Tentative IC Diagnosis

[cgd]

Yesterday I saw a urogyno, who believes I have IC. We're going to do tests next month. In the meantime he prescribed elavil, but last night I was still awake most of the night having to go every 10-15 min. I can deal with the daytime symptoms, but I hate not getting any respite from it at night.

I told my mother what I have, and I finally got her to understand that this is not curable and will be with me the rest of my life. She's a supportive person, but she didn't get it at first. Then she tried to be positive by saying, "At least you know what's causing it and can move toward a solution." Well, maybe, maybe not. I explained they don't really know the cause, that there may be many and that there isn't always a solution for everyone.

I just hope I can find a way to live with this and still be a good mother to my son and hold down my job (which unfortunately sometimes involves field work). I'm just depressed right now, thanks for listening.

[tigger_gal]

hang in there.. you will always be a good mom and a good wife... just because you have bad days dose not make you any less of a person.. We all feel like that at one point or another...
What test dose your doc plan to do? urodymanics? hydro/cysto?
things to ask if he thinks it is IC
ask about Elmiron, it replaces the gag layer and helps the elastity of the bladder
ask about urised/prydium it helps stop spasma
and hydroxizine it helps you sleep and it helps your bladder.

keep us posted..

[cgd]

I appreciate the kind words. As far as tests, doc mentioned potassium test then bladder distention possibly. I'll have to ask him about the other meds you mentioned. I'm trying Prelief and have ordered some Cystoprotek, and hopefully these will help.

[creatingkarma]

Oh Wow! When I was taking Elavil, it knocked me out cold at night! It was just your 1st night taking it, so maybe it takes a few days to reach it's full effect? I don't know? Give it a few days & see how it goes. If it's still not helping, then I would suggest that you ask the doctor to increase your dosage. There are many treatment options, as others have listed for you, so don't give up. Sometimes it can take a while to find the right meds/combo of meds that work best for you.

I'm very happy to hear that you have a very supportive mother! A good support system is very important & you are lucky to have her!

[cgd]

You're right--I need to give it time. I think the dosage is pretty low to start out with (will have to check it when I get home). Part of the problem is that I'm afraid to go to sleep because I'm afraid I'll wet the bed. I can't get rid of the urgency feeling long enough to let go and get to sleep. I fear relaxing, but need to relax.

Yes, my mother is definitely the best! I'm very lucky--we're best friends.

I feel like a wimp when I read your histories and what many of you have been through. I admire your guts and perseverance.

[carolinawoman]

I can definitely relate to the depressed feeling, but hang in there! The doctor keeps going back and forth with me on whether I really have IC or something else. I could not take Elavil - gave me nightmares - but we are all different. Some people do fine on it.

Betty

[cgd]

Yeah, I wondering if naming it makes me much better off. The elavil helps a little, but I'm a hardcore insomniac, so it doesn't do much good. To top this off, I found out yesterday at a health fair that my cholesterol is through the roof. Geez, you'd think I was 30 years older than I am, I'm only 41 and I'm falling apart!

[ICNDonna]

My suggestion about the cholesterol test is to ask your doctor to do another. The ones done at health fairs may be able to pinpoint a potential problem, but they aren't always accurate.

Donna