Is a Speciallist best for treatment?

[Thoney]

Hi Everyone!! Very happy to finally have someone to talk with regarding IC. I was diagnosed back in November of 2003 and just last Friday had my 4th Hydrodistention. I have been on Elmiron since my November and it doesn't seem to be working at all yet. DSMO does not work, but hydrodistention's seem to relieve pain for about 2 months. The recovery, however, is rough and my current Doctor is VERY stingy with pain meds...I was wondering if there are Doc's out there that specialize in IC? Or maybe I should find a different Urologist. Any help/suggestions are much appreciated. Bed-ridden in Washington :yikes: :yikes:

[vm]

:welcome: to the ICN. Yes, there are uros who specialize in IC. I also think there are uros who don't necessarily have that as a specialty, but are good about pain management. Maybe you could consult with another uro to get an idea about his or her beliefs about treating IC.

Welcome, again - and I know you will get some good feedback here from the others. :)

[tigger_gal]

:hi: :welcome: glad you found us.... you will find a wealth of info and support on these boards... :woohoo:
there are doctors that specify in IC and there are a list of them on this site... but I don't know the link :hmm: :help: ..... any one have it handy...
hugs
BRat

[Thoney]

Thanks so much for your reply. I am so uncomfortable I can barely sit long enough to search. I really think I need to find a new doctor. Anyway...THANKS AGAIN!!

Traci (Thoney)

[LSHEWES]

Traci - Are you in the Washington, D.C. area? Or the State of Washington? If D.C., I definitely know of a urogynecologist that is extremely knowledgeable and has helped 2 other ICers I met recently at the Baltimore/DC Support Group.

Let me know.
Linda

[Thoney]

Linda, I am in Washington State. Thanks anyway!!

Traci

[Katrina]

:welcome: to the ICN! Brat is right about a list on this site....there is a link to that list on the home page. If you would like some info on self help pain management let me know. Anyway, glad you found us. Sorry Elmiron doesn't seem to be working for you....glad at least the hydrodistention does....
http://www.ic-network.com

[VickiB]

Hi Thoney,

I've been taking Elmiron since March and as yet I've not noticed an improvement for me either. When I slip back to eating foods I used to eat (before I knew they were causing a good deal of my pain), I go right back to being as miserable as I was before! Still, I'm holding out on the hope I'm one of Elmiron's 'late bloomers'!

My Uro is stingy with pain meds, too. Well, not stingy,...he said right up front he will not give any! So much for that! But I've been around here long enough to know there are big differences among doctors regarding pain management, treatment options used, and just plain bedside manner. If you're not happy, or feel your situation isn't improving with the one you're seeing, it's probably a good idea to think about finding another.

I sure hope you find something that works for you!

Vicki

[shennan]

here is the link.

http://www.ic-network.com/md/careproviders.html

hope you can find someone better....

good luck....

:)
shenna

[ICNDonna]

It can be nearly impossible to find a urologist who actually specializes in IC --- the only exceptions would be in very large cities. There just aren't enough of us to totally support a medical practice.

However, that said, I do think it would be a good idea for you to see a different uro for a second opinion.

Sending warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[kelly McC]

I am fortunate to see 2 doctors that work in speciality offices that both specialize in IC. One I see for IC and one for pelvic pain. It took me a long time to find these wonderful doctors. I found the first one through a list and was referred to the second from them. I hope your able to find a doctor.
Kelly

[Sarojini]

I see an IC specialist and feel fortunate to do so. I think I agree with everyone else that it's time for you to seek another opinion -- you sound like you could really use some more effective pain control!!! You may need to look around a bit for a uro you feel comfortable with ... but I'm wishing you the best of luck in finding him/her :) :grouphug:

[Thoney]

Thanks to everyone that replied! I have an appointment with a new doctor the 15th of this month, cross your fingers!! :grouphug:

Need to get my pain under control soon, so my animals can come out of hiding....I'm pretty grouchy.... :mad: :cussing: :cat:

Traci

[kelly McC]

Good luck Traci

[VickiB]

Yes, good luck Traci!

Let us know how things turn out for you on the 15th!

Vicki