HELP! HYDRODISTENTION to diagnose IC???

[lasnene]

So I have been through all the little tests that urologists do to try and diagnose IC. I have had several urine tests/6 ultrasounds/blood work/pelvic exam (base of my bladder was very tender). I had a cystoscopy last week, he said my urethra was so inflammed that it was very hard to get the tube through (OUCH!) and then he started filling my bladder with fluids I couldn't take it about half way through. Afterwards he said he is 99% sure I have IC, b/c all my test results and symptoms are pointing in that direction. BUT....he wants to 100% confirm it by putting me under general anesthesia and performing a Hydrodistention w/ cystoscopy.
Has anyone had this procedure?

Is it horrible, painful afterwards?

Is it really neccesary to be put to sleep? I've never been put to sleep so I am very nervous about it!

Is Hydro w/ cysto under general the only way to 100% diagnose IC? I feel that this is pretty invasive to diagnose someone with IC.

Please help me with any thoughts you might have, your experience w/ hydro, how you were diagnosed and if you are from the Las Vegas area what Dr do you see. I am currently seeing Dr. Robert McBeath w/ the Urology Specialists of Nevada.

Currently on Urelle 4x a day and it's not helping :(

THANK YOU!!!!

Renee :)

[kadi]

Hi Renee,
I did have a hydrodistension to diagnose my IC. It also ruled out other possible conditions. One thing I was glad for was that my doctor made sure to take photos during the hydrodistension & gave me a set. That really helped when I went to see an IC specialist at a large teaching hospital, it was great to have him look at the photos & my doctor's records of other tests done & not have to repeat any of them. I was back to my previous level of IC pain within several days after having it done. The pain was managed with Darvocet and was not overwhelming.

Some doctors will diagnose IC based on a pain scale, response to diet & medications, a voiding diary - basically records of symptoms only. Some doctors diagnose IC by an in-office test with potassium liquid instilled in the bladder. Some doctors diagnose IC by cystoscopy/hydrodistension results. And some use all those criteria to diagnose IC.

They say about 45% of IC patients will get some symptom relief from the hydrodistension procedure itself, once the immediate discomfort wears off, which is another reason many doctors will do this test, for the therapeutic benefit. I didn't have any benefit from it, but it would have been nice.

Wishing you the best & that 2010 is a better year!