Hi out there

[Gingerfizz]

I'm new to the IC diagnosis and am glad to have found such a great resource. It really sounds like there's some hope here.

I've been dealing with chronic pelvic pain for several years and chanced on some information about IC. I made a urology appointment and did get a probable diagnosis (cystoscopy is Feb. 1). But the doctor didn't seem very helpful. He told me there wasn't much that could be done, adding we could try antidepressants and Elmiron, but that there wasn't any sense hoping for a cure.

My background includes two laparoscopies for endometriosis (both times the surgeons found some endo, but said there wasn't enough to account for all the pain); an appendectomy for chronic appendicitis; fibromyalgia; PCOS; two ruptured ovarian cysts; and chronic yeast infections. I have not had UTIs. My pain symptoms went nuclear right after I got married in November of 2003 and I eventually had to leave a high-stress job because of the constant pain. I spent about a year and a half at home and have recently begun working again (part time now). I was on industrial strength pain medications most of the time I was home, but didn't see a lot of relief. Eventually, the pain levels dropped somewhat (but they still spike when I'm stressed, during and after being with my husband, for a full two weeks before periods and whenever else they feel like it). I am currently taking no medication except Aleve and Tylenol (and a beer or two before having to have sex), though the symptoms of pain and urinary urgency are still constant. I had given up the idea of managing my symptoms before I found this site.

Anyone know a good doc in Arizona? I'm in Flagstaff, but am willing to travel.

I'd like to try to research these conditions and see if they have a common cause or cure. Any ideas?

Thanks,

gingerfizz

[Katrina]

:welcome: to the ICN!!!!!!!!!
You came to the right place...sounds to me like you already have diagnosises that should have people consider IC. Endo, Fibro, and yeast infections are quite common in Patients with IC. Sorry your doctor told you no point in hoping for a cure....bad advise in opinion. There are multiple treatments and many people get a lot better...many periods of remission. You go right ahead and look for that common cause! Have you heard of the Fibro 5?
I don't recommend Aleve or Beer for IC pain...both can make it worse.

Currently the best most likely to help treatment is diet!
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/md/doctorlistings.html physician listing.
Arizona

GLENDALE
Paul Block, MD, 5757 West Thunderbird Road, Glendale AZ 85306 (602)843-1777 (602)843-1777

SCOTTSDALE
Donald Novicki, MD, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, 13400 East Shea Blvd., Scottsdale AZ 85259 (480)301-7194 E-mail: novicki.donald@mayo.edu

TUCSON
Elizabeth Vliet, MD, HER Place: Women's Center for Health, Enhancement and Renewal, 64507 Desert Foothills Station, Tucson AZ 85728 (520)797-9131
Interests: hormonally aggravated health concerns: PMS, Menstrual migraines, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, chronic fatigue, bladder disorders, menopause, osteoporosis, depression/anxiety syndromes, post-partum depression. Review her ICN Meet the Expert Chat Transcript


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 attachment is the list of pain relief ideas.

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

Feel free to contact me. :grouphug: Don't give up! This is just the beginning and there is a lot of ways to help you feel better! Don't give up! :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

Katrina has given you some good advice. I'd just like to add another :welcome: to the IC Network and encourage you to give the diet a try while you are in the process of finding a urologist and working towards a diagnosis.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[icjen]

Just want to say :hi: & :welcome: I used to live in Scottsdale. I love Flagstaff though. I hope you find some relief soon. Glad you found us.

Jen :grouphug:

[ICB]

:welcome: gingerfizz:

I'm sorry that I don't know of a doctor that I can recommend in your state. However, an informed patient can be their own best advocate. This website has many fabulous articles that can help you to better understand IC and its related illnesses, as well as possible treatment options.

Your pelvic pain and other symtoms do sound like IC;however you may also want to ask your doctor to check for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. About 70% of IC patients develop PFD from contracting their pelvic floor muscles too much to guard against the pain. PFD can make your IC symptoms seem worse and can be treated with physical therapy and in some cases they may add a muscle relaxant for a short period of time.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB :flower:

[creatingkarma]

I just wanted to add my :welcome: ! Please don't take that doctor's advice about there not being any sense in hoping for a cure. Somedays hoping for a cure is the only thing that gets me through. You always have to have hope! It may not be today, but someday there will be a cure!

[emilyrose197377]

:welcome: to the ICN.

[vickisue]

hello.
this is my first time posting.
i see dr. deborah wilson in scottsdale.she is pretty knowlegable about IC
but i have a question:how long does one stay on elmiron?
i forgot to ask her when i was in yesterday.
isn't it just for like 6 months?
then how long does it work for?
indefinitely? (wishful thinking)
i am asking becouse the drug is expensive ,even with insurance!
i have the interstem device implanted for about 12 months now,and it really helped until about 2 months ago.

[Sarojini]

:welcome: to the boards! You've been given some great advice already; I do recommend you check out our patient handbook (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook) as it is a GREAT reference for all ICers. I would also like to reiterate that beer is really terrible for most IC bladders (mine included). You might want to take a look at the IC Diet contained in the handbook. This diet helps many manage their symptoms!

Again, welcome, and we're glad to have you :)