What should I expect on my first visit to PT

[joeh6]

I am a male and have IC for several years. My uro has prescribed PFT with an inhouse therapist. What should I expect on my first visit? I do know that I will have a rectal sensor at some time during these exercises. Most of the posts I have read were from females and very few from men. So all you experienced men give me some idea of what should expect. My first apt with PT is thursday 11/30.

joeh6

[GGOMEZ]

Hello joeh6,

I had my first PFT back in May. I had three done before I had to leave for an out of state trip and I have not gotten back to them. The treatment involved inserting an electrical probe into the rectum. The therapist than starts sending a very small electical stimuli through this probe. I was told this would help me strengthen my pelvice floor muscles and bladder so that in time I wouldn't have to go as often. I got a very bad UTI three days after my third treatment and I have not gotten back to them. The UTI was not related to this treatment though. The treatment last about 15 minutes. In time they expected me to do this PF exercise on my own. It's a little uncomfortable but not to bad. I was diagnosed in April of this year so I'm still new to this IC stuff. Is this what you were asking about?

GGomez

[joeh6]

Thanks for the fast reply. I was just wondering what would take place. Hope you get your problems corrected.

Joeh6

[GGOMEZ]

Thanks. I was just thinking about going back to this treatment because I didn't do them long enough to see if it would help. I'm currently struggling with a pretty good flare-up so I was thinking about giving it a try again. Let me know how you do. Take care.
GGomez

[joeh6]

Well I have had my first appointment with my PT and it went along pretty much like I expected. First she explained the whole procedure in detail. Next she explained that she wanted to see how strong my muscles were in and around the pelvic floor so she asked that I remove my pants and shorts and get up on the exam table. She had me scoot down until my bottom was even with the end of the exam table. She then explained that she was going to insert a finger in my rectum and feel how strong my muscles were when she asked me to squeeze. Upon doing this she said that at least I knew which muscles were the ones to be tightened when doing the Kegel exercise. During the entire time she was very understanding that all this was new to me and somewhat embarrassing. Next she inserted a sensor in my rectum which was attached by a wire to a loptop conputer. I was asked to squeeze the rectal muscles several times, the intensity of which was transmitted to the computer. After doing this, I was told to dress and given a set of exercises to do. I am to return in a week for more exercises. I will also receive my first session of electrical stimulation. So much for male dignity with those paper drapes. I have nothing but praise for my therapist and her professional demeanor.