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View Full Version : Undiagnosed College Student: HELP!


bucketybuckety
01-21-2007, 03:51 PM
Hi,
I know from what I have read so far, patients w/IC often seem to know more than drs about what IC is really like. I would like to give my story to you all; any input would be exceedingly valuable!

*I've been prone to UTIs my whole life, but generally was able to flush them out on my own--my family was too poor for dr visits :(

*I got married 1.5 yrs ago (am almost 20), and UTI frequency has increased, although I hear this is expected. I am taking every precaution I can think of!!

*In August, I got a really bad UTI, finally went to see a doctor, and got a scrip for Septra (am allergic to amox). I turned out to be allergic to Septra, then tried Cipro and it didn't work. Then macrobid; didn't work. Then Levaquin; (kind of worked). Each time, there was a minimal amount of bacteria in the culture--the dr. was getting tired of me coming in with UTI symptoms, I think, so finally she prescribed Levaquin as I mentioned, and boy was that expensive for a college student, even at Costco! But mild discomfort during urination lingered.

She suggested that because they could barely find any bacteria, and I don't respond well to antibiotics, I might want to look up something called "interstitial cystitis." (And see a urologist...ha...like I can afford that.) Well, I have read about IC, and am totally freaked out. Right before and all the way during my period I have had the most awful pain, and have been living on pyridium. I am afraid to eat anything, hearing how symptoms can be diet induced.

Do you all think I have IC?? Also, the drs say don't take pyridium for more than two days. Is there any good reason why I shouldn't? Like, will it cause immunity to it, or a bad reaction. Also, I am on Ortho-Cyclen for birth control. And since I am baring all, these things may be random or not, who knows, but: I have an odd hip formation (displasia of the symphisis pubis) and was born without a clitoris. Strange, huh? Well, your input is worth its weight in gold to me.

God bless you all.

Rachel

bucketybuckety
01-21-2007, 03:52 PM
Forgot to mention that I need to drink quite a bit more than 12 cups of water a day to not have urinary pain.

aprilmae
01-22-2007, 01:36 AM
I am not sure where you live, but alot of places have health clinics that you can go to if you don't have insurance that will also either give you samples or help you find cheaper meds.

Also, teaching hospitals, usually where the people without insurance go, are also good. You do have incredibly long waits but they have all sorts of specialists and they are all in medical school.

When I first started college I didn't have insurance yet and went to our teaching hospital where I was living because I got incredibly sick and a doctors visit was just too expensive.

Also, some doctors are willing to work with you and cut you slack on office visit payments - it may take a few visits to establish a relationship but if you let them know you are a college student many doctors are compassionate about that because they themselves have been there.

Drink as much water as you need to feel comfortable - it is different for all of us but diluted urine is alot easier to let out than non diluted urine.

I hope some of this helps.

April