seeing the doc on monday...

[k_joy]

since the age of about 7, i have had frequent utis, and at the age of 17 i was diagnosed with RA (rheumatory arthritis). i am now bieng told that i have cystitis, probably caused by the two conditions. I go in to the doctor on monday to discus treatment options. this is my first time to the site, and i had never hear about cystitis before last week when the doctor called me with test results from a test taken back in december... i guess i really need support, and answers. what can i expect? what are my options? how do i control the pain?
---K :help:

[~*~Christine~*~]

:welcome:
That's really strange that your doctor told you that your IC was caused by other illnesses since no one knows what IC is caused by, though is most likely an autoimmune problem
It's a good idea to look at the IC handbook for your questions http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/
In terms of controlling the pain there are medicines like Pyridium, which help for burning and some other symptoms, and pain medications if the pain is bothersome
Have you been put on Elmiron yet?
:grouphug:

[k_joy]

I havent been even seen by my doctor yet, he called me on the phone, 9 months after the ultrasound, and told me that i had something called cystitis, and that i needed to come in asap.

[traceann]

Hello and :welcome: to the gang! Glad you found us, this is a great place for information and support! It's a great community of caring people!

Christine already gave you the link to the Patient Hanbook, and yes, I agree with her, that's a great place to start! It's a wealth of information. ;) Your diet can also play a huge role in how your bladder feels. Most of us have successfully used it as a tool to keep ourselves feeling pretty good, or at least as good as we can, than by eating whatever :) Here's a link right directly to the IC Diet foods list, it's so very helpful in guiding you in what to avoid and what foods seem to be the most tolerated, etc.

http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html

Once again, glad to meet you and welcome!!

Hugs! :)

[ICNDonna]

Did your doctor say simply cystitis? or interstitial cystitis? There's a huge difference in the two.

Donna

[Sarojini]

I agree with Donna, you need to find out if you have INTERSTITIAL cystitis or another type. There are many types of cystitis (bacterial, radiation, chemical, etc) and the treatment for each one is very different. Make sure you ask this question when you see your doctor! :grouphug:

[MimiG]

Did your doctor say simply cystitis? or interstitial cystitis? There's a huge difference in the two.

Donna

The pathology report on my bladder biopsy reads "chronic cystitis". I have urge and frequency. What is the biggest difference between the 2 types? I do not have pain or spasms nor do I get UTI's . I'm age 60ish LOL:)
Thanks to all on this board.. I'm learning a lot. Uro is going to try botox next.
He tells me my urge/freq is more then likely related to neurological problems. I've had 2 brain tumor surgeries in my past.
Thanks!
mimiG