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hopefulBT
04-01-2009, 04:09 PM
First of all I want to say that everyone at this site is amazing, http://www.ic-network.com/forum/images/smilies/angel.gif I have never seen so much support and positivity in one place. So when I was a wee toddler I had a severe UTI. My mother took me to the Uro because my doctors were worried but nothing came out of it since everything looked fine. Until I was 18 I had no other problems. In January 2008 I had another UTI. Well the first UTI i could remember. I was in terrible pain and I had no idea what it was. I went to the ER and was given antibiotics. Throughout the next year and a half I had 4 UTIs but I always seemed to get better. Beginning of February I thought i was getting another UTI. I was aware of my bladder every second of the day, and it seemed like my discomfort was the worst after urination. I dreading the thought of the UTI getting worse so i called my gyno so I could get antibiotics before it got worse. My urine was fine, but I was given an antibiotic anyway. Long story short I got a referral to a urologist since my discomfort did not go away with antibiotics. I had an entire week to worry before my uro appointment. I was doing research far too much and I thought I had every urinary problem that exists. (im telling you i was imagining myself having bladder cancer) A week and one anxiety attack later I had my uro appointment. First appointment the Urologist told me i had left over swelling from past UTIs and to take ibuprofen for swelling. For a few days I was symptom free but then my "bladder awareness" returned. I made another appointment with the my Uro and he said "yes yes your problem is chronic, its like arthritis in your knee, its just something you must deal with." He immediately prescribed Elmiron and a low dose antibiotic to prevent further UTIs. Although I'm grateful for the medication I wonder if I should find another urologist that will further inspect my bladder before prescribing medication. In any case I am going to religiously take my medication because deep down I feel like it is a mild form of IC. I can always feel my bladder, but I am able to force myself to not use the bathroom all the time (perhaps once every 4 hours). I can fall asleep okay but if i am awoken it is hard to fall back asleep or sleep in. Up until this past week i downed coffee by the gallon (im a nursing student that does not always get enough sleep) but i was able to kick that habit quickly. I am also trying to slowly move into the IC diet. So i was just wondering what you all recommend for my situation, and also I wanted to say hello! http://www.ic-network.com/forum/images/smilies/hi.gifonline
Meds: Past year: Ortho cyclen Past week: Elmiron 100 mg three times a day. Starting next week after I finish Ciproflaxin: Amoxicillin and Clabulanate Potassium tablets before bed.

mlzippy7
04-01-2009, 04:51 PM
Hello and :welcome:!! Glad you have found us.
I hope you find the support you need here!

VickiB
04-01-2009, 05:07 PM
:welcome: to the ICN!

You'd said with your last UTI your urine was fine but they gave you antibiotics anyway. I'm wondering,..did they test all of your previous UTIs to check for infection?

I can understand why you would be uncomfortable at the point your Uro left this. Seems like you came out of it with no clear answer beyond the left-over swelling. If your gut feeling tells you to pursue this further then follow it. It never hurts to get a second opinion!

Glad to have you join us!

Vicki

hopefulBT
04-01-2009, 05:23 PM
Yes actually the second time I had UTI symptoms I was given antibiotics but they never confirmed the urine sample with me. Turns out I never had a UTI but my symptoms did fade. For my third and fourth UTI they confirmed the infection with me days later.
As for my doctor, I believe I will speak to my primary doctor and see what he recommends. Perhaps he has another doctor he can refer me to. We shall see, I know as with any chronic problem this cant be solved overnight.

Thanks everyone

ICNDonna
04-02-2009, 02:29 AM
:welcome: to the IC Network.

Donna

BT2008
04-03-2009, 11:48 AM
:welcome:

Just follow your instincts! If you think you need to see another urologist who will check your bladder more thoroughly, then...you probably need to go and see a different urologist!!

Question: As a nursing student you are probably being taught to encourage patients to "listen to their bodies," right? Well, my sweet, that also applies to hard-working, sleep deprived, nursing students as well!! :kissing:


~Beth
:)