newbie here..

[mckinney906]

Hi everyone,
I am 21 (next week) and I have been suffering from IC for 5 years but was officially diagnosed last week. My mom has had it for years as well. I also have Fibromyalgia and a few other odds and ends that you can see in my siggy. My main complaint is the burning when peeing and after sex... But the frequent urination isnt fun either. I take pyridium and that usually helps but i finally relized i cant take that forever so my urologist wants me to have a cysto/hydro... I am mainly posting over there because I am very nervous about it... but I figured I should introduce myself over here as well! I hope to get to know you all but its unfortunate we have to be here in the first place! :bonk:

(((soft hugs)))

[Babs RN]

First of all, welcome to our bladder neck of the world. Your pics of your wedding and your precious little one are awesome! I have been diagnosed for almost 4 years but have had symptoms for years. The IC Handbook is awesome, and we are always here if you need support. I have had around 9 cystoscopy and hydros done. I had great luck with my first 3 or so, and while most people's IC is not progressive mine has been and the effectiveness of the procedure is not as great as it was initially. Lots of people use them as a treatment with great success, especially ICNDonna, one of the administrators who has had around 40. She is an excellent resource on anything IC, but especially on this procedure.

Hugs and:welcome: ,
Barb:smile tee

[ICNDonna]

I'm sorry you have IC, but glad you found us.

The Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook will help you to learn more about interstitial cystitis and the various treatment options.

I am one who is helped by hydrodistention --- Barb is correct, I had my 40th one in February of this year. It's been ten months now and I'm still going; in recent years I've had them at about one year intervals. My IC was diagnosed by hydrodistention in 1975.

My suggestion is to read the information in the Patient Handbook --- and if you have questions, feel free to post. We aren't physicians and can't give medical advice, but are happy to share our own experiences.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[traceann]

Just wanted to add my welcome as well! Very nice to meet you!!!! :)

[dancemomof2]

:welcome:

[Shannonmarie018]

Hang in there, do you follow the IC Diet? I keep a food diary to see if what I eat can trigger any flare ups. Also there's this medicine that's like pyridium except it turns your pee blue and it works way better. My doc told me to take it as needed. She also perscribed me a medication called Detrol, it's supposed to relax the bladder and I take that as needed also. I know what you mean about being young, I'm 26 and it's not fun not being able to go out and party with everyone. But hang in there and you'll find a treatment that works:)