Hypnotherapy

[strobers]

After not having any sexual release for six months because I just couldn't bear going through another three week flare, I went ahead and took the sexual plunge.

I worked with a hypnotherapist who put me in a trance while I was doing it and did some post orgasm work to keep me relaxed. Our focus was the pelvic floor, bladder and prostate, the three areas I'm addressing as part of my personal protocol for wellness. Prior to calling her, I took a .5 of Valium and after our session I soaked in the tub for 1/2 hour and took 10 mgs. of Elavil and did some stretches.

There was absolutely no pain on discharge and no cramping/spasm. It was a powerful, but normal ejaculation. What was weird was that as copious as the fluid was, it was very watery and light. It didn't have the texture or consistency of regular sperm. I was expecting a thicker discharge, especially after so many months. I'm not sure why that it.

I did the act at 12:30, about two hours ago. I feel about the same as before I had the orgasm, with the exception that there is a deeper feeling of pain in the prostate area. Almost like a bruised feeling. When I sit I feel I have to void. When I stand about 80% of the feeling goes away.

I'll report tomorrow about how I feel. Last October 13, 07, which was the last time I had an ejaculation, I was fine for the day and the next day my flare hit me big time. I'm prepared this time with a myriad of pain pills and benzos and if I have to spend the next three weeks in a state of oblivion, so bit it.

I suffered for three weeks and then went into a two month remission for some reason. I mean a complete remission where I was absolutely perfectly normal with the exception of two days. Let's hope for the best.

[OrlandoP]

Hey there, strobers,

While I think for years they put us gals in another camp than the prostrate one (god knows, most docs don't like mixing male and female issues ), I think this spectrum disease is really shared by all of us.

I'm sorry to report that with my new flare (after 5 years basically in remission), I have painful orgasm. It sucks utterly. I keep thinking that maybe pelvic floor therapy might help out, so I'm sticking with that for a while. But at the end of the day, I believe I have a nerve dysfunction.

The good news is, it can go into remission for a long time. I came out of remission with an acrobatic sex routine, and you can bet if (WHEN!) I get back to remission, I'm going to be a helluva lot more careful next time!

Anyway, just to tell you...I understand your pain.

[strobers]

Hi Orlando,

I'm sorry to hear that. Sexual activity is one of the funnest activities in life and when they can't be done spontaniously because of fear of pain, it really just adds another sad chapter to the saga of IC/CPPS.

I went into an eight hour flare yesterday after I finally got the courage to masturbate. My hypnotherapist is wonderful, patient and very professional. I think that her putting me in a trance and giving me the post hypnotic suggestions to relax my pelvic area made a huge difference in how I reacted.

Interestingly, when this started in April of 07, masturbation caused me to be in an almost five month long flare. After abstaining for four months and then doing it again in the middle of October, the 13, I went into a three week flare.

This time, I had an eight hour flare and although I don't feel perfect, I can live with what I'm feeling at present.

This progression tells me one thing about my own condition and something that men particuarly should be aware of. An orgasm is an extremely powerful contraction in a person and when it's over done, there is no doubt in my mind that the constant contraction causes the nerves in that entire area to get inflammed, which in turns affects the bladder in some way, which caused my symptoms. On the prostate board many of the men have the same type of history and although the evidence is anecdotal, the amount of men who develop IC/CPPS due to over stressing the area due to excessive masturbation seems to be a lot.

Before I got sick I was masturbating daily, sometimes multiple times in the same day and had been doing so since I was little. It had become more of an emotional outlet, a habit, than something physical that meant something. I let myself get fooled that it was "perfectly natural" but too much of a good thing is bad and now I'm suffering the consequences. Based on my hypothesis, I think that a tipping point occured in regards to all the pelvic nerves, which obviously are affected during an orgasm, which led to my particular symptoms. My uro said my bladder looked normal, which leads me to believe that if I do have strictly bladder issues (and I don't think so at all) they are caused by overstimulated nerves that connect with the bladder. The fact that the prostate gland is right next to the bladder lends credence to this theory.

What is so funny, pathetically funny really, is that NONE of the four uros I saw think that my masturbation had anything to do with my symptoms. None whatsoever. They refuse to believe there is a connection and I'm not sure why.

I waited six months the last time. This time I'm going to wait three months and continue my personal protocol, which includes all the parts of the pelvic floor as I stated. Hopefully, the fact that the flare times are getting shorter and shorter seem to point out that my nerves are healing. Like you I believe this is more a nerve issue than anything else.

[OrlandoP]

Strobers,

i think it's amazing you are so open, I really learned a lot from your post. I'll also share with you that I think a lot of my problem started with chronic constipation--also a total blow-out on the pelvic nerve highway. I have a tremendously tight pelvic floor, but no ability whatsover to "call on" these muscles when asked to contract. When I first got "IC", it was with an infection. But when I look at the trajectory, that wasn't what started it. It started with "having to go" during sex, which followed a life of chronic constipation.

I agree with you, I think the nerves basically inform one another, and the muscles respond in kind. It's why PFD can be a by-product of the nerve dysfunction, or visa versa. In my case, I think the muscles and nerves are whacked.

In your case, the tighter the muscle, the more pinch they put on the nerves. I haven't read some of your other posts, have you been diagnosed with PFD? I have started, after a few months with a PT, to do a home treatment. A buddy of mine from the boards did the Stanford protocol. Basically, even a couple of times a week ain't gonna cut it with PT if you have years of built up damage. You have to stretch the muscles daily to break their "memory" and patterns.

I will say, I'd like to take this one up with God or Darwin: who the heck came up with the plan to have poop, pee, and orgasm on the same nerve pathway?? When one goes awry, the whole thing's a mess! I also get painful BMs, and IMO, it's all just the nerves going haywire down there.

Coupla other things: Stanford protocol also calls for a lot of meditation--apparently, the nerve stuff gets stored in the hypothalamus and to break the pattern, you gotta dose up on drugs (something I haven't been willing and/or able to do), or meditate your brains out to break another pain cycle.

Also, I'm currently trying Curbita, which is supposed to be helpful for prostate/bladder issues. I also use DLPA, which is an amino acid that addresses both chronic pain, and depression.

As for the uros, don't get me started. They seem to each have a different hypothesis, and tend to be less educated on treatments than the patients who troll these boards.

Again, thanks so much for your honesty. You made my day, and I learned a lot.

[strobers]

Strobers,

i think it's amazing you are so open, I really learned a lot from your post. I'll also share with you that I think a lot of my problem started with chronic constipation--also a total blow-out on the pelvic nerve highway. I have a tremendously tight pelvic floor, but no ability whatsover to "call on" these muscles when asked to contract. When I first got "IC", it was with an infection. But when I look at the trajectory, that wasn't what started it. It started with "having to go" during sex, which followed a life of chronic constipation.

Hi Orlando,

Every single person on this board poops, pees, has orgasms, and has the same basic anatomical structure, so there is really no need to hide anything. Only through being honest will we find answers to the questions that we seek. We sure aren't going to get them from our doctors. The majority of them are as useful as an empty cat food can when it comes to IC/CPPS.

I agree with you, I think the nerves basically inform one another, and the muscles respond in kind. It's why PFD can be a by-product of the nerve dysfunction, or visa versa. In my case, I think the muscles and nerves are whacked.

I concur. But with everything else, we are left wondering what came first? I have been anxious all my life; very Type A, driven, a perfectionist. Personally, I think I created the infrastructure for this thing to grow into what it has become. My body was telling me in 2004 that I was reaching the breaking point; when I was dealing with frequency issues, but I didn't know what I know now to listen. All of us have created a domino affect in our bodies; the one thing that set the stage for the disease. For some people it was a tight pelvic floor. For another an irritated bladder. For another an inflammed prostate. But all of them are driven by the same underlying issues and processes. That's what makes this thing so difficult to treat. I think everybodys' primary domino is different and all of them behind are different too or at least sequenced differently. Their are some areas of commonality, but the sequence and level of problems is inherently different in each one.

In your case, the tighter the muscle, the more pinch they put on the nerves. I haven't read some of your other posts, have you been diagnosed with PFD? I have started, after a few months with a PT, to do a home treatment. A buddy of mine from the boards did the Stanford protocol. Basically, even a couple of times a week ain't gonna cut it with PT if you have years of built up damage. You have to stretch the muscles daily to break their "memory" and patterns.

I've seen my PT off and on since September '97. She says I'm kind of "tight" on one side, but in her opinion nothing that could be construed as being PDF, but who really knows. What's tight in me, might be loose in someone else and so on down the line. What's most important I think is the underlying pathology for one particular symptom and how it exacerbates everything else. I was just reading last night about the number of people who have fibromalagia, who also have IC/CPPS and who have tinnitis. I got tinnitis two months after I started having my IC/CPPS. Many people report the same thing. At the last OC IC meeting I attended, about 25% of the women said they had tinnitis too. How does ringing in the ears connect with burnng in the pelvic region? It's a whole body thing, yet for the majority of people the issue is localized in one particular area of the body, but we know that there are dozen and dozens of people on the boards who have IC, IBS, fibro and a host of other things on top of the IC. It pains be not to know exactly what is going on with me or the other people who are suffering right along with me.
I will say, I'd like to take this one up with God or Darwin: who the heck came up with the plan to have poop, pee, and orgasm on the same nerve pathway?? When one goes awry, the whole thing's a mess! I also get painful BMs, and IMO, it's all just the nerves going haywire down there.

Regarding BM's there are times that having a BM actually makes me symptoms improve. Other men have reported the same thing. Other people say they have a BM and get worse. I agree that this nerve pathway really influences the way we feel and it's possible that this pathway in some people is so wacked that it affects the nerves in the rest of the body, which causes a host of other diseases.

Coupla other things: Stanford protocol also calls for a lot of meditation--apparently, the nerve stuff gets stored in the hypothalamus and to break the pattern, you gotta dose up on drugs (something I haven't been willing and/or able to do), or meditate your brains out to break another pain cycle.

I listen to relaxation CD's more than music and I take a hot bath every single day no matter if I feel good, bad or horrible. It has just become a life choice. Relaxation is very important, but I'm at a loss on how to transfer relaxation to the parts that need it most at the most cellular level. If we could do that, we could make more progress. Too many things we currently do; curb pain, curb discomfort, are more a temporary measure, even though some people are able to rid themselves of this thing and go into remission. My hypnotherapist told me that she had tinnitis and IC for ten years. She has the hydroextension done and they found ulcers in her bladder. She said that she left a job she had for 30 years and didn't like to go to school and become a hypnotherapist. The week after she started, both her IC and tinnitis went away. I mean absolutely disappeared. Now she drinks coffee, eats tomato sandwiches as if she was never sick. What does that tell us?


Also, I'm currently trying Curbita, which is supposed to be helpful for prostate/bladder issues. I also use DLPA, which is an amino acid that addresses both chronic pain, and depression.

As for the uros, don't get me started. They seem to each have a different hypothesis, and tend to be less educated on treatments than the patients who troll these boards.

I agree. The last uro I saw actually said to me, "You probably know more about this disease than I do." How sad, huh?

Again, thanks so much for your honesty. You made my day, and I learned a lot.

Good, I think we all learn from each other.

[OrlandoP]

Yeah, and guess who else is a total type A? I am taking a professorship this summer, and it's going to be a big challenge to take my new "it's not ALL important" attitude, but the truth is, I'm getting there.

What I wish is that I'd done more of it DURING my remission, I might not be where I am.

I think you are dead on with everything you write, and you get my vote for cool dude of the week.

In the spirit of sharing "things that help and don't", here's my list.

What helps:

Yoga: I work with a yoga therapist, totally straight up and cool guy. I do 20 minutes of asanas a day. Keeps my back in great shape, the weight down, and helps the rest of my body keep other things, like fibro, at bay, IMO.

Meditation: probably would help, if I could train my a** to actually do it more often. I have a tape from my guy, and I need to get it on more.

The bucky pillow: they make one filled with buckwheat that is shaped like a hot water bottle, and can be thrown in the microwave. I love it.

Measure twice, cut once: My husband noted duly that I work in a groundswell, and sweep everyone up in my fast pace, then expect everyone to be on my page, then get ****** when they aren't. I work so fast that I do too much, and too much for other people.

Percocet: I work with a pain clinic. I am extremely cautious with this stuff, but take it when I really need to get through a day. I probably take 2 or so a week.

Tofranil: Jury is out,but I'd say it's lifting my mood. Pain...that's another story. I'm not willing to cause more fissures that come with my chronic constipation caused by upping the dose.

My IC buddy: She's the bomb. We really help each other, and she gives me a wealth of info, along with a level head when I need it.

Good food: I don't eat crap, for the most part. It keeps the machine running well.

Magnesium: Helps with constipation. It's the best remedy I've ever found, and it sure wasn't with the help of a doc.

Heather's Tummy Fibers: I think these are also pretty good for IBS-type issues.

PT: Jury is a bit out on this one, too, but some days, I come out of PT feeling good for at least a day straight.

Pyridium: It helps great on some days, not on others.

Things that don't help

Drugs: Topamax, Prosed, Ultram, Valium (worked when it totally zonked me, now just makes me depressed), Prednisode pack, NSAIDs, Atarax (suicidal depression, it was insane), Prelief, Vivactil, Urinary alkalinizers (more proof of the nerve theory).

Procedures: Instillations, dialations (yes, I actually went through one).

Herbs: too many to name!

The IC diet: tried, I really, really did. I even worked with a naturopath, and two different acupuncturists who went the whole "you've got candida" route--nada. I wouldn't drink a ton of beers, but the only thing that bothers me about any particular food or drink is when I have to pee more. I also question if the window for a "flare food" is three days, how could one ever determine a trigger, unless you started on a no food, no water diet for days?

Maybe there's just one thing in there that would help you out, I hope so.

[amaranthe]

Hi Strobers! Just did a search for Hypnotherapy and came across your post. I have been thinking about seeing one to help me quit craving sweets, and wondered if insurance covers your sessions? Also, trying to get an idea of what they charge? Also, did you need a referral? If so, what kind of Dr. did your referral? How long do sessions typically last? Thanks for the details!

[strobers]

Hi Strobers! Just did a search for Hypnotherapy and came across your post. I have been thinking about seeing one to help me quit craving sweets, and wondered if insurance covers your sessions? Also, trying to get an idea of what they charge? Also, did you need a referral? If so, what kind of Dr. did your referral? How long do sessions typically last? Thanks for the details!

Hi Amaranthe,

Unfortunately, insurance did not cover my sessions. They cost anywhere from $80.00 to $150.00, depending on the therapist. I did my own referral as most MD's think hypotherapy is a bunch of "hocus pocus."

Most sessions last from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the therapist and the issue that is being working on.

Hope this information was helpful.

S

[Want2BPainFree]

Just to back up belief in hypnotherapy, as a teenager I was 'cured' of bulimia, anorexia, laxative abuse, and over exercising through cognitive behavior therapy and hypnotherapy.

[amaranthe]

Thanks for all the information! Want2bepainfree, that is awesome that it worked so well for you for all that! That is pretty impressive! Who knew it could help with all those things?!! Thank you for writing as well!

[wolfaleena]

could someone explain to me exactly what cognitive behavioal therapy is..
Is it used in pain for IC?

[Briza]

Here is link to definition/explanation from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogniti...vioral_therapy
If you google Cognitive Behavioral Therapy you will find many websites devoted to this type of therapy. Hope this helps!

[starflight]

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an outdated idea that you can manage your symptoms by cognitive reasoning when you're simply made more aware of the inconsistencies in it. I for one think it pure nonsense and it never worked for me in 3 years, ha. I'd advise you look into Neurolingustic Programming - NLP or Psychoanalysis or visit Brainwave Entrainment's website and get proper technqiues to deal with pain etc. But even so I've found urologists are generally very lazy and stupid with no real sense of theory, I too experienced what strobers described and I also have random tinntinitus, so screw the doctors who think it's not connected in some way I say it's part circulatory dysfunction because when I was little and stood I'd get dizzy suddenly and loose vision. A nurse told me once what this was but I forgot. Anyway it's clear these symptoms all are caused by something common