ic doctors

[lhmm]

Are there doctors that only treat IC and is it wise to spend the time to travel to see them or if you trust your own doctor---should u stay with him???

[ICNDonna]

There are very few doctors who only treat IC patients. I am having success being treated by a urologist who has some IC patients, but this is not the major part of his practice. If you find a uro who has experience in treating IC patients and is willing to keep up to date on treatments, etc., I don't see any reason to travel. I see my uro monthly so that would add up to lots of air miles.

Donna

[VickiB]

It's just my opinion, but I think if you have that trust, and a doctor you can work with, that's one of the most important things of all! Of course, he or she will hopefully be knowledgeable about IC and treatments. But if not, that's still okay as long as they're willing to learn!

The closest Urologist for me is 75+ miles to the south, but I only see him once every three months or so. I may be his only IC patient, -I never asked. He's not terribly familiar with IC, but readily says "there's so much they don't know on this". He suggested I learn as much as I can about IC, and then together we'll explore what treatments to pursue. The fact that he's open to discuss possibilities as well as respecting my input on treatment options is a big plus with me.

Vicki

[theclownster]

I say you go with your gut. If you trust your doctor, that's the most important thing. I have a surgeon who I absolutely love - he has great bed side manner and takes me seriously. I love my primary care and uro too - but my surgeon is the one I turn to anytime things go wrong for a second opinon. He's treated me for many things that were not related to my surgeries. One time he even gave me a second opinion over the phone (works in the same hospital that all my tests were run in) - he phoned my primary care told him his opinion and got my treatment changed around. And can you believe he never got paid a dime. He did it because he cares. So, the reason I have a uro that is good, is because I called the surgeon and said - well I don't like the current uro I'm seeing - who would you suggest? I called my primary care told him who my surgeon recommended and my primary care made the referral. I've been doing pretty good since. I even offered to let my primary care treat me (I trust him too) but for now I go to the uro too.

Along with trust, you should also have good care. So, if you trusted him and feel you are being treated appropriately then do what works. If you're second guessing yourself - then you should probably call in a uro (at least for a second opinon if nothing else).

Best wishes that you find a course of treatment that works best for you!
Jennifer