Please help!

[memefuganti]

Hello, I'm a new member here and I'm very happy because I'm learning a lot here !! :)

For the past 2 years I have been suffering with UTI....and pain during sex :(
I went to the doctor 4 times and he gave me some antibiotics for the infection. The pain remains only during sex, and don't have any other pain, but like I said, sometimes I get UTI..like today :(
I called my doctor today and he said that he wants to do a Cystoscopy next week. I read so many things about this that I'm freaking out already!! Is this the only way they can check my bladder?? I think I have IC ( I hope not ) but If I do how do they treat this?? I know that they don't have cure yet..but can we control symptoms with medication?? Is Cystoscopy safe?? Am I going to feel a lot of pain?? Please help me sending me some info because I'm lost!!

Thank you so much....

Melissa

[Goldfinch]

I assume the cystoscopy will be an in-office procedure. Call the doctor's office and make sure of that. Although it is sometimes painful for IC sufferers, typically it isn't more than uncomfortable. You will have a numbing gel applied, then a catheter. The doctor will be able insert a little camera and take a look at your bladder. He will also flush in a water solution, that you will then pee out quickly. This test is the first test any uro does, and is very common. It is meant mainly to rule out bladder cancer, and gives the doctor a visual picture of your bladder. It is not diagnostic for IC, although it is possible the doctor will notice signs of irritation, but not necessarily. Mine took all of 10 minutes or less.

There is also a cystoscopy with hydrodistention, which is done in a surgery or clinic under anaesthesia. If you have never had the in-office cysto, it is highly unlikely you are being scheduled for that. Every time you are cathed there is the possibility of infection. My suggestion is to ask for a prophylactic antibiotic on the way out the door, if one is offered to you. You may feel a bit of stinging or discomfort for a day or two after the cysto, and that's normal.

[aleet7]

For me, a cystoscopy was the final test that diagnosed my IC. Mine was done at a surgery facility under anesthesia. I didn't feel anything when it was done. When I woke up I felt ok. I experienced some bladder spasms and the nurse gave me something that quickly alleviated the spasms( the cysto was done with hydro distention). They take pictures of your bladder to see if it is inflammed. I was glad that I had it done because I needed to know what was causing me so much pain.
Good Luck!
Aleet7

[memefuganti]

Thank you so much for your answer!! I guess this is the only way I can find out what is causing pain and UTI . If I do have IC can we have a normal life and pain free?? I don'thave pain daily, like I said only during sex...
Thanks again,

[memefuganti]

Thank you very much for your reply!! That's what the nurse told me today over the phone, that they will put a gel to numb the area, but I read so many things saying that the pain is terrible...so that's why I'm very nervous!! Can u have a normal life time having IC???
Thank you so much again,

What causes IC??

[aleet7]

I would mention the pain during sex to your Uro. Mine recommended physical therapy for my pelvic floor dysfunction to relieve my pain. Not everyone that has IC have pelvic floor dysfunction but some of us do. It caused me a lot of pain with intimacy. I went to therapy for 4 months and it really helped me with the pain. I stopped going to therapy when I lost my insurance but I did benefit from it. Please don't forget to mention the symptoms to your urologist.
Good Luck!

[memefuganti]

I already told him about the pain and he gave me Valium to relax the muscle, but to be honest with you I don't feel very comfortable taking valium every single day :( so I never took it! Do you take any medication to avoid pain with intimacy??

[aleet7]

They actually don't know what causes IC just as they don't have a cure for it just yet. It is believed to be inflammation of the interstitial lining. There are meds that are prescribed for it. I was diagnosed a year ago. After staying on the diet and taking my meds I am not experiencing any IC symptoms(knock on wood). This site has taught me most of what I know about IC so you are in the right place to learn all about it.

I've learned that you can live a normal life with IC.

[aleet7]

I was prescribed darvocet to take before intercourse. My uro totally understood my situation and told me to take it before sex and it helped a lot! I've talked to my therapist who told me that she had patients that have gone years without sex because of the pain. Many times she would invite the husband or partner to come to a session to explain to them that the pain is real. My husband thought I was making up an excuse not to be intimate until I told him what my therapist said. She was willing to explain it to him. Since I've had the therapy I no longer need to take pain pills to be intimate.

[memefuganti]

That's great that you can control yours...!!! Good to know!! :)
I'm not 100% sure that I have IC, I have the symptoms...but if I do have IC for sure I will definitely get more help here. I will find out in 2 weeks...
Thank you....and I'll get in touch..
Melissa

[aleet7]

I hope you get some answers soon! Please keep us posted Melissa.

Good Luck!
Aleet

[memefuganti]

Thanks for this info. I'm going to ask my doctor if I can take something like that too. I feel really bad having this pain when I'm with my husband, and I completely understand when u said that your husband thought that u were giving excuses because this is what my husband thought a few months ago :( nos he knows that the pain is real and he is extremely ok with this situation. I'm 30 years old and sometimes I feel SO bad because I can't have a relax time with my husband...anyways....at least now I know that I can get help :)
I also want to learn a little bit more about physical therapy for this problem..

I'm so glad I found you here!!!!!

Thank you,

[memefuganti]

Thank you so much again!!! I will definitely let u know the results...

[aleet7]

It's an awful thing to not be relaxed with your spouse because in the back of your mind you wonder if it'll lead to something painful! My husband is so sweet but he really thought I was making up an excuse because he never heard of IC or pelvic floor dysfunction. I did tell him several times that I was afraid that things would hurt and he looked at me with a puzzled look. I finally mentioned it to my doc and she didn't make me go into any details, she gave me a script for Darvocet to take only as needed. She told me to take it 30 minutes before and stop putting my husband off. I didn't hesitate to take it and I was very appreciative of my doc giving me the script because that can put a strain on any marriage! I too did not like taking meds daily but I realized that I have to do what is best for me(dear hubby didn't complain):-)
Best Wishes
Aleet

[babybuns]

I have both IC and pelvic floor dysfunction ... Since starting physical therapy for the PFD intimacy is easier ESPECIALLY if I am as relaxed as possible. I have to focus on it. My urethra is still irritated by it but it's better since the diet. I'm new to this as well and the diet helped so much I am willing to stay on it forever. I just that type of "it is what it is , so deal with it person" I my goal right now is too be able to ride in a car comfortably for more than an hour and to be able to stretch out on my couch and watch tv. It's the couch thing that I miss the most.
I had the cysto in the office. Not the funnest thing I've ever had done but worth it. It doesn't last too long...
Good LUCK!