I was first diagnosed with prostatitis at 30 & the 6 weeks it took to recover (with Septra DS) nearly forced me out of law school. At 40 I began a string of 'prostatitis' episodes which occurred closer & closer together while lasting longer each time. My urologist for 8 years prescribed antibiotics only after digital-rectal exam confirmed my complaints and stopped my antibiotics as soon as DRE found a normal prostate despite my continuing intense pain. I was prescribed only Mobic & other prescription NSAIDs for pain. Consults w/ urologists at a major teaching hospital were not taken seriously considering I literally could not sit w/o hugely aggravating pain & could not work even part time. At age 53 following 6 months of horrendous pain my wife called an ambulance. In 3 minutes the ED doctor had a clinical diagnosis for me which was confirmed by color Doppler ultrasound imaging: advanced bilateral orchitis/ epididymitis. Given hydrocodone for 1st time I was incredulous at the relief it brought, but the infection only came under control after 10 days of outpatient IV antibiotic therapy of cetriaxone, 1 gram daily. But this has stopped acute symptoms: fever, malaise, etc. but NOT the pain which strikes like a thunderclap as soon as I get up (I am fortunate that pain subsides during sleep). I have since sought help at the Epidiymitis Center at the UW med school in Seattle (I live in central California) but neither Botox injections or alpha blockers has shown much and I cannot afford regular plane trips. My condition is tolerable w/Norco x3 but I live in fear that down the line this will not continue to control. What suggestions for pain relief ( injections, surgery etc) do you think hold the best odds for longterm relief w/o opioids?