New and Scared

[momto3]

I was just diagnosed with IC officially 2 days ago.

My symptoms came on suddenly about 3 weeks ago. I thought it was a UTI, took 2 rounds of antibiotics...., went to a urologist. He did a cystoscopy and saw that it is IC. I don't understand how it came on so suddenly. I have no history of any bladder problems. Last UTI was about 10 years ago.

He put me on elmiron and also did an elmiron instill. I am following the diet. Actually, I am so stressed that I am not able to eat much of anything.

I am very scared and upset. Not really sure what else to do. :help:

[kuntrygurl78]

Your story is identical to mine 4 years ago. I was also diagnosed after a UTI didnt go away. I just want to let you know that there are so many people in remission that dont spend time here. This is a great place. Feel free to ask questions, vent, and lurk. :hi:

[ICNDonna]

You are fortunate that you were diagnosed so quickly; most people with IC will tell you it took several months. Hang in there. I was diagnosed 35 years ago and if there's any one thing I like to share, it is that most people with interstitial cystitis feel good most of the time. It may take a while to find which treatment options work and which foods and drinks are a problem, but most of us do get there.

Sending welcoming hugs,
Donna

[Aza]

Although my story is a little longer (took me three months to get diagnosed) I had a similar situation- no history of bladder problems/never had a UTI- my symptoms came on very suddenly- i was referd to a Urologist after 2 rounds of antibiotics failed to help and was diagnosed with IC after a cystoscopy showed pin-prick bleeding in my bladder. I was very scared at first too (actually, i guess i still am in way)- but i found these boards were great for support and advice. The IC diet definately helps. The next step is finding out which treatment and meds work for you. Dont be afraid to tell your Urologist if a particular treatment isn't working for you- IC treatment is all about trial and error at first it seems. Also, don't be afraid to get a second opinion or switch Urologists if you aren't happy. Catching IC early is supposed to improve you chances of a quick recovery- so fingers crossed that you'll be feeling better soon <3

[KarenAnne]

:welcome: Hope you start feeling better soon!

[Cara03]

Your story sounds exactly like mine too. I had been getting actual UTIs, in fact I had 3 in about 7 months. I thought I had another one but my culture came back negative but I still did two round of two diff. antibiotics. Nothing worked and my symptoms persisted and I was diagnosed just last week by my uro/gyn.

I am scared too, but my doctor assured me that most of his patients have found relief. It can take a while but it does happen. And it was also nice to see Donna say that most people with IC feel good most of the time. Hang in there, I am scared and nervous too, but we will figure out something that works for us so we can feel good.

[curlycue]

:welcome::pray::pray:

[SharonA]

My symptoms came on out of the blue and all of a sudden, also and sent me running to my doctor and then an Urologist. I thought I had a UTI but the urine check was clear. I was diagnosed within a couple of weeks from the onset of the first symptom of pain. That was in August 2001. I feel almost normal now. I do have an occasional flare which consists of a burning feeling in my bladder. Because of the ICN, I have learned what to do when that happens. The flare usually lasts a short time and are not as painful as they were in the beginning.

[Cara03]

Sharon, you said you that you feel good most of the time now, what's your secret? Are there any medications, supplements, or lifestyle changes that worked well for you that you could share? Also, when you have a flare, what do you do to make it go away quickly? Can a flare be considered a higher degree of urgency because that is what seems to get worse for me on certain days. Thanks!

[katjonez]

be very grateful !! it took me over 6 years to be diagnosed
good luck and welcome to a place that can really help. Always remember .......you are not alone
good luck and God Bless