Cystoscopy made my pain disappear, now ?s

[DoulaSue]

Hi, was diagnosed with "mild" IC last year after experiencing blood in my urine, urethral pain, clitoral pain, frequency, etc... Suffered for several weeks from these symptoms, Uro suspected IC and did an in office Cystoscopy (I think that's what it was? They put the little camera in and looked around? No hydrodystension although they did put some fluid in there that filled my bladder, or washed it out?) Anyhow, IMMEDIATELY after this procedure my pain completely stopped. I felt completely normal for the first time in weeks/months. I never had another symptom, and cancelled my follow up appointment with the URO because I felt so good!

Well, 10 months later, and the same exact symptoms are back (sensitive bladder, frequency, clitoral throbbing/tingling). I'm wondering if I should call the Uro and ask them to do another cystoscopy?

Did anyone else's pain disappear after this procedure? If so, any theories on WHY?

[ICNDonna]

I do think you should call your uro and make that appointment. Usually an office cysto doesn't really help that much, but be sure to tell them.

Donna

[Claredale]

It sounds wonderful, but I am with Donna, I would still follow-up with my doctor.

[glassd18]

I had temporary relief after my cysto. It didn't last quite as long as yours, but my IC is moderate, not mild. I also had a lasting relief with my first cysto done 20 years ago, but I was distended quite a bit during that exam.

[muxerr012]

I had relief for a little over a month after my first cysto. The pain stopped and I could eat what I wanted without getting sick all the time. I read several articles that mentioned relief after a cysto because of the slight distention caused by the saline they place in your bladder. It seems to calm or numb the nerves for a while. It doesn't help everyone though and I read relief is usually found for 3-6 months after the cysto. I had relief for one month and I copied the text below from a med website about it.

Some people notice a temporary improvement in symptoms after undergoing cystoscopy with bladder distention. Bladder distention is the stretching of the bladder with water or gas. The procedure may be repeated as a treatment if the response is long-lasting.

But I also read that cystos can cause scar tissue over time so I don't think they would repeatedly do them for relief purposes. But you should ask your doctor since your relief did last so long. Good luck and be well.

[DoulaSue]

Hi everyone, well, after being whiney about this flare up for weeks now, I finally called my Uro yesterday. I talked to the nurse, and explained that last time after the cysto, every symptom I had immediately disappeard. She explained that what she thought was happening was that I had been retaining urine, and the cysto widened the urethra just a bit to let all the urine out to stop the spasms in my bladder/urethra. We have scheduled another cysto for Tuesday. BUT, for the past day, i've felt SO much better, I can't even tell you. Felt horrible 2 days ago, completely miserable, then it was like someone flipped a switch, and I feel better. WHAT is going on with me????

I also called a PT in Rochester (recommended from this website) who specializes in PFD, IC and VV, I'm meeting with her on the 13th. Even if I feel better, I am still going, as I really want to see if she can get to the bottom of why it's happening.

I truly feel, instinctually, that my urethral pain has to do with PFD. I guess we'll see.

Thanks for all the support. :)