Whats wrong with me? PLEASE help

[Rebeccanne]

Well... I haven't been diagnosed with anything... my husband is in the military and it has taken us 4 months to find a doctor... long story. But basically I haven't been able to see anyone about this problem yet

I don't know much about IC... but I was reading a magazine and saw an ad for it. Pain during, or after sex and painful urination and urinary tract infections were the symptoms. I have all of these.

I got married about 6 months ago, and haven't been able to have intercourse with my husband. The sex is just too painful for me. We try and try, but everytime I am in tears over the pain. There are a lot of things pain during sex could be... but I have had urinary issues for a long time. When I was in High school, I got them REALLY bad. I went to the doctor and found out I had an infection. They gave me medications, and did a whole bunch of tests to figure out why I kept getting these infections. They never were able to find anything out. After going in and out of the doctor for a year, I finally dealt with it... I wa frustrated because they couldn't help me any more then just give me medication. The infections kept coming back.

I still have painful urination (not every time, but a lot) and still believe I have a slight infection, which never really goes away.

So could this be IC? All I care about is being able to make love with my husband... unfortunatly the doctors are taking their sweet time on getting me a referal for a doctor. So in the meantime I am looking up possibilities for what is could be... I just want to know if this is a possibility.


If anyone can help me I would be so incredibly thankful... I really want to know if there is a chance my problem is ic.... thank you!

[Debgail]

:welcome: Rebbeccanne! I just want to hug you and tell you are not alone!
As none of are Drs. and cannot say for sure...but other that having true utis your symptoms are very much like those of us with ic. Have you had your urine cultured when you have an infection?If not you might ask about having cultures, since it would be another step closer to confirming ic.

As for sex, many of us have a hard time especially when I am "flaring" meaning having tons of frequency and bladder pain and pressure. Although many of us are able to when were not flaring ...just lots of lube and patience.

I am hoping that everything else has been ruled out ..have you been to the gynecologist to make sure there is nothing that could be causing you similar symptoms?

Bless your heart...youre not alone...coming to the ic-network ...a wonderful safe place for lots of support. Please let us know how youa re doing and how it goes at the Dr. Ok! :grouphug: Debbie

[Katrina]

:wlcome: Actually....lots of did go through some time in our lives when we had a lot of infections....you could have IC and not really be alone with that. None the less each time you get tested for an infection you should get a culture done...Debbie is very right there!!

I would agree you have a lot of symptoms of IC....but only a doc can say for sure. Still I have heard of the problem with getting a doctor in the military and I really feel for you!

One thing that is important to try is the IC diet! As far as sex....well urinate before and after sex, relax and use heat and moisture at your pelvis before (and after if necessary), LUBRICATE, LUBRICATE, LUBRICATE, and try out different possitions. I will get you more info.
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?p=90935#post90935 Newbie kit from the oldies to the newbies

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post.
The second page has 4 attachments...the last one is a list of ideas for IC pain.....take a look if pain is problem for you.

SEX links: http://www.ichelp.com/TreatmentAndSelfHelp/SexAndIC.html
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/sex.html

:grouphug: I hope you feel better soon.

[kelly McC]

hello and welcome,
Your symptoms do sound like it could be IC a urologist can help with diagnose. The diet can be of help . Take a look at the handbook it has alot of information http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ do you know if they were cultureing your urine ? Although I am one who gets uti's along with having IC .Good luck and let us know how your doing.
Kelly

[Bianchi]

Rebeccanne, I feel for you. But even in the military you can insist to see someone, tell them you are in extreme pain and need to see someone ASAP. I know sometimes you can contact a patient advocate, please try. You should not have to wait that long to have it taken care of. Could you possibly go to an emergency room in your area?
I pray you get help soon,
Bianchi

[Babs RN]

Welcome to the ICN! I am a military spouse, so I know all the ins, outs and inadequacies in the military health care situation. Which service is your hubby in? It is really hard to get specialty appts at military hospitals right now due to the frequent turnovers as a result of deployments. Most people get what's called "deferred to the network"--that means a referral to a civilian uro. If your primary doctor put in the referral as a routine order they(Tricare)has 7-10 days to process the request, and then you call and make the appt. You are most often notified by mail. ASAP consults have a 72 hour turn around time, and STAT consults are within a 24 hour time period and the referring doctor calls the receiving doctor direct. I am smack in the middle of dealing with IC and military medicine. I can only comment on my situation, which has been both positive and negative at times. My hubby is in Iraq right now so I am currently on hiatus from sex(yes it was exceptionally painful). I am hoping to have a cysto/hydro done soon as well as have my bladder lifted so by the time he gets home I can have some fun too. Please email me or PM me if you have any questions or need to vent.

Hugs and :welcome: ,
Barb