Does this sound like IC?

[smokinbeau]

I am seeing a urologist (having been referred from a gynaecologist). My symptoms are pain and discomfort under my pubic bone, my genitals (especially in front) feel swollen and sensitive, my groin is sore and stiff, when I need to pee it comes on v. swiftly and I have to go, peeing does not relieve any of the symptoms. Sometimes the discomfort is so bad it keeps me awake at night and sometimes I have to pee 3/4 times during the night very urgently. I feel like my whole pubic area is on fire and swollen. Nothing seems to relieve the symptoms which are 24/7. Does this sound like IC to you experts who have it? I am having a cystoscopy but cannot have it until early December for personal reasons. I had a laparoscopy in July but that showed up precisely nothing (which was a good thing) and that is why I was referred to another specialist.

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network. It does sound like IC is a "possibility." However, it could also be something else. It's too bad you can't begin your testing sooner. I do have one suggestion and that is to read the information in our Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook --- you'll find a great deal of information there about symptoms and diagnosis, as well as the IC diet. The diet is one thing you could try right now. It may be that eliminating problem foods would help your symptoms.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Sarojini]

Donna's right; IC is one of many possibilities and you may well have it. The only way to know for sure is to visit your urologist and go through all of the required testing to rule things out... it really is a shame you can't begin the process sooner, because the sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment to make yourself feel much better :)

Please check out the Patient Handbook -- it really is loaded with information. The Diet is there, and also lots of ideas for self-help strategies for pain and discomfort. Maybe some of these small steps would help you feel more comfortable until you are able to find out what's going on "down there."

Good luck and :welcome: to the ICN! :grouphug:

[ibtracy]

Hi and welcome to the IC Message Boards. :welcome: Your symptoms do sound like IC and as Sarojini and Donna suggested - refer to the ICN handbook, it's got a wealth of knowledge. You can also buy or borrow from your local library the IC Survival Guide it has tons of answers to many questions and spells out what to expect from many of the procedures you may endure while waiting for a diagnosis. I love the book and it tells step by step what each procedure entales and what to expect before and after these things. I highly recommend this book!

I too like the previous 2 gals mentioned wish your testing was closer than December so you would have some piece of mind knowing what is going on. I hope your doctor is treating your pain or giving you something to at least help you sleep through the night. Nocturia (urination during the night) is a very common although annoying symptom of IC.

I wish you the best of luck with your procedure in December and you'll find much support from being on these boards, you'll never feel alone and we're all with you every step of the way. :grouphug: Sending you a group hug and a cyber angel for support as you wait for your cystoscopy :angel:

Tracy K.