In the military with IC

[cyberlion74]

I have had severe symptoms for a long time. I would wake up to bloody shorts, very frequent urgency and pain. I have been seen by many and for several years and all told me it was nothing or stress. I am in the military and finaly got to go off post to see a civilian Urologist and after a cystoscope I was diagnosed with I.C. That was two weeks ago, in two more weeks, I get deployed to Iraq for 15 months. Talk about anxiety. The military does not carry elmiron and I just started it on week ago. I talk with my surgeon in a couple of days to see if he recomends me to go or stay. At this point, I want to stay and get treated. Sometimes I need to void every 5-10 minutes! And when I need to void, I cannot wait.
My job in the army is driving gun trucks to protect convoys. I have been told that I will be at risk for heat casualty because I cannot retain water. I have just now started to research what it is that I have. Is this something you can get disability for?
By the way, This is my second enlistment in the service but I had 15 years between enlistments. My first time around I did two drug interdiction tours in Central America. Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica so I am not just looking for the cowards way out.
Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks
cyberlion74@yahoo.com
1st Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne Division

[CathyKi]

I just can't imagine how you are managing. I was so stressed out trying to figure out how I would deal with this and teach school before the school year started. I know how you feel. Your uro will probably put you on an OAB overactive bladder drug. I have trouble being out in the sun when I take mine. Keep us updated when you go to the doctor. Welcome to the ICN.

[Babs RN]

Hey there cyberlion,
First off, air assault! I lived in Clarksville for 5 years and my husband was stationed at Ft. Campbell and was in 326 EN BN and he was the brigade EN for the Rakkasans. I worked at Blanchfield and my daughter was born there. I am prior military myself(I was an Army nurse)so if I can answer anything please PM me. I know those long Army deployments too--the ex was in Iraq with the 11 ACR so I know how un IC friendly that area is.

They can order the Elmiron as a non formulary item. The doc just needs to fill out one additional form. We were at Fort Irwin when I was dxed and they sure did not stock it there. They did get it in for me.

Hugs,
Barb:hi: