Looking for info on diagnostic tests

[JRosebrock]

I have been diagnosed by my gynecologist as having IC. She has referred me to a urologist for tests. So, now I am looking for ANY and ALL information about the tests: what to expect, what questions to ask, etc. My current understanding is the tests aren't conclusive, they are painful, and even if it turns out that I DO have IC there isn't a lot that can be done for it. This, to me, seems like going through the pain and inconvenience of testing is pointless. On the other hand, I REALLY want to know if IC is what I have.

I'd like any information or opinions you have to share. I've found this site incredibly helpful so far.

Jean

[HistoryKat]

I had the PST in my doctor's office which is what he used to diagnois me. It was painful but only for a short while. Personally I thought that bit of pain was worth it to find out what was going on. It also wasn't any worse than the pain I suffer every day.

I've just started treatment, while its true that there isn't a cure there are certainly things than can be done to make your life easier.

Welcome!

[Claredale]

You are going to get so many opinions on this. IC is so different for each and everyone of us. I had the PST test and yes it hurt, but the solution they put in afterwards, took the pain away. I tried several meds without any success, so my doctor did the hydro/cysto and found I had mild to moderate IC. It was a painful procedure, but my main complaint was the fact that I get so sick from anesthesia, so that was my worst memory. I had pain meds to get me throughI was glad to have a diagnosis. I was worried it was cancer or anything. Back then, I didn't know anything about IC, but after my diagnosis, I started reading anything I could get my hands on researching everything I could to find what worked for me.

[SharonA]

Hello Jean and :welcome: to the ICN...

There are so many meds/treatments available to us to help relieve symptoms.
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/treatments.html

Have you looked at the IC Diet? http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html Diet can be a very important treatment.

So far, they have not found a cure for IC but researchers are working on finding what causes it. Once that is found, they can work on finding what will treat it.