The only tip I can offer is to stay away from caffeine, coffee, soda, etc. I have also heard that ibuprofen may not be the best pain killer to take, but don't quote me on it! I am on infection #2 and am lucky enough to have some insurance coverage. I was given hydrocodone for pain and it works pretty well. After eliminating other possibilities, my doc has determined that I have a lingering case of epididymitis. He seems to have fair knowledge of the illness and has been very understanding with meeting my needs for antibiotics & painkillers. I was very frustrated after having been tossed around to every doctor in the state, but came to realize he was just being thurough. It can be hard finding answers and treatment. This site has made me feel better in just knowing I'm not alone. I'm not sure my wife believed how confusing/frustrating this can be, but when I showed her this forum it was like she finally saw that this really happens to a lot of people. Hang in there!