I don’t think I need to write an introduction for Dr Echenberg or Bridge for Pelvic Pain. The only explanation I feel I need to give is that I was drawn (pardon the pun!) to Dr Echenberg’s fabulous ‘patient expressions‘ web page on his site: www.instituteforwomeninpain.com and had to send him an email.

I landed on The Echenberg Institute website after participating in the Pain Pathways facebook chat. From there I was also contacted by Carin Willis, the Founder and ED of Bridge for Pelvic Pain who also took the time to send me a very touching email expressing her appreciation for The Hurting Strings and requesting that we connect and stay in touch. Carin was also kind enough to send this review:

Soula’s video about her literal fall into chronic pelvic pain (pudendal neuralgia) is one of the most profound short-films about chronic pain and its affects on the patient and their families and care-givers I have seen to date.  I highly encourage anyone dealing with chronic pelvic pain to watch Soula’s video “The Hurting Strings” and to share Soula’s message of patient advocacy, having a good support system, and to focus on the possibility of hope that shimmers through very dark days.

Considering Dr Echenberg is the Founding Board Member of Bridge for Pelvic Pain and a member of the International Pelvic Pain Society and has “seen people from over 25 states in the US and from at least 5-6 other countries”, I’d say many are aware of his work and dedication in the area of chronic pain. Instead of writing more of Dr Echenberg’s achievements, I’d rather paste part of his wonderful, empathetic reply that arrived in my inbox. It gives me immense hope and reassurance for anyone with chronic pelvic pain, and provided me with great appreciation for my advocacy efforts.

I know you will be inspired to read more about Dr Echenberg’s work and feel the hope that I did when I received both his and Carin’s email.

…upon opening my messages just now your site, your book, your story… so much more light here in Pennsylvania even though it is almost midnight.

One of my main missions is to spread awareness and hope about the science and art of dealing with chronic pain and push hard for earlier diagnosis and integrative and effective therapeutic approaches in order to “prevent” the spiraling down of tens of millions of women and men just here alone in the US – the supposed bastion of medical technology.  The training of health care practitioners everywhere in lower genital tract pain is almost nil.  Several of my “projects” and involvements you can find at www.bridgeforpelvicpain.org  which is a new non-profit out of Colorado whose mission is to raise world-wide awareness as a grass-roots organization to engender hope and education at all levels – and another active project is at www.paindownthere.com where a few of us have produced a soon to be released 2 DVD set designed for young women to learn properly about their bodies and give up to date information about ‘connecting the dots”

Thanks again for finding our site and offering your inspiring work.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bob Echenberg
Member:  International Pelvic Pain Society
Co-Author: “Secret Suffering: How Women’s Sexual and Pelvic Pain Affects Their Relationships
www.instituteforwomeninpain.org

Dr Echenberg http://www.instituteforwomeninpain.comOffice phone:  610-868-0104
paindownthere.com/
www.facebook.com/Paindownthere
twitter.com/painfulsex
instagram.com/paindownthere

Bridge for Pelvic PainCarin E. Willis
Founder & Executive Director, Bridge for Pelvic Pain
Skype/Phone number: 719.445.7040
www.bridgeforpelvicpain.org
Facebook: Bridge for Pelvic Pain
Twitter: pelvicpainB4PP

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