REAL LIFE STORIES SERIES: LESLIE

Dr. Robert Echenberg, chronic pelvic & sexual pain conditions specialist and medical content provider for Pain 'Down There', encouraged some patients to share their story. To ShoutItOut so others know there is hope and healing out there. Here is Leslie's story:

Finding Dr. Echenberg and seeing him was the best thing I could have ever been blessed with. The pain that I have suffered with (silently) for so long and then the embarrassment of some of the other issues, all stemming from the pudendal nerves, have been so unbearable and I didn't know what to do for such a long time. Finally, I acquired enough courage to seek treatment from doctors, as it increasingly grew worse. I went to see my local doctors in El Paso, TX, but no one knew how to treat or diagnose my conditions involving pelvic pain: pudendal neuralgia, Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, Interstitial Cystitis, Etc.). I live in the southwest and have seen numerous doctors, who were all at a loss as to how to properly treat me. Finally, I found Dr. Echenberg, in the far northeast, via an in-depth online research.

Dr. Echenberg has a wealth of knowledge in pelvic pain, in which I have not seen in any other doctor, yet he is very humble and willing to educate any and every doctor, patient, therapist, etc. around that is willing to listen. This area of medicine has been greatly neglected by the medical society so patients are struggling to find the right doctors to go to for treatment. In my personal experience, the physical medicine doctors pass it on to pain specialists, pain specialists pass it on to neurologists, neurologists pass it on to OB/GYN doctors, OB/GYN doctors pass it onto urologists, urologists pass it on to the OB/GYN doctors and the cycle is vicious. There are very few that know or have studied much regarding the pudendal nerves.  

When my husband and I went to see Dr. Echenberg, he actually scheduled three hours, for our first appointment, to spend solely with us and went through everything in detail. He explained in  depth all that I was experiencing and could find exactly where the pain was with trigger point treatment. His knowledge and educational session with us was so amazing for my husband and myself, knowing that what both of us were dealing with is "normal," considering the situation. Dr. Echenberg validated the spouse's side of what they are going through as well, which was great. It took a huge weight off both of our shoulders, knowing that there is hope, there are treatments and we are not alone. All the pain, embarrassment, agony, etc. that I had been facing could now be re-arranged and worked on. There is HOPE!!! Praise God!

Dr. Echenberg and his assistant, Kristin, have maintained close contact with me, even though I am unable to see him physically as often as I should. The constant validation, support and education that Dr. Echenberg and Kristin provide, through all that I face with the pain/etc., is what truly encourages me so much and keeps me pressing forward. They are definitely a blessing from God. I pray that more doctors start educating themselves on these pelvic pain conditions, as more patients start stepping forward and sharing their "hidden" pain. 

- Leslie
El Paso, TX 

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