I think my urologist appointment went rather well.

[green_the_fish]

Okay, well... remember my post about the getting ready of the DMSO treatment? That's what I did this morning. To list:
*I brought a walkman w/my fave burned CD and nice fluffy headphones
*I took two Azo (OTC version of Perydium)
*I took two OTC sleeping pills (to relax myself)
*I took three homeopathic "calming" pills
*I took two Ultracet
*I brought my mom :)
As you can see, I was prepared this time! The thing is... they didn't end up doing the DMSO :lmao: They claim it was because mom + me arrived 15 minutes late (accident caused traffic jam), but I think it was because of my behavior last time. They actually made us wait 1 1/2 (not exaggerating) to even be seen by the doc and told the DMSO wasn't going to happen.
So, you might be wondering why I said it went well. Wait for it......I'M ON ELMIRON! :bouncy: After hearing all the success stories from people that Elmiron helped, I'm happy to be on the right track! They also put me on a different anti-spasmodic, Detrol.
I also asked to be put on a low dose of a trycilic (sp?) anti-depressant, but they said there were too many side effects and they would only put me on it if they could prove I have IC for sure. Still, I know the pain will be much easier to bear knowing that, chances are, I'll eventually get relief. Oh, and I asked about an antihistamine (sp?), but again: no due to side effects.
Still, I think if I go with the IC diet and take the Prelief and Perydium every day, and the Ultracet at night, I can stand the pain until the Elmiron kicks in. This is due to the fact that I've been noticing improvement in myself. A week ago, I had in my voiding diary that I had urinated 28 times in a 12-hour period (from 8 AM to 8 PM). Yesterday, I urinated only 15 times in a 12-hour period (8 to 8). Improvement! Though I'm still in constant pain that gives me troble sleeping and brings tears to my eyes, at least my frequency is down. Once the pain becomes more bearable, I'll return to school. Hopefully I can get my cystoscopy soon and be given pain relief soon. I think being given Elmiron is a turning point for me.

[Cricketmk3]

DMSOs are the worst! I haven't had one in several months. I hope I'm on the road to...what? If not recovery, then a state of exoneration. I've been taking Elmiron for a couple of years now. I don't know if it's the Elmiron or Paxil (both of which I take) that brings me relief but I won't stop taking either one for fear of a recurrence. I also watch my diet, avoid MSG, and take Prelief when I'm about to take a chance on something questionable.

[Dixiefireball]

dmso has helped many people! i however didn't do well on them but do well on the cocktail treatments it goes in the same way an i do them myself at home. everyone is diff. diff. treatments work for diff. people hang in there you will find what is best for you. it may be just the diet and elimron alone.

I'm very glad you are getting better Way to go!
stick to your diet take that elimron
and I wish you luck in your upcoming surgery.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[ICLori]

Hi, sweetie, I'm so glad your appointment went well! I'm sorry about the DMSO though. It sounds like you were ready for it this time. Don't give up the idea of it completely though - it really has helped lots of IC'ers.

I'm glad too that you are on Elmiron. I understand about your doc not wanting to give you meds that can be dangerous - he's just being extra-careful. I'm hoping they can do a cystoscopy/hydrodistention on you soon (so that hopefully you can get a few months remission while you are waiting for the Elmiron to kick in) and that the Elmiron starts working for you very soon!

I'm really glad that the symptoms are lessening for you, too, that's wonderful! Hopefully each day it will get better and better - maybe your flare will go away completely within a few more days!

Blessings, Lori

[mom_in_ma]

Green,
I'm so glad to hear that all went well with your appointment. I'm quite impressed by how much you pulled together to get ready for it! I'm crossing my fingers that you find a remission soon.

[amaris]

I'm glad to hear you visit ended on a positive note. While not being prescribed other meds like trycyclics or antihisitmines seems sooo frustrating I could see why the dr would want to be cautious since you're technically a pediatric patient. I know with a lot of meds, side effects can be different in adults as compared to children and teens.

A note about the tricylics, they are sometimes prescribed for children with bed wetting problems so I don't think it would be completely impossible for you to eventually be prescribed one if you need more help with the pain.

Sounds like you've got a pretty good gameplan for dealing with your pain. I hope it works for you and you get some relief soon.

Amaris

[Sarojini]

I'm glad you had a good appointment... hopefully they'll schedule either a cysto/hydro or a potassium sensitivity test to get a better idea of whether or not you have IC soon. It sounds like a formal diagnosis will help from a treatment standpoint, and it will be nice to have a definite answer too. That "not knowing" can really be frustrating!

[ad8123]

Hello, I have not been following your story so if I say something silly forgive me. You are a minor but they have not done the cystoscope yet? I hope you can get one soon, a diagnoses would really help. I have taken prescription allergy meds since I was 12 (now 28) so maybe you couls ask about that again. I know somepeople say they are helped by antihistimes in gereral. I admire you perseverance and strength keep it up! It may make you laugh but I bring my mom when I am having a procedure done (moms are the best). Just wanted to say Hi and welcome and to wish you well. Have you tried the diet? It made a big difference for me when I stopped drinking V8 everyday and cut back on soda (now I do not pee as often).
Angela

[green_the_fish]

Hey everyone :hi:
Cricket, I hope you make a full recovery! I wish everyone on these boards could! I've never actually had a DMSO yet, but the last time I had a catheter in, I was sobbing and screaming. As such, I assume a DMSO would be awufl :yikes:
Rhonda, you cath yourself? Wow, you must be so brave! I've been into the diet for the past month, though I've gotten stricter on myself this past week.
Lori, I guess I'd still do a DMSO, if it became a neccessary evil :lmao: You're always so optimistic, it is so sweet :)
Robin, thanx for the encouragement.
Amaris, I'm glad a trycyclic could potentially still happen. That kind of takes the edge off the "no" I got.
Sarojini, I'm waiting to formally hear that I have IC. I think everyone in my family as well as most of the doctors I've seen this past month would be VERY surprised if I didn't.
Angela, nice to meet you :) I've had some allergy problems in the past, so I get the idea that antihistamines could do some good for me as well. I don't drink soda anymore, I drink water and Gerber pear juice. I'm being more strict with myself on diet, and I'm taking Prelief too. :thumbsup:
Nice to hear from all of you! :D