REAL LIFE STORIES SERIES: ANNE

Dr. Robert Echenberg, chronic pelvic & sexual pain conditions specialist and member of our Pain 'Down There' team, encouraged some patients to share their story. To #ShoutItOut so others know there is hope and healing out there. Here is Anne's story:

When I was first referred to Dr. Echenberg for serious sexual pain, I never imagined that help was actually available, especially for a woman of 70.  I was overwhelmed  by the compassionate care and thoroughness of the diagnoses that was discovered.  My sexual and pelvic pain issues were based on years of trauma, abuse, stress, and multiple surgeries that I never fully connected to my current problems. The educational component helped both my husband and myself to understand the issues we were facing together. Through several treatment protocols, including nerve blocks, bladder installation, and additional sessions with a specialist in physical therapy trained in pelvic pain...I am learning to see my body as a whole unit of body, mind and spirit and to carry through on the treatment prescribed in lesser and less frequent sessions at this point.   Having my husband's support each step of the way was vital and I certainly recommend others to get the help you need now instead of waiting 70 years as I did.  Pelvic pain is not "in your head."  It is a treatable problem that should be taken care of by specialists who understand and care. - Anne