Amitriptyline - can it cause testicular pain at 20mg?

Hi Normangelfs,
I had to research this one because it’s not a usual side effect that I remembered about Amitriptyline.
We’re you taking it for depression first or the back pain?
Was it a prescription specifically for the pain?
Did you try the NSAIDS like ibuprofen first?

This is what I read...
It’s a common drug for testicular pain AFTER it’s been worked up through your doctor.
It’s a treatment for existing chronic (1-3 months) testicular pain.
It’s not a side effect of the Amitryptolene. If anyone knows differently, please correct me.

The importance of this is how you proceed.
You need to be seen by a specialist - Urology.
Perhaps you are attributing the testicular pain to a side effect or a progression of the abdominal pain.
It may be a condition in itself, that needs to be treated. Never assume anything.
I’m making broad statements here for someone else in your situation.
I want to make sure I got this right.
Your main complaint was back pain and then lower abdominal pain that is continuous or affecting your lifestyle.
You next developed the testicular pain that comes and goes.

After 3 years you should be able to say “ I have lower back pain because” and know the diagnosis.
“I have lower abdominal pain because” it’s... diverticulosis or referred pain from the back (diagnosis) or something like that.
“The testicular pain is from”Ex ... referred pain from the abdomen from the back or something like that. Know your body!

I think you need to discuss with your doctor to educate yourself.
I googled Amitriptyline / testicular pain.
Educate yourself because there may be ways that will help.
Ex... Dietary-meat makes it worse.
Avoid constipation.
Exercise or rest.
Warm heat vs Cold compresses.
You get the idea. Use the internet but do it when you feel ready and not in pain.

Knowing a diagnosis will empower you to take control. Education is the first step in conquering a chronic condition.
I’m sorry for being so wordy but I’m trying my best to keep you from feeling of being a victim.

I recommend you keep a Pain Journal daily. I know time is short when trying to stay within your appointment time and showing him a copy will allow him time to talk about other problems.

Pain Journals are easy and just a commitment of a few minutes a night.
There are apps but you can just dedicate a note or calendar for this reason.
On a scale of 0-10. Where are you today? 0=no pain. 10=the worst pain you can imagine or tolerate.
You can be more specific if you want, dividing the pain into categories. Ex... back-4, abdominal-3,testicular-1.
Once you are into it you can include info like what you were doing at the time the pain started. You may find it’s a pattern. It’s called your Triggers.
What did you do to make it better? Like sitting with your legs elevated.
Does it worsen after you ate?
Did it worsen after standing too long,lifting,bending over,etc.
Was it at night or in the AM. Chronic pain is usually worse at night.

Print out your Journal prior to your appointment. It will not only provide valuable info but your doc will know you are taking this very seriously.

So from what I read...
When given for testicular pain 10-25mg at night is recommended.
There is also a lot of other meds available. Ex... gabapentin used for neurological chronic pain, others in this drug classification or combinations.
Meds are not alone in your regime.A TENS unit (prescription only type) provides a low current of placed with small sticky pads to “confuse the nerve endings” (my words). Lol.. it seems to distract you from your pain. Totally adjustable and I found it helps in decreasing the amount of pain meds needed.
Acupuncture is effectiven from my point of view.
Distraction... find something that totally occupies your mind when it’s bad. I found working intensely ( un-paid,of courses) really helps. Not only did it distract me but I got a promotion!

3 years is a long time. If something doesn’t work then try something else. The goal of pain management is to identify the cause most importantly, keep it from becoming chronic, education and find a treatment that is effective.
Don’t settle for less!
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if it’s worsening or if it’s not effective. Don’t wait until your next appointment.
You want to have a quality lifestyle. No suffering needlessly.

Do NOT become a victim!
If you allow this to happen you will most likely become depressed.
Take someone with you to the doctor.
The mind protects us with amnesia to these pain events.
You want someone to have your back and describe what they saw of your behavior at the time.
If you are in pain, you may not remember all of his instructions. Don’t trust yourself!
Keep a Journal!
I hope this helps, my friend.
Sorry for all the words but I get emotional . Lol...
:-)