Could use some words of encouragement (pelvic pain)

Hello everyone, I posted previously on here but I'll give a bit of a quick background.

History of anxiety/depression/ hypochondria with random symptoms coming and going.

Since early october i've been dealing with 'Prostatitis'/ Chronic pelvic pain symptoms. I've been tested and still have a few tests to go, but nothing is coming up and it's looking like this is a 'functional disorder'

Very sore pelvis. Painful penis tip. Intermittent weak stream. Feeling like I need to pee all the time.

My symptoms wax and wane in intensity, but they're always there. Not usually as bad when I wake up in the morning. This particular symptom set started after I couldn't get an erection with my girlfriend. I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself and I even took some Viagra but it was making me feel sick. I feel ashamed by this. To even say it out loud. I love my girlfriend very much and she's been super supportive through all of this.

It's just a very embarrassing issue and I have no one to talk to about it with. I have a psychologist but I can't afford her right now with christmas coming up, and I've been paying for pelvic floor physical therapy that kind of helps.

I know this is a mind body issue. But I read and read daily of men who struggle to get over these symptoms, for years. I don't want to be like them. but I can see it happening.

I'm very depressed at the moment and could just use some help.

 

There are many who got over these symptoms. You have to be kind to yourself, everything that contributes to your anxiety will also make the pain worse. As you describes your symptoms it sounds to me like TMS. Have you checked out the pelvic pain success stories? That always helps me.

 

I agree - stop reading about peoples problems - look at positives and above all - be kind to yourself. Do something with your girlfriend (make a picnic, walk in the woods, go cloud gazing...) enjoy yourselves together without thinking about sex, let yourself just be.... as you then let go of anxiety you will feel better...
Whatever we concentrate on increases.... keep this in mind (literally!!!) and concentrate on what you love and what makes you happy...

 

Hey guys. I actually got better from this. It went away for about 6 months, but then I had another occurrence of not being able to not keep it up and it got me worrying and now the pain is back full force. I know it's a mind body issue, but it doesn't stop me from being scared it won't go away.

I know my mind is creating this symptom, how do I stop being afraid of it?

 

Don’t try to stop being afraid.... try to just... *be*

No, that’s not something yoda said. I know it sounds like it. But what you need to do is to get excited about life and living and to allow yourself to be afraid, but not allow the symptoms to control your behavior.

You got this.

 

Good advice above. Accept the fear, but know that you are safe. I like the affirmation "I feel afraid but I know I'm safe."

Feelings are not always freely chosen or easy to change, but you can choose how you respond to them.
In my experience, negative thoughts should be challenged but negative feelings must be allowed or even embraced.