What other diseases are out there that are similar to IC?

[tommygal]

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I did it here. I am not yet diagnosed with IC, but am really looking into it. I'm waiting till I finish off my schooling and graduate before I go see a Urologist. Got my Mom convince I gotta, (I'm only 18 living at home) the fun part is going to convince my Dad, he thinks it is in my head and stress! But I have had frequent urination problems for as long as I can remember!
I want to be fully prepared when I go to the doctor. I want to get to the bottum of this and start feeling better! I have been blown off by way too many different too long now! Just in case I don't have IC, I want to be aware of what other diseases are out there with the same type of symptoms. I already have Endo, and I know that causes some of my problems, but I highly doubt it is the whole problem, and I can give you several reason why, but I don't care to go into it now.
If anyone could give me any advice and help it would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!! Best wishes to all!

[Zanni2]

Other problems that can either mimic or go along with IC are endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary tract infections. Before my hysterectomy last year, my bladder symptoms always got worse than usual during ovulation and PMS. This was due to the endometriosis. Pelvic muscle tension can also aggravate urinary symptoms, especially if you also have constipation. UTI's also cause urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency and pain.

I would suggest finding a urologist who is knowledgable about IC so you can be diagnozed and treated. If you have GYN problems, a gynecologist should be able to help you with those.

My GYN was hoping that my hysterectomy would help my bladder symptoms but it didn't except for not be bothered anymore by ovulation and PMS. I was finally diagnozed with IC a couple weeks ago with a cysto/hydrodistention and bladder biopsy. I am now on Elmiron treatments for once a week by instillation. They might be helping a little but it's too soon to tell yet. I've only had two treatments. They say it takes a couple months or so before they really start helping.

Know that there are many options for IC patients out there. This website has a wealth of information, so check it out and hang in there.

Zanni2 :angel: :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

There are many things that can cause symptoms similar to IC. Among them are infection, allergies, and bladder cancer. When I was going through the diagnostic process, I was especially afraid it might be cancer because my father had bladder cancer with symptoms very similar to mine.

There are some things you can do in preparation for your visit to a urologist. You can keep a voiding diary so you are able to show him/her on paper how frequently you need to urinate, your level of pain on a one to ten scale, how much sleep you get, etc. And write down your questions so when you are in the office you won't forget anything.

Sending warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Katrina]

To be specific it depends on what your symptoms are.....if it is only frequency there may be a very long list.....most of which is easy to know by simple tests.


Take Care

[tommygal]

Well from the doctors I have seen so far, there doesn't seem to be any good doctors in the area :P But hopefully I can find a Urologist that will be better than the other doctors I have had. Especially better than my stupid Gyn! My symptoms are frequent urination for years, feeling like I have to go right after going, and also when I gotta go, I gotta go! Also I have had pelvic and adominal and back pains for years, but I don't know if that is from the Endo, or it would be from the IC or something else! The docs have been pretty stupid in helping me figure out what is wrong! So it looks like it is up to me! I just hope it isn't anything more serious than IC. We already got soooo many medical bills as it is, and I want to get feeling better and off with my life! Got college, working, and etc. ahead of me. Thanks for the replies! If anyone has anymore suggestions that would be great too!

[Katrina]

http://my.webmd.com/medical_information/check_symptoms/default.htm

I will see if I can help you more....for now I will leave you this link.

Does sound to me that you could have IC.

Sorry you are having so many problems and little help from doctors.

:kiss: