Pudendal Nerve Entrapment/Neuropathy/Damage

Hello @rkbunn and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can see you are interested in connecting with @ahayes to learn which doctor they used.

Do you have pudendal nerve entrapment neuropathy as well?

I believe so. I can't seem to get a firm diagnosis. I have been having sharp shocks in the vagina with walking. I do also have a bulging disc with annular tear that I am getting an ESI for tomorrow. Praying this is the cause, but it is at L5 and that is not the nerve root that would normally cause this kind of pain. It has gotten debilitating as I am fearful of walking due to the intense pain when it happens and it is happening multiple times a day when I walk. I have seen a GYNO who did an ultrasound. Said all looks fine and it must be orthopedic. I work with orthopedic surgeons. They say if this doesn't work then it must be GYNO. So I am just praying this works. If not, looking for guidance on where to go next to see specialist who actually specialize in pudendal nerve issues. I have also been treating with a pelvic floor therapist.

@rkbunn I have read some of your posts while on leave from Connect following a sixth spinal surgery and wonder if you have seen a neurosurgeon. For my multiple myeloma I have also had many other neurosurgeries. All very beneficial. Good luck in your search for help.
Peace, Nancy

6 spinal surgeries! Goodness! I am Glad they have all been beneficial for you. I am having a ESI at L5 today. If no improvement I will likely see a neurosurgeon. Thank you.

What medication was it that you started? Which doctor prescribed it for you?

I meant to say 14-1/2 years on a donut. I don't remember the medication but it was off-label for daily persistent headache. Maybe Topamax. Sorry, I don't know.

I was treating with a neurologist at the time I got the anti-seizure meds. Medicine was for an unrelated health issue but it worked for my nerve entrapment. It makes sense cause it is like a spasm in the pelvic area. Ask you doctor.

Just joined the group this minute. I suffered from this problem since my late teens but it became worse as I got older. I had surgical procedure for nerve entrapment in my ankle but had no idea what this pain was from since it was never the same kind or in the same place - just in any place that was usually covered with underwear. In 2016, after suffering and being unable to sit for more than 15 minutes at a time, a Pain Specialist suggested that it was a GYN problem & suggested a few diagnostic tests. I'm an RN but knew nothing about this so I went online & found a gynecologist who specializes in minimally-invasive gynecology. After listening carefully to my history & nodding without interruption, she attempted to examine me but it was too painful. She scheduled an exam with light sedation & did a Pudendal block test:& Pudendal motor latency test. Once they were positive, she scheduled me for regular blocks & pelvic PT. It's a chronic condition but it is being managed pretty well now. I stopped taking Gabapentin or any other pills in 2016.

Hello @marjorielyn1, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. Thank you for sharing your experience and what has helped you. It's good to hear that you have it pretty well managed even though it's a chronic condition.

Do you have any other suggestions you can share with members that has helped you?

My Gyn has ordered Valium vaginal suppositories because I get spasms of the pelvic floor muscles. They are severe & random & wake me up sometimes. The suppositories probably help but I'm not sure. I also have an extensive repertoire of relaxation methods from the physical therapist.