Newly Diagnosed and Need Help

[foodyrudy]

Hi. At 45 years old, I was just diagnosed with IC last week, have missed 2 weeks of work with no real relief. Just started on Elmiron and Atarax. My biggest symptom is persistent fever between 99 and 100F that makes me fell wiped out. I cannot take NSAIDS, Tylenol and baby aspirin don't help. I'm so worried about getting back to work and not losing my medical benefits but I do not think I can do my normal job feeling this way. Suggestions and support would be greatly appreciated. The meds and other health issues I have are: Nexium (GERD), Zelnorm (IBS), Seasonal BC (Endometriosis), Prozac and Wellbutrin (Depression), Elmiron and Atarax (IC). I'm in Northern VA outside
Washington, DC and could also use somerecommendations for a good GYN as well.

Thanks and best of luck to all of you suffering with me.

Carolyn

[L. Thomas]

Getting old isn't heaven is it?
You you're not alone.

I bet that when you find that good MD you will have the confidence to keep on keeping on.

A good MD is worth more than Meds. They're worth more than words, they are the rudder in the raging storm!

Diagnosed 2 years and have "my kind of a MD" (but no where near VA) sorry!
________
California Medical Marijuana Dispensaries (http://california.dispensaries.org/)

[dg2901]

All I can say is that I can understand the frustration youre feeling-been there. Hopefully the Atarax will start helping you soon. Unfortunately though the Elmiron can take many months before any improvement is noticed.

While I'm in VA i'm in Hampton Roads and am not familiar with any GYN's in your area. A suggestion would be to call around and do a phone interview (or an office interview if possible) with the Dr until you find one that you feel you might be comfortable with handling your healthcare. While this sounds a bit time consuming it might be worth it--its been my experience that Dr's do not charge for an interview, and you'll be able to get an idea of how they interact with the patient. You'll also have the opportunity to find out if they can handle a patient with IC as going to the GYN with IC can be a bit uncomfortable.
If this isnt possible, you can try calling your insurance carrier and asking them if they can suggest a GYN to you who fits your needs.

Feel better soon, dear
Diana

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad you found the IC Network. :welcome:

Have you found the Patient Handbook? It's at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook and you'll find it contains a lot of helpful information for dealing with IC. Are you on an IC diet? If not, I suggest you begin immediately. Some ICers find that single step offers significant relief.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[foodyrudy]

Thanks for all of the good advice. I am a nutritionist so the first thing I did was start the IC diet. I'm going to read the handbook immediately. I am on short term disability from my job so I will do the MD search this week also.

Peace and Blessings,
Carolyn