Marin County?

[hapamama]

Any good Uro's in Marin? I have an appt. with a Dr. Gershbein, but would be willing to switch for an ICN member endorsed doc!! If not Marin, then in San Francisco? Oh, and I'm not with Kaiser...with Blue Shield. Thanks!

[charmedx3]

I sent you a PM . let me know if you need more info.

[charmedx3]

when is your appt? let us know how it goes.

[hapamama]

I just saw him today and I have to say I really liked him! He definitely is skeptical about IC and the sheer number of diagnosis being handed out. While he stressed he does believe in IC, he feels there's a much smaller number of people suffering from it. He basically said that people with true IC "pee every 20 minutes and have crippled bladders the size of walnuts". I know there are many people who would disagree, but in my case, I think his diagnosis is accurate (I HOPE!!). He thinks I have PFD, which has been sparked by chronic pain and stress from dealing with terrible migraines. He is treating me with Valium, 2mg four times a day for one week. If it works, I'll move on to physical therapy and will hopefully be recovered! He also recommended I read "A Headache in the Pelvis".

I do have to say though, that I've been "mostly" following the IC diet for a couple of week and have seen marked improvement over the last week! He did advise that I keep caffeine, coffee and citrus out of the diet until I am feeling 100% again...we'll see.

Oh, and his diagnostic process involved 1) Urinalysis 2) Asking all the questions about pain/urgency/frequency... 3) physically pressing on the pelvic region and 4) a quick ultrasound to look at the "plumbing" and note how much residual urine was in my bladder post-void (it was about 25cc).

Overall, I am satisfied with my appointment with him. We will see as time progresses whether or not more testing will need to be done, and whether IC is still in the mix with me.

Thanks for all your help/advice!

[dyno]

Hi, I am glad you are getting some help and hope it works out for you.
One thing to keep in mind about what he said to you. I have had IC for over 30 years. I used to pee every 20 minutes and there are times if I am in a flare now I still will but for many IC patients who find treatments that are working for them our frequency will be less and our bladder size will increase a little because we are healing our bladders.

That doesn't mean I don't have IC though. I am saying this because I don't want any new person reading your post to get confused about the statement your Dr. made.

I would also encourage you to keep your options open to a new Dr. if down the road his diagnosis doesn't work out( and I hope it does for you). I just don't want you to not get the help you need because of his attitude about IC.

Now with all that said, I hope you have found your answer and this all works out for you!:)

[ICNDonna]

Jolene is right. Even someone with a normal size bladder can have IC. I hope you feel better very soon.

Donna

[hapamama]

I absolutely agree that his parameters for IC may have been a bit narrow. I will not hesitate to find a new doctor if his diagnostic test of Valium and hot baths does not give me relief. I guess I just like to maintain a middle ground stance. He argued that there are many doctors out there who have staked their careers on IC and its been very profitable for them. I can see that happening, but I also know there are many out there for whom it is imperative to find a qualified MD with IC experience!

Funny side note: I started the Valium and hot bath therapy last night and have been in a flare (my first real flare since my initial onset) ever since! HMmmmm.....

Thanks for the warm thoughts and kind advice!

Karen