Just want to recognize my coming up on three years with this condition now and reflect on all that's happened...
FEB 2008 - present:
The initial shock and subsequent confusion and anxiety: perineal pain, frequency. GP prescribes two different antibiotics for prostatitis which didn't help.
The anxiety phase: Nothing is working, it's not getting worse but it's not getting better either. Traditional urology diagnoses "chronic prostatitis" but offers little to help other than prescribing alpha blockers which didn't work for me either.
Somewhere during this period I found this board and things became much more clearer.
The experimental phase: trying different things on my own and see what works: diet, vitamin supplements, trigger point work, etc. (Go figure, some things do actually help!)
The resolution phase: Started to control anxiety: things got better. Stretches recommended by a PT helped as well. Time works it's magic.
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Now three years later, I'm MUCH better and continue to improve. Overall, I credit awareness of the condition (the "whats wrong?, nothing is working!" phase winds up the anxiety, making it worse) and proper methods to treat it (long term lifestyle changes which involve controlling anxiety) as key epiphanies in my recovery.
I'm still not sure what initially triggered this condition but I don't really care anymore. I've been able to overcome and have faith it will continue to improve over time. This condition has made me much more conscious of my anxiety level and educated me in ways to deal with it. As a result, I have benefited my health in positive ways beyond simply treating CPPS.
I hope this story inspires and offers hope to any new sufferers. Don't despair, it will get better. Thank goodness for forums like these and the support they provide.
CPPS: going on three years now
CPPS: going on three years now
Age: 49 | Onset Age: 36 Initial | Symptoms: Pain in perineum and rectum, urinary symptoms (esp. frequency). Current | Symptoms: Pain in perineum/rectum when sitting, burning in feet. | Helped By: sleep, yoga type stretches, relaxing, walking, yard work!, jogging, positive thinking, changing life outlook. No help: antibiotics, alpha blockers | Worsened By: Sitting too long, diet: unidentified food triggers, obsessing over it.
Re: CPPS: going on three years now
I'm real happy for you extreme 3!!! I hope you continue to get better in future.
It gives us hope to hear such stories. Thx a lot. That helps a lot.
I've had chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome for one year now...I'm getting better, but still having rough flares...Like you said controlling anxiety play a big part on the road to recovery
Chilly
It gives us hope to hear such stories. Thx a lot. That helps a lot.
I've had chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome for one year now...I'm getting better, but still having rough flares...Like you said controlling anxiety play a big part on the road to recovery
Chilly
Re: CPPS: going on three years now
Extreme3,
Glad to hear that you are doing well on the road to recovery :) I agree with Chillysun, anxiety control. I still do not have control over my anxiety and it drives me mad sometimes. I am seriously thinking of visiting a shrink to get some help like techniques on how to control anxiety. Can you share what worked for you wrt controlling anxiety? I am definitely way better than what I was 1 year ago...still have flares... Anyway thanks for taking time to post your progress. Appreciate that...
Glad to hear that you are doing well on the road to recovery :) I agree with Chillysun, anxiety control. I still do not have control over my anxiety and it drives me mad sometimes. I am seriously thinking of visiting a shrink to get some help like techniques on how to control anxiety. Can you share what worked for you wrt controlling anxiety? I am definitely way better than what I was 1 year ago...still have flares... Anyway thanks for taking time to post your progress. Appreciate that...
Age: 33 | Onset Age: 28 | Symptoms: Initially Tingling/urge to urinate feeling in tip of penis urgency mainly. Currently: Symptoms have flared up since early 2015... Only change has been discovery of a TrP right inside navel which is confounds doctors & PTs alike :) Multiple Ultrasound of Bladder, Abdomen & TRUS normal. Urine culture reported normal. | Helped By: Internal Trigger Point work, hot baths, Baclofen, light exercise regimen. | Worsened By: Stress/anxiety, constantly thinking about it, ejaculation, bowel movement, improper sitting posture
Re: CPPS: going on three years now
Burner2K:
I've also had an anxious disposition. I've known that for some years but I never really suffered to the point to feel the urgency to treat it until I got hit with CPPS. Here are some things that helped me:
I've also had an anxious disposition. I've known that for some years but I never really suffered to the point to feel the urgency to treat it until I got hit with CPPS. Here are some things that helped me:
- I went on a treatment of Lexapro and Lorazapem that addressed my anxiety. Certainly not the long term answer, prescription drugs can work to help break the anxiety-tension-pain cycle. There are plenty of options out there.
- Theanine is an OTC nutritional supplement that is like a poor man's benzodiazapene. It has a very subtle, calming effect, is relatively safe and doesn't have the side effects of the more heavyweight drugs. Not everyone benefits from this, but it's worth a try.
- Breathing exercises helped for me as well. Just ten minutes a day of conscious breathing can relax you and make a big difference. You can also preface this with some yoga to release some tension.
- Finally, recognizing when you are becoming anxious is a vital key. These days, I'm very aware of my anxiety levels and am proactive to deal with them before they get out of control. Actually, this approach has allowed me to take life more in stride and become less sensitive to becoming anxious. Like I said, the lifestyle changes that chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome forces you to consider can be an eye opener to overall wellness and health.
Age: 49 | Onset Age: 36 Initial | Symptoms: Pain in perineum and rectum, urinary symptoms (esp. frequency). Current | Symptoms: Pain in perineum/rectum when sitting, burning in feet. | Helped By: sleep, yoga type stretches, relaxing, walking, yard work!, jogging, positive thinking, changing life outlook. No help: antibiotics, alpha blockers | Worsened By: Sitting too long, diet: unidentified food triggers, obsessing over it.
Re: CPPS: going on three years now
One of the best threads in a long time!!!!!!!!! Said it like a pro...Proud!!
Best
Best
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I encourage anxiety prone UCPPS people to consider L-Theanine
Age, 44 onset age 37 Feb 2006 Freq. need to urinate. Sensation of having to urinate soon after going. Perineum discomfort/burning/tightness, pubic area discomfort @ times,poor urine stream, post urine dripping/spray. All symptoms have improved with my protocol. At the worst I give it a 1 to 2 on irritation and discomfort and frequency. Helps: Elavil 5mg for anxiety and mast cell protection, (will only take it as needed) self internal PT as needed, stretching, walking, stairmaster cardio workout and light weights, reducing stress, moment to moment relaxation, deep breathing relaxation and using a Theracane. Makes worse: sitting for long periods, stress, over focusing on it. Currently 95%-98% recovered. Stay positive, relaxed and control your anxiety.
I encourage anxiety prone UCPPS people to consider L-Theanine
Age, 44 onset age 37 Feb 2006 Freq. need to urinate. Sensation of having to urinate soon after going. Perineum discomfort/burning/tightness, pubic area discomfort @ times,poor urine stream, post urine dripping/spray. All symptoms have improved with my protocol. At the worst I give it a 1 to 2 on irritation and discomfort and frequency. Helps: Elavil 5mg for anxiety and mast cell protection, (will only take it as needed) self internal PT as needed, stretching, walking, stairmaster cardio workout and light weights, reducing stress, moment to moment relaxation, deep breathing relaxation and using a Theracane. Makes worse: sitting for long periods, stress, over focusing on it. Currently 95%-98% recovered. Stay positive, relaxed and control your anxiety.