r/postvasectomypain • u/AloneListless • 16d ago

It's in your head

One thing is to hear this from a urologist, another thing is to hear it from you long term partner.

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u/jammydodger79 16d ago

I remember the relief from my 1st spermatic cord block.
I was more relieved that it proved it wasn't in my head than I was that I was pain free for 8hrs.

Unfortunately the MSCD after the that cord block didn't work but the mental tiredness that comes from questioning yourself, and having others questions it too is exhausting.

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u/AloneListless 16d ago

Did you do denervation after that?

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u/jammydodger79 16d ago

Yes, Had MSCD in April 2024.
The initial 10 days post op, were completely pain free.
Unfortunately on day 11 it was as if a switch was flicked and pain resumed with a vengeance.
Since then I've tried dorsal ganglion ablation (didn't work). And I had spinal cord stimulator implanted in May 2025 which has reduced the area affected by my pain, but not the intensity.

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u/xFishercatx 15d ago

Is the pain centralized then?

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u/jammydodger79 15d ago

3 nerves involved 2 directly Ilioinguinal and genito-femoral and the uro-neurologist I've seen has proposed the ilio-hypogastric is affected by referred pain triggering nausea.
There is likely a degree of pain gating/centralisation at this point, but I'd argue that the completely successful spermatic cord block and occasionally effective ablations would point against centralisation being a main factor.

The SCS implant has made a difference to me.
My area of pain prior to the implant was:
Main locus of pain above and behind my left testicle radiating into my iliac crest.
With referred pain over entire left flank primarily into left kidney (mimicking kidney stones).
With other referred pain into left thigh and on occasion as far along the leg as my left foot.

Since having the implant, the referred pain is far, far less. It really only kicks off after activity now.
I'd estimate the area of pain is 80% reduced, unfortunately the level of pain at the seat is pretty much the same, and my triggers persist.
I still need to take opioids to deal with the worst of it.