For a little background information: (Don't know if I have posted this before or not).
I've suffered with constant pelvic pain for the past eight years, have been to 4 gynecologists (one local, one in Memphis, TN, one in Birmingham, AL and then to Dr. (name removed) in Washington DC) taken numerous medications for nerve pain for these eight years, pudendal nerve blocks, both unguided and 3 guided, accupuncture, a neurologist, REM therapy with hypnosis, a chiropractor, and numerous tests and MRI's and x-rays. Currently, I am on cymbalta 60 mg. twice a day (have taken for several years) - this gives no help with pain, but I think it helps me deal with it emotionally. I saw Dr. G. in mid December. My pain came on suddenly - just got up one morning with it. I'm 65 years old - never had any gynecological problems, no surgeries, etc. My pain is worsened by sitting (and I sit all day at work. on donut holes and pads, which have not helped). My whole body tingles and my spinal cord - nervous system seems to be in overdrive. I feel like I am having constant spasms in the entire pubic area. I have pain at the 4:00 and 8:00 spots when the doctors touch the vulva area with a Qtip. Luckily, the pain is lessened when I am standingand I am able to sleep at night.
Dr. G's diagnosis is "vulvodynia" and "hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction." Treatment is warm relaxing baths, physical therapy (specifically on the pubococcygeous muscles) by a therapist who has special training for treating the pelvic floor muscles, and * botox injections into the muscles.
*Botox injections are expensive - approximately $1,200 and last about three months. The injections paralyze these muscles to relax them. Insurance in the U.S. considers the injections as "investigative" and will not pay for them. I understand some other countries do pay. ( I will wait until I consult with the physical therapist, and then decide about the injections).
I have been to a local physical therapist for consultation and the measurements by SEMG (surface electomyography) show my readings to be very elevated for muscle activity in the pelvic muscles. She says she doesn't have the specific training I will need for her to be able to help me. She and my local gynecologist have located a therapist in Memphis (an hour and a half away from my home town) who has practiced 16 years and has 12 years experience with dealing with these muscles.-------I am in the process of trying to contact my insurance company to try to get approval for the physical therapist (She isn't in my insurance network).................. So, I have to get insurance worked out, before I can make an appointment to see her. I understand I would only go once a week in the beginning and have specific things, exercises, etc. to do at home.
Now, to answer your question, Dr. G's fee for my exam, urine culture, vulvoscopy and consultation was $1,168.00. He did a thorough exam and a consultation with me before and after the exam. He does not file insurance and was not in my network. ........... I was referred to him by the doctor in Birmingham, after the three guided CT injections into the pudendal nerve only gave me numbness, but no pain relief.
I hope this information helps you in some small way. I can certainly sympathize with women who have this type pain. Please feel free to contact me if I can answer other questions.
I have been to a local physical therapist and see has no
Comment Reply
Margie,
For a little background information: (Don't know if I have posted this before or not).
I've suffered with constant pelvic pain for the past eight years, have been to 4 gynecologists (one local, one in Memphis, TN, one in Birmingham, AL and then to Dr. (name removed) in Washington DC) taken numerous medications for nerve pain for these eight years, pudendal nerve blocks, both unguided and 3 guided, accupuncture, a neurologist, REM therapy with hypnosis, a chiropractor, and numerous tests and MRI's and x-rays. Currently, I am on cymbalta 60 mg. twice a day (have taken for several years) - this gives no help with pain, but I think it helps me deal with it emotionally. I saw Dr. G. in mid December. My pain came on suddenly - just got up one morning with it. I'm 65 years old - never had any gynecological problems, no surgeries, etc. My pain is worsened by sitting (and I sit all day at work. on donut holes and pads, which have not helped). My whole body tingles and my spinal cord - nervous system seems to be in overdrive. I feel like I am having constant spasms in the entire pubic area. I have pain at the 4:00 and 8:00 spots when the doctors touch the vulva area with a Qtip. Luckily, the pain is lessened when I am standingand I am able to sleep at night.
Dr. G's diagnosis is "vulvodynia" and "hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction." Treatment is warm relaxing baths, physical therapy (specifically on the pubococcygeous muscles) by a therapist who has special training for treating the pelvic floor muscles, and * botox injections into the muscles.
*Botox injections are expensive - approximately $1,200 and last about three months. The injections paralyze these muscles to relax them. Insurance in the U.S. considers the injections as "investigative" and will not pay for them. I understand some other countries do pay. ( I will wait until I consult with the physical therapist, and then decide about the injections).
I have been to a local physical therapist for consultation and the measurements by SEMG (surface electomyography) show my readings to be very elevated for muscle activity in the pelvic muscles. She says she doesn't have the specific training I will need for her to be able to help me. She and my local gynecologist have located a therapist in Memphis (an hour and a half away from my home town) who has practiced 16 years and has 12 years experience with dealing with these muscles.-------I am in the process of trying to contact my insurance company to try to get approval for the physical therapist (She isn't in my insurance network).................. So, I have to get insurance worked out, before I can make an appointment to see her. I understand I would only go once a week in the beginning and have specific things, exercises, etc. to do at home.
Now, to answer your question, Dr. G's fee for my exam, urine culture, vulvoscopy and consultation was $1,168.00. He did a thorough exam and a consultation with me before and after the exam. He does not file insurance and was not in my network. ........... I was referred to him by the doctor in Birmingham, after the three guided CT injections into the pudendal nerve only gave me numbness, but no pain relief.
I hope this information helps you in some small way. I can certainly sympathize with women who have this type pain. Please feel free to contact me if I can answer other questions.
I have been to a local physical therapist and see has no
(Physician name removed by EmpowHER Moderator)
January 19, 2010 - 7:47amThis Comment
Reply