potassium test???

[Kiyoka]

Hello everyone, I have a question or two. Does anyone know how the potassium test works? can you really find if you have ic?

[Sarojini]

Hi Kiyoka,

The Potassium Sensitivity Test can be used to test for IC, yes. Basically, you go to your doctor's office, and they catheterize you. Then they put two separate solutions into your bladder (they put one in, drain it out, and put the other in)... one will be water and the other will be a solution of potassium chloride. You shouldn't react to the water, but people with IC tend to have a severe reaction to the potassium chloride solution (either pain or intense unbearable urge to void, or both). Generally if you have a reaction to the potassium solution, you have IC... this is thought to show that you have a breakdown of the epithelial lining in the bladder, which is supposed to be a characteristic of IC.

Also, if you do have a reaction, most doctors will quickly remove the potassium solution and instill an anesthetic, so you shouldn't be in pain for very long.

Hope this helps :)

Jen

[ICNDonna]

You can read about testing in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/

:)
Donna

[Katrina]

Hey Kiyoka...I had that test done. You can ask me about it in chat if you'd like!:kiss: :hi:

[JessicainArkans]

Dear Ki,

Was it a Doctors suggestion for you to get a potassium test done?
It really is an outdated and not very reliable test, do you have the Guide to Surviving Interstitial Cytitis by Dr. Moldwin ? You will get to see the numbers of patients who have IC and do not have any type of reaction, they took a clinical group of 32 patients all of which had clinical IC, there where 15 out of that group who did not react negitively once the potassium was introduced into the bladder. The potassium test is barbaric and cruel especially to those who suffer day in and day out in flairs. Cystoscopy, Hydrodistention and the new urine analysis test are hopefully going to take over, leaving this old age theory into the dust, buried where it belongs!
Cuttting to the quick this test is outdated, barbaric and really should be thrown out as a practic test to make an IC diagnosis!
I hope you are feeling better my friend!!
Much love and concern for you!!
Love, Jessica

[JessicainArkans]

Dear Kiyoka,

I am sorry I went off and sared you like that and every thing seemed to turn out fine, I am so glad you are not in too much pain from the Potassium Test!!
I hope the treatments are going to take, take you into the netherland where you forget you have IC!!
Give me a call frome there, then pricise directions!!:angel:
I am so proud to call you friend!!:love:
You know how much I love you, Like my daughter says, " as big as the world and everything in it!!" "plus a toaster".
Hugs!:hi:
Jessica