Worried that I've got something more!

[KristieS]

It's 5:00am in Pittsburgh,PA. I've been up since 3:30am because I had to pee again...
I was (sort of) diagnosed with ICN about a year and a half ago.

I did not follow up with it as I had several family emergencies that took the focus off my own health and on to the health of others.

In any case, back then I had two symptoms: Pain during sex and frequent urination. My OBGYN thought I might have endo but 3 years ago I had the surgery which yielded nothing. At that time I had an ultrasound and pelvic exam.

My last pelvic was one and a half years ago.

About a month ago, I started going to bathroom a lot more. I often get up several times a night now. I also have to go many, many times during the day despite the fact that I have started to restrict my fluid intake.

This morning I took note of the fact that when I voided my blatter I had this feeling of dull pain and hollowness (the only word that best describes the feeling)

About 3 weeks ago, I started having lower back pain and about two weeks ago, I have developed a feeling of fullness in my pelvic area.

So now, I am worried that I have either bladder or ovarian cancer.
I have made an appointment to see my OBGYN and I am trying to get in earlier to see her. I AM SCARED.

Has anyone with ICN had the same symptoms as I am experiencing?

Other info: I have herpes (I've had it for years so I don't think it's related.) I am 35 years old.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

[Zygala87]

Hello KristieS. I had the same symptoms as you stated here. I'm no Doctor for sure but I bet you have IC. Taking care of our loved ones is very important and I understand why you put your own health on hold but wouldn't you be more able to help them if you are NOT afraid and are more comfortable? There is much help and hope for IC just read some of the postings here. The IC diet is very important for me. Stress can cause me to go into a flare I am told. Sounds like you have a lot of stress. The first thing I would tell the the OBGYN is that you were told you most likely have IC. If she starts there it could make for a faster diagnosis. I'm almost sure she will test for any and all cancers as well. I really care about you. Please keep us posted. Big Hug. Ziggy

[KristieS]

Thanks Zygala87!

It's nice to know that I am not alone.
Yes, I have been kicking myself for putting "me" on hold.
More questions:

Do you ever have swollen lymph nodes? I am asking because I think that I am having a herpes episode too. So it's tough for me to sort out the symptoms.

As for stress in my life...what can I say. I have had one family member die (my mother-in-law) my mom in the hospital for a stoke which resulted in open heart surgery. My niece went in for an eating disorder. (she is doing better.)
My sister for a nervous break down...
My husband in rehab now for Xr drug dependency
All in 3 1/3 years...

I joke with my friends that my life is Jerry Springer/Guiding Light.

Thing is...I come from a good home. Good parents. Great education.
Good and normal friends. I've had a few bad years.

The point: I am wondering what the mind/body connection is to the physical problems that I am having.

[ICNDonna]

I'm very glad you found the IC Network. It does sound like you might have interstitial cystitis. If so, you probably will want to see a urologist; your gyn may refer you.

There's one thing you can try while you wait for your appointments and that is the IC diet. You'll find it in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook

Another hint: restricting fluid intake, while it may sound like it should reduce the number of bathroom trips, what it usually does is make the urine concentrated and more irritating --- so it makes the frequency worse. You need to get six to eight cups of water daily.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[Zygala87]

Hello again KristieS. I know nothing about swollen lymph nodes. That is something your Doctor will want to look into ASAP. There are many different opinions abot mental stress and it's effects on the physical body. I for one believe they are certainly connected. I also do not like the thinking that one is to blame for their ill health just because they can't think positive thoughts and not let negitive thoughts enter their minds. It puts way too much weight onto the one who is suffering. I've had friends who have had cancer and blamed themselves saying "if I just could be more positive, I wouldn't be so sick" That is a crock. I have MS as well as IC. Stress can put me into a relapse for sure. I try to take care of what I can and leave what I can't to GOD. We are human, crap happens. I am no Doctor as I said but from what you have posted here, I really believe you may have IC. Once you see your OBGYN and she has ruled out other things and believes you have IC she may send you to a Urologist. Be kind to yourself first and try not to be afraid. You have many friends here. We are all thinking positive for you. Keep us posted. BIG HUG Ziggy

[Katrina]

:welcome: to the ICN!
I agree that it sounds like you may have IC.
I had years of minor symptoms ...basically I'd often have a feeling of not fully emptying my bladder, frequent urination, and sometimes sex had some symptoms.

Around the time of diagnosis I had back pain, abdominal pain, high frequency, and the other symptoms.
One thing that can really help in diagnosing IC is trying the IC diet...which you can find in the handbook that Donna gave you a link to.
attached file of this thread http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20369&highlight=newsletter
http://www.allaboutic.com/html/aic/women.jsp

On a possible mind/body connection a bit....stress tightens your pelvic muscles which increases pain, it makes you more acidic....which increases IC pain, and weakens your immune system which makes it harder for the bladder to heal from the other stuff.

http://www.remedyfind.com/newsletters/May_06_IC.html coping with stress and IC
PFD newsletter posted http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showpost.php?p=256636&postcount=11 Relaxing the muscles


Hope you find the path to feeling better that works for you!!!! :grouphug:

[L. Thomas]

Frequency?
Urge?
Sleepless nights?
Fullness?
And what I call a backward UTI pain (after not before you urinate)?
Hummmm...Sounds familiar to me!
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