Is this normal for IC medical practice?

[cgd]

As y'all may remember, I saw a urogyn last month, who thinks I have IC and scheduled me to come back this month for tests. This morning I had the potassium test, had the bad reaction to it, and they want me to come back for a urodynamic test next month. They also will not prescribe Elmiron until I have a bladder distention, which I'm not really sure I want to have. I would think they'd want to try the medication first, then if that didn't work, try the invasive distention procedure. I'm thinking about seeking another opinion as I don't like this course of action. Is this normal? Do others go ahead and try the meds first? Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Mel53H]

I have not had any procedure done. They put me on Elavil, Elmiron, Detrol LA and Vagifem. So far so good.

[ICLori]

The hydrodistention with cystoscopy is still considered the best way of diagnosing IC - sounds like they are just being extra-careful with your case. Although I think it's a bit unusual to have the potassium test AND a hydrodistention.

I was given a hydrodistention and cystoscopy before I was prescribed any meds. They wanted to rule out other conditions before starting me on medications.

BTW, hydros aren't bad at all. I've had a couple of them.

I hope you will be on the meds soon, and feeling better soon.

Blessings,
Lori

[creatingkarma]

I know that you're scared, hon, but having a hydro isn't that bad at all! Some IC patients even find that having a hydro relieves their symptoms & it is used as a treatment for many of us. I've had 4 hydros so far & they help tremendously with my frequency!

[cgd]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like it varies depending on the doctor, as is true in many treatment decisions. I would have thought that "failing" the PST and next month's urodynamic would be plenty of diagnostics, especially in light of the fact that my frequency is very high.

From your answers and other reading on the board, it appears that, while HD helps some folks, it puts others in pain for weeks or months after. I fortunately don't have pain symptoms at this point (frequency/urgency only) and would like to keep it that way! I don't feel very froggy about jumping into risks of invasive surgery. I mean, my bladder is hyperactive, but at least I don't have a hole in it or have pain or whatever else can go wrong during a HD.

I appreciate the food for thought, something that can always be gotten on this awesome board!