Freaking out about hydro?

[Noelle54]

Hi everyone as you know I went for second opioin and the urolist is schedulin hydro. and after reading a couple of post I am freaking out. I have a mild case of IC and I feel good most of the time. But if hydro makes IC worse I don't want to get it. Does it make it worse permentaly or will it go back?

Thank you

[ICNDonna]

Hydrodistention is usually considered to provide an accurate IC diagnosis. It also rules out other potential problems.

....And --- something like 50% of IC patients experience relief following the procedure. I am among that 50% and having hydros periodically has given me a life in spite of having IC. I have had well over thirty since my diagnosis in 1975. My last one was in July of 2004 and my symptoms are just now returned so I will be having another soon.

You should plan to take it easy for a few days after a hydrodistention --- and the first time you urinate afterwards is probably going to hurt. A few people take several weeks for recovery, but that's not the usual.

It's normal to be nervous about any surgical procedure. I still am after all the times I've had it done.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[alana rose]

Quite often hydrodistentions make IC patients feel better. At my worst my IC was severe and the procedure never made me feel worse-usually just 48hrs after. It stretches the scar tissue, if I remember correctly.
Good luck.

[vm]

It really rarely makes anyone worse for a long time. There is a period of recovery (mine just felt like a really bad flare) and then your symptoms return to normal OR if you are one of the lucky ones it helps you feel even BETTER than you did before the procedure!!! :)

It is normal to be scared - I was, too. But I'd do it all over again if I had to. Honest.

[kelly McC]

I have had 3 hydro'sdone since last March. I will take it easy for a day or two but do just fine with the procedure. Be sure to talk with your doctor prior about pain relief should it be needed following the procedure. For me thats how I was diagnosed I was happy to know what was causing my pain and have answers. I do get nervous before any procedure I am sure its normal
Kelly

[patricia1]

I agree with the others. Sometimes for some people, the hydro will make their IC symptoms better for some months. Of course the first couple of days might be hard and you might hurt, but in the long run it could possibly help you. This test is the most accurate way to diagnose an IC patient, and if you want a correct diagnose's I suggest this be done. For me personally the hydro's have never benefited me. But I can say they have never made my IC worse. Best of luck to you.

[Dixiefireball]

They are very much right. in a lot of cases it can help you stay in remission and this way the doctor knows for sure what is going on in there.
I answered your p.m you sent me.
Rhonda

[asmashly]

I have a Dr. appt on Monday, in which we are discussing Hydro. Any advice on questions I should ask?

What is the procdure like? Are you knocked out? I am so nervous.

[calmkiwi21]

With me I only had tempoary pain after getting a hydro done (I also had a cysto at the same time) but to be honest the results after were amazing for me I was able to retain more and felt loads better then before the hydro was done. I was exactly like you being really worried about it and came really close to not getting it done, but my family convinced me to do it and I'm glad I did. Most feel better afterwards.
~Amy~

[asmashly]

Amy,

How long did you feel better?

[calmkiwi21]

After the first hydro/cysto I felt much better for at least 4 to 5 months, then the pain came back due to the fact the doctor didn't believe in putting me on medication at such a young age. The second Hydro/Cysto my pain was gone for about 5-7months and had slowly been put on different types of medications afterwards which helped me go into remission.
I found it definitely helped with the frequency I was having since at the time I had the second one done I was only 250ccs and after the hydro I was closer to 450ccs which made a definite improvement :)
~Amy~

[Debgail]

I had my first hydro under general anesthesia which was not bad at all...just at the end of Feb this year. My experience was that since my bladder would only hold 2 ounces prior and now it can hold up to 8, that is a big improvement. Also afterwards my uro put heparin in my bladder which gave me relief for bout 3 weeks where my bladder
didnt hurt too bad. Unfortunately, my urethra was like hamburger ...tons of swelling and polyps were removed ..so vioding for 3 days was torturous.

...sigh...i am now in a week long flare...no infec. I checked. so not feeling too great.

I am sure you will do fine with the hydro. I def. think it is worth having and I needed the validation of a final diagnoses. I will wish you prayers and good luck!

Love, Debbie