Recently diagnosed

[Kolten's Mom]

Hello I was Recently diagnosed today that I have Interstitial cystitis. I have no idea what it is, how you get or nothing about it at all.

I'm 27 yrs old happily married mom to a 4 1/2 yr old.

It all started out about 2 months ago with lower back pain & going to the bathroom all the time. Then when I get done going pee, I still feel like I have to go. So I was talking to my SIL about what has been going on ( she works at the Dr's Office ). And she said I think you might have a Bladder infection. So I went in & did a urine sample & it showed that I have blood in my urine. So they thought I had a Bladder infection. I took the Meds & I wasn't feeling any better. So I went back in that next week & I still have blood in my urine. So the Dr. examined me & said everything is fine but she thinks that it's my Kidneys. So I went in for an IVP & it come back fine that there's nothing wrong with my Kidneys but they don't know where that blood is coming from. It did show on the X-ray that my fallopian tube has a older blood clot there. But she said that doesn't have anything to do with there being blood in my urine & she doesn't think it's anything but to be on the safe side I have to go in & had an Ultrasound. It all came back fine & it was even a Blood clot. So then I had to go & see a Urology to find out where the bleeding is coming from. So then the Urology said I had to go to OP surgery & get this test done. Then when I got done with the surgery The Dr talk to DH & told him that my Kidneys are fine but my Bladder in swelled up. And the results on the test should be back in a week with was today ( may 17th ). But after the surgery it hurt like HECK!!!! And I don't wanna go.

So anyway I go back this Friday to get all my info, video & package about IC & see what treatment I want to go on.

I don't know anything about IC. And now I have questions & I have to wait until Friday & I was just shock I guess when he told me. That I forgot to even ask.

I did do some reading on IC ( the Dr gave me some web sites to go on ).

Here's some questions I have & I can't wait until Friday:

Will I have IC for the rest of my life??

Do I have to take MEDS for the rest of my life?


That's the only 2 questions I have.

My dr also saying that there's foods the flare IC. What signs do you have??


Thanks so much for reading!!!

[Sarojini]

Yes, IC is chronic, meaning you'll have it the rest of your life. However, with the right treatments, most of us feel much better than at the beginning and go on to live normal lives. Depending on what treatments you and your doctor decide on, you may need to take meds for the rest of your life, but then again, you may not. Some have been able to stop medication and control their IC with diet alone -- which brings me to your diet question. Usually, highly acidic foods (cranberry juice, orange juice, etc) and spicy foods are big triggers and can make your frequent urination worse. Please read our patient handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook -- there is a large section on diet that can help you decide what's okay and what's not okay to eat.

[dancemomof2]

First off Welcome and I love the name, my 11 month old is named Colten. Even though IC is chronic, it isn't the end of the world.Take your time and read through the site, fall your question should be answered on here, especially the patient handbook.

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network.

The Patient Handbook is an excellent source of information. You may want to also purchase a book by Dr. Robert Moldwin, "The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide," and a book on diet by IC patient Bev Laumann --- "A Taste Of The Good Life." Both are outstanding and will help you deal with having IC.

My IC was diagnosed thirty years ago and I do lead a normal life. I do have to avoid some foods and drinks and I have regular treatments for my IC, but I do very well.

It may take a while for you to find out what works best for you, but nearly all of us do find effective treatments.

Warm welcoming hugs,
Donna