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Constant Penile Burning Pain
My 57 yr old husband was dx'd with mild BPH approx 2 yrs ago, trouble voiding: weak stream, urgency but then very long delay before voiding, up 6-7x/nights, etc and put on Cardura. Approx 1 yr ago, urgency symptoms increased along with burning pain in his penis. Tested for STDs, neg; RNA or DNA assay, neg for anything, neg on urine cultures, scoped, CT scan w/wo contrast, dx'd as nonspecific urethritis. Testing, RXs, etc took about 6 mos. Was put on strong antibiotic cocktail, regular antibiotic trials, analgesics, Lortab, etc. Hyoscyamine, levoquin, cipro, pyridium, everything. His major complaint was a constant, unremitting burning sensation throughout his penis, concentrated most intensely at the tip. Not the usual burning pain on voiding, but constant. Was ready to jump out a window. Extremely hard to function at work or sleep. During this 6 mo. period, his spinal stenosis/sciatica became severe to where paralysis was L foot/leg and beginning on R foot. Had lumbar fusion plus rebuilding/grafting of the floor of his spine (multiple prior fractures observed during op--he was paratrooper, etc.); also two blown knees, both shoulders, just beat up alot in his career. Back surgery successful, but constant burning pain in penis did not let up. Was referred to another Uro, who performed proper prostate massage on slide ("your prostate's filled with pus; you have type III prostatitis"). Had TUNA, and symptoms seemed to resolve at proper 3-4 mo post op, which brings us to the present. And now, the constant burning sensation is returning. He's on Proscar, pyridium (which doesn't help at all), Lortab, which takes the edge off but leaves him a bit dopey, and cipro prophyllacticly. He is a strong man, but is truly at wit's end (and I think his docs are, too). We are desperately trying to figure out why his penis is constantly burning. I'm wondering if there's some kind of neuralgia involved. Will get him some Quercetin; he's also on Saw Palmetto, avoids nightshade plants, acidic foods/drinks, alcohol, caffeine, drinks lots of water. We heard about colchicine but sounds dangerous. He has an appt w/his Uro this week, and we're at a loss as to what to ask or tell his doctor now. He also says the burning sometimes feels like a really bad sunburn; sometimes on the outside of his penis; otherwise the best way he describes it is an unrelenting, extremely painful internal burn. He's also dx'd w/Peyronie's (not too bad). So we have: noninfectious inflammatory prostatitis, BPH, and Peyronie's. He has developed a whopping case of anxiety and says he can't take it much more--he doesn't know when it's going to stop. He's been through alot of physical trauma in his career, & says this is the worst he's ever been. Had alot of exotic immunization shots a few years ago. I've been all over the net for a year, and can't seem to find out what this is. Apologize for verbose, but really need objective advice & deeply grateful for guidance. Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You husband has certinly been through a comprehensive evaluation without success. Here are some considerations.
Non-infectious inflammatory prostatitis can be difficult to treat. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy may provide some symptomatic improvement and should be discussed.
Other medications have been tried for this, including allopurinol, finasteride, or alpha-blockers but there is no consensus. A COX-2 inhibitor, Vioxx, as also been studied. There were some cases where there was improvement, but nothing definitive. This may be discussed with your personal physician.
If the urological route is not revealing, you may want to consider a neurology referral where electrodiagnostic testing may be considered for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Non-infectious inflammatory prostatitis can be difficult to treat. Transurethral microwave thermotherapy may provide some symptomatic improvement and should be discussed.
Other medications have been tried for this, including allopurinol, finasteride, or alpha-blockers but there is no consensus. A COX-2 inhibitor, Vioxx, as also been studied. There were some cases where there was improvement, but nothing definitive. This may be discussed with your personal physician.
If the urological route is not revealing, you may want to consider a neurology referral where electrodiagnostic testing may be considered for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
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