I think I have IC?????

[torimom]

I think I have IC. I have been having symptoms for a a few years. After my 3 yr old was born I was put on Ortho Lo for lower abdominal pain/pressure. It seemed to help. I would have pain/pressure all the time even without my period. Also during sex there was ALOT of pressure. Last year I started getting UTI's. I had a workup ordered by my family Dr to make sure everything was fine to see why I was getting the UTI's... everything was fine. I am still having problems!!!! I stopped taking the Ortho Lo thinking it wasnt really helping the pain/pressure....... after only being offf it for a couple weeks it has gotten really bad. I think I have another UTI, the last one was just 5 weeks ago. UGH!!!! I hate this. I made an apt with my Gyno yesterday but cant get in till May 18th. The pain is worse today. I found this site last night and everything fits. I went out this mornign to fill my Ortho Lo and get some Azo. I may have to go to ER, it hurts so badly. Will the Azo help??? I just cant wait till May....... Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

[ICNDonna]

It's possible that what you have is IC, but usually an IC diagnosis is not considered if there are actual infections present. Are they doing cultures to verify that what you are getting are infections?

One thing you might do is to see if you can get an appointment with a urologist --- that's usually the specialty who deal with problems of the urinary tract, including IC.

The Patient Handbook (link at the top of this page) should help.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[traceann]

I just wanted to add my welcome as well!! I agree with Donna, I too would try to get an appt with a urologist. And if you think you have a UTI, I might call my doctor back and tell them that, as if it is an actual infection, I don't think I'd want to wait until May...or even your family doctor can maybe help you out!!!

Once again, welcome to the gang!

Hugs,
:)

[kelly McC]

Hello,
I wanted to add another welcome,
I hope your feeling better
Kelly

[ISONormal]

Yes, go for any doc you can get to see you earlier. Also, start with the IC diet, where you avoid certain foods that are known to irritate the bladder. If it's IC, this might help relieve some/all of the symptoms until you see the doc. Look around the ICN site to find the diet information. Don't worry; everyone doesn't have to avoid everything on that list, but it'll take time for you to figure out what bothers you and what doesn't. For now, try to be strict with the diet until you get further treatment. Like really try to avoid tomato-based products, caffeine, coffee, sodas (only bother smoe people), orange juice, citrus fruits, etc. A lot of fruits cause problems, but only a few veggies do.

Make sure the doc knows you are in pain and that it's impacting your physical and mental health. If you can get in to see a psychologist/psychiatrist, they might prescribe pills that can help with any depression that might result as well as the IC pain. Elavil, a tricyclic antidepressant drug, can be really great for pain and is usually the first drug that urologists give for IC (along with Elmiron and Atarax). Look at the info for newbies on the ICN site and the IC Association site. It'll help.

The sooner you get a diagnosis (whether it's IC or something else), the better you'll feel just knowing and being able to pursue some kind of treatment plan.

Good luck!