How do I know?

[Alex11]

Since I'm newly diagnosed I've got many questions and I apologize if they've already been addressed. I really feel like my symptoms are CONSTANT ever since I had my cystoscopy. My lower back and pelvic pain is so intense and the pyridium and Darvocet aren't touching it.

So since I'm sitting here with a heating pad on my back - my question is how do I know if lower back pain is IC pain and not a back injury? I'm just crazed with pain now and don't see my Urologist until next Thursday. HELP.

Also, does the cystoscopy normally cause MORE pain? When they signed me up for the IC study they said I have to wait 3 months after having a Cystoscopy before they'll see me for my first appt. Why is that?

[vm]

Have you been checked for a UTI? A lot of us get infections after being catheterized - introducing something foreign into the urethra just seems to open us up for infection. If you haven't been checked you might want to do so just to rule it out. :)

[Alex11]

That's not a bad idea. I think my nurse at work will check that out for me so I wouldn't have to go to the doctors to see. That way if it's not I don't have to lose time from work for nothing.

[vm]

I had a cysto w/ hydro and got a UTI even though I was put on antibiotics for 3 days afterwards to prevent one. :rolleyes: Worth checking for sure. :)

[Alex11]

Well I went to my general practictioner today. I didn't have a UTI but he did an "adjustment" on my back and prescriped Vicodin to get me through until my appointment with the urologist next Thursday.

Doesn't this frustrate others besides me? "Sorry, we don't know what's wrong with you but here's another pill"...

[vm]

I remember being in flares that I was sure were UTIs and then crying when I found out they weren't. So upset b/c if it was a UTI they could make it "go away". :(

Do you have any idea what direction your uro will go next? Has he or she talked about what treatments you'll be trying now that you have a diagnosis?

[Alex11]

No, after my cysto I never got a chance to talk to my doctor (not that I would have remembered it) but... I got a pamphlet on what foods to avoid and a prescription for Cipro and Pyridum and was told to schedule an appt 1-2 months out. I made my appointment for 1 month out which will be next Thursday because 1) I'm in pain and 2) I feel so uninformed. If it wasn't for my son's step mom referring me to this site I would know nothing about IC.

I need to sit down and make a list of questions and concerns so they all get addressed next week. I'm relieved to finally have a name for what's wrong with me after 3 years of suffering and being made to feel like it was in my head but I'd like to know where I go next, what I need to do to make my life more normal, etc.

I have to make a 9 hour drive from Cincinnati to Des Moines in late May for my nieces graduation and I'm so frightened that my back pain and pelvic pain will make it unbearable and I sure can't take my Vicodin when I'm driving, so... I'll be worse than my son - "are we there yet?"

[vm]

I think making a list of questions is a wonderful idea. That always helpe me b/c I am bound to walk out of the doctor's office and get to my car remembering what I wanted to ask if I don't have a list with me. LOL It also shows you are prepared and are very invested in doing all you can to help your doctor treat you.

I see your tagline mentions soccer - does your son play soccer? My kids do, but are in baseball right now. :)

[Alex11]

Yes, my son Damien plays soccer and baseball, too. It's baseball season for us, too. I, myself, had played soccer from the time I was 4 until 3 years ago when I started having all my IC symptoms / problems.

[vm]

I loooooved soccer when I was younger. Loved Pelé so much. :)

I found this older thread on travel trips - might be helpful for your trip at the end of May.

http://www.ic-network.org/forum/showthread.php?t=26113