Diagnosed - but not sure correctly??

[bcastillo]

Hello,
I was diagnosed with IC today. My doctors (3 doctors, a GYN, and 2 urologists!) have tossed the idea around for a while - but always had other final diagnoses. I have had bladder infections often since I was seven. As of September 04 I began feeling symptoms on an all time basis such as many ICers feel. The frequent urination - flare of pain with certain foods - staying away from sex. It just simply hurts to sit. My doctor gave me some videos and suggested this and a few other sites to determine what treatment would be best for me. Elmiron seems the most common - but after a cysto I am healthy in there, and all my pain is external - not inside my bladder - though it still stops me from being active it is that bad. I haven't missed work yet - but have contemplated it.

Could I really have IC - or have I still not found what is ailing me?? Any advice would be helpful.

[jrowley]

So is your pain just around the belly area or are you feeling pain all over. Because if its all over then you could be seeing the wrong doc.

[bcastillo]

No it is not in my belly - it is in my urethra and my clitoris to be exact. Sorry to be so blunt.

[Dixiefireball]

:hi: and :welcome: to the ICN. How did they dx you? Did they do it by systom alone? Some doctor are doing it like that these days. Can you tell if foods or drinks are making it wrose? did they rule out everything else before dx you?

sometime being dx with i.c takes a little while to sit in you should try the i.c diet to see if it helps you.
you can find that and other great information on treatments at www.ic-network.com/handbook. that is the best place to start.
please keep us updated on how you are remember no matter what we will be here for you and we do understand and most important we care about each other.
Hold you head up High hon and get in there and find you answers.

sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[bcastillo]

I am trying the diet for 2 weeks - thanks for the support.

[Katrina]

:welcom: Well urethra and clitoris pain is common for IC...yet if you had multiple infections you could have some Pelvic Floor Disfunction going on as well. If that is the case heat, moisture, and teaching yourself to relax your pelvis can help you a lot! I know when my PFD flares it is very painful and feels much more external than the IC symptoms do.
http://www.sworcare.com/IC%20survey.htm This questionaire may help you know if IC seems like the correct diagnosis for you.

As Rhonda said if diet helps then it is a very good chance you have IC. Unfortunatly it can be quite common to have PFD and IC which may be why your pain is more external right now.

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.
:grouphug: I hope you feel better soon!

[Andrea81]

I have just had a UTI and I can sympathize with your external pain. I had the burning and urgency to pee feeling coming from my clitoris. It was soo upsetting. I think the antibiotics are finally working and it is now going away.

[emilyrose197377]

Hello , welcome to the ICN you will find alot of info about ic and support from others members .

Take Care
Kim