CHRIS31
06-10-2005, 06:30 AM
Hi. My name is Christine, I am 31, :loco: and I was "diagnosed" with IC last October. I had been going to the doctor for what seemed like every month for bladder infections. I did actually have infections several times, but when no infection showed up twice, I was sent to a urologist. The first urologist I saw only gave me a quick exam down there, and gave me a list of foods to avoid since she only believed I had an irritated bladder. I found this hard to believe since I had been keeping my own food diary for IBS problems and could not find a connection with any food (except maybe that alcohol and coffee definitely made them worse.) Months later I went to another urologist and told him my symtoms. He did an ultrasound, exam, and then a painful potassium sensitivity test. Because I reacted to the potassium, I was told I have IC. He told me I could go on medication, but since my symptoms were not debilitating, I could just basically live with the annoyance.
My problem is that after doing some research on IC, it seems that a major symptom of IC is frequency. I do not really have this problem. I feel like I have to go often, but even then it is not that strong of an urge. my main problem is a weird, irritating feeling "down there". It hurts like a bladder infection would, and sometimes throbs. I notice it hurts more when I am really hungry, before my period, or after I had a bowel movement (sorry!) I feel bloated alot and just pressure down there.
Another problem I have is that I keep reading the only sure way to detect IC is thru a cyscopty (?) done in the hospital. I don't think he has ever really looked at my bladder and there fore I am afraid I don't really have IC. What if I just overreacted to the potassium because the nurse kept saying I might have one?
One thing that made me somewhat hopeful if I really do have IC is that it doesn't seem to really be progressive? Is that true? I have these symptoms for about 3 years now, and I have bad days and better days, but it never stops my life completely. I have so much sympathy for those of you have extreme pain everyday...I couldn't imagine having to deal with that seeing what it can do in a moderate case.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself, tell those who are suffering you are in my prayers, and ask that anyone who could shed some light on this for me, i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
My problem is that after doing some research on IC, it seems that a major symptom of IC is frequency. I do not really have this problem. I feel like I have to go often, but even then it is not that strong of an urge. my main problem is a weird, irritating feeling "down there". It hurts like a bladder infection would, and sometimes throbs. I notice it hurts more when I am really hungry, before my period, or after I had a bowel movement (sorry!) I feel bloated alot and just pressure down there.
Another problem I have is that I keep reading the only sure way to detect IC is thru a cyscopty (?) done in the hospital. I don't think he has ever really looked at my bladder and there fore I am afraid I don't really have IC. What if I just overreacted to the potassium because the nurse kept saying I might have one?
One thing that made me somewhat hopeful if I really do have IC is that it doesn't seem to really be progressive? Is that true? I have these symptoms for about 3 years now, and I have bad days and better days, but it never stops my life completely. I have so much sympathy for those of you have extreme pain everyday...I couldn't imagine having to deal with that seeing what it can do in a moderate case.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself, tell those who are suffering you are in my prayers, and ask that anyone who could shed some light on this for me, i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.