This is all so new...

[Rookie]

I have been having some pain for almost 2 years, not all the time but enough to interrupt parts of my lifestyle. I think at first my doctor thought it was just me until she looked more into IC and decided to run a few tests. Unlike a lot of the posts I have read my gynocologist was the one who diagnosed me. Have any of you heard of the potassium sensitivity test some doctors use to diagnose? I read about it in a few medical journals. This is the route my doctor took and I am still having a little pain from it. (The test was run on last Wednesday.)

But I am glad to finally have a name for what I am going through. My doctor has put me on Elmiron and has discussed doing a few different other treatments depending on my insurance company.

Everything is still so new to me... the diet, the pills, everything. Any advice is great. It is nice to have other people understand what you are going through.

[kelly McC]

Hi and welcome to the ICN

Sorry you have IC but glad you found us. Here is a link to the handbook it has helpful information http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ . Good luck with your treatment,
Huggs,
kelly

[ICNDonna]

First of all, I'd like tok say :welcome: You'll find a lot of information and support here.

Now that you know what is wrong, you will be wanting to learn all you can about interstitial cystitis. The Patient Handbook is a good place to begin. I also suggest you read Dr. Robert Moldwin's The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide and Bev Laumann's A taste of the Good Life , which gives some excellent information about an IC diet, and includes many good recipes and suggestions. Both are available at http://www.ic-network.com/shop/

Sending welcoming hugs,
Donna

[vm]

Definitely heard of the potassium sensitivity test. Quite a few here have had that.

Welcome to the ICN. :welcome: I am glad you found us and that you have a diagnosis. That will allow you to start looking for treatments that will help you. Most of us do find relief eventually. :)

[mayray518]

There are loads of people to help you here rookie. I think the potassium is a step in the right direction. It was unheard of in 1992 when I got IC. Also read the stories under Patient Stories on this site. I think you will be able to understand what everyone goes through and get some true insight into IC. Welcome, Teresa

[Dixiefireball]

welcometo the icn family. sounds like these ladies has gave you some great advice so far if you need anything plz let us know we are here for you.

[~*~Christine~*~]

:hi: welcome to the board : )
The only advice I have that hasn't been said already here is that with Elmiron you only have to wait about an hour after eating to take it and you can eat 30 minutes after taking it. It says about 2 hours in between is needed but it really isn't ; )
Drink lots of bottled water too, it really helps!

[crystilclear]

:welcome: to the ICN. The elmiron can take awhile to kick in sometimes. I would get yourself some prelief which you can take that will help reduce the acidity in the food you eat. Give yourself some time to feel better. Everyone responds to treatments differently. I hope you will be feeling a lot better really soon. Take care - Chris

[kadi]

Hello. Check out the diet pages in the Patient Handbook section of this website. That's been what's helped me most, along with Elavil 20mg, Ditropan 5mg, Yasmin. All taken at night to enjoy the drowsy side effect:)
Hope you feel better soon! Lots of people feel good again after they find the right combination of treatments.

[Katrina]

Hi and :welcome: Rookie. That potasium test is how I was diagnosed....I usually feel like the odd ball but that was how my doc diagnosed me. Feel free to ask all the questions you want and turn to us for anything. If I can help you in anyway let me know.

:grouphug::grouphug:

[Sarojini]

Just wanted to add my :welcome: to the others here. You've gotten some great advice already... :)

Glad you found us!!!