Just curious, looks like what the doc though was prostatitis ended up being a pelvic floor problem.
I have a pelvic floor problem related to childbirth, but I am not a guy, so we may have different issues. Please feel free to PM me if you’d like to discuss offline.
http://triumphtraining.com/blogs/blog/6961828-poop-squats
I think you’ll find the above link useful to rehab the pelvic floor.
LOTS of other possible contributors to dysfunction here, so let me know if you have any questions.
Much Chi
–Andrew
I have not suffered from one but have spent a huge amount of time studying this issue through my work. I recommend you buy Robert Moldwin’s book on Interstitial Cystitis, http://www.amazon.com/The-Interstitial-Cystitis-Survival-Guide/dp/1572242108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355750699&sr=8-1&keywords=robert+moldwin, which is available on Amazon.com. You will find that the vast majority of pelvic floor research is devoted to women because they are statistically more likely to suffer from it than men (the best guess is that 50% of women who have borne children will develop some degree of prolapse, although it may be asymptomatic.) However, Dr. Moldwin’s book has a chapter specifically devoted to male pelvic floor disorder. Dr. Moldwin formerly suffered from pelvic floor dysfunction himself so it’s not just academic for him. He is an incredibly nice guy and even if you don’t live in his geographic area (Long Island) I bet he could help you find a referral. This really is an area that you want the advice of a specialist and a major medical center–you do not want to be treated by a generalist urologist for this issue. Please feel free to pm me if you want more information than the above. I can also provide you with a few more names. Phil
First, I am sorry to hear that you are going through this, but it can get better.
Secondly, the idea that prostatitis is NOT related to the pelvic floor is a bit of misnomer. Often prostatitis is related to or present concurrently with pelvic floor dysfunction.
I would highly recommend you find a physical therapist in your area that specializes in pelvic flood dysfunction. Typically these are going to be listed under “women’s health” because it is the vast majority of patients we see, however in the certification process there is extensive education in “men’s health” as well. Here are two links to help you find someone in your area: http://www.womenshealthapta.org/find-a-physical-therapist/index.cfm or http://hermanwallace.com/practitioner-directory. When you go to a physical therapist for pelvic floor dysfunction you should expect to receive a FULL orthopedic exam. They will likely look at spine, pelvis, legs and the musculature. Often there is a need to evaluate the pelvic floor musculature itself. This may involve an internal exam. This is always your choice and often is not the first day, but practitioners vary.
Finally, this is my bias so take it for what it is worth to you. I would NOT do the squat listed above without going to a PT first. The best analogy I can think of is if your knee sustained some trauma and was painful and not working correctly - would you jump right into doing a bunch of ‘strengthening’ exercises without making sure you didn’t tear something? These types of exercises are well meaning, but at the minimum slightly misguided and at a maximum may be harmful without knowing exactly what is going on.
Thanks for being brave enough to share. Part of the reason pelvic floor dysfunction is mostly treated in women is in part because men seem to have a more difficult time talking about it and getting it treated - it is way more common than you think. I would bet on a forum this size with the number of high level cyclists/triathletes you have more than a few that have known your pain. If you have more detailed questions you want to ask, feel free to PM me.
Good luck
Dana
Thank you for all the thoughtful replies, I’ve been scared out of my mind that it could be IC, I would hate to never be able to sit in a normal chair again.