Could anybody tell me how they are feeling after pudental nerve decompression surgery?
I am now at the three month stage following surgery and am just starting to feel a bit better . I still have quiet a lot of discomfort which varies day to day and am hoping this will gradually improve.
Hi Milly49,
I had decompression surgery in october 2018. I was told I would have some relief after 3 months. Didn't happen for me and I now suffer more than before the surgery. It is extremely encouraging that you have started to notice some improvement. The more your nerve is damaged, the longer the healing process can take. A complete cure is possible but a 50% improvement of your symptoms is a more realistic target. You must hope for te best and be grateful for what you have already achieved.
Did you have both sides done at the same time? My doctor said it takes up to a year to feel the full effects. He will only do one side at a time, and his approach is pretty invasive. Did they do it with a laser or cut though to the nerve? I’m still debating having it.
I had the test before which proved the problem was on the right side for me.
The surgery was done laparoscopically and as far as I am aware the nerve was not cut.I was told that improvement may be noticed between three to four months after surgery but could possibly take a lot longer.
I think it is early days yet for me but I am definitely pleased I had the surgery and although my pain is still there I feel it is gradually improving and I am managing a lot better.
My doctor doesn’t do it laparoscopy. Not sure why. When it makes sense I will contact him and ask why. He is the guy who basically invented the surgery.. but your way is much less invasive.
You are about 1/3 of the way to less pain. It will lessen in another 6 months. That was my experience. It is really important to manage bowels and bladder. Any pressure in the area will cause pain. Rest alot off of your bum. I found using my core caused issues with pain as well. No lifting more than 10lbs. This is a long healing process. Give yourself time.
Thankyou for this information I am really grateful for your reply.
Can I ask if your pain varied as I felt I was doing really well but the last couple of days I am struggling again and am not sure why as I am careful I don't try to do too much.
Although I still have quite a lot of discomfort following the operation mainly numbness and soreness my actual pain has been a lot less but for some reason has flared up again.
I am hoping if I rest it will settle again. I understand it can take quite a long time for the nerve to regenerate Is that what you were told ?
My surgery was 5 years ago. It altered my life in that I did not know if I was going to have a flare up. When you have a good day be hopeful you will have more. I believe this nerve also reacts when you stress. Do what you need to do to control your flare ups. I am now probably experiencing pain at a 1 on the scale of 1 to 10. Wish I could make it easier for the many who suffer, but there is hope.
Although I didn't have PN surgery, I had Tarlov cyst surgery on 6 large spinal cysts in my sacrum in November 2019 in Dallas with Dr. Feigenbaum. I am close to 5 months post op. As you know the S2 spinal nerves innervates the pudendal nerve. I was originally diagnosed with pudendal neuralgia in 2016 by Dr. Hibner. It took me 4 years to decide to have TC surgery. I pursued every treatment and test to determine the source of my worsening rectal, pelvic and sacral pain.
Obviously, Tarlov cyst surgery is much more invasive than pudendal nerve decompression. However, what is similar is that nerves take a very long time to heal and regenerate. Projected recovery is 1-3 years to see maximum results from this procedure. I'm already seeing improvement but it's typically a roller coaster process. Nerves are angry for a long time even after they are released. I had major nerve compression with bilateral cysts from S1 to S4.
I hope you're connected with a good Pudendal private group on Facebook. I know our TC support group has been invaluable throughout my entire journey. Our admins have taught us well to have realistic expectations with surgery. I also have benefited from getting biweekly injections of Toradol, a powerful anti inflammatory NSAID to decrease neuroinflammation before and after surgery. Nutrition and supplements are important too for healing in addition to stress reduction.
I know this is a lengthy comment but hopefully it will help you to have realistic expectations. Depending on my outcome, should there be residual pain, I believe I'd try a trial of a spinal stimulator. I almost pursued a pudendal nerve neuromodulator with Dr. Ken Peters in Michigan prior to having TC surgery. He's a pioneer in the modality. I am so glad I didn't get a stim which would have only masked the progressive nerve damage that was taking place. God bless you!
just had it friday
Rectum pain for years 
Undiagnosed Chronic pelvic pain 
