New - Have ?

[mcbride]

Hello everyone. My name is Stephanie. I am 26 years old and have 2 children. I had endometriosis removed in September. Then when I went for my follow up visit from the surgery, I complained about Frequency and pain. My gyn had me take the quiz and said that I most likely have IC. I have been on Elmiron since Oct. 100mg 3xday. I am having pain pretty much everyday for the last three weeks. Pain with sex is almost unbearable. I called my doctor and he said he wants to see me because there are a some things he wants to do. My question is what should I expect and what should I agree to? I thank you for any feedback.

Stephanie :help:

[kelly McC]

Hi stephanie. Welcome,
Here is a link to the handbook it has alot of information and can help you get some question to ask http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ . Everone has such different symptoms its hard to say what might work for you. Hvae you tried the diet ? There is a link in the handbook. The elmiron can take up to 6 months to work. If pain is a symptom you may want to ask for something for that.Ice packs and heating patches or pads can help with discomfort. Good luck with your treatment,
Huggs,
Kelly

[SharonA]

:welcome: Stephanie...

Please do check out the Patient Handbook. There is a wealth of information there. It will probably answer most of your questions. Many people with IC have found much relief with the IC Diet. Most of us have some foods and drinks that can trigger problems in our bladders.

Many of us do experience some degree of pain with intercourse. But, with time and cooperation between you and your partner, you can once again enjoy being intimate with the one you love. It may be in another form other than intercourse, but it can be just as fullfilling.

Just remember one thing...IC does not have to signal the end of your life style. It may change the way you do things, but there is life with IC. There are many treatments out there that may help you live a full and productive life. It may take some time, but most of us find the treatments that work for us.

I hope the best for you... :)

[ICNDonna]

I'd like to :welcome: you to the IC Network. You've been given some good advice. I agree that the Patient Handbook is an excellent source of information and encourage you to put yourself on an IC diet.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[traceann]

I just wanted to say hi, I am new too, and this site and boards has been so helpful to me, I am sure it will be helpful to you! Everyone is so nice and caring and helpful! It's just fantastic, believe me. I have only been on the Elmiron for about 2 weeks, and the diet strictly for about 1 week. It does seemed to have helped a little bit. I too was in pain for a good 2-3 weeks straight, and am now feeling a bit better! I actually had about 2 hours yesterday where I felt NORMAL, I was amost freaked out at it, ha ha ha. So, just wishing you better days ahead and glad you posted! Somehow knowing you are not alone in it can make it easier to put one foot in front of the other...at least for me!

Take care and warm fuzzies to ya!
Tracey, another newbie

[Dixiefireball]

:hi: and :welcome: to the icn. I also agree you have had some great advice here. Please take a look at the handbook that is one of the best resource I believe you can find on the internet.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[VickiB]

Hi Stephanie and welcome!

I just wanted to echo what so many of the others have said. Many of us do find treatments and self-help tricks that give us our lives back. Often times the beginning is by far the darkest days. Hang in there!

Sex can be painful with IC. Once I was able to get my symptoms under control with diet & meds, plus learned what positions were dangerous for me, sex became enjoyable again. Only on very rare occasions does it cause the 'I wish I hadn't done that!' pain.

I wish I could tell you what to expect from your doctor. There are numerous possiblities. I'd suggest looking at the IC handbook (Kelly above provided the link), and becoming familiar with some of the treatment options. Learning all you can about this nasty beast is one of the best defenses against it!

I hope things get better for you soon!

Vicki

[Katrina]

:hi: and :welcome: Stephanie You will probably be diagnosed with a hydrodistention cystoscopy or a Potasium test both you should find in the handbook. Doc will probably want to illiminate other things.

If you do have IC I highly recommend trying the diet and Prelief.

Let us know how you are doing so we can help you some more. :grouphug:

[mcbride]

Thank you so much. I go to the doctor tomorrow. I will let you all know what he says. It is nice to have someone to talk to about this. Husband doesn't act very interested when I try to talk to him about it. Anyway, thanks again.

Stephanie :)