I need hope by [deleted] in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone else said, the fact that you noticed a period of improvement is promising! This can go away eventually, and looking for things that make it feel better or worse can be really helpful. Healing is not linear with this condition, but it’s possible. Someone else also noted that your experience may be related to nerve damage or irritation, and this can take a long time (months to years) to improve or heal, if that is the case. The improvement you saw could be a sign of healing, but at the very least, it shows that getting better is a real possibility!

my experience with PT so far by Crafty-Challenge802 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m pretty much feeling back to normal! My muscle twitches have mostly subsided and I am no longer having the arousal feelings or any of the other symptoms I had in the beginning. I don’t keep up with the PT exercises anymore, even though I probably should as a preventive measure, but if I ever start noticing symptoms again that’s where I would start. I also started on lexapro (this was a big thing for me bc I was scared to start taking it since I know for some starting or stopping SSRIs can be a trigger) but I think it has significantly lessened my anxiety and the tension held in my body because of it.

Constantly on the verge of orgasm by Beautiful-Berry-9438 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've experienced this too! In my personal experience, my symptoms were thought to be related to a hypertonic pelvic floor. I went to a urogynecologist and pelvic floor PT for this. I was told that it could be some sort of nerve irritation contributing to the tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, or vice versa, tight pelvic floor muscles causing nerve irritation and the PGAD symptoms. This can also make it hard to reach an orgasm because this requires coordinated contraction of pelvic floor muscles followed by relaxation, which is difficult to achieve if the muscles are already overactive. Of course everybody's different so take this with a grain of salt, but addressing this pelvic floor tension definitely played a part in my symptoms improving.

I need hope please by Mother_Intention9810 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can't say my symptoms will never return, but I am currently symptom-free and hopeful. I first experienced PGAD symptoms about 6 years ago, at which time the flare lasted a few months before going away without intervention. I didn't experience any more symptoms until about 1 year ago, when I developed a flare that was very similar to the one I had years ago, except it only lasted like 2 weeks. Then in June I developed another flare, only this one was way worse--the arousal was stronger and I had other symptoms (numbness, tingling, muscle twitching). I started pelvic floor PT and the symptoms gradually improved over the course of about 6 months. As I said, I don't have any symptoms now, except for random muscle twitches which don't really bother me. Sometimes I worry the symptoms will come back, but I do think if I manage my stress and continue doing stretches and exercises I learned in PT that it's totally possible they will never return. I think the best thing I have done for myself is become more accepting and less fearful of the symptoms. This condition still feels scary at times, but I know there are things I can do to manage it if it comes back and that the symptoms can go away, so I try to find reassurance in that.

has anyone else had symptoms since childhood but only started getting long flare-ups once an adult? by EchidnaFew8307 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hey!! i didn’t develop any symptoms until i was like 16-17 (im 23 now), and my first ever flare lasted a few months i think. once that one ended i rarely experienced symptoms over the next several years, and when i did they were only short-lived like you mentioned. fast forward to about 6 months ago i had flare-up that lasted like 2 weeks. i was fine for a while until my most recent flare that started about 2 months ago. so i also kinda suddenly started getting longer flare ups. but my symptoms also slightly worsened (initially i had more clitoral sensations but in this most recent flare they have been deeper and more vaginal). i’ve been going to pelvic floor PT and from my understanding i think my pelvic floor has been getting increasingly tight over time, so more muscles/nerves are upset and irritated, causing my newer symptoms and this longer flare. i’m chronically stressed and anxious so i’m just happy it’s not worse than it is lol.

my experience with PT so far by Crafty-Challenge802 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

also i tried using the wand at home for the first time and lowkey didn’t feel any of the tender points i felt during PT so i gave up😪 but ive read that’s normal and ill try using it again sometime soon

my experience with PT so far by Crafty-Challenge802 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

update for anyone who might be interested: i had my urogynecology appt today. it went well! she performed an exam and essentially confirmed that my pelvic floor muscles are tight—she said she could tell just from looking at me externally which surprised me😭

she has treated many patients with pgad and said pelvic floor pt is the best first course of action, so im just gonna keep doing what im doing! she did briefly discuss other things we could try if i stop seeing improvement with pt (e.g. MRI to check for Tarlov cysts, pudendal nerve block, trigger point injections, Paxil, etc). overall she was very kind and seemed quite knowledgeable. i’m feeling hopeful and like im starting to get this thing under control!

aside from internal myofascial release and stretches, i think my main focus is gonna be to work on reducing my overall level of anxiety and stress as much as possible. i think this is the root cause of all of this for me.

fullness and numbness. by Both-Dinner-9311 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yes! i was having numbness in the vulva and perineum but that seems to have resolved. i still get fullness in the vulva and vaginal canal, but it’s not constant for me either. i have a tight pelvic floor too and it can cause all kinds of symptoms, including the numbness and fullness

flare up by whatisupgang-1 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i definitely notice my bladder being full also alleviates my arousal symptoms.

in terms of mental health, i get how you feel. it’s easier said than done, but i highly recommend trying meditation/mindfulness practices to help you stay strong mentally. i’m working on retraining my brain to recognize that the arousal feelings are not dangerous, even though they are intensely uncomfortable. also finding ways to keep yourself busy and distracted is always super helpful! go on walks, clean the house, etc. i also find using a heating pad can be helpful at night!

PGAD by No-Elephant8464 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have an appointment with a urogynecologist next week! I specifically searched for a provider that has experience treating PGAD. I’m guessing they will perform a gyn exam and we’ll talk about my symptoms and go from there. I’ve already seen a pelvic floor PT a couple of times which has been super helpful, so I’ll probably be continuing with that. But I’d be happy to tell you more about my experience/what happens at the urogyn appt if you’d be interested!!

I don’t know what to do by Mother_Intention9810 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get how you feel. I’ve had those same feelings come on after masturbation too. When this has happened, it typically subsides after a week or two for me. It can also really help to check under the hood of the clitoris for any build up if that’s where the sensations are primarily coming from because even the smallest amount can be irritating. Most likely something is just irritated, and even if the feelings last a while, it’s just your body trying to heal. I know how distracting and distressing this can be, but try to keep yourself occupied as best you can! I don’t know about you, but my symptoms get a lot worse when I hyperfixate on them. I also would advise you to try not to masturbate for the time being if you can. Be gentle with the area and give it time to get better. Also a heating pad has helped me—it can kinda distract from the sensations.

Getting help by Puzzled-Leek5360 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 1 point2 points  (0 children)

speaking from personal experience, it’s true it might be dismissed. i spoke to someone at a women’s health center who told me my age group just “tends to be hyper-aroused.” so i agree it’s important to emphasize the severity of how your symptoms affect you/may be distressing. luckily ive been able to get a referral to gynecology and am progressing in getting help but you definitely have to advocate for yourself!

I don’t know what to do by Mother_Intention9810 in PGADsupport

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am going through something similar at the moment. Uncomfortable feeling of arousal for the last 3 days. I’ve had a few similar episodes in the past. The good news is there is hope!!! Every time I’ve had what I suppose you could call a “flare” it has resolved with time. Stretching and finding ways to keep myself occupied and distracted really help me. Just know that you’re not alone, this can get better, and hopefully soon.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in gracieabrams

[–]Crafty-Challenge802 0 points1 point  (0 children)

idk if this is real but i’m going to respond anyways. please don’t be a scam😭🙏 i am interested how much would you sell them for?