Newbie, not diagnosedn needs advice and support

[MinidriverUK]

Hi everyone. I'm in the UK and have not found another support forum like this, so am very grateful to be here.

I could really use any advice you guys can give me. :confused:

I have a history of UTIs but have been in remission for about seven years through the use of self-help strategies. About four weeks ago I thought that I had a UTI and saw my GP who refused to do a urinalysis :cussing: as it was 'too late in the day' but gave me seven days worth of amoxicillin, which seemed to help for a couple of days but then the symptoms returned. Since then I have been up and down and the symptoms have been sporadic.

The symptoms that I'm experiencing are pain in the bladder (pelvic) area - this goes from mild to severe and, at the moment is extremely severe. Urethral pain. I also have frequency and, sometimes, urgency and have frequent urethral and bladder spasms. Travelling in the car is excrutiating and every bump in the road causes a bladder spasm. The only good thing is that it is not affecting my sleep. I am thinking that this could be IC but am scared of anything more serious and am feeling very low. My partner doesn't really understand and thinks that it's 'just another infection'.

I have now changed GPs and last week I had a urinalysis (normal) and then a complete urinalysis and three seperate blood tests, all of which have come back as normal. I am seeing the GP tomorrow to see what we can do but I have a feeling that he will refer me to a urologist. As I am in the UK, this takes time.

I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on pain relief etc? The GP recommended Ibuprofen and I thoiught they helped the first few days, but now I wonder if I was just having good days as they are no longer efficient.

Many thanks for any advice and apologies for long post.

[ICNDonna]

Ibuprofen is an irritant for some IC bladders so you may want to watch that closely. I do think it would be a good idea to see a urologist, even if it's chronic infections, there may be help for you.

I suggest you give the IC diet a try. I just might help.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[SharonA]

:welcome: to the ICN...:)

Many people with IC have problems with Ibuprofen. If you feel you need to take an OTC pain reliever, try an acetaminophen product like Tylenol instead.

Have you come across the IC Diet while researching in the site? It can really help with symptoms. You can find the link to it in my signature below.

Also, the IC Network has a store where you can order many products that can help. One of them is a cushion that makes sitting more comfortable in a car or in a chair at home. Here is the link to the store: http://www.icnsales.com/ Click on the link and do some shopping. This is the link that will take you to the information about the cushion: http://www.icnsales.com/Chair-Cushions-p-1-c-16.html

I hope you are able to get some answers as to what is causing your symptoms at your GP appointment. :):):)

[VickiB]

I don't know if you have it in the UK, but over here in the US we have some over the counter meds like AZO Standard or Uristat that can help with the pain. They are not meant for long term use but I resort to them in especially nasty flares when I need a break from the pain. Also, drinking baking soda in water may be helpful, though it's probably not a good idea if your diet is sodium restricted. And definitely take a look at the IC diet! It can't hurt and if it is IC the diet can really help.

Yes, it sounds like a visit to a urologist might be a good step for you. Sorry you're having to deal with this!

Vicki

[Mrs. Peel]

Welcome, Mini

I'm just chiming in to remind you that there are plenty of bladder problems with similar symptoms to IC, so you might not have it, which would be good.

Your GP sounds frustrated. So many of us have been considered hysterical by doctors who weren't familiar with IC. Mostly because basic blood and urine tests come back normal, it doesn't show up on a sonogram or x-ray. Of course they're frustrated, and they're not the ones in pain!

Anyway. I don't know how it works finding doctors in the UK, but I suggest you find a urologist or urogynecologist who is familiar with IC. Ask if they're familiar with the condition when you call for an appointment. What's it called in UK? Painful Bladder Syndrome?

Best of luck to you, and I truly hope your pain lessens quickly.

[MinidriverUK]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Mrs. Peel (great username and avatar by the way!), in the UK we have to be referred by a GP to a specialist and, as we have a National Health Service (we don't pay for healthcare but pay National Insurance contributions through our salaries), this can take a long time.

OK, I saw the GP this morning. All of my results came back as normal, so no infection and liver, kidney and bladder function all OK. He said that he thinks that it is 'bladder instability'. When I asked for a definition of this, he said overactive bladder. He asked if I have any incontinence, which I don't and he has prescribed Vesicare and gave me a month's supply. I am to give it 2 weeks and, if I see no improvement, I am to go back and he will refer me to a urologist. Otherwise, I should return in a month.

I will keep you informed! Many thanks everyone! :pray: