Help! PFD Pain and Questions

[AAF]

I have a rather severe problem with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, which originally started last year after I developed a very bad bladder infection where treatment was delayed...wrong antibiotic, etc. The doctors originally thought I had IC, but I went to a urologist who is considered an expert and he ruled it out. All of a sudden my PFD pain is back and it has been VERY difficult. It is not only physically horrible, but I'm emotionally over the top. I went to the doc for a urine test and the culture will be back on Fri. He is unsure if I have an infection this time, like I did when this problem began last year. BTW, I also have a chronic migraine problem, lupus (in remission) and some mild fibro symptoms. Anyway, we only have one PT in town who is familiar with PFD. I saw her yesterday and will see her again today, Mon. and Wed. My guess I will probably see her two times a week for the next several weeks.
She does a manual internal exam/treatment which seems to release some of the spasms. She also works on the outer thighs and gets out some of the trigger points there. She has taught me some exercises to do at home as well. She does NOT have any equipment of any kind. Can you answer any of these questions for me? I'm in a lot of pain and depressed about it.
1) Is this generally what most of the therapists do?
2) How often do you go for treatment?
3) How long before I see some results?
4) Do most of you take medication for your PFD? What kind?
5) Do any of you know a good website for PFD?
6) What is an estim. machine?
I'm in ALOT of pain just from the PFD alone. The migraines have taken a big toll on me in the very recent past and I'm psychologically in a rather bad place at the moment. Thank you and God Bless.

[Katrina]

There are a lot of different things PT can do....she sounds somewhat different than mine but not a lot. I went twice a week for a while than once a week than none. I saw some results within one week and more as time went on. My PT saw so much in me she could help me with it was scary. (that so much was wrong lol) I recommend you go your own pace...she may push you ...but if that is giving you migraines or giving you more pain than you can bare than tell her that you need to move slower.

I hope it helps you. There are many people that have had PT here so hopefully others can help you with the rest of your questions. Best of luck to you!!!!!!

[AAF]

Update and question about natural products. My culture came back today and I have a significant bladder infection. I also have spasms. The doctor is putting me on Macrobid. Today I have a much worse migraine than typical. BTW, two weeks ago the doctor increased my Desipramine (similar to Elavil) and I'm wondering it it contributed to this pelvic floor discomfort. Are there any natural products that help with this condition?

[ibtracy]

Hi, sorry to hear that you have an infection. I've been put on Macrobid several times and it works well for bladder infections. If you're having spasms and possibly burning during urination, I strongly reccomend asking for Pyridium Plus - it helps me so much to get through my chronic bladder and kidney infections.

I have not heard of any all natural supplements to help with PFD. I was recently diagnosed with PFD and my visits are once per week. My physical therapist has alot of equipment. The first thing she did was a vaginal probe and measured how much I relax and contract my pelvic floor muscles. My next visit will consist of biofeedback where they apply several different external electrodes to also measure strength/weakness. I have IC and mine causes chronic and severe pain so my pain meds that I take for IC help my PFD as well. I take Flexeril (prescription) for Fibromyalgia but it also helps with my pelvic muscle cramping and pressure.

Sorry you're not feeling well, I hope you get the answers you're looking for soon and that your infection gets better really soon. Think about asking your uro for Pyridium + it's been a godsend for me many times.
Tracy

[AAF]

Thank you Katrina and Tracy. Your replies mean so much to me. The doctor did give me a purple pill to take that turns my urine a greenish color. This helps a tiny bit with the pain. I forgot the name of it.