help...

[Ashelliak]

:headbang: Hi everyone. For those of you who read my last post, I am supposed to be scheduled for a hydro and a pain clinic and the doctor STILL hasn't given me any information on when I am going to be scheduled for either. So, I called today and they still had no clue...it has been over a month!!!!! So, one would expect that they would have adleast called me today to let me know something, and they never got back to me. So, I am going to make a personal visit tomorrow and demand some information. I just started a new job on Wednesday and it is so physically demanding. I am so stressed, I don't know what to do. I cannot handle this job without some sort of pain management. I stand on my feet in the same place for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at this job. I love the job, and I need to tell them when I need the time off, if they will even give it to me. They have very strict policies on this, and since I have only been there a week it doesn't look good for me. I don't want to lose my job, I need this so badly. Any advice? I am so worried about this situation. The doctor I see won't give me pain med. (this was the doctor who told me to "just suffer") What should I do!?!

[Tracey5399]

Hi,

I am so sorry that you are going through, i read your last post about it. You must be so fustrated at this point.

I love your idea about going there tomorrow. I have had to do that on occasion w/my Uro, I am always polite but stern and it usualy gets me where or whatever the need is at the time.

i really hope you will be able to keep your job 7 find the relief you need & deserve. Wishing i could do more than just send good thoughts.


Tracey :)

[armslee]

I don't believe in suffering.
I would find a new doctor, today.

[ICNDonna]

If you don't get an answer today, I would agree with armslee that it could be good to find a different doctor.

Donna

[IC SARAH-CPP]

I agree with Armslee and Donna. I would look in to a pain clinic they are usually much better for getting medication and pain mgmt techniques.
Good Luck
Sarah

[Babs RN]

I agree with everyone else about seeking another doctor, and I have had great luck with the showing up in person to make sure consults and referrals are put in.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[Briza]

Ashley, the others have given great advice. I will only add that maybe your GP or gyn would be willing to give you something to relieve your pain for the time being. In my experience, it is much easier and faster to get an appt. with a gyn than a urologist, or (from what I have read here) a pain management center. If they suggest advil or some other over the counter pain reliever, tell them you have tried that and it is not working. Best of luck.

[Ashelliak]

Hey guys thank you so much for all your great responses!!! I am sorry that I have not been able to reply for, this past week I have been very very sick. I ended up in the ER twice this week, called my uro..he said there was nothing he could do for me. My Potassium ended up dropping to a deadly level, and then I was diagnosed with a serious pelvic infection. So, I have been resting quite a bit. THANKFULLY my job was understanding....this time... If this stuff keeps happening I will lose my job. I honestly don't know how much more I can take. I am mentally and physically drained. Luckily, my family doctor prescribed me some pain med (short term) so I am having a little relief. He is going to send me to a new uro to get a second opinion. These doctor's keep pushing me away as if I am a problem to them. I am also having some insurance issues now, and all my meds are so expensive, most of them they won't even cover. I have been paying out of pocket, all the while trying to save money to move (I live with 4 other people....yeah...lol) and buy a car. Damn, I need a break. Can't afford any more "breaks" though. I did happen to pick up the Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide, and it is a GREAT book! There is definitley more that can be done for me, it just hasn't happened yet. I also really think I have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. I have all the symptoms and was just never informed that I could have this problem. Not really sure what to do about it. What do you guys do for your pelvic muscles? Any relaxation techniques that are good? By the way, does anyone know what would have caused my Potassium to drop so low so suddenly??? I don't have answers. :loco:

[ICNDonna]

Sometimes it's difficult to ingest enough potassium to keep the level up to where it needs to be --- and a potassium deficiency can dangerous. I have to take a prescription potassium supplement to maintain mine. Some good sources are potatoes, cereals, dried peas and beans, fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, fresh fish, poultry. If you can tolerate bananas, they are rich in potassium.

Donna

[Ashelliak]

Thanks Donna!! :)

[Judith56]

Two things that come to mind as far as losing potassium, are if you take diuretics (water pills) or if you have diarrhea you can lose it that way. Potatoes, dried fruits, fresh fruits are alos very high in potassium or as Donna does you can take potassium pills.

[rosesitty]

I'm sorry Ashley, any doc that says "just suffer" doesn't understand IC and I would look for someone else. Those are the docs I'd like to give a raging UTI too and see how they tolerate the suffering! It sounds like that's the route you're going. The Interstitial Cystitis Handbook is excellent. It's great!
Hope you are feeling better!