified of the consequences of straining, good tip about the fibre, thanks - I'll get some

[Hidden]

There are two ways diet can affect the pudendal nerve.

In general a diet high in refined sugar can promote inflammation in general, which would make any pain worse.

Secondly if you are constipated it can put pressure on the rectal branch of the nerve. Straining can stretch the nerve and cause pain. So keep bowel movements soft and regular through food or laxatives.

[Joolibee]

I've never seen a nutritionist and did not believe that diet did affect my pain; but recently I've thought more about this and it occurred to me that anything that causes inflammation might exacerbate the pain. As a result, I'm doing my best to keep sugar to a minimum and to eat plenty fibre. I limit alcohol as well and I have started taking turmeric supplement, which is reported to have positive results re inflammation and pain. All of this is beneficial for health in general anyway, so I reckon it's worth a try. I am making steady progress with pain reduction, though I'm throwing so much at it that it would be impossible to attribute it to diet alone.

[Fredna]

I live in the U.S. and I see a Physiatrist who specializes in pelvic pain. She diagnosed me with PN petsctibrd gabapentin and sent me to a physical therapist. The PT's advice to me: Take Miralax, eat 30 grams of fiber and drink plenty of water daily. I take magnesium and biotin as well. She said to use a squatty potty and try never to strain on the toilet. For ladies, NEVER hover over the toilet even in a public restroom (ew!) Sitting exacerbates PN so if you must sit, use a special cushion. I use a Theraseat purchased online. Pricey, but I use it all day so worth it to me. Nerves take a LONG time to settle down. I've had this since January. I saw ten specialists before finally being diagnosed in April and now doing a little better.

[Bryon_H]

Thank you all, I started turmeric and various other things today. I've been in pain since Feb but it's great to hear at least someone is getting some improvement