DIAGNOSIS

[BANDIT63]

Hi I'm new and I'm so confused. Month's ago I started with severe pain in my right side so I was sent to a gyno, when he examined me he said the pain was coming from my bladder. So i was sent to a urologist, right away he said i had ic, so I've had a cysto and a bladder biopsy. Just came back from getting my results and it showed I have chronic cystitis WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE.
He has ordered for me to have 6 weeks treatment of DMSO.
Could someone help because my family doctor knows nothing and my urologist seems to have no time to sit and talked.
I'M SO CONFUSED AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.
THANK'S EBONY63

[vm]

It sounds like he thinks you have IC since he is ordering the DMSO. Has he had you try any of the oral meds?

I wonder if you could call his office and ask for some clarification on your diagnosis?

[dyno]

Hi,
I wanted to welcome you to the board. I agree with Kim to call and get clarification. If it is IC, reading the Handbook on this site will help. You will find out about all the different treatments and diet. Diet is real important to most of us and helps us to control our symptoms. I wish you well, and again, welcome.

Jolene hi

[ICNDonna]

I absolutely agree. My suggestion is to call the uro and ask simply, "Do I have IC?" You should be able to get an answer.

Sending warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Jen_Cole]

I would definately call. In my ob/gyn's office there is a pic on the wall that shows 'chronic cystitis'. I wonder if there is a difference? All my troubles started the exact same way-with a pain in my right side. Good luck!

[mayray518]

I have never heard of the term chronic cystitis used to describe IC. That usually means you have frequent bladder infections. But DMSO is not used for those so he must mean you have IC. Did you have a hydrodistention?

[Duzty]

In my opinion, the trust that you have with your doctor when you have IC is the best treatment ever. If you have trouble getting your doc to explain things to you, or you feel that you are not being treated right, you should find another doctor. I found a great IC specialist in Memphis, TN. her name is Dr. Ragi Wiygul and she is the best doctor and a complete god send. She does not believe in letting her patients suffer with pain. The best thing that I have found for the pain, besides narcotics is trigger point injections, does anyone get trigger points. It is like immediate relief for me! The needles are painful, but when it is over for almost two (2) weeks I am almost pain free. Also, diet and Yoga are a great help for me to control my symptoms and pain. I had an interstem unit installed last July and that has helped with the endless trips to the bathroom, but unfortunately, I have to be on pain meds. and get really sick of having people make me feel bad for having to take them!!
Also, I hear quite often alot of people have the pain on the right side, that is where mine is primarily.

Best of Luck,
David White

[BANDIT63]

THANK'S TO EVERYONE WHO E-MAILED BACK IT FEELS GOOD KNOWING I'M NOT ALONE.
COULD SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD DMSO DONE E-MAIL ME AND LET ME KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AFTERWARDS BECAUSE I WORK FULL-TIME AND CAN'T MISS WORK.
HAS ANYONE FOUND THAT THIS HAS HELPED THEM?
THANK'S AGAIN

[Zanni2]

Hi Bandit63: hi

Regarding DMSO, when the fluid was inserted into the bladder via a catheter, it just irritated my bladder more. eek My urgency and frequency got worse for one to two days after each treatment. The nurse at the urologist's office told me that this was part of the healing process, but I just couldn't tolerate the side effects. It drove me nuts at work! banghead I also work full time. Fortunately, my supervisors and co-workers are supportive and understanding about my frequent bathroom trips but I didn't want to continue with a treatment that just made me feel worse. There has got to be something better and more sane out there somewhere and hopefully I'll find it some day soon and share it with all my IC buddies here.

I should also point out that other IC patients who have posted like DMSO and did fine with it so everyone reacts differently to different medications. Maybe it's right for you, maybe it isn't. The only way to know if anything works is to try it. If you decide to try DMSO, I would recommend having it done on a Friday after work if possible so you can have the weekend to recuperate and be alright for work on Monday.

Good luck and take care,

Zanni2 angel