sunflower69
09-26-2005, 05:35 AM
Hello all, my bladder difficulties began in 2001. That year I developed my first UTI. For the next two years I was on antibiotics constantly due to recurrent UTIs, experienced quite a few different bacterias, and was placed on various antibiotics all the while my family doctor informing me that she didn't know what to do with me. Eventually, she referred to a urologist (I suggested it to her) who performed a cysto and informed me that nothing was wrong with me, that it was all in my head. When he mentioned this to me, I got up and walked out of his office and never returned. During a visit with my endocrinologist a few weeks later (she treats me with respect to elevated insulin and polycystic ovarian disease, diagnosed with both at age 22, both conditions are under control), who was aware of my bladder difficulties, she referred me to a urologist, who is my current treating specialist, who performed a cysto and diagnosed me with IC in 2003. She quickly got the ball rolling and prescribed Elmiron which I took for a few months until my hair began falling out. I went off of the Elmiron and began instillations. I began undergoing treatments monthly using Uracyst (eight rounds). The Uryacyst was of no benefit. My urologist then recommended DMSO (or RIMSO) which has been most effective and the treatments, using DMSO, are ongoing and I undergo one every eight weeks. I cannot go any longer than eight weeks. I have attempted to in the past and infections are the result and my IC becomes uncontrolled. From a dietary perspective, since treatments began, I can pretty much eat whatever I want, just not in large quantities, small meals. Certain foods do aggravate my bladder (ones containing acid, tomatoes, tomato sauce, juice), so I consume these foods in small quantities. Stress and reduced sleep do cause my IC to worsen, so I make sure to get enough rest and do my best to avoid stressful situations. I do not experience flares any longer. I am in constant pain/discomfort which varies, however, both have been significantly reduced thanks to the instillations. I meet with my urologist every six months for a follow up. When the pain/discomfort becomes unbearable, I have pain meds on hand (Pyridium and Gabapentin). Warm showers (I do not take baths anymore), soothing music, and rest help me to cope with my IC. I have a positive support network. My husband attends each and every appointment and every treatment with me and he has indicated that he can tell when my bladder is being uncooperative and he has indicated that I never complain which I don't. My sister and my father both are battling cancer, so I figure I have nothing to complain about. I am fortunate to be getting the assistance that I need regarding my situation. I have made peace with the fact that I have IC and felt I had to do so in order to make appropriate decisions regarding my situation. I remember those days when I was undiagnosed and depressed and I kept dreaming of returning to some kind of a normal life. My dream came true.