Possible IC Symptoms?

[Ivee]

Hello,
I have been roaming around this site as well as around the internet hoping to find some information on IC. I am having a symptom that so far, no one else seems to have. And my research around the net proved to be of little help.
I have a loooooong history with bladder infections. One right after the other for years, though I have not had one in the last year. I do know they are in fact infections because of testing and cultures of my urine, but the symptoms never really entirely go away even after treatment on antibiotics. I usually have some symptom of some kind between infections. So I wondering if perhaps something else might be going on with my bladder. One doctor stated that he suspected that my infections are never really going away. Another mentioned IC to me but did not do any testing. For years now I have noticed that after going to the bathroom there is usually some white mucus looking type of substance floating in my urine. At times it is tinged with blood and is pink to red in color. This occurs even when there is no infection present. Is this a possible sign of IC? Also, a few days ago out of the blue, I developed an intense feeling that I needed to pee. I figured I was developing another infection but the usual horrible burn from hell did not happen and still has yet to happen, but that urgent feeling of needing to pee is still with me. Sometimes it is severe. I have been living on leftover Pyridium to try to take the edge off so I can keep from going crazy and get some sleep. I also get up at night to pee 4-5 times and during the day I am up on the average every 30 mins to an hour to pee. I noticed that I go through periods of that. After a few weeks it will die down some to where I am not peeing so much, but it comes back. I do get bladder cramps every so often, but nothing too extreme. Does any of this sound like it could be IC? At the present time I am waiting to get in to see my doctor to get another urine culture, but I have never experienced an infection before like this one. Any comments/info or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and good luck to all of you.

[Sarojini]

It's possible you could have IC -- some of your symptoms are consistent with it, that's for sure. The best thing to do is pay a visit to your doctor and perhaps get a referral to a urologist who is knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating IC. Good luck getting a diagnosis, and :welcome: to the boards!!

[ICNDonna]

I absolutely agree that seeing a urologist is a good idea. And I suggest you ask immediately about IC.

There are some fairly simple things you could try to see if they help. The IC diet could help if IC is your problem. You'll find it in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ And if you've been drinking cranberry juice to try to prevent infection, don't. If you do have IC, that's probably the worst thing you can ingest.

I hope you are able to find some solutions soon so you can feel better.

Sending warm welcoming hugs,
Donna

[vm]

It does sound very similar to my IC. Maybe you could ask your doc (or a uro) if they could do some testing to rule out or diagnose IC.

[SharonA]

:hi: and :welcome:

Some of the things you discribe do sound like IC. I concur that you should find a urologist who will be able to do testing to see if you have IC. :)

[kelly McC]

Hello and welcome,
Hope you can get some answers soon ! the handbook has helpful information http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ .Hope you feel better!
Kelly

[ICLori]

It really does sound consistent with IC. I hope that you are able to get a diagnosis soon, and relief too.

Remember, IC is not a rare disease. It has been shown in recent studies to affect 20% of women tested (using potassium sensitivity test on random populations.)

Blessings, Lori

[Cheryl529]

Hi Ivee, I'm sorry to hear your suffering. Please know your not alone. I hope by know you have seen a urologist. If you need help finding one in your area that is knowledgeable in IC look on the IC-network homepage and there is a link to help you find one. Some doctors are better than others so if you don't get the answers your looking for at first, try another doctor. I have all the symptoms that you suffer from except the mucus. Most likely your urologist will perform a cysoscope on your to help diagnose IC. They do it usually at a hospital and put you under. They fill the bladder to check for hemmorages and things of that nature which would show signs of IC. Look on the messages boards and your find sections relating to being diagnosed with IC.

After being diagnosed with IC your Dr. may have you try different medications. Some may work, some may not. Don't loose hope and keep trying. Good luck and God bless! :angel: :)