New *sigh*

[ekpm3]

Hello all. My name's Ellen. I'm 21, and I was diagnosed with IC in December 07. Since about July 07 I'd been getting lots of UTI's. They started out as actual infections and moved on to just feeling as though I need to go the bathroom all the time. I went to one urologist who made me do a cat scan (thanks for that money wasted, doc) and then told me that nothing was wrong with me. Sooo I went to another one who did a cystoscopy and bladder distention and confirmed I have IC.

However, really the only symptom I have is feeling as though I need to use the bathroom frequently. It's actually ignorable...I never have had the 'I HAVE TO GO NOW!' feeling. So, I'm wondering if you guys think this is just an extremely mild case of IC?

I've always held onto some hope that it's not (don't we all?), but I guess the doctor would know best. After my distention things were a lot better until about a week ago, when it all came back. Perhaps it's just a flare up? I haven't eaten anything that's irritated it in the past few months, so I'm kind of clueless as to what could have caused it? Do they just suddenly come on for no reason? About how long do they last?

Well, that's my story! I'm sure I'll have lots of questions in the future.

[SharonA]

Hello Ellen and :welcome: to the ICN... :)

Since a uro did a cystoscopy/hydrodistention and gave you a diagnoses of IC, I would say that, from your description of your symptoms, you may indeed have a Mild form of it. That is great!!!

Many things can be the cause of a flare. They can be caused from something you eat/drink, stress, the weather, allergies, sex, illness...any number of things. You could also be running a bladder infection. Just in case, it might be a good idea to have your urine checked for this.

Flares can come on suddenly and can last for anywhere from a few hours to days, weeks or sometimes even longer. It depends on the person and the reason for the flare.

There are several people who come to the boards who talk about the cysto/hydro being used as a treatment to help them with pain and to feel better. They go in and have their uro perform this procedure on occasion when their symptoms get worse. That may be the reason that your cyso/hydro seemed to help you and now you are feeling worse. I think it would be a good idea for you to make an appointment with your uro to discuss your symptoms and to talk about what the two of you can do to help you feel better.

[ABliske]

Welcome to the boards here Ellen:hi: It sounds to me like mild IC, which is hopefully as far as it will go!! I wasn't diagnosed until mine was pretty severe around age 25. I went through a CT scan and laparoscopy which were expensive and gave no answers. So, I feel you on the cat scan - so frustrating.
Hopefully, you can find treatments to control it. I've had to be on meds for 2 years now, but haven't found anything to actually improve the condition. Mosty, I just am masking the pain. Is yours bad enough that you are taking meds?
I am mostly affected by stress and caffiene. It's hard to say how long a flare lasts. I think it can very grately. I deal with them on a daily basis.

[traceann]

Well, I just want to add my :welcom: as Sharon pretty much said everything I was going to! LOL Glad to have you!!

Hugs,
Tracey :)

[ekpm3]

Actually, I don't have any pain or anything. It always just kinda feels like a mild uti without the burning and whatnot. Just constantly feeling as though I have to go to the bathroom. I don't take any meds, just use prelief for some foods or just to help neutralize the urine so it won't irritate my bladder as much.

[SharonA]

Have you read the information about the IC Diet? There may be something in your diet that is causing your urine to irritate your bladder. Take a look at the information. Here is the link: http://www.ic-network.com/diet/