PDA

View Full Version : Gyno just diagnosed me, but I'm not sure


bitesize
03-13-2009, 06:07 PM
Hi everyone- first off, sorry if this is TMI or too whiny.

I finally found a good gyno who listened to me about the constant pressure I was having in my pelvic area, the pain during sex, and just generally "not feeling right" down there. After looking at my family history, we were both pretty sure it was endometriosis. I just had a laparoscopy 2 weeks ago, and they found... Nothing. No endo, no cysts, no fibroids, my gall bladder and appendix even looked fine.

The gyno had previously asked me questions about my urinating habits, and since I do drink a lot of coffee, I of course urinate frequently, and often I feel like I didn't get it all out, almost like I didn't relax enough. She also found some softening in my bladder and uterus that wasn't normal.

I was so sure it was endo, I was in denial when she told me it was probably IC. But, she said they often have overlapping pain, and can easily be misdiagnosed. Once I started really thinking about it, I often get sudden pains, bloating, and have said several times "I feel like I'm getting a bladder infection" even though it usually goes away with all kinds of voiding, laying down, and ibuprofen, and sometimes heat.

The trouble is, I always associated that with gas pains, and though the burning I felt in my bladder was just a coincidence, or a result of gas pressure irritating it. I get these pains probably a couple times a week, and no position, laying/sitting gives me relief.

Does this sound familiar to anyone else? Should I go through the hassle of going to a urologist, or just take the pills and change my diet and see if I feel better? Could it just be gas? Or do they often go hand in hand?

Thanks for listening. I look forward to hearing if this is like anyone else's pain.

leelee88
03-13-2009, 07:01 PM
Since she has ruled out all the other obvious it really does sound like IC.. It is up to you if you want to go see a Uro. You could ask for the PST test. This is where they put a solution in your bladder and see if you have a reaction to it. I do not know if your GYN will do this test or not..But like I said if you are in doubt then it would not hurt to go see a Uro he will either do a PST or the Cysto/Hydro to confirm IC..The PST is a less invasive test..

But I do think it is a good idea to start the IC diet..Also drinking enough water a day to keep your urine diluted is important..

statesboro
03-13-2009, 07:10 PM
I reckon I will be the first one to chime in and give you a welcome. Ok, then. You'd probably be surprised at what all gets discussed on here. Besides, I don't consider your thread to be too much information or too whiny. It is ok to vent on here.(within reason) Yep! You have found a good place where we will understand. Many people will not. You are not the first one that I have read about this week that was in denial. It is probably not uncommon. We don't enjoy having IC, but it is still good to be properly diagnosed.(which you still need to get) Yep! A visit to a urologist would not be a bad idea for you. Ok, then. I happen to be a dude, but I do believe some have got endometriosis as well. It is good that you are not one. Ok. I don't have all the pain and/or bloating, but I have never read about anyone talking about having lots of gas with IC. (although many of us have been told IBS before) Also, coffee won't help IC any. Oh! I used to fill like my bladder was not completely empty after voiding more often that I do now. Yep! Some do have trouble finding a comfortable position as well. I don't usually have trouble with that. Ok, then. I guess I have done as good as I am going to do now. I am not the first one after all. Take care and be good.

bitesize
03-13-2009, 09:00 PM
Thanks so much for the quick responses, I can't tell you how lost and depressed I've felt lately, and hearing other people's experiences helps me greatly.

I really didn't want to do the test, but common sense (and the fact that my deductible has almost been met this year) tells me I probably should do do all the testing I can. I should note that, at 27, I've never had a regular dr. and have a few things that should have been checked out a long time ago- so I have a little bit of anxiety when it comes to procedures, and am very curious to hear detailed accounts so I know exactly what I'm getting into! Before my laparascopy I'd never even had blood drawn!

With that said, I'm off to research the PST, and would love to hear more experiences. Thanks again.

ICNDonna
03-14-2009, 04:05 AM
Are you still drinking "lots of coffee"? If so, I suggest you stop the coffee for a couple of weeks to see if that could be your problem. I have a friend who thought she had something horrible wrong, but when she stopped the coffee, she feels fine.

And if it turns out you do have IC, the coffee will have to go anyhow, so you're doing the right thing.

Donna

P.S. :welcome: to the IC Network

SharonA
03-14-2009, 07:04 AM
:welcome: to the ICN...:)

I 2nd what Donna said about the coffee. It really can play havoc with the body, especially the bladder if IC is what you have.

:):):)