IC, OAB, none of the above?

[lynskizats]

Hi all,

I posted here a while back and now after a visit with a urologist, 3 ultrasounds, and antibiotics am utterly confused.

My symptoms started with frequency that got better very gradually on its own, then worse after I worked out vigorously. Although no tests (cultures or dips) showed evidence of infection, I was given cipro. The cipro didn't work, so I went to a naturopath, who gave me a homeopathic remedy, an herbal supplement, and suggested the IC diet. I'm not sure if the naturopath's recommendations made my condition worse or if it got worse on its own, but I suddenly was having back pain, abdominal pain, swelling, and more frequency.

I was given macrobid by my gynecologist, which cleared these more severe symptoms up. The frequency is still there and it's now been two months since my symptoms started. My kidneys, uterus, and ovaries are all normal according to the various ultrasounds. I just went for a second visit with my uro, and he told me to try and gradually work my bladder's capacity back up and gave me a month's supply of urimax (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory).

I no longer have any pain or swelling, just frequency. Sometimes it's better than others. From what I've been reading, this doesn't really sound like IC. I think I would be in a lot more pain, from the sound of it. Does anyone have any idea what could be going on? This all started very suddenly the morning after having an upset stomach and vomiting - I thought I pulled a muscle at first.

After feeling this way for two months and reading all of your experiences, I can't imagine going through what you all do. I feel like in comparison my symptoms are not that bad, and I am still ready to rip all my hair out and cry all the time. My heart goes out to you all.

[Sue]

:grouphug: :angel: :butterfly :grouphug:

[Donna L]

I know I had IC for a very long time, before it became bad enough to bring me to a point where I refused to accept that the doctors didn't know what was wrong. I don't remember how it felt when it first started. I just know that frequency had been a problem long before the pressure pain that usually goes with a bladder infection started to seem chronic. I even had a test done in the hospital 5 years before being dx, to try to understand why my trips to the bathroom were so numerous compared to everyone else. I was told that it appeared I had an overly sensitive bladder, and there was no evidence of IC. (IC was not mentioned at that time, I just happen to be going to a different dr in the same group now, and I had him look at the test results to see if there was anything to indicate IC and he read the results to me and it was negative at the time)There is supposed to be a new urine test to help dr's in the dx of IC, but I'm not sure if it's availavle in your area, You might ask your dr if he knows about it. Wish I could be more of a help...Donna L

[vm]

I've never had pain with my IC, so no pain doesn't automatically mean no IC. BUT, you may not have it which would be great! :)

Has this doc tried you on any of the OAB meds???? Detrol LA or Ditropan?