New here with questions...

[janetD]

I will try not to make this too long.


I have had symptoms of IC for sometime now.. However,, since 1995 i have suffered from Ashermans disease ( scarring of the uterus) and could not have a second child. I had three surgeries to remove the uterine scar tissue but it would always grow back. There are many theories out there saying that the uterine linine being shed can then go back up where it does not belong ( since the cervix can be scarred not allowing it to pass the normal way ( I do not get a menstrual flow, but do get cramping at that time).
Anyway, I have always jsut written off my pain to scarring of uterus and other organs.. as it seemed I always felt worse during ovulation and what would be period time.
This past episode ( or as i read as "flare up") was the worst i ever had. It lasted 6 days... the first three or so were real bad, always had pressure and pain of having to pee. really bad. then that tapered off but still very tender in bladder adn low back pain for two days or so. i feel better today.. i actually went in for urine test to make sure not a bladder infection this time. the culture came back negative so he said i should go to urologist .
i guess reading about all the tests, how awful they are etc ,,, i am nervous. I do though want to rest my mind and know why i feel so badly all the time asi know my husband would like to know as well ( i do not feel like be affectionate at any level when i feel that bad)...

my lower back still hurts some. and a tugging feeling on low ab/bladder area :loco: ... is that a symptom of Ic.. also,,, right before i started to feel much better i had two very large BM's... though i n the past this was not related to that.. it could have just been ironic?

thanks...... for any help or stories anyone can share. This seems like an excellent site..

[csocain]

Hey, Janet,

Sorry you are having so many problems. Hard to determine just where your problems are coming from. I would encourage you to go through any of the tests that it takes to confirm or deny IC. I discovered it is so hard not to have a diagnosis and be overwhelmed by it rather than doing the tests and having a firm diagnosis or lack of confirmation. I encourage you to make an appt. with a urologist very soon. You will find it well worth your time, effort, and money.

My symptoms are frequency, urgency, and lower back pain. Also ask your urologist or gynecologist about pelvic floor dysfunction. That many times accompanies IC. I had PFD PT for 9 months and had great success with it. I am so grateful for it.

Painful intercourse is often a symptom of IC. We all seem to struggle with at some level. But there is relief with it as well. My PFD PT diminished the painful intercourse for me. I am MUCH better now with that.

I know you have many questions about what is going on with you, but I encourage you to ask your doctors about them all. Even if you have IC, there is hope after a diagnosis. If it is not, you will know that you need to explore other areas of your health.

Feel free to pm me anytime. I'll be glad to help in any way that I can.

I'll be praying that you find out what the problems are and that you find great relief for them. Blessings of hope and peace to you and yours.

[ICNDonna]

I agree with Carolyn. It's a good idea to find out what's going on with you. If it is IC that you have, there are many treatment options available --- and the IC diet can be a huge help. I suggest you read the information in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook --- there's information there about symptoms and diagnosis.

The diagnostic tests aren't fun by any means, but they aren't horrible either. And it's always easier to deal with something if you can identify that something.

Sending warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Sarojini]

You've gotten some good advice already -- the Patient Handbook is wonderful, and the testing really isn't that bad. When I had the cystoscopy/hydrodistention, I was out cold under anesthesia and didn't feel a thing. The pain afterwards lasted a few days, but I was given medication to help, and I was back on my feet in 2-3 days.

I also think it's better to deal with something you know than something you don't. A urologist visit may be just what you need to help get the process started. :)

:welcome:

[Katrina]

:welcome: to the ICN!
Most women flare with their periods...common with IC.

All the symptoms you mentioned could be from IC. You definatly should see that urologist.


http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this is thread of pain relief the second page has attachments I believe the last one is the list of pain relief ideas.

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11535 This is nexbie kit from the oldies to the newbies