Finally confided to Dr.

[cindym]

Well, I finally confided to the dr. just how bad my bladder problems are. I had written down what I drink and the frequency of bathroom visits for the past week and showed it to him. The most visits were 22 in a day, and the least 11. He was amazed saying that "this is not normal" Thank god!

I'm going tomorrow to have some blood work and urine tests done. I had the urologist visit in 2001, with a full urodynamics testing, showing function absolutely fine, no sign of infection. Sent me on my way with an estrogen cream. That didn't work either.

I have quietly accepted this problem since that visit, but NO LONGER. I had a total hysterectomy six weeks ago and dr. and gynocologist felt my enlarged uterus could have been causing the problem. Apparently not, as it is gone now and frequency still exists.! :toosh: I have altered my lifestyle and activities for too long to accommodate this problem silently any longer!

If you have had a similar scenario, could you please write and let me know. I don't drink soda pop, eat spicy foods rarely, and have given up tea (one of my favorite things) and no progress.

Any info that you ladies could provide would really be appreciated. I am overwhelmed and totally frustrated. :thumbsup:

[kelly McC]

I just wanted to say hi and welcome:hi: ,
I have not had a hysterectomy so I am not sure if I can help you.
But I do have the frequency . I do hope your doctor can help you and you can get some answers .Best wishes
Kelly

[JessicainArkans]

:welcome: :welcome:
Sorry, I am going to do some question grilling (I'll appologize first and foremost).

Well you found us, how is it that you came about finding this site?
Do you suspect that you may have IC?
Have any Doc's told you, you may have IC?
Do you have pelvic and referred back pain?

I am sorry to hear about the abnormal frequency in which you have described, it is awful, this disease is horrible but they say if IC is caught earlier than later the outcome with drug therepy(s) can be of greater benifit.
Perhaps you can get with a good doctor (Urologist) who knows about IC and how to determine if you have it, there are so may of us out there like you who have had needlesss proceedures done because the Doctors have never heard of this disease.
I hope this finds you well and you can get the much needed help you are seeking.

Much concern and love,
Jessica
:kiss:

[Sarojini]

Sounds to me like you might have IC... you need to speak to your dr and if necessary, get a referral to a urologist who specializes in female urology and IC.

I haven't had a hysterectomy, but I do have frequency... sometimes I would go more than 30 times in one day!! I definitely understand how upset you are by these symptoms.

I'm very glad you found the ICN :welcome:

[VickiB]

Hello and welcome! Good for you, it sounds like you're taking the initiative to find the source of your problem. I went to my Doctor and told him what I was experiencing was not normal. (frequency, burning & throbbing pain) Although I said I was sure it was in my bladder, he thought I should see a gynocologist first. So I did. My uterus was enlarged, leaning against the bladder, and full of cysts. "Think of it like a bag of marbles", he said. (I'd rather not!) He talked about hysterectomy, I said I'd think about it, and made an appointment with a urologist. After explaining my symptoms the urologist said it sounds like IC, and I'd like to test you for it. Bingo.

While I never drank much soda, I did have a pretty good coffee habit going. I've since learned my major triggers are fruit, and especially tomato. I love pizza & spaghetti!

I hope you find an answer. Let us know how your appointment with the uro turns out.

Vicki

[ICNDonna]

The Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ contains some good information about symptoms and diagnosis.

It does sound like you are on the right track to find a diagnosis.

From your description, I would say there is a possibility that what you have is IC, but you'll want to have some testing so you know for sure.

Sending warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[cindym]

Thank you everyone for your prompt responses.

I have been having this trouble since '98, and had the urodynamics testing in 2001.

My dr. mentioned yesterday that he thought I might be dealing with IC, but has me having some blood work and urine testing done again before we move on from here.

I did stop drinking caffeine after two cups in the am, and my frequency did improve slightly after a couple of days. I think the recommendations on the IC diet could prove to be very helpful to me.

I have found this website to be very, very informative and everyone to be so kind! :angel:

Thank you again, and I will keep you posted when I find out anything. :hi: